WASHINGTON – Top members of Congress were briefed more than two years ago about the possibility of exchanging an American soldier held captive by the Taliban for five terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, House Speaker John Boehner said Tuesday.
In a statement, Boehner said lawmakers raised serious concerns that were never satisfactorily answered about the potential swap involving Bergdahl. Congress wasn’t informed until word came this past Saturday of the exchange.
Boehner welcomed Bergdahl’s release but said one of the greatest protections for Americans fighting overseas as well as diplomats is that the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists. In this case, however, he said that protection has been compromised.
Boehner said he supports efforts to hold hearings on the administration’s failure to consult with Congress.
Earlier Tuesday, President Barack Obama said his administration had consulted with Congress “for some time” about the possibility of a swap.
