Thursday, November 16, 2017

99 Representatives Urge Army Not to Award Bergdahl Back Pay

Washington, D.C. - November 16, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR, 1st), along with 99 fellow Representatives, wrote a letter to Ryan D. McCarthy, the Acting Secretary of the United States Army, urging the United States Army not to award Private Bowe Bergdahl any back pay prior to or subsequent to separation from the United States Army. A copy of that letter may be found here.

“As an Army veteran myself, I’m very concerned that Private Bergdahl may receive more money in back pay than the families of the fallen soldiers who lost their lives searching for him,” Crawford said. “That sends the wrong message to our servicemen and women, and I don’t believe the pay is deserved. While we should always do everything in our power to bring home prisoners of war, given the circumstances of Bergdahl’s capture and his admission of desertion, I don’t think it is appropriate to award that pay.”

According to Army Times: “Bergdahl was captured after walking off base on June 30, 2009, while deployed to Paktika province with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. He pleaded guilty in October to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. On Nov. 3, a military judge ruled Bergdahl would not serve any jail time but be dishonorably discharged from the Army and reduced in rank to private.”

Despite his dishonorable discharge and demotion, Bergdahl remains eligible for significant back pay. Captive soldiers normally receive special compensation worth around $150,000 in addition to hostile-fire pay and their basic pay they accumulated during the captivity.

According to Army Times: “’Based upon the results of trial, the Army is reviewing Sgt. Bergdahl’s pay and allowances,’ Lt. Col. Randy Taylor told Army Times. ‘His final pay and allowances will be determined in accordance with DoD policy and Army regulation.’”

Read more news about Bowe Bergdahl on the Bowe Bergdahl page at The Ponder News by clicking HERE

Members Introduce Articles of Impeachment

Washington, D.C. - November 16, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, and colleagues, has introduced five Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. See the articles here and a summary here.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“The time has come to make clear to the American people and to this President that his train of injuries to our Constitution must be brought to an end through impeachment. I believe there is evidence that he attempted to obstruct an investigation into Russia’s interference with the U.S. presidential election and links between between Russia and the Trump campaign, most notably the firing of FBI Director James Comey. The president’s blatant refusal to separate himself from his businesses has led to clear instances of conflict of interest that appear to violate both the domestic and foreign emoluments clauses. And his attacks on ‘so-called’ judges and ‘fake news’ have undermined public confidence in the judiciary and the press. It’s time for Congress to take action to stop this reckless and harmful behavior by removing Mr. Trump from office and to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States.”

Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04) made the following statement:


“Congress has the power of impeachment when behavior by the President puts the nation and our laws at risk and I think we are at that point, despite the ongoing, important investigations. Congress needs to step in when there is evidence that the President is interfering with the judicial branch, obstructing or disrupting investigations, or if the President is profiting improperly from his office. This is the start of a long process and it needs to get started now because as a Member of Congress and as a member of the Judiciary Committee, it is my job.”

Congressman Al Green (TX-09) made the following statement:

“This brings us another step closer to impeachment.”

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) made the following statement:

“In the nearly 300 days since he was sworn in, it has become evident that President Trump is a clear and present danger to our democracy. It is high time that Congress take a serious look at the President’s actions,” said Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, (OH-11). “If those actions are found to be in violation of the Constitution, then the Congress of the United States needs to do the job the American people elected us to do.”

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY13) made the following statement:


“Donald Trump is a threat to our national security and to our justice, and once and for all, we are taking a stand to formally call for his impeachment in the name of our constituents, in support of our Constitution, and for the protection of our Democracy,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Trump is dangerous and nearly every month that he has served in office, Americans have witnessed some violation of our values, civil liberties, and access to opportunities that represent who we are at home and to our allies around the world. Mr. Trump is failing and has turned back the clock on the more than 50 years of progress our country has made in civil rights and equality. He has obstructed justice, violated the Constitution, and undermined the independence of our judicial system and the freedom of the press. The evidence is there, and the course of action is clear. It’s time to impeach Trump now.”

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