U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Amarillo) led a group of Texas Republicans who sent a letter to the Archivist of the United States on Wednesday regarding the backlog of records requests for veterans.

According to Jackson’s office, the six Republicans are demanding the Archivist’s office to address the backlog of records, as the Archivist oversees the National Personnel Records Center where many veterans’ records are stored. Jackson’s office says the letter highlights the importance of veterans having the ability to receive their records in a timely manner, citing that records are often needed to apply for VA benefits.

“Providing records in a timely manner is the least the federal government can do for the men and women who have selflessly served our country,” Jackson said. “As a retired Navy Rear Admiral and proud Representative for TX-13, I have seen and heard a lot on this issue and believe it should be fixed immediately. Records requests are so backlogged at this point that many veterans have been waiting for a year to apply for VA benefits. I understand the importance of COVID precautions, but it is unacceptable to let bureaucracy effectively block veterans from accessing the benefits they have sacrificed greatly for. The Archives and the National Personnel Records Center should implement a plan to eliminate its significant backlog. It is time to bring the National Personnel Records Center into the 21st century!”

Along with Jackson, U.S. Reps. Beth Van Duyne, Tony Gonzales, Pat Fallon, Troy Nehls, and August Pfluger also signed the letter.