Joint Statement from Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings on Special Counsel Report Regarding Remains Mishandling & Whistleblowers at Dover/Port Mortuary

(WASHINGTON) Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) released the following statement regarding an Office of Special Counsel (OSC) report published today in the case of mishandled remains at Dover Air Force Base and the Port Mortuary facility:

“Dignified handling of service members’ remains of is one of our nation’s most fundamental responsibilities. The mishandling of remains at Port Mortuary has raised serious questions about the Department of Defense’s commitment to treat the fallen with respect and reverence.  We will continue to investigate the allegations of mishandling of remains at Port Mortuary.  Additionally, we are concerned about the retaliatory actions against the brave whistleblowers who brought these problems to light. It is clear that the Department of Defense must take additional steps to protect whistleblowers in the future.”

A link to the Committee’s earlier action on this issue is here.  A link to OSC’s latest report is here.