SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement today following the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old American citizen taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Goldberg-Polin was killed in Gaza along with five other Israeli hostages.

Senator Budd expressed his condolences: “We are devastated by news of Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death. Having gotten to know Hersh’s parents, Jon and Rachel, over the last agonizing 330 days, we cannot imagine the pain and grief they are experiencing. We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Hersh’s loved ones.”

He condemned the actions of Hamas: “This is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh’s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.”

Senator Budd has been vocal about the hostage situation since October 25, 2023, when he announced his intention to hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until every American hostage is safe. On November 6, 2023, he met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Washington, D.C., urging Qatar to leverage its influence on Hamas leaders residing in Doha.

Following the release of Keith Siegel’s wife Aviva on November 26, 2023, Senator Budd acknowledged Qatar's mediation efforts but reiterated calls for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. He criticized Qatar's hosting of Hamas leaders during a Senate floor speech on November 28, 2023.

Throughout December and January, Senator Budd continued his advocacy through speeches and meetings with regional leaders during a congressional delegation trip to the Middle East. This included discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

On January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the hostages' 100th day in captivity. By March 7, Senators Budd and Tillis had invited Keith Siegel's family to attend the president’s State of the Union Address.

Senator Budd introduced the ‘Reviewing Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status Act’ on April 9, which mandates certification from the Secretary of State regarding Qatar's actions against individuals responsible for the October attack. Although blocked initially in Senate proceedings on April 10, Senator Budd emphasized that action against Qatar is necessary if no progress is made.

The senator's continued efforts included another congressional delegation trip in May alongside Senator Ernst to receive updates on hostage negotiations from U.S. and Israeli officials.

On July 31, following the killing of Hamas’s political leader, Senator Budd stated it “sends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.”