WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire seeks to streamline access to records related to prisoners of war and service members listed as missing in action.

According to a Feb. 25 news release, the Bring Our Heroes Home Act would reduce administrative barriers and improve the transmission and public disclosure of military and civilian personnel records to families and caseworkers.

The proposal would establish a centralized collection of missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel records at the National Archives and Records Administration. It would require executive agencies to identify and transfer relevant records to the archives and create an independent review board to oversee record identification, disclosure, and decisions regarding delayed declassification for national security purposes.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency estimates that approximately 80,930 Americans remain unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, and other conflicts. Of those, 359 are from Idaho.

In Idaho, 2nd Lt. Charles Atteberry of Parma, who had been missing since World War II, was identified through DNA testing and buried with military honors in October after 80 years. His brother, Lloyd Atteberry, who was reportedly shot down in 1943, remains missing.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Reps. Russ Fulcher of Idaho and Chris Pappas of New Hampshire.

Several veteran advocacy organizations expressed support for the measure in the release.