Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez Introduce the SAFE RETURN ACT to Support Americans Abroad During Crises

WASHINGTON, DC -- Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) have introduced the Safe Return Act, in response to the ongoing crisis faced by United States citizens abroad and in response to those currently stranded in Israel and Gaza amid war. The Safe Return Act would ensure that Americans trapped abroad would no longer be required to repay the federal government for the assistance they receive to return home safely.

“Since last week, I have been working around the clock to assist constituents from my district who were stranded in Israel during the horrific terrorist attacks,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Helping individuals secure flights, expedite visas and emergency passports, secure safe lodging, and provide assistance to get these individuals to safety amid the war. Families understood what was at stake during this crisis, but many were caught by surprise when urged to repay upwards of $4,000 for these emergency flights. Our bill will ensure that especially during times of crisis and war, we uphold a moral duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all Americans, regardless of their financial circumstances. No one should be burdened with loans while trying to escape a life-threatening situation.”

“The current conflict in Israel and Gaza has left many Americans, including several of my constituents, stranded and looking for a way home. It is our government’s duty to protect Americans at home and abroad, and we should not be charging taxpayers to ensure their safety. In the middle of this crisis, it is unconscionable that our government would foist enormous travel fees on stranded Americans who are desperate to get home and reunite with their families. This bill sends a clear message to the State Department that these fees must be waived immediately,” said Rep. Velázquez.

Under the current system, Americans stranded abroad due to a sudden war, natural disasters, civil unrest, or unforeseen financial circumstances are provided with loans to facilitate their return to the United States. Despite the crucial assistance these loans provide, they place an additional financial burden on those already grappling with the challenges of being stranded in a foreign country–especially those with lower incomes and senior citizens on fixed incomes.

The Safe Return Act would transform the current federal Repatriation Loan Program so that Americans who are trapped abroad would instead receive free grant assistance from the State Department to ensure their safe return home. Additionally, the Safe Return Act would extend these State Department life-saving financial resources and grants to lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov