Gulf vets seek frozen Iraqi assets

VFW Magazine, June-July, 2002

A legislator's five-year "crusade" could give Gulf War vets first priority on more than $1.6 billion in Iraqi assets frozen by the United States after the war. H.R. 4573--the Gulf War Veterans and other Iraqi Claims Protection Act of 2002--was introduced by Rep. Lloyd Dogget (D-Texas) on April 23.

"After more than a decade, Congress has yet to pass the legislation required before American citizens, including Gulf War veterans, can collect on their claims against the Iraqi funds," Dogget said. "Increasing numbers of veterans with claims against the money continue to use up their savings in dealing with the debilitating effects of Persian Gulf Syndrome."

Endorsed by VFW, H.R. 4573 would require the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to hear veterans claims against seized Iraqi assets before those of businesses or citizens. VFW has actively supported this issue since the end of the Gulf War.