National Archives Breach: Military Records of Rep. Mikie Sherrill Exposed
Washington, D.C. – In a significant breach of privacy, the National Archives has released a largely unredacted version of Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill’s military records to Nicholas De Gregorio, an ally of her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. This incident raises serious concerns about the handling of sensitive information and potential violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, as well as exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The Nature of the Breach
The documents, which were also reviewed by CBS News, reveal that the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), a division of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), mistakenly released Sherrill’s complete military file. This file included sensitive personal information such as her Social Security number, home addresses, life insurance details, performance evaluations, and a nondisclosure agreement related to classified information. The only redactions made were for the Social Security numbers of her former superiors.
The NPRC acknowledged that a technician failed to adhere to standard operating procedures when releasing these records. Grace McCaffrey, a representative from NARA, confirmed in an email to CBS News that the technician should not have released the entire record, emphasizing the need for a review of internal controls to prevent such breaches in the future.
Context of the Investigation
The release of Sherrill’s records comes amid a heated gubernatorial campaign in New Jersey, where recent polls indicate a tight race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli. The Republican campaign has been scrutinizing Sherrill’s military history, particularly her involvement in a 1994 Naval Academy cheating scandal that implicated over 100 midshipmen. While Sherrill has maintained that she was not involved in cheating, her decision not to report her classmates has drawn criticism.
Sherrill, who served nearly a decade in the Navy and received a Navy Achievement Medal for her actions during her time at the Naval Academy, has firmly denied any wrongdoing. The released documents do not substantiate any claims regarding her involvement in the scandal.
Political Ramifications
The political implications of this breach are profound. Sherrill has accused Ciattarelli and the Trump administration of “weaponizing” her military records for political gain, stating that such actions violate the integrity of all who have served in the military. She expressed her outrage, emphasizing that no veteran’s record should be subject to such unauthorized scrutiny.
While Ciattarelli has not directly commented on the breach, he has made statements regarding Sherrill’s graduation status, labeling it “stunning and deeply disturbing.” This has further fueled the political fire surrounding the campaign, as both sides seek to leverage the situation to their advantage.
The Role of De Gregorio
Nicholas De Gregorio, a Marine veteran and former Republican congressional candidate, initiated the request for Sherrill’s records as part of opposition research. He stated that he was surprised by the extent of the information released, particularly the inclusion of Sherrill’s Social Security number. De Gregorio clarified that he did not intend to misuse the information and was taken aback by the NPRC’s error.
The NPRC has since reached out to De Gregorio, acknowledging the “serious error” and requesting that he refrain from further disseminating the records. This incident highlights the potential for misuse of sensitive information in a politically charged environment, raising questions about the safeguards in place to protect personal data.
Historical Context of Military Record Releases
The unauthorized release of military records is not a new issue in American politics. In recent years, there have been several instances where sensitive information about military personnel has been improperly disclosed. For example, in 2021, a similar breach occurred involving Republican representatives whose records were released to a Democratic-aligned group. This has led to calls for stricter regulations governing the release of military records, particularly in the context of political campaigns.
The handling of military records is governed by strict regulations, with full access typically granted only to the individual service member or their next of kin after a waiting period of 62 years. This policy is designed to protect the privacy of service members and their families, underscoring the gravity of the recent breach involving Sherrill’s records.
Legislative Responses and Future Implications
In light of the breach, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called for a criminal investigation into the unauthorized release of Sherrill’s records. He condemned the actions as a violation of the law and emphasized the need for accountability. This incident may prompt lawmakers to revisit existing regulations surrounding the release of military records, particularly in the context of political campaigns.
The potential for misuse of military records raises ethical questions about the conduct of political campaigns. As opposition research becomes increasingly common, the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of sensitive information is more critical than ever.
Conclusion
The unauthorized release of Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s military records by the National Archives has sparked a significant political controversy, raising questions about privacy, ethics, and the integrity of the electoral process. As the New Jersey gubernatorial race heats up, the implications of this breach will likely reverberate through the campaign and beyond. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information, particularly in a politically charged environment where the stakes are high.
