Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday expressing his “grave concern” about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s depiction of his military service and demanding more information about the record of the Democratic vice-presidential candidate.
The Banks investigation, which seeks clarity on multiple issues surrounding Walz’s military record, adds to intense Republican scrutiny of the governor’s service since he was chosen to run on the Democratic presidential ticket with Vice President Harris.
Banks, a Navy veteran and chairman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, said in the letter that the American people “deserve transparency,” especially in an elected official’s military records.
“Misrepresentation and deception intended to mislead the public about their service erodes the integrity of our military and impacts every American who chooses to serve,” he wrote.
Walz served 24 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion in the 125th Field Artillery before retiring in 2005.
Republicans, however, criticized him for withdrawing from military service to run for Congress shortly before his unit was deployed to Iraq. Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), former President Trump’s vice presidential running mate, attacked Walz on the issue just one day after the governor was chosen to run against Harris, opening the floodgates to a torrent of criticism of the Republican Party.
Walz’s supporters say he was 40 at the time and preparing for a new direction in life and submitted his documents months before his unit was deployed. They also argue that his unit was fully equipped.
Banks suggested in his letter that Walz knew of the deployment in early 2005, months before he filed retirement papers, and also questioned the Minnesota governor’s statements about his role in Operation Enduring Freedom during the War in Afghanistan.
Walz was also criticized for using his sergeant major rank in retirement, which he achieved before falling to a lower rank when he retired because he did not complete the necessary training.
Harris’ campaign adjusted his biography to remove a reference to him retiring with the rank of sergeant major following the scrutiny, Reported politician.
The banks demanded information about when Walz’s former unit was first notified of his deployment to Iraq in 2005 and whether Walz could have run for Congress while deployed. He also asked where Walz served and at what post he retired.
“I treat these matters with the utmost seriousness,” Banks wrote. “Misrepresentation of service and allegations of stolen value tarnish the integrity and service of all who have answered the call to serve.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
