Rep. Jackson leads Letter Advocating for Veterans

I recently led five of my freshmen colleagues from Texas in sending a letter to the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, demanding he address the significant backlog of records requests for veterans. The National Archives oversees the National Personnel Records Center where many veterans’ records are stored.

The letter, I led, highlights why it is important for veterans to receive their records in a timely manner. Records are commonly needed in order to apply for VA benefits, for example. According to the National Personnel Records Center, the backlog in records requests is due to stringent COVID-19 precautions. Jackson stands ready to work with the Archivist and fellow members of Congress to assist in modernizing the current system for records management so that no veteran goes without benefits due to bureaucracy.

Providing records in a timely manner is the least the federal government can do for the men and women who have selflessly served our country. As a retired Navy Rear Admiral and proud Representative for TX-13, I have seen and heard a lot on this issue and believe it should be fixed immediately. Records requests are so backlogged at this point that many veterans have been waiting for a year to apply for VA benefits. I understand the importance of COVID precautions, but it is unacceptable to let bureaucracy effectively block veterans from accessing the benefits they have sacrificed greatly for. The Archives and the National Personnel Records Center should implement a plan to eliminate its significant backlog. It is time to bring the National Personnel Records Center into the 21st century!”

The full letter can be found here. Co-signers include Representatives Beth Van Duyne, Tony Gonzales, Pat Fallon, Troy Nehls, and August Pfluger of Texas.