WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) is celebrating the release of Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania native who was wrongfully detained in Russia for more than two years. Speaking on Tuesday, McCormick praised the efforts of the Trump Administration and bipartisan leaders who played vital roles in bringing Fogel back to the United States.
Fogel, a teacher from Butler, Pennsylvania, was detained in August 2021 at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow while returning to his teaching position at the Anglo-American School. Citing accusations involving illegal substances, Russian authorities charged Fogel and later sentenced him to 14 years in a high-security penal colony. Throughout his detention, U.S. officials and advocates repeatedly emphasized the lack of clarity in his case and its broader implications amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
“I am thrilled that Marc Fogel is finally coming home after years of being wrongfully held in Russia,” said Senator McCormick. “I have been working on this since meeting Marc’s mother, Mafa, at the Butler rally in July. It is a blessing that this day has finally come.”
McCormick’s efforts to secure Fogel’s release began early in his Senate tenure, underscoring the urgency of the case during his second week in office. He formally addressed the issue with then-Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, raising it in Rubio’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing. Rubio, who committed to prioritizing Fogel’s case, later worked alongside McCormick and other officials to press for his release.
McCormick also collaborated with Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers. Joining forces with Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), McCormick led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Rubio, urging the administration to utilize every possible diplomatic and legal pathway to secure Fogel’s freedom. The letter garnered the support of 11 members of Pennsylvania’s House delegation, reflecting a unified legislative response to the situation.
Fogel’s release was secured just weeks into Trump’s return to office. McCormick highlighted the critical role the Trump Administration played in expediting the resolution of the case. “I am thankful that President Trump made Marc Fogel’s release a high priority,” McCormick said. “His Administration’s swift actions ensured Marc’s safe return in just 22 days.”
For Fogel’s loved ones, his release marks an end to a deeply challenging chapter. His 95-year-old mother, Mafa, is now preparing to reunite with her son after years of advocacy and uncertainty. Fogel’s return also underscores the shared commitment among lawmakers and the administration to prioritize the welfare of Americans detained abroad.
The significance of Fogel’s release extends beyond his immediate family and community. His case serves as a reminder of broader international challenges posed by wrongful detentions. Advocates and government officials agree that such incidents highlight the need for continued diplomatic partnerships and mechanisms to protect U.S. citizens overseas.
“The safe return of Marc Fogel to his family is a moment of relief and joy,” McCormick remarked. “But this must be a catalyst to renew our commitment to addressing wrongful detentions and ensuring that no American faces such ordeals without dedicated advocacy and support.”
Fogel’s story, from his detention in a Russian penal colony to his eventual return home, demonstrates the profound impact of bipartisan collaboration and the relentless pursuit of justice. Reflecting on his case, lawmakers are calling for increased efforts to safeguard U.S. citizens, underscoring the importance of unity in confronting complex international challenges.
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