Deluzio Celebrates Marc Fogel’s Release from Russia

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated the news that Marc Fogel has been released from Russia and is coming home. 

“I’m thrilled to finally get to say it—welcome home, Marc!” said Congressman Deluzio. “Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation has been working across parties and administrations for over three years to make this happen. It’s a powerful reminder for all Americans that your government will never leave you behind and will keep working to bring you home.”

Marc Fogel is a teacher from Oakmont who was arrested in Russia in August of 2021 and was sentenced to 14 years in Russian prison in June 2022. The following is a summary of the major actions that Congressman Deluzio has taken since his term began in 2023 to help secure Marc’s release: 

• June 2023: Led the Marc Fogel Act with Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Guy Reschenthaler and Brendan Boyle 
• July 2023: Sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 60 calling for the immediate release of Marc Fogel 
• December 2023: Wrote a letter to Secretary of State Blinken (along with Senators Casey and Fetterman and members of the Pennsylvania Delegation) requesting that any prisoner swap include Marc Fogel and asking the administration to redouble their efforts to bring him home  
• August 2024: Wrote a letter to Secretary of State Blinken (along with Senator Casey and members of the Pennsylvania Delegation) urging the U.S. Department of State to designate Marc as ‘wrongfully detained.’ This request was granted in December—a key step toward securing Marc’s release.  
• January 2025: Wrote a letter to Secretary of State Rubio (along with Senators Fetterman and McCormick and members of the Pennsylvania Delegation) calling on him to do everything in his power to bring Marc home 

Congressman Deluzio hosted a zoom press conference today, video from which is available for use by the media and downloadable here.

Deluzio posted a short video on social media celebrating the news and looks forward to joining more celebrations of Marc’s return home to Western Pennsylvania.

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