a national counterterrorism center advisory group , ordered by the white house , is expected to recommend what would mark a radical shift in us hostage policy , abc news reported on sunday .
the nctc interviewed families of hostages , including the parents of journalist james foley , who was killed by islamic state fighters .
the family of a us contractor held by al-qaeda militants , warren weinstein -lrb- above -rrb- , confirmed they paid a ransom in an attempt to secure his release .