President Biden to call for the release of two U.S. Marine Corps Veterans, Trevor Reed and Paul Whelan, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin tomorrow.(Left) Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)
Trevor Reed grew up in Tehachapi, California and graduated from Tehachapi High School.
McCarthy released the following statement:
"Trevor Reed honorably served our great nation, and his treatment by the Russian judicial system has been inhumane and cruel. Tomorrow, President Biden will have the opportunity to demand his release from Putin himself. I stand in solidarity with Trevor's parents – Joey and Paula, Trevor's family and friends, and my fellow Members of Congress in calling for his safe return. It is time to bring Trevor home."
Excerpts of the letter sent to President Biden can be read below, or you can read the letter in its entirety here:
"We write to urge you to address the arrest and detention of falsely accused U.S. citizens in Russia when you meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 16. Over the past three years, the Russian Federation has arrested, detained, and convicted two American citizens, Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, on legally dubious and politically motivated charges. These political arrests are unacceptable and fly in the face of international legal standards...
"As members of Congress, we have called on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release Mr. Whelan and Mr. Reed. Last Congress, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.552 calling for the release of Paul Whelan and H.Res.1115 calling for the release of Trevor Reed with overwhelming bipartisan support. We will pursue similar resolutions in the 117th Congress. The Senate has also introduced bipartisan resolutions, S.Res.165 calling for the release of Paul Whelan and S.Res.67 calling for the release of Trevor Reed..."
Background
On March, 17, 2021, McCarthy held a virtual press conference highlighting H.Res. 186, a resolution introduced by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and co-sponsored by McCarthy, calling for Reed’s immediate release.
Source: Congressman Kevin McCarthy
