Washington, D.C., May 23 -  

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce today expressed shock and outrage over the theft of personal data pertaining to tens of millions of veterans. The theft occurred from the residence of a Department of Veterans Affairs employee, who had inappropriately removed this data. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that its employee’s “behavior was in violation of VA policies” and that “[t]his data contained identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings.” The VA has also reported that “the affected data did not include any of VA's electronic health records nor any financial information.”

“I am outraged at this shocking lapse in the VA’s ability to protect our veterans’ personal data,” Rep. Pearce said. “When our veterans have done so much to defend us, the least the federal government can do is protect them – and the VA failed abysmally in this case.

“As the VA has urged, veterans should be ‘extra vigilant and to carefully monitor bank statements, credit card statements and any statements relating to recent financial transactions.’ If veterans need assistance in addressing a problem arising from this incident, I urge them to contact one of our district offices, which are listed at www.pearce.house.gov. They may also contact the VA directly at the ‘manned call center’ the VA has specified: 1-800-FED INFO (1-800-333-4636). The VA has also provided questions and answers online at http://www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo.shtml.