Senators call on Biden to brief upper chamber on efforts to return Austin Tice from Syria

EXCLUSIVE – In a rare bipartisan push Wednesday morning, senators on both sides of the aisle called on President Biden to instruct his administration to brief the upper chamber by Dec. 20 on efforts underway to free Austin Tice from Syria. 

A letter, first obtained by Fox News Digital, was sent to the Oval Office by Sens. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md, calling on Biden to “seize” the rapidly changing situation in Syria and secure Tice’s return.

“Given the recent fall of the Assad regime and the rapidly changing dynamics on the ground in Syria, we think this moment presents a critical opportunity to secure Austin’s release and bring him home to his family,” the letter, signed by 34 senators, read. 

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The letter applauded comments issued by both Biden and his national security advisor Jake Sullivan affirming that Tice’s return was a “top priority” amid the rebel takeover of Damascus, but lawmakers are looking to be briefed on detailed steps being taken to secure his release.

Multiple rewards systems have been initiated by both the FBI, which is offering up to $1 million, and the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, which is offering up $10 million, for information pertaining to Tice’s whereabouts. 

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters Monday evening, “There are intensive efforts underway by the United States to find Austin Tice and bring him home to his family.”

The State Department’s Reward for Justice program is offering $10 million for information relating to locating Austin Tice. (The State Department’s Reward for Justice)

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Efforts to connect U.S. officials with on the ground sources who may have information on where Tice is have been renewed. 

Sullivan told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday that the U.S. was working with…