Question for the Record submitted to
Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (INR) Nominee,
Brett M. Holmgren, by
Senator Dianne Feinstein,
U. S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence,
May 18, 2021
Common List of Hostages/Wrongfully Detained U.S. Persons
One frustration we’ve had is the lack of a consolidated list of Americans held overseas consisting
of hostages and wrongfully or unlawfully detained individuals. Now with the recent passage of
the Levinson Act, the difficulties in developing this common list should be resolved and the IC
should be able to provide a regular update on the status of such cases and any measures being
taken toward their safe recovery.
Question:
Mr. Holmgren, will you commit to producing a consolidated list on the status of such cases and
any measures being taken toward their safe recovery? And, can we get your commitment to
provide this report on a monthly basis?
Answer:
There is no higher priority than securing the freedom and release of Americans held
against their will overseas. Based on my meetings with committee members on this topic, I
understand that there is a classified reporting requirement in the Intelligence Authorization Act
(IAA) requiring this report. If confirmed, I will review the reporting requirement and commit to
working closely with the Department of State, the Intelligence Community, and other
interagency bodies, including the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, to ensure that the Bureau of
Intelligence and Research fulfills its responsibility under the IAA requirements.