Kean and Moskowitz Introduce Bipartisan Bill Honoring American Hostages and Wrongful Detainees Abroad

(October 20, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) announced the recent introduction of the Remembering American Hostages Act (H.R.5772), bipartisan legislation that ensures the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is prominently displayed at federal buildings on key dates in recognition of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.

The recently introduced legislation would amend federal law to require the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag to be flown alongside the American flag at federal buildings, including U.S. embassies and consulates, State Department offices, Justice Department buildings, and passport locations across the United States.

Key dates for display under the bill include:

• November 4 and January 20: Marking the beginning and the end of the Iranian hostage crisis.

• August 19: Commemorating the life and legacy of journalist James Foley, who was kidnapped during the Syrian Civil War and murdered by ISIS in 2014.
• October 7: Honoring the victims of Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attack on Israel in 2023, where more than 240 individuals were taken hostage, including 12 Americans.

Additionally, the Remembering American Hostages Act expresses the sense of Congress that state and local governments, as well as airports across the United States, should be encouraged to fly the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag on the dates specified above, as well as whenever an American hostage returns home or is recognized to have died in captivity.

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. said, “At its heart, this legislation is about remembrance, unity, and our unwavering support for Americans unjustly held abroad. For the families of American hostages, like my constituent Sarah Moriarty, who have endured unimaginable hardship and loss of their loved ones, we stand with you. Flying the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s commitment to bring every American home and to never forget those who have suffered in captivity." 

Congressman Jared Moskowitz said, “Each day we fly this flag is a reminder of those who have been unjustly taken hostage and a reminder to the world that America doesn’t forget its own. This bipartisan effort will ensure that the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag remains a visible symbol of our nation’s commitment to bring Americans home and to honor those who never made it back.”

“Flying the U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is an important way to raise awareness of the horrible epidemic Americans face of state and non-state hostage-taking when traveling abroad, said Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, a fellow with New America Future Security Program. "Thanks to Representatives Kean and Moskowitz, this expanded legislation will help ensure that more people see the flag flying across the country, see it more often, and take pause by checking the State Department’s travel advisories available online when traveling overseas." 

Moriarty continued, "Additionally, [the bill] is a key and welcome message of support and care for those who have come home from captivity, for those whose loved ones are still being held and those hostages currently experiencing this nightmare. You are seen and not forgotten by our great country."

Background:

The bill was inspired by Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, resident of Chester, New Jersey and daughter of Robert (Bob) Levinson, the longest-held American hostage in history. Bob Levinson was taken captive in Iran on March 9, 2007, and was presumed to have died in captivity as informed by U.S. officials in March 2020.

Sarah has been a tireless advocate for families of American hostages and those who have been wrongfully detained overseas. She has championed legislation to designate March 9th as National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and to establish the official Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, both of which were enacted into law. That flag now flies above the White House, U.S. Capitol, and State Department each year on March 9th, Flag Day, Independence Day, and whenever an American hostage returns home to the United States. 

The full text of the bill is available HERE.

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