WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) urges all federal offices to safely return to in-person services. In a recent letter to Kathleen McGettigan, Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Congressman Rogers expressed his concern for lengthy delays in benefits and assistance that constituents in southern and eastern Kentucky have been experiencing as a result of office closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While telework status has allowed many Federal employees to safely weather the pandemic, it has also dramatically reduced productivity. It now takes months for veterans to access their service records at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)," said Congressman Rogers. "In fact, a constituent in my district was unable to be buried at his desired resting place—the Mill Springs National Cemetery—because the NPRC was unable to furnish his records. This is a disgrace."

Last week, Congressman Rogers also cosponsored the Reopening to address Every Complete Record request for Devoted Servicemembers (RECORDS) Act of 2021. The proposed legislation would require the records center to reopen to pre-pandemic levels within 30 days. Under the bill, the NPRC must also submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to address the current backlog of 500,000 requests.  

It has now been 15 months since federal field offices suspended face-to-face services to the public, relying solely on telework services. Congressman Rogers' letter also noted extended wait times for Social Security applications to be processed, as well as passports and visas. 

"With weekly COVID-19 case numbers at their lowest point since March of 2020, over 64% of adults in the U.S. having received at least one vaccination dose, and all states easing or completely lifting pandemic restrictions, it is clear these offices should be open and fully staffed to pre-covid levels to allow them to fulfill their duty -- serving the American people," said Congressman Rogers. "

On June 10, 2021, federal departments and agencies received guidance, outlining steps to begin reopening federal offices. While it is a step in the right direction, Congressman Rogers insisted the offices that provide direct, in-person assistance should be prioritized as soon as possible. 

"Many of my constituents seeking assistance live in rural areas with poor cell phone service and limited broadband access, making it nearly impossible for some individuals to submit applications online. Many have been unable to navigate these systems without assistance and have simply given up on trying to apply for their benefit—an unacceptable outcome," stated Congressman Rogers. "It is imperative that these Americans are able to visit a local office and receive the in-person assistance they need."

To learn more about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington, DC and in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov or follow him on social media. 

Click here to down Congressman Rogers' letter to OPM.