In The News

Ohio Congressman Brad Wenstrup is concerned about the deal that led to the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl

He was released to U.S. custody by the Taliban after five prisoners from Guantanamo Bay were released from custody.

Wenstrup, the Republican from the 2nd District, is an Iraq War veteran.

He spoke to WLWT News Five’s Andrew Setters and said he is worried that the prisoners freed will fight against the U.S.

“I have grave concern about the recidivism of people that we have released, have gone back have gotten back into the fight,” Wenstrup said.  “As the ruling goes, these types of things are not to take place without the Secretary of Defense being involved and Congress being involved in this decision process – at least being informed – and that did not happen.” Wenstrup said.

President Barack Obama said there had been discussions between the White House and Congress about a prisoner exchange to free Bergdahl.

The circumstances under which Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban will be investigated.

The Pentagon has said in the past that Bergdahl walked away from his unit in 2009.

Wenstrup said it is important to bring our service members home.

He said when he was in Iraq, pictures of Clermont County’s Matt Maupin were everywhere, but Bergdahl’s release is different.

“Traditionally we didn’t negotiate with terrorists, this sends the message that we do,” Wenstrup said.
Click here to see the original interview.