Defense and national security · Veterans

Executive Order 13426: Establishing a Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors and a Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes

President: George W. Bush

Established a commission to recommend improvements in care for returning wounded service members.

Status: In effect. Is Executive Order 13426 still in effect? Yes. Executive Order 13426 remains in effect. See Federal Register record.

What does Executive Order 13426 do?

The commission delivered its 2007 Serve, Support, Simplify report and supporting survey findings.

Administration position: Commission recommendations required separate agency or legislative action to change benefits and services.
SignedMarch 6, 2007
Original directionEstablished a commission to recommend improvements in care for returning wounded service members.
Later evidenceThe commission delivered its 2007 Serve, Support, Simplify report and supporting survey findings.
Review dateSeptember 26, 2026

Before and after

Before the order

Treatment, benefits and transition services crossed Defense and Veterans Affairs responsibilities.

After the order

The commission delivered its 2007 Serve, Support, Simplify report and supporting survey findings.

Commission recommendations required separate agency or legislative action to change benefits and services.

Who had to do what

Source: Signed Federal Register text.
Agency / officeActionTiming / position
President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded WarriorsExamine transitions, benefits/services delivery and outreach, recommend improvements and access-gap reductions, consult appropriate outside organizations and submit recommendations through Defense and Veterans Affairs.Final report by June 30, 2007, or July 31, 2007 after written extension notice by co-chairs; terminate 30 days after final report unless extended.
Commission Co-ChairsSelect an Executive Director, convene and preside at meetings, set the agenda and direct work; request agency information and provide written notice if a report extension is necessary.Extension notice before using the July 31, 2007 final-report deadline.
Secretary of DefenseProvide lawful Commission administrative support, funding, space and analytical/staff support; perform applicable Presidential FACA functions except section 6 functions under GSA guidelines.Commission report deadline June 30, 2007, extendable to July 31, 2007; no separate support deadline.
Commission Executive DirectorCoordinate administration of the Commission.No separate deadline specified.
Heads of executive departments and agenciesProvide information requested by the Commission co-chairs to the extent permitted by law.Upon request.
Secretary of Veterans AffairsEstablish, chair and direct the interagency Task Force, designate its Executive Secretary, provide lawful support/funding and terminate it after completing duties with Presidential approval.Task Force action plan within 45 days of March 6, 2007; termination upon completed duties and Presidential approval.
Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror HeroesIdentify existing services and gaps, seek agency recommendations, ensure and facilitate effective interagency communication/cooperation and produce a government-wide service-delivery action plan.Submit the action plan to the President within 45 days of March 6, 2007.
Task Force Executive SecretaryHead staff assigned to the Task Force.No separate deadline specified.
Later actionThe commission delivered its 2007 Serve, Support, Simplify report and supporting survey findings.2007

What happened next

EO 13426 signed.