Austin News

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on The Constitution, has called on the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to expedite the review of benefit claims for former Santa Fe ISD Police Officer John Barnes.

In a letter addressed to Director Karhlton F. Moore, Sen. Cruz highlighted Barnes' ordeal during the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School on May 18, 2018. "Mr. Barnes was nearly killed in the line of duty during the tragic mass shooting at Santa Fe High School on May 18, 2018," wrote Cruz. "Despite flat-lining twice as a result of a critical gun wound, Mr. Barnes is still fighting for the benefits he deserves over six years after the incident."

Cruz pointed out systemic issues within the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program, citing reports that show numerous pending claims and significant delays in processing times. "A recent PSOB report dated May 10 indicated that there are 1,432 pending claims, including appeals," noted Cruz. "A separate PSOB report dated November 2023 shows claims pending as long as 2,711 days."

Barnes suffered severe injuries while confronting the gunman during the shooting, leading to his medical retirement from law enforcement. Despite his sacrifice, Barnes has faced prolonged bureaucratic delays in receiving benefits.

Senator Cruz urged prompt action: "I respectfully urge your office to expedite the processing of Mr. Barnes’s PSOB application. A six-year delay is unacceptable, and Mr. Barnes deserves a timely and fair determination."

Senator Cruz previously introduced legislation named after Officer John Barnes aimed at addressing such delays within the PSOB program by mandating that determinations be made within 270 days of receipt.

The PSOB Program provides essential support including death and education benefits to survivors of fallen first responders and disability benefits to those catastrophically injured in service.