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Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) sent a letter to President Trump last week requesting a full review of each case involving any U.S. service member who is currently imprisoned in U.S. prisons for certain actions taken during combat in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Under the Obama Administration, we saw the continued release of violent terrorists from U.S. custody in Guantanamo Bay – with many of them returning to the battle against U.S. forces,” the letter states. “Meanwhile, these young American men who answered the call to duty and put their lives on the line for our freedoms continue to languish in prison.

“I respectfully ask that your Administration fully review each case involving any American service member who is currently imprisoned for actions taken on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Such a review is an appropriate action given their previous service and sacrifice in defense of the United States.”

The full letter can be read here and below:

May 25, 2017

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

It is with great concern that I write you regarding U.S. service members currently imprisoned in U.S. prisons for certain actions taken during combat in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As you know, our troops face extremely difficult decisions while serving in the heat of battle. These moments present life-or-death consequences not only for them, but for the men and women with whom they serve.

As a veteran myself and the father of a highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL with multiple deployments to Iraq, I have great respect and admiration for the young men and women who have served in these conflicts. 

Far too often, we forget that a tiny fraction of our society has shouldered the immense burden of these wars.  These men and women voluntarily joined the military and answered our nation’s call to duty.

Sadly, in some instances, it seems the military and previous administrations have been too quick and too severe in the punishments of these service members for certain decisions they made while serving in combat.  These service members were dealing with extremely intense situations that few can understand.

Let’s not forget that many of these service members, who remain incarcerated in U.S. prisons, saw their fellow troops killed or injured during hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan where over 6,000 Americans have been killed and over 50,000 injured. 

I have met with the parents and friends of some of these service members who are still incarcerated.  They are pleading for a simple review of these cases in hopes of a possible clemency or reduction in sentencing.  I believe that under the leadership of your new Administration we should take a fresh look at these cases.

Under the Obama Administration, we saw the continued release of violent terrorists from U.S. custody in Guantanamo Bay – with many of them returning to the battle against U.S. forces.  Meanwhile, these young American men who answered the call to duty and put their lives on the line for our freedoms continue to languish in prison. 

Furthermore, on the way out of office, President Obama pardoned a traitor in Bradley Manning—someone who put the lives of American soldiers and allies at risk—while ignoring the pleas of the families of these American troops to simply review their incarceration.

I respectfully ask that your Administration fully review each case involving any American service member who is currently imprisoned for actions taken on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Such a review is an appropriate action given their previous service and sacrifice in defense of the United States.

Respectfully,

Rep. Brian Babin
Member of Congress