As U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl recuperates at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a member of Congress has called for a hearing to look into the controversial exchange of prisoners over the weekend.
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter R-50th District is one of several political leaders who are publicly questioning the negotiations behind the exchange of Bergdahl for five Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay.
In a letter addressed to President Barack Obama, the representative who served as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan said he was “concerned by the sudden urgency” of the decision to swap prisoners.
“Now a situation has been created whereby prisoner exchanges – specifically disproportionate exchanges – are viewed by the Taliban and other aligned forces as achievable,” Rep. Hunter wrote.
- Read: Hunter's Full Letter
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's office has requested a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding the exchange.
On Sunday, officials said that Bergdahl's health and safety appeared to be in jeopardy.
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"Had we waited and lost him," said national security adviser Susan Rice, "I don't think anybody would have forgiven the United States government."
Medical staff at Landstuhl in Germany said Bergdahl is being treated for nutritional deficiencies suffered as he was held for five years in captivity but did not release further details about his condition.
The hospital said in a statement Monday that "there is no pre-determined amount of time involved in the reintegration process" for the 28-year-old.
