Bachmann departs for the Middle East

Washington (AP) — A spokesman says U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann left Saturday as part of a six-member, bipartisan congressional delegation traveling to the Middle East.

Spokesman Stephen Miller said the Minnesota Republican and her colleagues will seek first-hand assessments of military operations in the region and join U.S. troops during the holiday season.

The congressional delegation trip to the Middle East is Bachmann's second. She traveled to Iraq, Kuwait, and Pakistan over the Fourth of July.