Austin News

Senator Ted Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has issued a statement regarding the release of Americans who were detained in China. The individuals involved are Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung.

Cruz expressed his happiness for their release and highlighted the efforts of Mark Swidan's mother, Katherine Swidan. He stated, "I am overjoyed that Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung have been released and are returning to their families. I could not be happier for Mark’s mother Katherine Swidan, who from her home in Luling, Texas, has spent 12 years waging an unremitting battle to ensure Mark’s release and make today a reality."

The senator also acknowledged the work done by President Biden's administration in securing this outcome. He said, "President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Carstens, Ambassador Burns, and their teams have for years worked tirelessly to secure this achievement." Cruz emphasized the challenging nature of negotiations aimed at freeing unjustly held Americans abroad.

He concluded by expressing gratitude towards those involved in these diplomatic efforts: "This joyous news would not have occurred, and these families would not have been reunited without their work and commitment."