Congressman Darrell Issa, who represents California’s 48th district in the U.S. Congress, has reintroduced The Jax Act. The legislation aims to amend the military records of women veterans who served with Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq but were not officially recognized for their service. This lack of recognition has resulted in denial of rank, benefits, and essential health care for these women.
“The Jax Act isn’t just about amending personnel files. It’s about telling the truth, recognizing courage under fire, and fighting for those who fought for all of us,” said Rep. Issa. “While this reform bill is named for Jaclyn ‘Jax’ Scott, literally hundreds of other brave women service members were asked to volunteer for the most dangerous missions, did so without hesitation, and now need us to set this right.”
The proposed law provides service credit to members of female Cultural Support Teams (CST) who served between 2010 and 2021 in Afghanistan and Iraq. These teams consisted of female service members who worked alongside Joint Special Operations forces in combat roles, particularly when engaging with local female populations was considered culturally sensitive or critical to mission success.
Issa was joined by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Jason Crow (CO-06) in reintroducing the bill.
“As a 24-year Army veteran, I know how difficult it can be for veterans to navigate the VA, and that challenge is even greater when their missions were classified. The women who served in Cultural Support Teams stepped onto the front lines, often in the toughest environments, to protect our nation and support our warfighters. They carried out critical missions that the public will never fully see, but their service was real, and their sacrifices were significant. The JAX Act ensures these veterans finally receive a fair, accurate review of their claims. I’m proud to support this effort and to stand with the women who stood for America,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks.
“Every member of our military deserves the best care available. That’s why I’m working with my colleagues to make sure servicemembers receive quality care and treatment for service-related injuries,” said Rep. Crow.
“Long before women were formally allowed to serve in combat roles, they were already performing vital missions in combat zones. Many of these brave servicewomen were wounded in action and too often had to fight again, this time for the care and recognition they earned. The JAX Act seeks to right that wrong by ensuring these women receive the honor and benefits they deserve,” said Rep. Houlihan.
Chief Warrant Officer Jaclyn “Jax” Scott from the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) commented on SOAA’s involvement: “The Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) and Congressman Issa have been the driving force behind the Jax Act from day one. As a founding board member, I’ve witnessed firsthand the organization’s relentless dedication to ensuring that those who served in silence are finally seen and supported. The Jax Act represents every Cultural Support Team member who stood shoulder to shoulder with our nation’s most elite forces, carrying out missions that changed history yet often went unrecognized. SOAA’s advocacy has given voice to these women, transforming years of quiet sacrifice into meaningful change. This bill is not just legislation, it’s a promise kept to the warriors who gave everything for this country.”
SOAA also stated: “The Jax Act is about ensuring that the quiet professionals who served in the shadows receive the recognition and support they deserve. Congressman Issa led the effort to draft a bill that represents every Cultural Support Team member who answered the call to serve alongside our nation’s most elite forces, often without acknowledgment or adequate care afterward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Issa and his team for reintroducing this important legislation. The Jax Act is more than a namesake; it’s a long-overdue commitment to the women who gave everything for this country.”
Darrell Issa began serving as representative for California’s 48th District after replacing Duncan D. Hunter in 2021; he was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953 and currently resides in San Diego.
He graduated from Siena Heights University with a BA degree in 1976.
