A top Republican has expressed concerns over the Biden administration's decision to trade Russian criminals for detained Americans, warning that it could send a dangerous message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, while celebrating the releases of the detained Americans, emphasized the potential risks of such exchanges, stating that it might encourage further hostage-taking by the Russian regime.
McCaul also highlighted the importance of not forgetting other Americans still held in various countries, including Russia, China, and Afghanistan. He urged for efforts to bring all of them back to their families.
A senior administration official confirmed that the U.S. and Russia have agreed to a prisoner transfer, with the prisoners expected to be in U.S. custody soon. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, expressed relief at the planned release of the detained Americans, condemning Russia's disregard for human rights and oppression of innocent individuals.
The Pennsylvania congressional delegation, comprising both Democratic and Republican members, called for the inclusion of Pennsylvania's Marc Fogel in any potential prisoner exchange. They highlighted Fogel's unjust imprisonment in a Russian prison and urged for his swift return home.
Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican Senate candidate from Michigan, welcomed the news of Paul Whelan's impending return to Michigan, expressing gratitude and hope for peace for the Whelan family after enduring years of pain due to Russia's actions.
