WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined a bipartisan group of 47 Senators, led by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), on a letter urging President Biden to continue to prioritize the safe release of the American hostages that were taken by Hamas during the terrorist organization’s October 7 attacks on Israel. The letter reaffirms the United States’ commitment to supporting Israel as it dismantles the threat posed by Hamas and recovers from the horrific attacks.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote:

“Hamas has already killed 30 Americans and likely injured many more…The terrorists responsible for these atrocities hide behind human shields while they threaten to livestream the execution of hostages. Hamas has also reportedly demanded the mass release of prisoners in exchange for freeing its hostages and could use the hostages to push for a ceasefire. With several U.S. citizens still missing in the aftermath of the terror group’s brutal attack, we urge you to continue putting your full attention on the freeing of American hostages. Every day must be treated with a sense of urgency.

“As a result, we urge the United States to continue supporting Israel’s urgent efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas, provide the necessary resources for Israel’s defense, and continue offering whatever support necessary to immediately and safely rescue kidnapped Americans, with particular attention to those who require urgent medical care.

The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Ricketts (R-NE), Tuberville (R-AL), Tillis (R-NC), Britt (R-AL), Boozman (R-AR), Barrasso (R-WY), Graham (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Capito (R-WV), Cassidy (R-LA), Mullin (R-OK), Scott (R-FL), Wicker (R-MS), Masto (D-NV), Casey (D-PA), Brown (D-OH), Padilla (D-CA), Coons (D-DE), Klobuchar (D-MN), Tester (D-MT), Smith (D-MN), Blumenthal (D-CT), Hagerty (R-TN), Hoeven (R-ND), Durbin (D-IL), Murphy (D-CT), Rosen (D-NV), Daines (R-MT), Risch (R-ID), Duckworth (D-IL), Cornyn (R-TX), Gillibrand (D-NY), Baldwin (D-WI), Bennet (D-CO), Sullivan (R-AK), Lankford (R-OK), Warner (D-VA), Schatz (D-HI), Van Hollen (D-MD), Kelly (D-AZ), Whitehouse (D-RI), Cramer (R-ND), Budd (R-NC) and U.S. Representatives Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Schultz (D-FL) and Issa (R-CA).