Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on the release of Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty.   

“I am overwhelmed with joy that Ryan and William are on their way home. I am so deeply grateful that this dark chapter in their lives has come to a close and that they can soon begin the process of healing with their families.  

“This joyful occasion was made possible due to the hard work and dedication of so many inside and outside of our government, including former President Biden, former Secretary Blinken, former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens who, in the waning hours of their time in office, managed to secure Ryan and William’s freedom. I am also grateful to the Government of Qatar for its role in securing Ryan’s release and for all Qatar has done as our protecting power in Afghanistan. I especially want to recognize the hard work of Anna Corbett, who advocated tirelessly for Ryan and all Americans wrongfully detained in Afghanistan. 

“While we celebrate Ryan and William’s release, we must remember the other Americans who remain wrongfully detained and held hostage in Afghanistan and around the world. We cannot rest until they are all brought home safely to their families, and I hope the new Administration will place as high a priority on securing their release as the last.”