    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 17 (Monday, April 30, 2007)]
    [Pages 521-522]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on
    Terror Heroes

    April 24, 2007

        The brave men and women who have volunteered to protect and defend
    our country deserve to receive the highest level of support from our
    grateful Nation. Today Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson and
    members of the Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror
    Heroes released a government-wide action plan that sets out steps to
    improve our care for America's troops and veterans.
        The task force has proposed specific recommendations to immediately
    begin addressing the problems and gaps in services that were identified
    across the veterans and military healthcare systems. These
    recommendations include directing the Department of Defense and the
    Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a joint process for disability
    determination. Additionally, I have asked Secretary Nicholson to
    communicate directly with the members of the Commission on Care for
    America's Returning Wounded Warriors to ensure that both groups exchange
    ideas and information that will efficiently advance reform efforts.
        I commend the work of the task force, welcome its recommendations,
    and have directed Secretary Nicholson to work with all agencies involved
    on the recommendations

    [[Page 522]]

    and to report back to me within 45 days on how these measures are being
    implemented.