Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) delivered a holiday message of support for the families of the hostages still being held in Gaza.
Senator Budd also encouraged all Americans to send prayers of comfort and speak out in support of the hostages and their families during the holiday season.
He concluded his speech by saying, “I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.”
Watch the full speech:
Read the full speech below:
As we enter the holidays this year, we experience the typical sights and sounds of the season.
Perhaps it’s the annual trip to buy a family Christmas tree, perhaps in Western North Carolina, if you’re from the region.
For some, it’s the solemn lighting of each candle on the menorah.
Often, it’s the joyous family gatherings, the giving of gifts, and the making of lifelong memories.
But for the 130 hostages still being held by terrorists in Gaza, this holiday season is one of pain and isolation.
For their families, this holiday season is filled with pain and uncertainty.
Mr. President, this week I met again with some of the families of both recently released hostages and the families of those still being held.
Their heartache is something that no person should ever have to face.
When you compare the joy of the holidays with the pain of their situation, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of both anger and sadness – but also a sense of resolve.
What if this was my loved ones? What if this was yours?
Each and every one of these families deserves for their loved ones to be released immediately and unconditionally.
Rest assured, all levels of the United States government are working with our allies and partners to get these hostages home and to get them home safely.
But until that happens, there is still something that all of us can do.
You don’t have to be an elected official to send prayers of comfort to these families.
You don’t have to be here on the Senate floor to speak out on their behalf and call for their release.
And you don’t have to be politically active to commit yourself to not forget these men and women, especially during this season.
Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Mr. President, I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.
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