II 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 5243 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 13, 2022 Mr. Coons (for himself and Mr. Rubio ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and to designate the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag as an official symbol to recognize citizens of the United States held as hostages or wrongfully detained abroad.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2022 . 2. Designation (a) Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day (1) In general Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating the second section 146 (relating to Choose Respect Day) as section 147; and (B) by adding at the end the following: 148. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day (a) Designation March 9 is U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. (b) Proclamation The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. . (2) Technical and conforming amendment The table of sections for chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to the second section 146 and inserting the following new items: 147. Choose Respect Day. . 148. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. . (b) Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag (1) In general Chapter 9 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 904. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag (a) Designation The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag championed by the Bring Our Families Home Campaign is designated as the symbol of the commitment of the United States to recognizing, and prioritizing the freedom of, citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States held as hostages or wrongfully detained abroad. (b) Required display (1) In general The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag shall be displayed at the locations specified in paragraph (3) on the days specified in paragraph (2). (2) Days specified The days specified in this paragraph are the following: (A) U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, March 9. (B) Flag Day, June 14. (C) Independence Day, July 4. (D) Any day on which a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States— (i) returns to the United States from being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad; or (ii) dies while being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. (3) Locations specified The locations specified in this paragraph are the following: (A) The Capitol. (B) The White House. (C) The buildings containing the official office of— (i) the Secretary of State; and (ii) the Secretary of Defense. (c) Display To be in a manner visible to the public Display of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag pursuant to this section shall be in a manner designed to ensure visibility to the public. (d) Limitation This section may not be construed or applied so as to require any employee to report to work solely for the purpose of providing for the display of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag. . (2) Technical and conforming amendment The table of sections for chapter 9 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 904. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag. .