Deluzio Statement on Prisoner Swap, Exclusion of Pennsylvanian Marc Fogel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement on the historic prisoner swap conducted between the United States, Russia, and other countries. The deal brought home many Americans but did not include Rep. Deluzio’s Western Pennsylvanian constituent, Marc Fogel. 

Congressman Deluzio has been pushing for the release of Mr. Fogel since he came to Congress. Among other actions, in December 2023 he wrote a letter with several Pennsylvania delegation colleagues that any potential prisoner swap must include Marc Fogel. 

Congressman Deluzio’s statement is as follows: 

“Today is a day of mixed emotions. 

“I am happy for all the Russian-held hostages returned to the United States today, and that they will soon be reunited with their loved ones. 

“At the same time, I am frustrated and saddened that detained Western Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel was not included in this prisoner swap. 

“For now, it seems 63-year-old Marc Fogel—who has severe medical conditions—will remain in the harsh Russian prison where he is serving a fourteen-year sentence. He was detained almost three years ago for the possession of a small amount of doctor-prescribed medical marijuana.

“The sad reality that Marc Fogel is not headed back to Western Pennsylvania makes this a crushing day for his family, our community, and all who have been in the fight to try and bring him home.

“I have been working to bring Marc Fogel home since I came to Congress, along with our Senators and my House colleagues in the Pennsylvania delegation. And while today is disappointing, I will not give up.

“Americans expect their government to fight for them, and I will continue to do exactly that for as long as it takes.”

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