Employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs improperly accessed the medical files of a U.S. Senator and a Governor, prompting an ongoing investigation. Sources revealed that VA employees inappropriately viewed the medical records of Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Approximately two months ago, an employee from the VA Inspector General's office contacted Senator Vance's team to notify them of the breach. Similarly, a spokesperson for Governor Walz's campaign confirmed being informed about the unauthorized access to his records.
According to reports, at least a dozen VA employees were involved in accessing the records. Terrence Hayes, a VA spokesperson, acknowledged that the department had reported to law enforcement regarding the allegations of improper access to veteran records. However, no further details were provided, and inquiries were directed to the Justice Department, which declined to comment on the matter.
Senator Vance had served in the military, enlisting in the Marines after high school and completing a tour in Iraq in 2005 as a combat correspondent. Governor Walz, on the other hand, enlisted at the age of 17 and served 24 years in the National Guard before retiring in 2005 to pursue a career in politics.
