The White House withdrew its funding request recently for free credit monitoring services for the 26.5 million veterans and family members whose information was thought to be impacted by the May 3 theft of a Department of Veterans Affairs computer.

Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson announced the recovery of the stolen computer June 29. Meanwhile, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nation's consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and Trans Union - to provide one free credit a report a year to each citizen, per the individual's request. To receive a free credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322-8228.