ICYMI: In FoxNews.com Op-Ed, Reps. Kelly, Reschenthaler, Deluzio advocate for Pittsburgh-area teacher Marc Fogel who remains imprisoned in Russia

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Friday, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and Christopher Deluzio (D-PA) published a joint op-ed on FoxNews.com advocating for Marc Fogel, the Butler County native and Oakmont, Pa. resident who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2021.

In the piece, the Representatives call for the State Department to designate Fogel as "wrongfully detained," a status that Mr. Fogel qualifies for but has not been granted. The op-ed follows President Biden's State of the Union Address earlier this month in which the President pledged to "work around the clock to bring home" additional Americans who remain detained in Russia, including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, but he did not mention Mr. Fogel.

You can read the full op-ed HERE.

KEY EXCERPTS

"Sadly, Fogel’s omission from the address is yet another missed opportunity for the Biden administration to give the Pittsburgh-area resident – a man we collectively represent – a similar spotlight so many other wrongfully detained Americans have rightfully received."

"We are thankful Brittney Griner is home with her family and believe Marc should be entitled to the same attention from the State Department. While the State Department played a critical role in Griner’s release, the department has been less than helpful in returning Marc to his family."

"Under federal law, Marc meets the established criteria to be designated as 'wrongfully detained' by the State Department. It’s a designation critical to securing his freedom. Although Marc has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained after more than two-and-a-half years in prison, Griner was designated within three months after her arrest."

"Lastly, we implore the State Department to consider the personal toll Marc’s imprisonment has taken on the Fogel family. The lack of acknowledgment and designation of Marc by the department has not only impacted him, but also his mother, wife, two sons, and his entire family."

"Marc Fogel deserves to be home. So do Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and all other Americans who are wrongfully detained in Russia. They must not be forgotten."