WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and French Hill (AR-2) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act, to safeguard the credit score of American hostages or wrongful detainees. According to a report from the Foley Foundation, hostages routinely face a “ruined credit stemming from unpaid debts and fines incurred during captivity.” After being held hostage or wrongfully detained, the last thing Americans should have to worry about is a reduction to their credit score. 

“After being held for days, weeks, and months by terrorists and our adversaries, facing unimaginable horrors, and making it home, the last thing Americans should have to worry about is a hit to their credit score,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “That’s why I’m proud to lead the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act with my colleague Congressman French Hill.”

“Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad already have so much to worry about when they arrive home after this unimaginable situation. I thank my colleague Rep. Gottheimer for joining me in leading our legislation that makes it easier for these Americans to get their lives back on track and some sense of normalcy,” said Congressman French Hill (AR-2).

Gottheimer is also helping lead the bipartisan Hostage Private Debt Tax Freedom Act which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude forgiven debt of individuals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad.

Full text of the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act can be found here.

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