Criticism Mounts Over Bowe #Bergdahl Treason-Terror Exchange

The "I-word" is being bandied about with increasing frequency.

At the Wall Street Journal, "Criticism Mounts Over Sgt. Bergdahl's Exchange: Lawmakers From Both Parties Say Obama Should Have Consulted Congress Before POW Swap":

WASHINGTON—Congressional criticism escalated Tuesday against the Obama administration's exchange of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a prisoner of war in Afghanistan, for five Taliban detainees, with leaders in both parties questioning why the administration didn't inform Congress of the plan.

House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.) faulted President Barack Obama for not consulting with Congress about the exchange. Mr. Bergdahl was handed over to the U.S. on Saturday as part of a secret deal between the U.S. and Taliban leaders, brokered by Qatar.

"There certainly was time to pick up the phone and call and say, 'I know you all had concerns about this, we consulted in the past, we want you to know we have renewed these negotiations,'" Ms. Feinstein said. "I strongly believe we should've been consulted, that the law should've been followed and I very much regret that was not the case."

Ms. Feinstein, who was briefed along with other intelligence panel members Tuesday afternoon, said she hasn't heard evidence that Sgt. Bergdahl was in immediate medical danger to make it necessary to act without first consulting Congress.

Mr. Boehner, in a written statement said, "The administration has invited serious questions into how this exchange went down and the calculations the White House and relevant agencies made in moving forward without consulting Congress."

"While we all rejoice for Sgt. Bergdahl and his family, it is important that we get clarity in the days and weeks ahead about not only how this exchange came about, but what steps the president has taken to guarantee this exchange is not a signal that it is open season on our fellow citizens, both military and civilian personnel serving our country abroad so faithfully," Mr. Boehner said. "One of their greatest protections—knowing that the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists—has been compromised."

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