Dem. Rep. Worried About Bergdahl's Safety Upon Return To U.S.

Source: TPM

TOM KLUDT – JUNE 11, 2014, 12:54 PM EDT

A Democratic congresswoman on Wednesday condemned the recent recriminations of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, expressing concern for the POW's safety after he returns to the United States.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) called out the critics of Bergdahl, including one of her own colleagues, during the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S.-Taliban prisoner exchange.

"Let me just say at the outset to my colleagues I was somewhat stunned by one of the earlier questioners about Bowe Bergdahl," Speier said during her opening remarks. "And I would just ask us to think for a moment how we would be responding if Bowe Bergdahl was our son. I really fear for his return to this country with the kind of rhetoric that is being spewed in this very room."

She may have been referring to Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), who sparred with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel during the hearing over the government's claims that Bergdahl isn't yet fit to answer questions about allegations that he deserted his unit in 2009.

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