WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the State Department to help stranded Americans leave the Middle East and return to the United States.
“No one should be left stranded in a time of crisis. The war in Iran is a terrifying situation for citizens abroad, and the current delays are unacceptable. My office is working around the clock to assist Louisianians abroad. Please keep contacting the State Department as well as our office so we can support you,” said Rep. Carter.
The State Department has advised Americans in 15 Middle East countries and territories to leave due to serious safety risks, and the agency has instructed them to depart using commercial transportation. But with airlines cancelling commercial flights out of the region, and airports there closed, most Americans are unable to book a trip home. The State Department has announced charter flights from just three of the countries on the list.
Congressman Carter is calling for charter flights, military operations and all other resources at the State Department’s disposal to be used to bring Americans back to the U.S. safely and quickly. He is also asking the Department to issue updated guidance including making sure Americans know what expenses they are responsible for in the case of evacuation.
