Mr. DODD. Madam President, last February, I rose before the Senate to draw attention to the fate of three Americans taken hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)--Marc Gonsalves , Keith Stansell, and Thomas Howes. It has been 5 months since then--17 months since Marc, Keith and Tom were captured. Since that tragic day, these Americans and their families have lived in fear, never knowing what tomorrow may bring. I say today what I said then--there must be no higher priority than ensuring that Marc, Keith and Tom return safely home. I commend the actions taken thus far by United States and Colombian officials to find these brave Americans, but I urge them to redouble their efforts.

Marc, Keith and Tom were taken captive when their plane crashed in FARC controlled territory on February 13, 2003. Two individuals, an American pilot, Tom Janis, and a Colombian intelligence officer, were killed by the FARC at the crash site, and Marc, Keith and Tom have remained in captivity since that time. A video documentary released last year containing interviews with the three men dramatically underscores the urgency of their dire situation.

I know that all of our prayers remain with these Americans and their families. As any parent knows, it is impossible to describe the pain these families suffer knowing that their sons are in danger, unable to communicate with them, and uncertain whether they will ever see them again. Marc Gonsalves' mother, Jo Rosano, is a Connecticut resident. When I met with her in February, I pledged that I would do everything possible to return her son. I stand by that pledge today.

To that end, I have met with President Uribe and Colombian officials and urged them to secure Marc, Keith and Tom's release. President Uribe has assured me that Colombian authorities are working to locate these Americans and that Colombia will not end its search until they are found.

I have likewise urged the Bush administration to provide all necessary assistance to locate and gain the release of Marc, Keith and Tom. During a hearing last year before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I urged William Wood, Ambassador to Colombia, to make their well-being and safe release his highest priority. Ambassador Wood agreed to do so and promised to keep me informed about developments as they occur. I thank him for his efforts to date.

Unfortunately, rescuing these three Americans will not be easy. But while doing so may not be easy, it is essential--it is our duty. We must leave no stone unturned in our efforts to secure their release. And we must make sure that their families know that we have not forgotten their sons and will not rest until we find them. I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of Marc, Keith and Tom, and I urge the Bush administration and the Colombian government, to do everything in their power to expedite their return.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it has been almost a year since three Americans--Marc Gonsalves , Keith Stansell, and Thomas Howes--were taken hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC. The presence of American hostages in Colombia is deeply troubling, and one can only imagine the struggles and trials that these three brave individuals have had to endure since their plane crashed in the Colombian jungle last year on February 13. I rise today to again call attention to their plight and urge the Bush administration and Colombian Government to do everything possible to gain their release.

There is no higher priority than finding a way to bring these three Americans home safely, and I know that all of our prayers remain with them and their families during these difficult times. For the families of Marc, Keith, and Tom, this past year has been a heart wrenching experience. I have a special interest in the fate of Marc Gonsalves , whose mother, Jo Rosano, is a Connecticut resident. Marc's father, George Gonsavales, is also a resident of our State.

At every opportunity, I have worked to bring about the release of these three Americans. Indeed, over the last 8 months whenever I have met with Colombian President Uribe or other Colombian officials, I have urged them to make every effort to gain their release. President Uribe indicated to me that the Colombian military continues every day to search for them and that these efforts will not cease until they are found.

In addition, during a hearing last fall of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I urged the now-serving United States Ambassador to Colombia, William Wood, to make their rescue his highest priority. He pledged to do so and has kept me informed of developments in this matter. I have also continually urged the Bush administration to provide all means of assistance, including technological assistance, to bring about the safe rescue of Marc, Keith, and Tom. It is my understanding that the administration continues to work with Colombian authorities to locate them.

Certainly, their rescue will not be easy. However, I have to believe that more can be done. This must be the highest of priorities. The airing last year of the videotape showing them in captivity only further highlights the importance of this effort.

The families of Marc, Keith, and Tom will find no rest until their sons, husbands, fathers, and brothers return home safely. I will be meeting with Jo Rosano tomorrow, when she, along with other family members of the hostages, come to Washington, DC on the anniversary of this tragic incident to urge United States policymakers not to forget their family members in captivity.

And I will tell her what I have said here today: that we must make every effort and we must leave no stone unturned in our search. As Americans, Marc, Keith, and Tom are also our sons--they are members of our extended American family. For my part, I pledge to continue to do everything possible to ensure their speedy release and safe return. I urge the Bush administration and Colombian Government to do the same. We must not rest until they are all home safely.