WASHINGTON, D.C.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel tersely defended the Obama administration’s decision to exchange five captured Taliban prisoners for Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl on Wednesday, saying that time was running out to secure his release.
"As the opportunity to obtain Sergeant Bergdahl's release became clear, we grew increasingly concerned that any delay or any leaks could derail a deal and further endanger Sergeant Bergdahl," Hagel told lawmakers at the House Armed Services Committee. "We believe this exchange was our last best opportunity to free him."
The administration was informed by the Qatari government, which served as an intermediary in the deal, that any leak of information would kill the negotiations, Hagel added.
The U.S. Congress has taken issue with the administration’s decision to go ahead with the transfer without first consulting lawmakers.
Section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 stipulates that the administration is obliged to notify the U.S. Congress 30 days prior to the release of any prisoner from Guantanamo Bay. But a signing statement issued by U.S. President Barack Obama when he signed the bill into law called for "flexibility to act swiftly in conducting negotiations with foreign countries regarding the circumstances of detainee transfers."
"There is no compelling reason why the department could not provide a notification to Congress 30 days before the transfer," Buck McKeon, the chairman of the House Armed Service Committee said.
Five Taliban prisoners who were held at Guantanamo Bay since 2001-2002 were freed in exchange for the release of Bergdahl. Hagel defended their release saying that they were not involved in any attacks on the U.S., and that the Qatari government put security measures in place to mitigate the risks posed to the U.S.
"As Secretary of Defense, I have the authority and the responsibility, as has been noted here, to determine whether any detainees, but these specific detainees at Guantanamo Bay, can be transferred to the custody of another country," said Hagel. "I take that responsibility, Mr. Chairman and members of this committee, damn seriously. Damn seriously. As I do any responsibility I have in this job."
The circumstances surrounding Bergdahl’s capture remain unclear, with some alleging that he deserted his post at the time that he was seized by Taliban forces. Still, Hagel said that no charges were ever filed against the soldier, and none are pending.
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