Air Force investigating alleged 'treason' remark by general at key air combat command

The Air Force says it is investigating an allegation that a two-star general told lower-ranking officers that passing information to Congress about the capabilities of the A-10 attack aircraft is tantamount to treason.

The alleged comment by Maj. Gen. James Post has angered members of Congress, including senators opposed to the Air Force's effort to retire the A-10 fleet as a cost-cutting measure. Congress wants to keep the A-10.

At a hearing Wednesday on defense budget issues, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, a New Hampshire Republican, condemned the reported comment and said all service members have a legal right to communicate with Congress.

Gen. Mark Welsh, the Air Force chief of staff, told Ayotte that the Air Force inspector general's office is investigating the matter.