McCaul Statement on Return of Wrongfully Detained Americans from China

Austin, Texas - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement on the reported prisoner swap between the United States and China that resulted in the release of Kai Li, John Leung, and Texan Mark Swidan.

"I'm overjoyed to hear Kai, John, and Mark will be reunited with their families in the U.S., just in time for the holidays. For years, these men and their loved ones endured far too much pain and suffering at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. While their cases were unique, each marks a disturbing and growing trend of hostage-taking committed by America's adversaries. The United States and its partners around the world must stand resolute in their commitment to combatting hostage diplomacy and returning home those who are wrongfully detained.

"Kai, John, and Mark did not deserve to be imprisoned, nor did they deserve the horrific treatment they endured as prisoners of the Chinese Communist Party. I am glad they are returning home, and that their torment is over."

Background: The reported prisoner swap comes following Chairman McCaul's robust advocacy in support of Texan Mark Swidan and other wrongfully detained individuals.

• McCaul has consistently called for the administration to prioritize Americans' release when dealing with the Chinese Communist Party.
• Earlier this Congress, McCaul passed H.Res. 90 - a resolution introduced by Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas) calling for Swidan's release - through his committee. He also spoke in support of the resolution and advocated for Mark's case on the House Floor.
• This spring, McCaul gave remarks at the Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability's bipartisan roundtable with family members of American citizens detained around the world.

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