Rep. Dan Maffei (D-Syracuse) is still concerned over how the White House handled the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from captivity in Afghanistan, saying some things were done right, but others wrong.
Bergdahl was freed from five years of imprisonment under the Taliban in Afghanistan about two weeks ago. In exchange, five Taliban prisoners in American custody were released.
Bergdahl returned to the United States early Friday morning to an Army medical center in San Antonio, Texas, after receiving treatment at a military medical facility in Germany.
Maffei, a Democrat, said it's important to get Bergdahl well before he is questioned and judged.
"Let’s make sure that he’s better and healthy and then there’s due process. That’s what this country is all about. It’s not about convicting anybody," he said. "It is about accountability, but there’s a process to do that and that’s what we should do."
Bergdahl reportedly had a history of leaving his post and that may have led to his capture.
Maffei late last week said he's withholding judgment until he learns more from defense officials. He said Friday he still feels burned by the White House not notifying Congress before the swap, as required by law.
"I see them trusting many people in the administration, of course, and the Qatari officials, but not the United States Congress," he said. "And that says something very disturbing."
