Establishing a Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors and a Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes

This executive order establishes a presidential commission and an interagency task force to review and improve care for wounded service members returning from the Global War on Terror. The Commission has a mandate to examine transitions, health care, benefits, and services, with a final report due by June 30, 2007. The Task Force, led by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, must submit a government-wide action plan within 45 days.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 10589

Impact dates

Jul 31, 2007
Extended commission final report deadline if Co-Chairs notify President extension is necessary
Jun 30, 2007
Commission final report due to President
Apr 20, 2007
Task Force action plan due to President

Key directives

Establish President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors with 9 members and 2 Co-Chairs
Secretary of Defense to provide administrative support and funding for Commission
Commission to report recommendations through Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Commission final report due June 30, 2007, extendable to July 31, 2007
Commission terminates 30 days after final report unless extended by President
Establish Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes within VA
Task Force to consist of Cabinet-level officials from 8 agencies plus others as determined
Task Force to submit government-wide action plan within 45 days
Task Force terminates upon completion with presidential approval

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Commission established with 9 presidential appointees
Task Force established within Department of Veterans Affairs

Near term (90d)

Task Force action plan due April 20, 2007 (45 days from signing)
Commission final report due June 30, 2007 (with possible extension to July 31, 2007)

Long term

Commission terminates 30 days after final report
Task Force terminates upon completion of duties, with presidential approval

Risks & tensions

Tight 45-day timeline for Task Force action plan may limit thoroughness of interagency coordination
Commission's ~4-month lifespan (March-June) is unusually brief for comprehensive policy review; extension mechanism suggests anticipated need
No new funding appropriated; 'subject to availability of appropriations' and 'to extent permitted by law' language creates implementation uncertainty
Task Force membership limited to existing officials may reinforce rather than transform interagency silos
Commission members serve without compensation, potentially limiting pool of qualified participants
Vague termination trigger for Task Force ('upon completion of duties') leaves duration uncertain