1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Subject: Urgent Action Required to Protect Veterans’ Sensitive Data As a proud veteran and constituent, I am deeply alarmed by recent developments that jeopardize the security of personal and sensitive information of millions of veterans. The abrupt termination of Jonathan Kamens, the cybersecurity chief responsible for safeguarding VA.gov, has raised significant concerns about the protection of veterans’ health and financial data. Mr. Kamens’ dismissal, part of widespread cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, leaves a critical void in the oversight of VA.gov’s cybersecurity. His unique technical expertise was instrumental in fortifying the website against potential breaches. Without his leadership, the platform is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and potential misuse of sensitive information. I have personally experienced the consequences of these cybersecurity failures. On two separate occasions, I lost access to all letters and pay information on both the VA app and web portal. This was not just an inconvenience—it was a direct breach of my personal data and trust in the system that is supposed to support veterans. I have already requested that Representative Buchanan investigate this failure, as it represents both a failure in cybersecurity and a failure in public trust. The centralization of data management under DOGE, coupled with the lack of transparency regarding who now oversees this critical infrastructure, exacerbates the risk to veterans’ personal information. This situation is unacceptable and demands immediate attention. I urge you to take the following actions: 1. Immediate Oversight: Initiate a thorough investigation into the current cybersecurity measures protecting VA.gov and ensure that qualified personnel are in place to safeguard veterans’ data. 2. Transparency and Accountability: Demand clear communication from DOGE regarding their data management practices and the steps being taken to protect sensitive information. 3. Restoration of Expertise: Advocate for the reinstatement of cybersecurity experts like Mr. Kamens or the hiring of equally qualified professionals to oversee VA.gov’s security. 4. Legislative Action: Consider proposing or supporting legislation that mandates stringent cybersecurity protocols and oversight for all platforms handling veterans’ information. The men and women who have served our nation deserve the utmost respect and protection, especially concerning their personal data. I trust you will act swiftly to address this pressing issue and uphold the security and privacy of all veterans.