Fitzpatrick Expresses Concern at the Theft of Veterans' Personal Information

Fitzpatrick Expresses Concern at the Theft of Veterans' Personal Information

Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick released the following statement after learning of the theft of personal information contained in the records of nearly 26.5 million veterans earlier this week:

"I am greatly concerned over the report that millions of records containing the personal information of veterans from across the country have been stolen from the home of a Veterans Administration employee. I am also troubled by how an official at the Veterans Administration was able to store records at his personal residence, off government property.

At this early stage in the investigation, the theft appears to be the result of a lapse in security within the VA and an incredible example of poor judgment on part of the employee who removed the records. Swift and appropriate personnel action must be taken and the entire range of security protocols for maintaining these files must be reviewed.

The greatest fear I have is that these records will be sold to the highest bidder for use in identity theft schemes. I hope that law enforcement can recover the records before this fear becomes a reality. The perpetrators of this crime must be caught and I am pleased that the FBI is already investigating the theft. Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate have already been convened and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has appeared and has begun to give testimony. I intend to follow the matter closely and support reforms to the procedures that will guarantee the safety and security of all veterans' records.

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