Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) released the following statement in response to the release of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl:
"Of course, all of us are relieved that Sergeant Bergdahl is no longer a captive. The agreement which led to his release raises a number of concerns, however.
"One is that negotiating for the release of a hostage will encourage more hostage-taking.
"Another is that release of the five detainees from Guantanamo will increase the danger to our troops and the Afghan government. They are significant leaders of the Taliban. The U.S. is trying to convince the Afghan government not to release many dangerous detainees currently in Afghan prisons. Our release of five Taliban makes that argument more difficult for us to make.
"Finally, the President did not comply with U.S. law in giving Congress at least 30 days notice of any transfer from Guantanamo. This Administration is developing a track record of ignoring laws it finds inconvenient."
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