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McMorris Rodgers Joins Politicians Questioning Bergdahl's Release

AP Photo
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., is among the elected officials speaking up this week about the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from Taliban captivity. 

McMorris Rodgers, who represents eastern Washington, said 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.

"As a member of Congress, 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 said. 

She also shared concerns about the five members of the Taliban that were released in exchange for Bergdahl’s freedom. She said Congress will start getting briefed next week on the five prisoners, and whether the proper protections are in place.

Meanwhile, elected officials in neighboring Idaho continue to share support for Bergdahl’s homecoming. He is a native of Hailey, in southern Idaho.