Issa Reintroduces Landmark Legislation to Finally Acknowledge Women’s Service in Combat

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has reintroduced The Jax Act, which will amend the military records of women veterans deployed – but never recognized – for their service alongside Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This oversight has led to widespread denial of rank, benefits, and critical health care services 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 legislation specifically provides service credit for members of the military that served in female Cultural Support Teams (CST) in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2010 and 2021. CSTs were comprised of female service members who supported Joint Special Operations forces in combat with a primary task of engaging female populations in an area when it was deemed culturally inappropriate and deleterious to the mission if performed by male counterparts. The lessons learned by our military from dangerous combat missions concluded this was the best and often only way to communicate with local civilians caught in a war zone as well as protect the lives of U.S. troops in harm’s way.

Rep. Issa was joined by House colleagues Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Jason Crow (CO-06) in reintroducing The Jax Act.

“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.

“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,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, board member, Special Operations Association of America.

“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,” said the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA).

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