Wexler Applauds Passage of Resolution on Missing Floridian Robert Levinson
Urges Iranian Officials to Respond to Administration Letter Requesting Information about Robert Levinson

(Washington, DC) Today, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass a resolution, H. Con. 36, introduced by Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) regarding Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent from Coral Springs, Florida. Levinson has been missing since March 2007, following a business trip to Kish Island, Iran. A similar resolution introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) passed the Senate last month. The resolution is part of an effort by lawmakers in Florida and nationally to urge the Obama Administration to utilize every diplomatic tool at its disposal to engage the Iranian government regarding Levinson’s disappearance and to make every effort to bring him back to the U.S. The resolution also urges Iranian officials to fulfill their commitments to cooperate with the Levinson family, the American government and the international community to determine Mr. Levinson’s whereabouts.

"Today Congress sent a clear message to the Obama Administration, the Iranian government, and the international community that returning Robert Levinson home to his family in Florida is a top priority for the United States," said Congressman Wexler. "The resolution declares unequivocally that the U.S. Congress stands with the Levinson family who have painstakingly waited for over two years for information regarding Robert’s whereabouts and worked tirelessly around the globe to raise Mr. Levinson’s case at the highest-levels. Moving forward, it is essential that the Obama Administration continue to raise Robert Levinson’s case in every appropriate venue and use every diplomatic tool – including direct engagement with Iran -- to determine his whereabouts and bring him home.  I strongly support the Obama Administration’s decision to reach out directly to Iranian officials on March 31, regarding Mr. Levinson’s case and that of other Americans missing in Iran, and I urge Tehran to respond expeditiously to this humanitarian request for assistance. ”

Christine Levinson offered these remarks following the resolution's passage:

“This resolution reminds everyone that Bob - a wonderful, loving, husband and father who is the light in our lives - is still missing and has not yet been able to come home to his family.  It has been more than two years since Bob disappeared in Iran, and we still have no word.  We are desperate to end this nightmare so we can see Bob in person and tell him how much we love him. Our seven children, two grandchildren and I are deeply grateful to Congressman Wexler and all the members of the House who were responsible for the passage of this resolution.  Please remember Bob Levinson.”

On April 22, 2009, Congressman Wexler questioned Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the status of the Levinson case. View the video here.

Congressman Robert Wexler is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Recently, Congressman Wexler served as an advisor on Middle East issues to President Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign.

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