Roger Williams Statement on White House Hostage Policy Changes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (R-Texas), a member of the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing – a component of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after President Obama announced U.S. hostage policy changes this afternoon:

"Because it is still a crime to provide money or support to terrorist organizations, this half-hearted directive does nothing to help the families of captured loved ones but does everything to encourage the kidnapping of more Americans," said Williams. "At the end of the day the president's announcement rolls back decades of constant messaging that the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists. From the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner swap to now this, there is inconsistency in our nation's previous hard-lined stance, and Americans abroad are now at greater risk of being captured."

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