FYI - Update

[HARDCORE]

Update On "Honor Our Fallen Prisoners of War Act!" This just in from Senator Barbara Boxer's Office


Yes. The bill was signed into law. So technically it has "gone" to the President. He has until March 1, 2007 to give us an answer. I think you are getting hung up on the word "study."

The key part of the legislation is: "the President SHALL MAKE A DETERMINATION on the advisability of expanding eligibility for the award of the Purple Heart to deceased service members held as a prisoner of war after December 7, 1941, who meet the criteria for eligibility for the prisoner-of-war medal under section 1128 of title 10, United States Code (including the criterion under subsection (e) of that section with respect to honorable conduct), but who do not meet the criteria for eligibility for the Purple Heart."

The way that it reads, the President should have to say "Yes" or "No" to making these awards. With that said, he could report something a bit more nuanced, but best case scenario, he comes out on March 1 and says "let's do this" and the Pentagon starts making the awards.

Is that clear?


Ann Norris
Legislative Assistant
Senator Barbara Boxer

[HARDCORE]

After fighting this battle for almost four (4) years, it appears that the Bill (Honor Our Fallen POWs) may finally become law? The final decision is now in the hands of President Bush!

Now encompassed within the "National Defense Authorization Bill for 2007", if passed, a long standing oversight will be corrected.

The Bill has passed both the House and Senate, was well supported by 36 (at least) national veterans organizations - with many millions of members, most of Congress and the Senate, and many a patriotic citizen as well!

"Thank you, one and all!!" VERITAS

Rick