Representative Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) just sent a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall demanding information on the serious breach of servicemembers’ personal information without their knowledge or consent.
This letter comes after recent public reports have disclosed that the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (OSAF) improperly released information from several servicemembers’ personnel files to political operatives. The released information includes that of at least two Members of Congress which was reportedly released to an opposition research firm that received money from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
Excerpts from the letter to Secretary Kendall:
“The Committee on the Judiciary and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government are investigating the mass collection and dissemination of information about American citizens by federal agencies. Following reports last fall, Members of Congress including Congressman Stewart corresponded with Air Force Inspector General Lieutenant General Stephen Davis regarding the steps his office is taking to investigate the circumstances of this improper release of personnel materials. Recent public reports have disclosed that the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (OSAF) improperly released information from several additional servicemembers’ personnel files to political operatives. As alleged in the reporting, this is a serious breach of law and servicemember privacy. To advance our oversight and to inform potential legislative reforms, we write to request information about this serious breach of our servicemembers’ personal information.
“In late February 2023, media reports highlighted how the OSAF improperly disclosed Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF) of 11 servicemembers without appropriate authorization or lawful consent. The OSAF reportedly released the personnel files of at least two Members of Congress to an opposition research firm that received money from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Subsequent reporting indicated that the OSAF’s dissemination of sensitive personal information may have affected more than just these 11 individuals. In doing so, OSAF may have violated Department of Defense policies and federal law.”
Read the full letter here.
