WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, today released the following statement regarding House passage of H. Res. 644, condemning and disapproving of the Obama Administration’s failure to comply with the lawful statutory requirement to notify Congress before releasing the Taliban Five:
"The Obama Administration’s transfer of five high-level members of the Taliban earlier this year serves as another example of this President’s blatant disregard for our constitutional separation of powers. The law – passed by Congress and signed by the President – plainly requires the Administration to give Congress 30-days’ notice prior to the transfer or release of any individual detained at Guantanamo Bay. This is not a mere suggestion. The Administration is obligated by the Constitution to follow the law.
"Further, by negotiating with terrorists, the Obama Administration has put countless American lives at risk. The House of Representatives remains committed to holding this President accountable for his lawless actions. Today’s House vote sends a strong bipartisan message that the Administration’s failure to follow the law is not acceptable."
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