Thompson, Lee Introduce Resolution to Keep POW/MIA Promise

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced a resolution to aid in the research and recovery efforts of our nation’s missing service members.

The resolution expresses the sense of Congress that countries who enter into trade agreements with the United States should provide reasonable access and collaboration for the purpose of locating members of the Armed Forces who never returned home from prior wars or military conflicts. Representatives Dan Meuser (R-PA) and James Walkinshaw (D-VA) are original cosponsors of the resolution.

“As the father of a Purple Heart wounded warrior, I am thankful every day my son returned home,” Rep. Thompson said. “For those who made the ultimate sacrifice, their families and loved ones deserve no less than our greatest efforts for recovery. This bipartisan resolution makes it clear we as Americans take promises to our service members very seriously and we are hopeful our trade partners will join in our ongoing recovery efforts.”

“Every time I pass the POW/MIA flag outside my office, I think of the more than 80,000 service members who are still missing and their families. They are not forgotten,” Rep. Lee said. “When a service member makes the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation, we have a duty to bring them home. This bipartisan resolution would improve collaboration with our trade partners to bring our fallen heroes home to their loved ones.”

According to the Department of Defense, more than 80,000 American citizens who served in the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II are still missing in action.

"Rolling Thunder Inc. National appreciates Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson and Congresswoman Susie Lee for their dedication to the POW/MIA issue, and Rolling Thunder fully endorses this resolution. The countries utilizing mutually beneficial trade agreements with the United States should provide a transparent and efficient process to aid in the recovery of all missing service members from all wars. There are 1,566 who are still unaccounted for from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; 71,853 from World War II; 7,398 still missing and unaccounted from the Korean Peninsula. This resolution will be a reminder to both the families of our missing and the American public that our government has not forgotten those who did not come home.” -- Gus Dante, Executive Council, Rolling Thunder Inc. National

“From the forests of Europe to the jungles of Asia, there are more than 80,000 Americans still considered missing in action since World War II. With Honor is proud to endorse this bipartisan resolution that leverages our strong trade relationships to help bring our missing service members home and give peace to their families.” -- Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO, With Honor

Read the full resolution.