Wilson: United States must never negotiate with terrorists

Chairman Joe Wilson (SC-02) of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee received testimony from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and DOD General Counsel Stephen Preston regarding the transfer of five senior Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“The United States must never negotiate with terrorists,” Chairman Wilson stated. “President Obama’s unlawful decision to release five ‘high risk’ terrorists who have vowed to destroy our families and our freedoms without Congressional knowledge or oversight is unacceptable. More importantly, this negligence severely cripples our national security at home and directly places the brave men and women serving in uniform overseas at grave risk.

“Today’s hearing further convinces me that the President’s actions have left this country and her people less safe.  No evidence exists to support the theory that these highly motivated, well connected fanatics will not continue to wage war against America for their stated goal of ‘Death to America, Death to Israel.’”

*To view Congressman Wilson’s exchange with Secretary Hagel in today’s hearing, click here.

On SGT Bergdahl’s Investigation:

“Although I am very grateful that the Department of Defense officials have vowed to investigate all circumstances surrounding SGT Bergdahl’s capture, I hope this process is conducted thoroughly and expeditiously.  The families of the six fallen soldiers and the American people deserve to know answers to all questions associated with this national security matter.”

*Last week, Congressman Wilson sent a letter to Secretary of the Army John McHugh asking for a Article 32 investigation into SGT Bergdahl’s capture.  View the letter.