Defense and national security · Veterans

Executive Order 12961: Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

President: Bill Clinton

Created an independent committee to review research, medical treatment and government coordination concerning Gulf War veterans’ illnesses.

Status: Completed/expired. Is Executive Order 12961 still in effect? No. Executive Order 12961 is completed or expired. See Federal Register record.

What does Executive Order 12961 do?

EO 12961 created an outside advisory committee to review federal research, treatment and outreach concerning Gulf War veterans' illnesses. After its December 1996 report, EO 13034 extended the committee to review investigations of possible chemical and biological exposures and government responses to its recommendations. Its 1997 Special Report addressed those issues; President Clinton acknowledged receiving it in November. The committee made recommendations, while benefits decisions remained with VA under applicable law. EO 13138 revoked the order in 1999.

Administration position: The committee reviewed evidence and policy; it did not itself determine individual disability claims or establish statutory presumptions.
SignedMay 26, 1995
MembershipUp to 12 outside experts
ExtensionEO 13034 in 1997

Before and after

Before the order

Multiple agencies were investigating Gulf War illnesses without this independent presidential review body.

After the order

The committee reported on research, treatment, outreach and government response.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
Advisory committeeReview programs and make recommendationsThrough final reports
Defense, Veterans Affairs and HHSSupport the committee and respond to findingsDuring its operation

What happened next

EO 12961 created the committee.

The committee submitted its final report.

EO 13034 extended oversight work.

The President acknowledged the committee's Special Report after its extended review.

EO 13138 revoked EO 12961.