Rep. Haley Stevens Introduces Bill Named for Paul Whelan to Help Wrongfully Detained Americans Reintegrate into Society

September 17, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act , legislation to provide support to Americans who have been unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad as they return home and rebuild their lives. Americans like Paul Whelan, for whom the bill is named, who endure wrongful detention often return home facing profound challenges. In addition to the emotional, mental, and social toll of captivity, former detainees can face severe financial hardship after months or years away from their jobs, families, and communities. Many return to lost income, mounting bills, defaulted loans, housing challenges, and barriers to reentering the workforce. They can also owe back taxes, late fees, and other financial obligations that accumulated while they were held abroad. The Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act establishes a formal compensation program for Americans designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department. Eligible Americans, or their next of kin if the individual died in captivity, would be able to apply for a one-time, lump-sum payment based on the length of their unlawful or wrongful detention abroad. “When an American is wrongfully detained abroad, we do everything we can to bring them home. Our responsibility cannot end the moment they step back on American soil,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “After enduring months or even years of wrongful detention, Americans shouldn’t have to face back taxes, late fees, lost income, and financial instability when they come home. Paul Whelan’s experience showed our country the extraordinary toll wrongful detention takes not only during captivity, but long after someone returns home. This legislation will make sure Americans who endure this unimaginable ordeal have the support and resources they need to regain their footing, reunite with their communities, and rebuild their lives.” “When a former hostage steps onto U.S. soil, they often return to a home much different than the home they left, and with that loss is usually the loss of their income, health insurance, employment, transportation, and the housing they enjoyed before being held hostage,” said Paul Whelan. “Providing compensation to former hostages is a step in the right direction in supporting their positive and productive reintegration. Thanks to Representative Stevens, we are closer to ensuring that no former hostage is left behind in the struggle to regain their lives.” “Hostage US recognizes the critical need for comprehensive support and services for former hostages and wrongful detainees. This bill represents an important step toward bridging the gap in immediate financial assistance for former wrongful detainees upon return. We are grateful to Representative Haley Stevens, her office, and the contributors for advancing this meaningful effort to strengthen support for returning Americans,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director, Hostage US. “No American who has endured the trauma of wrongful detention should be left to shoulder the long-term consequences alone. Survivors often face significant challenges after returning home, including the struggle to become financially stable. The Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act represents an important commitment to supporting those who have suffered on behalf of our nation and helping them successfully reintegrate into their communities. We are proud to support its introduction, and we commend Rep. Stevens for ensuring that survivors receive the assistance and recognition they deserve," said Foley Foundation President and Founder, Diane Foley. On December 18, 2018, Paul Whelan was arrested in Russia and accused of spying. For nearly six years, Mr. Whelan was wrongfully detained in a Russian prison. Thanks to steadfast advocacy from Rep. Haley Stevens and the Biden Administration, Mr. Whelan was released on August 1, 2024. Mr. Whelan is a Marine veteran and lives in Michigan. Text of the bill can be found here . ###