Crapo, Risch Statement on the Detention of Stephen Hubbard, 2026 Hostage Week

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idhao) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below commemorating 2026 Hostage Week and the urgent need to free Stephen Hubbard, a man with Idaho ties detained in Russia.

"This Hostage Week, Americans across the country come together to send a unified message to those who are wrongfully detained around the world: we have not forgotten you and we never will.

"In particular, we think this week of Stephen Hubbard, who is being detained without cause in a Russian prison. Stephen is 74, in declining health, and has a family who loves him back in Idaho. We will do everything in our power to ensure his release, including working alongside the Administration to punish Russia and other bad actors who take Americans hostage. Through penalties under the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, we will show these nations that Americans aren't to be messed with abroad, used for hostage diplomacy, or any other evil cause. This practice must end.

"We thank all hostage and wrongful detention advocates who took the time to visit Washington this week to advocate for their loved ones' release. We stand with you. We look forward to shaking the hands of Mr. Hubbard and other wrongful detainees on that happy future day when they are released, but until then we will continue our work."

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