II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 63 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 25 (legislative day, January 5), 2011 Mr. Inouye introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military service on behalf of the United States during World War II.
1.
Determinations by the Secretary of the Army
(a)
In general
Upon the written application of any person who is a national of the Philippine Islands, the Secretary of the Army shall determine whether such person performed any military service in the Philippine Islands in aid of the Armed Forces of the United States during World War II which qualifies such person to receive any military, veterans', or other benefits under the laws of the United States. (b)
Information To be considered
In making a determination for the purpose of subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider all information and evidence (relating to service referred to in subsection (a)) that is available to the Secretary, including information and evidence submitted by the applicant, if any.
2.
Certificate of service
(a)
Issuance of certificate of service
The Secretary of the Army shall issue a certificate of service to each person determined by the Secretary to have performed military service described in section 1(a). (b)
Effect of certificate of service
A certificate of service issued to any person under subsection (a) shall, for the purpose of any law of the United States, conclusively establish the period, nature, and character of the military service described in the certificate.
3.
Applications by survivors
An application submitted by a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a deceased person described in section 1(a) shall be treated as an application submitted by such person.
4.
Limitation period
The Secretary of the Army may not consider for the purpose of this Act any application received by the Secretary more than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
5.
Prospective application of determinations by the Secretary of the Army
No benefits shall accrue to any person for any period before the date of the enactment of this Act as a result of the enactment of this Act.
6.
Regulations
The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe regulations to carry out sections 1, 3, and 4.
7.
Responsibilities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Any entitlement of a person to receive veterans' benefits by reason of this Act shall be administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
8.
Definition
In this Act, the term World War II means the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946.