The Foreign Service Journal, April 2021

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 21 Newly freed American hostages arrive by bus at the U.S. Air Force Hospital in Wies- baden, Germany, in January 1981. U.S.AIRFORCEMEDICALSERVICESHISTORYOFFICE Honoring George P. Shultz Statesmanship and service above self con- sistently characterized the remarkable life of George P. Shultz. Throughout his distin- guished career, Secretary Shultz champi- oned American diplomacy and strengthened its home institution—the Department of State—all in pursuit of a more peaceful, pros- perous, and cooperative world order. Secre- tary Shultz’s example as a patriot and public servant will undoubtedly serve to inspire and guide future generation of American leaders. We mourn the loss of Secretary Shultz and extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family Resolved, That the Senate— • Honors the life, achievements, and legacy of the Honorable George Pratt Shultz; • Celebrates the statesmanship that consistently characterized Shultz’s life; • Acknowledges Shultz’s published concern for and strengthening American diplomacy and its home institution, the Department of State by creating a School of Diplomacy at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center; • Commends to future generations Shultz’s example as a patriot and public servant both in war and in the pursuit of a more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative world order; • Extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the Honorable George Pratt Shultz; and • Respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable George Pratt Shultz. —U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, introducing a resolution honoring the life, achievements and legacy of the late George P. Shultz on Feb. 10. HEARD ON THE HILL JOSH The Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act T wo members of Congress have introduced bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to U.S. Embassy Tehran workers who were taken hostage by Iran in 1979. Under the legislation, introduced on Feb. 18, a silver duplicate of the medal would be awarded to the 52 people taken hostage, or their next of kin. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.). This year marked the 40th anni- versary of the release of the hostages who had been held for 444 days. “The bravery and sacrifice made by U.S. embassy workers who were held against their will must be honored,” said Rep. Suozzi. “We can never forget their sacrifice and their never-ending will to uphold the values our country holds so dear.” Special Visas for Allied Interpreters P resident Joe Biden issued an execu- tive order on Feb. 4 for a review of th e U.S. Special Immigration Visa program for Iraqi and Afghan allies who have helped the U.S. military. Nearly 120,000 foreign translators who assisted U.S. forces, mostly from in or around Iraq, have applied for special visas to settle in the United States, according to the Military Times . In Afghanistan, Fox News reports, 17,000 interpreters who have helped the U.S. military are awaiting a decision on an SIV application. “The executive order will review practices to ensure the U.S. is honoring its commitment to helpful allies in war-torn countries, to expand the program and enhance access for those vulnerable to persecution, including women, children and those who could be discriminated against for gender or sexual orientation,” according to a White House press release. “America will always stand for free- dom, individual liberty and basic human rights,” said Rep. Bacon. “For 444 days, these Americans had to endure unbear- able physical and psychological torture by Iranian militants that do not share the same values as our great nation. In the face of evil, they stood tall, and we must honor their courage and sacrifice.”