Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi: Our Marine in Mexican Custody

Chairman Royce on the hearing:  “We should never forget the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made.  U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi’s combat-related PTSD is a life-threatening condition he acquired in defense of his country while serving on the battlefields of Afghanistan, and he needs to return to the United States for specific and urgent treatment.    I have maintained my respect for Mexico’s laws and sovereignty throughout, but since visiting Sgt. Tahmooressi at his prison in Mexico, I have become more committed than ever to ensuring his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.  Sgt. Tahmooressi is an American hero, whose wrong turn at the Mexican border has had the devastating effect of delaying his much-needed PTSD treatment for too long.”

Chairman Salmon on the hearing:  “As Congress begins to contemplate once again committing our nation’s servicemen and women to the fight against terrorism, it is incumbent on us to stand by our heroes when they return home.  As a direct result of his honorable service in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi now suffers from combat related PTSD.  Tragically, instead of receiving the treatment he needs, he is being held in a Mexican prison.  As a Member of Congress it is my obligation and duty to protect heroes like Andrew who have suffered the ravages of war in service to our nation. I’m convening this hearing to honor his service and work to ensure his immediate release so that he can receive the treatment he needs.”

Opening Statements:

Rep. Edward R. Royce, Chairman
Committee on Foreign Relations
[full text of opening statement]

Witnesses:

Mrs. Jill Tahmooressi
(Mother of Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi)
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]