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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH: SECURITY BREACH IS UNACCEPTABLE VIOLATION

Millions of Personal Records for United States Veterans Are Compromised

May 22, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth responded today with outrage upon the news that personal records for millions of United States veterans had been compromised. Herseth, who serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, learned today that specific identifying information including names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings, had been stolen from a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee. The information is currently unaccounted for.

Herseth said, "This is an outrageous, unacceptable violation of the brave men and women who have served our country. Our veterans and their families deserve better. I will work through my role on the Veterans' Affairs Committee to get to the bottom of this serious breach and take steps to ensure that the VA never lets it happen again."

Earlier today, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson announced that sensitive data collected by the government for approximately 26.5 million veterans was stolen from a VA official who had removed this data from VA and taken it home. A number of law enforcement agencies are working to recover this data, and Herseth will monitor the investigation closely. Herseth's staff is meeting with VA officials this afternoon to learn more about the investigation and other efforts underway to protect veterans from the financial risk associated with identity theft.

Herseth is urging South Dakota veterans to closely monitor their financial statements and records to protect against unknown or unauthorized transactions.

Herseth added that there are steps veterans can take to find out more about the issue and ways to protect themselves. Veterans can visit www.firstgov.gov as well as www.va.gov/opa to get more information. Additionally, veterans may call 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636), a toll-free line, to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. This call center will be open beginning today, and will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday.

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