The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The House Armed Services Committee will investigate the swap of an American prisoner for five Taliban leaders that drew congressional criticism because of the lack of notification and fears they will return to the Afghan battlefield.
"We ought to look at the price," Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif., and chairman of the panel, said after administration officials held a 90-minute briefing for House Democrats and Republicans.
Officials from the White House, State and Defense departments and the intelligence community defended the exchange of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for five Taliban militants from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Republicans emerged from the Monday night session incensed that 80 to 90 people in the government knew about Bergdahl's release ahead of time while no one from Congress was notified.
Administration officials said neither the U.S. nor Qatar provided any money to the Taliban as part of the deal, said Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will testify Wednesday before the Armed Services Committee.
A Section on 06/10/2014