Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) has reintroduced the Jax Act, a bill that seeks long-overdue recognition and care for the women combat veterans who served on U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s Cultural Support Teams (CSTs). These teams, deployed in some of the most dangerous and sensitive missions of the Global War on Terror, supported elite Special Operations Forces by engaging directly with local female populations in areas where male soldiers could not.
Named after Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, a CST veteran and a current board member of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), the Jax Act aims to ensure these veterans receive the benefits and recognition they earned through their direct combat service. Although many CSTs served under combat conditions, they were often excluded from formal recognition and access to VA benefits due to outdated policies that failed to account for the evolving roles of women in combat zones.
“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 first gained momentum last Congress, drawing bipartisan support in both chambers. While the bill cleared committee, it did not receive a full vote before the House.
“SOAA has 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.” said SOAA Board Member, Jaclyn “Jax” Scott. SOAA Founder, Daniel Elkins added, “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. This bill is not just legislation, it’s a promise kept to the warriors who gave everything for this country.”
With support from lawmakers including Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO), Jennifer Kiggans (R-FL), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), all veterans themselves, the Jax Act reflects a deeply bipartisan effort to correct past oversight and ensure CST veterans have access to the care and support they were promised.
SOAA has submitted a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, urging him to prioritize the Jax Act for floor consideration. As the bill moves through the legislative process once again, we will continue to press for its passage and highlight the stories of CST veterans who served bravely, yet often invisibly.
Read our Press Release
Read our Letter of Support
Read our Letter to Speaker Mike Johnson
