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Virginia Lawmaker Takes On President's Decision

The U-S House passed a resolution condemning President Obama for swapping prisoners to secure the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. The bill was sponsored by a Virginia Republican Congressman. 

Lawmakers of all stripes were surprised to learn five members of the Taliban were exchanged for Sergeant Bergdahl. Lawmakers weren’t alerted even though Congress passed a law requiring thirty days notice before the release of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. Congressman Rigell says that’s why the House voted to disapprove of the exchange.  

“Despite Congress’ clear objection in 2011 on these very same detainees, a bipartisan message was sent to the administration: Don’t release these prisoners; it’s not in the national interest and security interests of the United States.’ And yet the administration did so.”

Twenty two mostly vulnerable Democrats joined Republicans in passing the resolution condemning the president. But Northern Virginia Democratic Congressman Jim Moran defends the president, saying he saved an American life. He says the politics behind the resolution is evident because Congressman Rigell was picked to be the bill’s lead sponsor and he’s facing a strong Democratic challenger.

“They probably want to help him. He’s running against Suzanne Patrick who is a military veteran, so that’s probably why he got it. I’m sure there are a lot of people wanting to offer it.”

Rigell represents a large number of military personnel in Virginia Beach, and many troops have accused Bergdahl of deserting his unit and causing the deaths of other soldiers who were sent to look for him.