[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A BILL TO EXTEND THE AUTHORITY OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FORMER 
                            PRISONERS OF WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Ms. HERSETH. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a bill that authorizes a 
6-year extension in authority for the Veterans Administration's (VA) 
Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War.
  It is estimated that, since the American Revolution, more than 
500,000 Americans have been captured and incarcerated as prisoners of 
war. Since World War I, more than 142,000 Americans--including 83 
women--have been captured and interned as POWs. Not included in this 
figure are nearly 93,000 Americans who were lost in battle and whose 
whereabouts are unknown. Almost 16,000 POWs are currently in receipt of 
compensation for service-connected injuries, diseases, or illnesses 
from the Federal Government.
  In 1981, Congress created the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners 
of War (Committee). It is comprised of POWs from World War II, the 
Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, as well as other 
individuals who are recognized authorities in such fields as 
psychiatry, psychology, internal medicine, nutrition, epidemiology, 
geriatrics, including persons knowledgeable about disabilities 
prevalent among former POWs, and disabled veterans.
  The Committee advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the 
administration of benefits under Title 38, United States Code, for 
veterans who are former prisoners of war and the needs of such veterans 
in the areas of service-connected compensation, health care and 
rehabilitation.
  The Committee assesses the needs of former prisoners of war in the 
area of service-connected compensation, health care, and 
rehabilitation. It also reviews the VA programs and activities designed 
to meet such needs. Lastly, it develops such recommendations as it 
considers appropriate, including recommendations for administrative and 
legislative action. This committee then prepares biennial reports that 
are submitted to the Secretary on these issues.
  The Committee plays an important role by ensuring that the concerns 
of America's former prisoners of war are heard and that their needs are 
met. I am very pleased to introduce this bill today and look forward to 
working with my colleagues to ensure swift passage of this legislation 
to allow the Committee to continue its important work.

                          ____________________