Sec. 2. FINDINGS

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## SEC. 2 FINDINGS Congress finds the following: ####

(1)On January 20, 1981, United States diplomats, military personnel, and civilians were released after being held hostage for 444 days by militant student supporters of Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in a violation of international law. The individuals were taken from the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran, and the ordeal came to be known as the Iran Hostage Crisis. ####

(2)The hostages were subjected to intense physical and psychological torture throughout their captivity, such as mock executions, beatings, solitary confinement, and inhospitable living conditions. ####

(3)Throughout their time held, the hostages were routinely told to denounce the United States and, when they refused, they were tortured, but remained strong in their spirit. ####

(4)One hostage wrote “Viva la roja, blanco, y azul”, which translates to “Long live the red, white, and blue”, on the wall of his cell as a reminder of the values he swore to protect. ####

(5)The hostages showed extraordinary courage by continually engaging in acts of resistance against their captors, such as by refusing to sign condemnations of the United States, in the face of gross violations of their human rights. ####

(6)Many of the hostages still experience trauma as a result of the events of the crisis and deserve to have their suffering recognized. ####

(7)While, as of the date of enactment of this Act, 35 of the hostages are living, it is important that the people of the United States reflect on the resilience and strength of the hostages, which serve as an example to current generations. ####

(8)The people of the United States should— #####

(A)acknowledge the hostages as heroes who— ######

(i)experienced great tribulation; and ######

(ii)endured, so that the people of the United States may know the blessing of living in the United States; and #####

(B)strive to demonstrate the values shown by the hostages. ####

(9)On January 22, 1981, President Jimmy Carter met with the hostages in West Germany and stated the following: “One of the acts in my life which has been the most moving and gratifying in meeting with and discussing the future and the past with the now liberated Americans who were held hostage in Iran for so long. I pointed out to them that, since their capture by the Iranian terrorists and their being held in this despicable act of savagery, that the American people’s hearts have gone out to them and the Nation has been united as perhaps never before in history and that the prayers that have gone up from the people throughout the world to God for their safety have finally been answered.”. ####

(10)On January 28, 1981, when welcoming the hostages home, President Ronald Reagan stated the following: “You’ve come home to a people who for 444 days suffered the pain of your imprisonment, prayed for your safety, and most importantly, shared your determination that the spirit of free men and women is not a fit subject for barter. You’ve represented under great stress the highest traditions of public service. Your conduct is symbolic of the millions of professional diplomats, military personnel, and others who have rendered service to their country.”. ####

(11)During the 444 days the brave hostages were held, the rest of the United States held its breath, waiting for news of the hostages. The United States hoped and prayed together, as one, for the hostages’ safe return. ####

(12)Bruce Laingen, who served as United States Ambassador to Iran from 1979 to 1980 and was the highest ranking diplomat held hostage, summed up the experience by saying the following: “Fifty-three Americans who will always have a love affair with this country and who join with you in a prayer of thanksgiving for the way in which this crisis has strengthened the spirit and resilience and strength that is the mark of a truly free society.”. It is now the responsibility of the people of the United States to honor the spirit, resilience, and strength that the hostages displayed during their 444 days of imprisonment. ####

(13)Now, more than 4 decades later, the United States continues to honor the hostages. The recipients of the award bestowed by this Act are heroes in every sense of the word. They are role models who wore their pride in the United States with esteem and have allowed for subsequent generations to appreciate the blessing of living in the United States. Today, as we mark 40 years since their release, the people of the United States acknowledge their endurance, strength, and contributions to seeing a more peaceful world. The hostages suffered for the United States and now it is the duty of the United States to recognize them for it.