WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier covered a bipartisan bill from U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), which would prevent the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees while they are held abroad. When the U.S. House of Representatives returns to session next week, it can send the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act directly to the president’s desk by passing it.

Fox News: Policymakers renew calls for legislation to prevent IRS fines and penalties on American hostages

Fox News last night highlighted how American hostages and wrongful detainees face IRS fines and fees upon their return home, such as late payment penalties for failing to file their tax returns while imprisoned. The IRS has made clear this problem can only be fixed through congressional action.

Senator Coons first heard about this outlandish policy from Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post reporter who was wrongfully detained by the Iranian government for more than a year. Upon his release and return to the United States, Rezaian owed over $20,000 to the IRS in fines and late fees, Fox News reported. After hearing Rezaian’s story, Senator Coons took action and introduced the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act with Senator Rounds. 

In May, the bill cleared the Senate unanimously. If the House passes an identical bill, then it will be deemed to have passed the Senate as well and will be sent immediately to the president’s desk for his signature to make it law.

Senator Coons has long been an advocate for reducing the financial and emotional burdens on American hostages and their families. In June, Senators Coons and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act to repair the credit scores of those held hostage or wrongfully detained. He also led a bipartisan bill with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), which President Biden signed into law, to establish a National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and flag.

The full segment is available here.