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STATEMENT OF REP. GARY L. ACKERMAN
CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
"Working in a War Zone: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Civilians Returning from Iraq"
June 19, 2007

The Subcommittee will come to order. Usually, when we talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the conversation is about members of the military, about those whom we would unfortunately expect to have experienced the horrors of war. But increasingly, the United States is sending civilian employees - diplomats, intelligence analysts, reconstruction specialists, and contract administrators -- not just to hardship posts, but into actual combat zones and then expecting them to do their usual jobs under extraordinary and perilous conditions. So it shouldn't be any surprise that those who are now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are returning not only with exotic souvenirs, but with PTSD as well.

Unfortunately, what isn't a surprise is that many civilian employees returning from Iraq believe their service is unappreciated and those who have symptoms of PTSD feel they aren't getting the support and treatment they need. Let me say here on behalf of the subcommittee, and I would hope, on behalf of the entire Congress to all those United States government employees who have deployed not just to "hot-spots" but actual combat areas and because of it, now bear scars on their souls: Thank you. I thank you. Your nation thanks you. We are grateful for your courage and your sacrifice. And now that you are back, we will not forget what you gave and what it has cost you.

Like our soldiers, there seems to be widespread fear among affected employees, that seeking treatment will have a seriously detrimental impact on their careers. Employees are afraid they may lose their security clearances, medical clearances or simply be perceived by superiors and colleagues as "damaged goods." We need to find ways to dispel these fears.

I was heartened to learn that the State Department has begun surveying overseas employees regarding mental health issues and the preliminary results show precisely why we all should take this problem much more seriously. Many who completed the survey said that their mental health, emotional state, social well-being or capacity to function had been affected by work in Iraq, Afghanistan or other difficult posts. Almost half of those who responded to the survey had served in Iraq.

Even before the Department has the final results of this survey, I think that we can all agree that there is a problem. I urge the Department to take additional steps to address the concerns raised by affected employees. I think as a first step, Secretary Rice should announce publicly, loudly and clearly that the Department appreciates the service of those who have worked in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other hardship posts and the burdens arising from this service. She should also make it crystal clear that no stigma attaches to those employees who seek support and treatment for PTSD and that their medical and security clearances will not be jeopardized for simply seeking such treatment. Indeed, the Secretary should go further, and commit the Department to investigate and punish any instances where employees seeking help for PTSD are subject to unfair treatment by their colleagues or supervisors.

Beyond the Secretary's statement, the Department should work with insurance providers to not only ensure that PTSD is covered, as I understand it is by many health plans, but that there are a sufficient number of qualified therapists available under the health care plans provided.

Lastly, while the Department provides both training for employees who are being assigned to Iraq and requires an "out briefing" for those who are returning, affected employees still believe they were not adequately prepared for what they would face. As I understand it, only 10% of returning employees attend the mandatory "out briefing" because attendance is not enforced. Those who have taken advantage of the "out briefing" have expressed concerns that the briefing is superficial and doesn't really address the needs of employees returning from a war zone. At the very least, I think its time for the Department to evaluate the effectiveness of both of these efforts and make changes so that employees are confident that they have the information and support necessary to help them live and work in a war zone and to adjust to normal life when they return.

Even though the Bush Administration has chosen to focus on the military as their preferred tool to fight Islamic radicalism, this conflict is ultimately going to be decided by civilians--by diplomats, translators, intelligence personnel, and specialists in relief and reconstruction. These patriotic Americans are on the front line and they're being exposed to many of the same kinds of trauma as our soldiers. They, no less than every single one of our people in uniform, deserve not only our respect and gratitude, but our very best efforts to make sure they are safe and healthy, both in mind and body.