WASHINGTON — Congressman Steve Stockman (R-TX 36) transmitted a letter to President Barack Obama Thursday asking if the Obama administration authorized any payment to the Haqqani Network terrorist group in exchange for U.S. Army Spc. Bowe Bergdahl.

The Haqqani Network, which held Bergdahl for five years, funds its terrorist activities in part by ransoming prisoners.  The ransom for a uniformed American service member would greatly benefit the group’s terrorist activities.

“The Haqqani Network generally does not release Westerners unless they receive a large payment.  It would be hard to believe they would release Bergdahl in an exchange that does not directly benefit them,” said Stockman.

“Americans deserve to know if the President paid off a terrorist group,” said Stockman.

MORE: http://stockman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stockman-to-obama-did-you-pay-terrorists