Press Releases

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement regarding the release of American prisoners wrongfully detained in Russia:

“I applaud President Biden for negotiating the successful release of four wrongfully imprisoned Americans— Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. For too long, these prisoners have been unjustly deprived of their freedom and separated from their families. Today, we can rest easier knowing they are coming home.

“The Administration went beyond restoring the freedom of Americans and our allies, but also obtained the release of Russian political prisoners who were unjustly detained by Putin—a choice that exemplifies our commitment to democracy, decency, and human rights. I am proud to be a part of a nation that so highly values political freedom of expression within and beyond our borders.”