Some in Congress are calling for an investigation into an Air Force major general who reportedly attempted to prevent officers from communicating with Congress and told them they are committing treason by doing so, according to the Air Force Times.
Maj. Gen. James Post, vice commander of Air Combat Command, is accused of telling officers that they are prohibited from discussing with Congress efforts to retire the A-10 attack jet, which many lawmakers would like to keep in service.
"Anyone who is passing information to Congress about A-10 capabilities is committing treason," Post reportedly said, according to a post by blogger Tony Carr on his John Q. Public website. "If anyone accuses me of saying this, I will deny it."
Post’s comments have landed him in hot water with senators such as John McCain (R., Ariz.) and Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.), both of whom have championed the A-10, according to the Times report.
It is illegal under U.S. law to restrict military members from speaking with Congress.
McCain said he has called on a military official to investigate Post’s comments.
Ayotte told the Times that there is nothing inappropriate about military members informing Congress about efforts to retire the A-10.
"The Constitution defines treason as levying war against the United States in providing aid and comfort to our enemies," Ayotte said in the statement to the publication. "How could members of the armed forces exercising their lawful right to communicate with Congress be providing aid and comfort to our enemies? If the facts are on the Air Force's side regarding its efforts to prematurely divest the A-10, what does the Air Force fear?"