More elected officials are speaking up this week about the release of Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl from Taliban captivity. Today (Tuesday) we spoke with Congress member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents Eastern Washington, about her take on the government exchange.
She says she joins every American in welcoming home Bergdahl, but says it is important we get clarity on how the prisoner swap came about between the Obama administration and Taliban leaders.
McMorris Rodgers: “I am concerned to hear that the administration had been negotiating for a couple of years and yet didn’t notify Congress until after the fact, even though the law says they’re to do so 30 days in advance. And so there are some questions that need to be answered as we move forward.”
She also shared concerns about the five members of the Taliban that were released in exchange for Bergdahl’s freedom. She says Congress will start getting briefed next week on the former prisoners and whether the proper protections are in place.
Meanwhile, elected officials in neighboring Idaho continue to share full support for Bergdahl’s homecoming. He is a native of Hailey, in southern Idaho.
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