The White House on Wednesday will release its months-long review of U.S. policy for dealing with the families of American hostages.
President Barack Obama ordered the review after the deaths of Americans held by Islamic State militants. Some families of those killed complained about their dealings with the government, including threats of prosecution if they paid ransom to secure their loved ones' release.
U.S. policy prohibits paying ransom to terrorists. Foreign Policy magazine reported that the administration would make clear that families could pay ransom without fear of prosecution, despite the law.
A senior administration official would not confirm that policy change, but said the review would be made public Wednesday. The official insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the review publicly by name.