[More than a year after the major data breaches at ChoicePoint Inc. and LexisNexis – and just months after the theft of a Department of Veterans Affairs laptop containing the sensitive personal information of 26.5 million veterans – the VA Monday announced the loss of more sensitive personal information that could affect as many as 38,000 veterans.   Senator Patrick Leahy, (D-Vt.), a leading privacy advocate and the ranking Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, has introduced The Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2005 with Senator Arlen Specter, (R-Pa.).  The bill would help Americans better protect their privacy against identity theft through notice requirements when breaches occur as well as targeting the underlying problem of lax security and lack of accountability in the Government and the private sector in dealing with personal data.  Below is Senator Leahy’s reaction to the latest data breach within the VA.]

Reaction Of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),
Ranking Member, Judiciary Committee,
To Another Breach Within VA,
Potentially Exposing Personal Data Of 38,000 Veterans
August 7, 2006

“Each week seems to bring another alarming example of incompetence by the Bush Administration to protect the personal information of Americans.  The latest revelation that 38,000 veterans may be at risk of identity theft because of another lost computer containing their sensitive personal information is unacceptable.  The VA’s response time is the only thing that seems to have improved, while the same mistakes keep happening.  Meantime, scores of Americans continue to suffer the consequences and more needless anxiety.  

“Once again, by failing to adequately protect the privacy of these men and women, the VA has left our veterans and their family members vulnerable to the insidious crime of identity theft.  Certainly, our nation’s veterans -- who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country – deserve better.

“Secretary Nicholson came before Congress the last time his agency lost the personal data of millions of veterans and advocated for tougher penalties for those who mishandle or are negligent in handling sensitive information.  I hope the President takes that advice and that Secretary Nicholson is held accountable.”

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