Rogers Says Prisoner Exchange Puts All Troops At RiskRogers Says Prisoner Exchange Puts All Troops At Risk

6/2/14 - Howell Republican Mike Rogers says that the prisoner exchange over the weekend that sent five Guantanamo detainees back to Afghanistan for the release of an American soldier being held by the Taliban is a “break with U.S. policy.” Rogers, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that the action by the Obama Administration to obtain Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from the Taliban will spur further kidnappings. He also disputed National Security Adviser Susan Rice’s characterization that the action was a prisoner of war exchange, much like those that have been done in the past when the United States has been at war with other countries. “We have other means to use, and remember, they came to Congress about a year ago and we're thinking about doing these negotiations. And by the way, they didn't get a very warm reception from either party in the national security committees. They said this is fraught with trouble. So this all of a sudden comes a year later. They didn't notify Congress. I think they violated the law in two different places here." Rice maintained that the United States was simply following the policy of leaving no man behind on the field of battle. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the press Bergdahl's health was deteriorating and his life was in danger. Rogers said the exchange will only embolden other terrorists who currently are holding Americans hostage to believe they now have a valuable asset. (JK)