The House Intelligence Committee chairman said Tuesday that releasing convicted spy Jonathan Pollard would be "a serious mistake" and "send a horrible message."
In an interview on "Andrea Mitchell Reports" on MSNBC, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., said any plan to release Pollard to grease the skids on Middle East peace talks is "real trouble."
Secretary of State John Kerry is discussing paroling the convicted spy to salvage U.S.-sponsored peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Rogers said the United States should let Pollard serve his term.
Pollard was sentenced to a life term for passing classified information to Israel. He is eligible for parole after 30 years in prison and could be released as early as on Nov., 21, 2015.
Rogers said he thinks the release of Pollard should not be linked to Middle East peace talks and it shows the weakness of the State Department's position.
