Today, following the news that Iran released U.S. permanent resident Nizar Zakka after nearly four years of imprisonment, Chairman Ted Deutch (D-FL) issued this statement:

"I'm pleased that, after more than 1,350 days imprisoned in Iran, Nizar Zakka is returning home to his family and friends. Unfortunately, Iran continues to detain other Americans and U.S. permanent residents, including my constituent Bob Levinson who has been missing in Iran since 2007. Iran must stop this despicable practice of unlawfully detaining Americans and other foreign nationals. Our government must continue to use all resources to pressure Iran to end this deplorable practice and release their other hostages."

Chairman Deutch introduced the "Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act" to strengthen United States government recovery efforts of American hostages abroad.