Shenango Valley News

On January 23, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly and Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman led a bipartisan letter urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take action for the release of Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania school teacher detained in Russia for nearly four years.

The letter was signed by 11 members of the Pennsylvania House Delegation, showcasing a strong bipartisan effort. "For years, I have met with the Fogel family and advocated for Marc's safe and swift return to the United States," said Representative Kelly. He emphasized the need to work with President Trump and Secretary Rubio to reunite Fogel with his family.

Senator McCormick also expressed support, stating, “As I told Marc’s Mom, Mafa, when we spoke in August, we must do everything possible to get Marc home.” He highlighted that Marc has been used as a political pawn by Russia for too long.

Senator Fetterman noted the harsh conditions faced by Fogel in prison: "Marc Fogel is a good man who made a mistake, and now he's facing an inhumane sentence." He affirmed his commitment to continue efforts until Fogel's release is secured.

In August 2021, Marc Fogel was detained at Sheremetyevo Airport for carrying medical marijuana prescribed in the U.S. for chronic back pain. Despite repeated requests from the U.S. Department of State for his release on humanitarian grounds, Moscow has refused. His health continues to deteriorate while he remains in a high-security penal colony.