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

HERSETH QUESTIONS VA OFFICIALS ON LOSS OF DATA

Supports New Legislation to Protect 26.5 Million Veterans from Identity Theft Through Free Credit Monitoring Services

May 25, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials about the loss of personal information for up to 26.5 million United States veterans. Herseth and other members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee sought answers as to how the VA could compromise specific identifying information including names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses.

Herseth said, "This Memorial Day, veterans and their families shouldn't be thinking about who has their Social Security number and other personal information, they should spending time with their children, and grandchildren."

Herseth has also co-sponsored new legislation to minimize potential damage to veterans called the Veterans Identity Protection Act. This legislation would require the VA to protect veterans from identity theft and other crimes due to this loss of information by providing them with free credit monitoring and credit reports. Herseth said, "This is the least that we can do for Americans who served their country in the Armed Services and have been left vulnerable through government negligence."

Herseth added, "While the VA continues its investigation, I am urging South Dakota veterans to closely monitor their financial statements and records to protect against unknown or unauthorized transactions."

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