Congress Data Breach Will Have ‘Adverse Impact’ on Thousands, Say House Leaders

Hakeem Jeffries (D.N.Y.), House Minority Leader, said that congressional leaders think the DC Health Link data breach has had an adverse effect on thousands and could be a threat to their ability to provide healthcare for them. “highly problematic.”

Jeffries said He and Kevin McCarthy (R.Calif.), announced in March that they would hold a press conference. “continue to work on this issue in a bipartisan way, get to the bottom of what happened, [and] figure out the implications of what has occurred.

“The impact of this legislation on members of Congress, senators and staff is not limited to them. This could also affect hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of District of Columbian residents, as well as their families.” Jeffries said of the breach that was announced on March 8.

The lawmaker went on to say that the House leaders are going to “Need some assurance about guardrails in place that will prevent data breaches like this from happening again?”

A spokesperson for Capitol Police told The Epoch Times that their agents are “Assisting the FBI in the ongoing investigation.”

When asked for more details about those impacted and where someone concerned about their information could check to see if their data has been accessed, Capitol Police said, “Before law enforcement can offer more information, there is still much to be done.

“The House Chief Administrative Officer [CAO] will be providing helpful information to those who may be impacted.”

Catherine Szoindor, CAO of the House of Representatives stated In a March 8 letter, she stated that DC Health Link and the U.S. Capitol Police had informed her of an upcoming meeting. “significant data breach,” As The Epoch Times has previously reported.

Szoindor stated that she would compile a list soon of all those who were affected and contact the people whose data was stolen. DC Health Link is likely to contact enrollees.

“It is important to note that at this time, it does not appear that [DC Health Link] members or the House of Representatives were the specific target of the attack,” Szoindor stated.

“Speaker McCarthy and Democratic Leader Jeffries have formally requested additional information from DC Health Link on what data was taken, who was impacted, and what steps they are taking—including providing credit monitoring protections—to protect House victims of this breach.”

A spokesperson for the CAO told The Epoch Times that they were happy to provide more information in response to requests. “We are deeply concerned about DC Health Link’s data breach and the impact on our members and staff.

“All updates received from law enforcement are being communicated to the affected staff and members.”

The letter ended with the officer assuring recipients they would be updated when more information is available.