2020 US Code
Title 22 - Foreign Relations and Intercourse
Chapter 23 - Protection of Citizens Abroad
Subchapter II - Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability
Sec. 1741b - Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell

(A) work to ensure that all interactions by executive branch officials with a hostage's family occur in a coordinated fashion and that the family receives consistent and accurate information from the United States Government; and

(B) if directed, perform the same function as set out in subparagraph (A) with regard to the family of a United States national who is unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad; and

(A) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council or the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council;

(B) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that information regarding hostage events, including potential recovery options and engagements with families and external actors (including foreign governments), is appropriately shared within the United States Government to facilitate a coordinated response to a hostage-taking;

(C) assess and track all hostage-takings of United States nationals abroad and provide regular reports to the President and Congress on the status of such cases and any measures being taken toward the hostages' safe recovery;

(D) provide a forum for intelligence sharing and, with the support of the Director of National Intelligence, coordinate the declassification of relevant information;

(E) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to provide appropriate support and assistance to hostages and their families in a coordinated and consistent manner and to provide families with timely information regarding significant events in their cases;

(F) make recommendations to agencies in order to reduce the likelihood of United States nationals' being taken hostage abroad and enhance United States Government preparation to maximize the probability of a favorable outcome following a hostage-taking; and

(G) coordinate with agencies regarding congressional, media, and other public inquiries pertaining to hostage events.