[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 122 (Tuesday, August 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. AKAKA:
  S. 2413. A bill for the relief of Richard M. Sakakida; to the 
Committee on Armed Services.


                       PRIVATE RELIEF LEGISLATION

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I am introducing a bill for 
the private relief of Richard Motoso Sakakida of Fremont, CA. My 
legislation would require the military to review whether the retired 
lieutenant colonel deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor, 
Distinguished Service Cross, or Sliver Star for actions related to his 
service in the Philippines during World War II.
  Despite many courageous and daring actions he undertook as an Army 
undercover agent before and during the Japanese occupation of the 
islands, Colonel Sakakida has never been officially recognized for his 
service there, largely because much of his work was classified, and 
therefore unknown, until well after the war. Despite efforts undertaken 
in his behalf by fellow veterans and Members of Congress to accord him 
the honors he deserves, the Army has refused to consider his case, 
citing a statute limiting the Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service 
Cross to those whose recommendations are received within 2 years of the 
act justifying the awards, or, in the case of World War II veterans, by 
1951.
  Mr. President, I believe a brief review of Colonel Sakakida's wartime 
exploits will convince my colleagues of the need to enact this 
legislation.
  In March 1941, 9 months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 
Richard Sakakida, the son of Japanese parents who immigrated to Hawaii 
at the beginning of the century, and another nisei from Hawaii became 
the first Japanese-Americans recruited to the Army's Counter 
Intelligence Police [CIP]. This suit would later become the Army 
Counter Intelligence Corps, or CIC.
  Sworn in as a sergeant, Sakakida was sent to the Philippines, then an 
American possession; his mission was to spy on Japanese with possible 
connections to the Japanese military. There, Sakakida was able to 
masquerade as a draft evader from Hawaii and talk himself into being 
admitted to an all-Japanese residential hotel in Manila. Under cover of 
a prearranged job, and without any prior training or experience, he 
succeeded in establishing a clandestine intelligence collection 
operation out of this hotel room. As a measure of the success of his 
penetration of the Japanese community, Sakakida was even offered a post 
with the Japanese Consulate in Mindanao.
  The outbreak of war abruptly ended that possibility. Instead of 
returning to the American side, Sakakida was asked to stay with the 
Japanese community to continue his work. He relied on sheer 
resourcefulness to talk his way past unwitting American and Filipino 
security guards at the gate to the emergency Japanese relocation 
compound, where Japanese nationals were being detained. His 
vulnerability was compounded by the fact that only a few men were aware 
of his secret work. In fact, he was eventually arrested on spy charges 
by the Philippine Constabulary and subjected to punishing interrogation 
at Bilibid Prison. Throughout the ordeal Sakakida maintained his cover 
story, as he was later able to do with his Japanese captors.
   Fortuitously, he was eventually recognized by a Filipino agent who 
was aware of his undercover status; unfortunately, this also 
compromised his cover among Philippine authorities. A ruse involving 
his return to the Japanese compound and unceremonious arrest by 
American agents was staged in an attempt to maintain his cover in the 
Japanese community, but the rapid advance of the Japanese Army ended 
hopes for his return to the Japanese. For the first time since he 
arrived in the islands, he reentered the American fold.
  Back in military uniform with the CIP, Sergeant Sakakida was tasked 
with interrogating Japanese civilians and POW's in Manila, Bataan, and 
Corregidor. He translated Japanese diaries and combat documents, 
prepared propaganda leaflets in Japanese, and called upon the Japanese 
to surrender in loudspeaker broadcasts. He also monitored Japanese air-
ground communications and deciphered enemy codes. At Bataan, he singled 
out and translated a key captured Japanese document that led to the 
destruction of a large battalion-size force that was attempting a 
landing there. It was one of the few, perhaps only, major American 
battlefield successes in a string of setbacks that led to the downfall 
of Bataan.
  When the final surrender of the Philippines became imminent at 
Corregidor in 1942, General MacArthur ordered Sakakida's evacuation to 
Australia. In spite of the prospect of certain imprisonment, possible 
torture, and perhaps execution at the hands of the Japanese, he chose 
to give up his seat on one of the last escape aircraft to a nisei 
lawyer. Sakakida was aware that the lawyer had a family and for various 
reasons would have faced serious reprisals had he been captured. As a 
result, by his own hand, Sakakida became the only Japanese-American to 
be captured by the Japanese forces in the Philippines.
  Sakakida spent 2 months in a Manila prison, where he would be 
mercilessly interrogated and tortured. His situation was compounded by 
the fact that, under existing Japanese law, everyone of Japanese 
ancestry was considered a citizen of the Empire; thus, Sakakida was 
viewed as a traitor. He was strung up by the arms in such a way that 
his shoulders were literally dislocated. His captors forced water into 
him, and struck his swollen stomach repeatedly; they also burned his 
body with lighted cigarettes. Incredibly, through it all, Sakakida 
would adhere to his story that he was a civilian forced to work for the 
U.S. Army.
  After being tortured, Sakakida spent more time in Bilibid Prison, 
where he underwent more interrogation for alleged treason. When treason 
charges against him were dropped, he was assigned to work for the 
Japanese judge advocate of the 14th Army Headquarters, although 
Japanese counterintelligence agents continued their attempts to elicit 
his true identity through trick questions and other stratagems. He took 
advantage of his position to aid secretly a number of allied prisoners 
of war who were being held there for trial for attempting to escape; 
Sakakida smuggled food to them and imaginatively interpreted for them 
during their trials. One of these men, a naval officer who was later to 
become an Oklahoma supreme court justice, believes he escaped execution 
only through Sakakida's intervention and assistance during the trial.

  During this time, he established contact with the Filipino guerrilla 
underground, through which he funneled important Japanese troop and 
shipping information to MacArthur in Australia. Sakakida's reporting 
from Manila also contributed to the destruction of a major Japanese 
task force headed for Davao by American submarines that lay in wait for 
the convoy. The huge Japanese setback abruptly ended the Japanese 
advance toward Australia, saving it from an invasion.
  Sakakida then engineered a daring prison break from Mantinlupa Prison 
that freed the guerrilla leader Ernest Tupas and 500 of his men. 
Sakakida himself chose to remain behind in order to continue his 
intelligence activities from the enemy's midst. Thereafter, Sakakida 
was able to relay additional tactical information to MacArthur through 
the guerrillas.
  After American forces invaded the Philippines, Sakakida escaped from 
the retreating Japanese forces at Baguio. During a firefight between 
American and Japanese troops, he suffered shrapnel wounds in the 
stomach. For the next several months Sakakida wandered alone in the 
jungle, living off the land, debilitated by his wound. He finally 
happened upon American troops, whom he eventually convinced of his 
identity. At that point, he was informed that the war was over.
  Mr. President, this is a thumbnail sketch of Richard Sakakida's 
record of service in the Philippines. Naturally, it cannot do justice 
to the full tale of his courage, daring, sacrifice, and endurance. I 
have omitted many other incidents that displayed Sakakida's courage and 
fortitude. In fact, for a variety of reasons, including the secrecy 
surrounding his intelligence activities, his story has never been told 
in its entirety until relatively recently.
  Mr. President, because Sakakida's activities were classified, few 
were in a position to recommend him for the Medal of Honor or other 
high awards for valor. Much of what we know is largely anecdotal, 
because circumstances dictated that the presence of any official 
records would be damaging not only to his personal safety but also to 
the diplomatic and military efforts of the United States. Now, time has 
lifted the veil of secrecy, but many of the records of his activities 
are missing or were never kept; in addition, many witnesses who could 
have spoken of his exploits were either killed during the war or have 
since passed away in the period between the end of the war and the 
vitiation of the official blackout on Sakakida's operations. In spite 
of this catch-22 situation, I believe that ample evidence exists to 
support the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Colonel 
Sakakida. I believe this especially in view of the fact that the whole 
of his activities is informed by a supreme consistency, validated by 
objective events, that only the truth bears.
  Nevertheless, after Colonel Sakakida's story was publicly revealed 
several years ago, and his record formally brought to the Army's 
attention by fellow veterans as well as by my Hawaii colleague, 
Representative Patsy Mink, the Army's Military Awards Branch refused to 
consider him for the Medal of Honor. The Army, citing the statute I 
have referred to earlier, stated that Sakakida's recommendation must 
have been submitted through official military channels shortly after 
the end of the war, by 1951. The Army refused to consider the special 
circumstances surrounding Sakakida's case, namely, that the nature of 
his intelligence work prevented his story from being appropriately 
considered prior to the delimiting date. In fact, as I have alluded to 
before, he was officially enjoined from talking about his intelligence 
activities during World War II until 1972, more than 20 years after the 
statutory deadline, when they were declassified and he was no longer 
bound by his secrecy oath. As a result, Colonel Sakakida's 
contributions to the allied victory have been overlooked by history and 
by his country.
  This is a tragic oversight. Colonel Sakakida has been inducted into 
the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame. He has been honored repeatedly 
by his Japanese-American comrades-in-arms, notably members of the all-
nisei Military Intelligence Service and the 100th Infantry Battalion/
442d Regimental Combat Team. At least one book, and chapters in many 
others, has been devoted to his wartime accomplishments. And, he has 
been awarded four different medals by the Philippine Government, 
including the Philippine Legion of Honor award.
  Thus, it seems that everyone but our own Government has recognized 
Colonel Sakakida's heroic military service in the Philippines. Indeed, 
the Army has never accorded Sakakida a single award or commendation for 
bravery associated with his undercover work in the archipelago
  Mr. President, I cannot help wondering if Colonel Sakakida's ethnic 
heritage has had something to do with this slight. While the Army 
apparently does not keep statistics on the ethnic breakdown of valor 
awards, one could make the case that Japanese-Americans have been 
underdecorated with respect to the Medal of Honor.
  According to the book, ``Nisei: The Quiet Americans,'' by Bill 
Hosokawa, no Japanese-American had been awarded a Medal of Honor at the 
end of World War II. It was only when a member of the all-nisei 100th/
442d, the most highly decorated military unit in American history made 
this known to Congress that the medal was awarded posthumously to one 
of its members.
  Hosokawa noted that a number of the Japanese-Americans in the 100th/
442d were recommended for the Medal of Honor, but in each case, 
somewhere along the line, the request was denied and the lesser, 
Distinguished Service Cross presented instead. As of the late 1960's, 
according to Hosokawa, only one other Japanese-American received the 
Medal of Honor, for his service in the Korean war--I have been unable 
to find data on Vietnam or post-Vietnam conflicts, which is significant 
in itself. I have no doubt nisei like Colonel Sakakida suffered racial 
prejudice at the onset of hostilities with Japan; the unjust interment 
of Japanese-American is proof enough of this.
  There have been other allegations of discrimination in the medal 
awarding process. Apparently, only one black American received the 
Medal of Honor for World War I service, and that happened only after 
the Army conducted research to determine if there had been any barriers 
to black soldiers in the medal recognition process. And, recently, a 
retired lieutenant colonel who is African-American alleged he was 
denied the Medal of Honor for his heroics in Korea because of 
discrimination.

  The Army has contracted a second study on black winners of the Medal 
of Honor in World War II that will presumably throw additional light on 
this sensitive subject. However, I also understand there are no plans 
to study Asian-Americans or any other ethnic group. I think this is a 
shortcoming that should be addressed; I will soon be making a formal 
request to the Department to correct this oversight.
  In any event, Mr. President, whether Colonel Sakakida is a victim of 
discrimination, an outdated law, or merely circumstance, his record is 
compelling enough to warrant formal review.
  My bill would accomplish this by directing the Secretary of the Army 
to review Sakakida's World War II military records to determine if he 
deserves appropriate recognition for his heroic efforts in the 
Philippines. It would allow the Army to award him the Medal of Honor, 
Distinguished Service Cross, or the Silver Star free of any statutory 
time restrictions that may pertain to these awards, provided the review 
of Sakakida's record is positive.
  Let me stress that this bill does not direct the Army to award the 
Medal of Honor to Colonel Sakakida outright, but to do so only if a 
review of his records determines that he is indeed deserving of the 
Nation's highest military decorations.
  This bill has the strong support of the Japanese-American veterans 
organizations as well as the Japanese-American community at large. I 
also have a letter of support from the Philippine Embassy for this 
effort. I ask unanimous consent that these messages of support, as well 
as a copy of the bill, be included in the Record.
  Mr. President, I do not offer this legislation in Richard Sakakida's 
behalf. For Richard Sakakida is already amply bestowed with badges of 
honor--in the scars that deface his body, in the medication he takes to 
dull the constant pain he suffers from his wounds, and in the silent 
knowledge that he rendered extraordinary services to the Nation in its 
time of need. Rather, I offer this legislation in our collective 
behalf. For in honoring individuals such as Richard Sakakida, we 
reaffirm the value of the freedoms that men and women like him have 
sacrificed so much to preserve, and thus do honor to ourselves.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 2413

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARD OF MEDAL FOR HEROISM.

       (a) Review of Records.--(1) The Secretary of the Army shall 
     review the military records of Richard M. Sakakida of 
     Fremont, California. The purpose of the review is to 
     determine whether the award to Richard M. Sakakida of a medal 
     or cross authorized under section 3741, 3742, or 3746 of 
     title 10, United States Code, for any action of Richard M. 
     Sakakida in the Philippines during World War II is 
     appropriate.
       (2) The determination under paragraph (2) whether the award 
     of a medal or cross is appropriate shall be governed by the 
     standards that apply to the medal or cross concerned under 
     the provision of law authorizing the medal or cross.
       (b) Award.--Notwithstanding section 3744(b) of title 10, 
     United States Code, the Secretary may award to Richard M. 
     Sakakida of Fremont, California, a medal or cross referred to 
     in subsection (a) if the Secretary determines in accordance 
     with the review required under that subsection that the award 
     of the medal or cross, as the case may be, is appropriate.
                                  ____

                                        Japanese American Veterans


                                Association of Washington, DC,

                                      Vienna, VA, August 19, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: The Japanese American Veterans 
     Association of Washington, D.C., whose members include many 
     veterans of the Military Intelligence Service of the US Army 
     in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, 
     enthusiastically supports your legislative efforts to 
     encourage the Department of Defense to consider the awarding 
     of the Congressional Medal of Honor to LTC. Richard M. 
     Sakakida, USAF (Ret) in recognition of his heroic deeds as an 
     officer of the US Armed Forces in the Philippines during WW 
     II.
       The Japanese American Veterans Association of Washington, 
     D.C. has been very aware of LTC Sakakida's heroic efforts 
     and, accordingly, honored him as one of the first recipients 
     of its American Patriot Award in October of 1993.
       LTC Sakakida has been honored with numerous commendations 
     for his dedicated and heroic services and the Congressional 
     Medal of Honor would most certainly be the culmination of 
     national recognition of this gallant warrior's efforts.
       The Japanese American Veterans Association of Washington, 
     D.C. appreciates and commends your effort to obtain proper 
     acknowledgement and commendation for LTC Sakakida, which he 
     so richly deserves.
       If there is anything we can do to support your efforts, 
     please do not hesitate to call me.
           Sincerely yours,
                                             Henry S. Wakabayashi,
                                                        President.
                                  ____

                                        Japanese American Veterans


                                Association of Washington, DC,

                                         Vienna, VA, July 5, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senator from Hawaii,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: The Japanese American Veterans 
     Association of Washington, D.C. stands in complete support of 
     your effort to have our country award its highest military 
     decoration to Lt. Col. Richard M. Sakakida, USAF (Ret), for 
     his extraordinary service to country and his heroic acts of 
     self-sacrifice while in the Philippines as an undercover 
     agent of the U.S. Army during World War II.
       A review of the remarkable deeds and unshakable devotion to 
     duty through the most inhuman of treatment and adverse 
     conditions ranks Lt. Col. Sakakida among those who have 
     served ``above and beyond'' the call of duty.
       The passage of years or the resultant lack of the necessary 
     documentation must not be the basis of denying a great 
     American soldier his due recognition by a nation which he 
     served to loyally and courageously.
           Sincerely,

                                                  Sunao Ishio,

                                                   Col. AUS (Ret),
                                                  President, JAVA.

                                                MIS Northwest,

                                        Seattle, WA, July 9, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senator from Hawaii,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: The Military Intelligence Service (MIS) 
     Northwest Association wholeheartedly supports the effort to 
     bestow upon Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) Richard Sakakida the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor.
       We understand that this effort has been going on for a 
     number of years without success mainly because of the passage 
     of time and the lack of necessary documentation. Richard 
     Sakakida is a unique American Hero. Time should not be a 
     factor. It is never too late to acknowledge his heroic 
     actions in the Philippines as a CIC agent which could only be 
     classified as services performed ``above and beyond the call 
     of duty.''
       Documentation of his exploits should be properly recorded 
     in the annals of U.S. military intelligence. Any lack of 
     needed documentation could be supplemented by the records of 
     the Philippine government which saw fit to award him the 
     Philippine Legion of Honor medal. Additional documentation 
     could be mustered from some of the 500 Filipino resistance 
     fighters that he liberated.
       We appreciate and endorse your effort to have the U.S. Army 
     rightfully recognize the heroism of Richard Sakakida.
           Yours truly,
                                               Kenichi (Ken) Sata,
                                                        President.
                                  ____

                                    M.I.S. Association of Northern


                                             California, Inc.,

                                 San Francisco, CA, July 14, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senator From Hawaii, Hart Senate Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. 
     Sunao Ishio, President of the Japanese American Veterans 
     Association of Washington, DC (JAVA). In this letter he 
     describes your initiative with the backing of other concerned 
     members of Congress, to introduce a private bill for LTC. 
     (Ret) Richard M. Sakakida to award him the Congressional 
     Medal of Honor.
       On behalf of the M.I.S. Association of Northern California, 
     I wish to express our wholehearted appreciation and support 
     your worthwhile and meaningful special legislation. Richard 
     Sakakida is a member of our organization and over the past 
     three years, we have endeavored to tell his story and seek 
     recognition of his extraordinary service to his country in 
     time of war. As you may know, he was the keynote speaker of 
     the 50th MIS Anniversary Reunion in San Francisco/Monterey in 
     November 1991. In April 1994 a videotape was made, entitled 
     ``Mission to Manila--The Richard Sakakida Story.'' A copy was 
     delivered to your office.
       Also, for the past two years, members of MIS NORCAL have 
     been engaged in two separate actions concerning Richard 
     Sakakida recommendation for the Award of Purple Heart for 
     wounds sustained in the Philippines during WWII and an award 
     for Valor. The latter is for heroic personal sacrifice, 
     including the risk of his own life, to protect and save the 
     lives of fellow American servicemen, while he, himself as a 
     POW of the Japanese Military Forces. We have an unsung hero 
     in our midst, and we welcome this opportunity to assist and 
     support you in obtaining recognition for the highest military 
     decoration of our country for Richard Sakakida.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Thomas T. Sasaki,
                                                        President.
                                  ____

                                              The American Legion,


                                  Chicago-Nisei Post No. 1183,

                                      Chicago, IL, August 4, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: As an American Legion Post consisting 
     primarily of Nisei veterans of World War II (and subsequent 
     conflicts), we point with considerable pride at the 
     accomplishments of Richard Sakakida, whose remarkable 
     achievements during WWII went unheralded until recently.
       By way of further background, enclosed is an article which 
     appeared in a CIC Journal in 1991. Those of us who met him at 
     recent linguist reunions were overwhelmed with the story.
       Further delay in recognition of his heroic exploits would 
     be unconscionable, and we are in full support of your 
     introduction of a private Bill to award him (albeit 
     belatedly) the Congressional Medal of Honor.
           Very truly yours,
                                                    Sam Yoshinari,
                                                   Post Commander.
                                  ____

                                           Rocky Mountain Military


                           Intelligence Service Veterans Club,

                                      Denver, CO, August 14, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senator from Hawaii, Hart Senate Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: Our MIS Veterans Club has been advised 
     of your very laudable efforts in getting official recognition 
     for Richard Sakakida for his valiant and largely unheralded 
     military efforts before and during World War II in the 
     Philippines. Clearly Richard Sakakida's heroic actions merit 
     the highest recognition that this nation can bestow.
       We recognize that the accounts of Sakakida's contributions 
     are largely anecdotal because his circumstances dictated that 
     the presence of any official records would be damaging not 
     only to his personal safety but also to the diplomatic and 
     military efforts of the United States. Also his actions 
     during and after capture by the Japanese precluded any 
     written records.
       Our club is composed of veterans with a Military 
     Intelligence background and we all recognize the important 
     contributions made by the citizens of the United States 
     through their knowledge and use of language. We therefore 
     heartily endorse and encourage your efforts in securing 
     belated but well-earned recognition for Richard Sakakida.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Dr. Sueo Ito,
                                                        President.
                                  ____



                                                 Honolulu, HI,

                                                    July 27, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel Akaka,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: The 442nd Veterans Club supports your 
     efforts to require the U.S. Army to consider awarding the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor, or other appropriate medal of 
     valor, to retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Richard M. Sakakida 
     for is heroic efforts in the Philippines during World War II.
       As one of the first to be recruited into the all-Nisei 
     Military Intelligence Service, which provided invaluable 
     intelligence support to combat units during World War II 
     throughout the Pacific, Lt. Colonel Sakakida is one of the 
     most eminent of a group of men whose contributions to the 
     Allied victory never have been fully appreciated.
       Lt. Col. Sakakida's incredible exploits while serving as an 
     undercover agent in the Philippine are the stuff of legend. 
     His story has been related in several histories and 
     recollections about World War II. In addition, he is a member 
     of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and a recipient of 
     the Philippine Legion of Honor. It is time the United States 
     government offered similar recognition for the tremendous 
     sacrifices by this brave man.
       Thank you for your efforts to secure proper recognition for 
     Lt. Col. Sakakida. The 442nd fully supports your initiative.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Henry Kuniyuki,
                                   President, 442nd Veterans Club.
                                  ____

                                           National Asian Pacific,


                                    American Legal Consortium,

                                  Los Angeles, CA, August 1, 1994.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka: On behalf of the National Asian Pacific 
     American Legal Consortium, I am writing to support your 
     efforts to require the U.S. Army to consider awarding the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor, or other appropriate medal of 
     valor, to retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Richard M. 
     Sakakida for his heroic efforts in the Philippines during 
     World War II.
       As one of the first to be recruited into the all-nisei 
     Military intelligence Service, which provided invaluable 
     intelligence support to combat units during World War II 
     throughout the Pacific. Lieutenant Colonel Sakakida is one of 
     the most eminent of a group of men whose contributions to the 
     Allied victory never have been fully acknowledged or 
     appreciated.
       Lieutenant Colonel Sakadida's incredible exploits while 
     serving as an undercover agent in the Philippines are 
     legendary indeed. His story has been related in several 
     histories and recollections about World War II. In addition, 
     he is a member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and 
     a recipient of the Philippines Legion of Honor. It is time 
     the U.S. government offered similar recognition for the 
     tremendous sacrifices by this brave man.
       Thank you again for your efforts to secure proper 
     recognition for Lieutenant Colonel Sakakida. The Consortium 
     fully supports your initiative.
       The National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium is a 
     not-for-profit, nonartisan organization whose mission is to 
     advance the legal and civil rights of Asian Pacific Americans 
     through litigation, advocacy, public education, and public 
     policy development.
           Very truly yours,
                                              Philip Tajitsu Nash,
                                               Executive Director.
                                  ____

                                                Japanese American,


                                              Citizens League,

                                    Washington, DC, July 28, 1994.
     The Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Akaka. The Japanese American citizens League 
     (JACL), the nation's largest Asian Pacific American civil 
     rights organization, strongly supports your legislative 
     initiative to require the United States Army to consider 
     awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor, or other 
     appropriate medal of valor, to retired Air Force Lieutenant 
     Colonel Richard M. Sakakida in recognition of his work as a 
     Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Officer.
       Colonel Sakakida was among the first to be recruited for 
     all-nisei MIS unit which provided invaluable intelligence 
     support to combat units through the Pacific during World War 
     II. His extraordinary exploits while serving as an undercover 
     agent in the Philippines are legendary and have been well 
     chronicled. The government of the Philippines recently 
     awarded him the Philippine Legion of Honor for his heroic 
     actions as an undercover agent. he was also honored by being 
     installed in the MIS Hall of Fame.
       Colonel Sakakida is worthy of recognition by the United 
     States Army for his meritorious service to the military 
     effort during World War II. JACL enthusiastically applauds 
     your efforts to secure proper acknowledgement for him.
       Please let me know if there is anything we can do to 
     support your efforts.
           Sincerely yours,
                                                Karen K. Narasaki,
                                                   Representative.
                                  ____

                                       Office of Veterans Affairs,


                                   Embassy of the Philippines,

                                    Washington, DC. July 25, 1994.
     Mr. John A. Tagami,
     Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Daniel K. Akaka, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Tagami: In August 1993 I recommended the award of 
     Philippine Legion of Honor to Lt Col. Richard Sakakida on the 
     basis of the Military Intelligence report compiled by Diane 
     L. Hamn, (copy enclosed). My recommendation was addressed to 
     his Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos, President of the 
     Philippines through the Secretary of National Defense. This 
     was referred to G2, Armed Forces of the Philippines which 
     went over the attached report. I do not know what exactly 
     happened. I can only surmise that the herein report had been 
     confirmed by records we have in the Philippines and President 
     Fidel V. Ramos approved the award.
       Let me tell you that at one time, I was informed that the 
     recommendation may not be approved because of the 
     prescriptive period during which the achievement may be 
     recognized. I was in the Philippines when this question was 
     raised. I made appropriate representation that this 
     prescriptive period be waived, my reason being that the 
     recommendation for the award could not be made earlier 
     because the record of Lt. Col. Sakakida had been declassified 
     very much later.
       I understand from Ms. Barbara Joseph that the same 
     objection is being raised in connection with this award of 
     Congressional Medal of Honor. Maybe the same argument may be 
     used.
           Sincerely yours,
                                            Tagumpay A. Nanadiego,
                      Special Presidential Representative.
                                 ______

      By Mr. LOTT:
  S. 2414. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to issue 
temporary certificates of documentation with appropriate endorsement 
for employment in the coastwise trade for the vessels Idun Viking, Liv 
Viking, and Freja Viking; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.


        AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY COASTWIDE TRADE FOR THREE VESSELS

 Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation 
which seeks to temporarily authorize the operation of three vessels in 
the coastwise trade. Ordinarily, I do not favor any legislative relief 
from section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 to allow operation 
of vessels not constructed in the United States. In this particular 
instance, however, temporary relief from the Merchant Marine Act will 
increase jobs in the shipbuilding industry, support the addition of 
maritime jobs, and expand the maritime transportation base.
  I want to point out that the bill I am introducing today protects the 
U.S.-build requirements of the Jones Act by stipulating that these 
three vessels are temporarily authorized to operate in the coastwise 
trade if, and only if, three criteria are met. These criteria are: The 
owner of these vessels must execute a binding contract for construction 
of replacement vessels within 9 months of enactment of this provision; 
all necessary repairs required to operate these vessels in the 
coastwise trade must be performed in shipyards in the United States; 
and each of these vessels must be manned by U.S. citizens.
  If this legislation is adopted, jobs in the U.S. maritime industry 
will be increased and new opportunities for maritime passenger 
transportation in high demand areas will be created. Without this 
authorization, these opportunities--including the addition of over 100 
new shipyard jobs--will not occur.
  This legislation is not permanent. Expiration of this legislative 
authority will occur four years after enactment or upon date of 
delivery of replacement vessels, whichever comes first. I have 
intentionally drafted this expiration provision as a protection for the 
existing U.S. shipyard industrial base.
  I appreciate the attention of my colleagues and yield the 
floor.
                                 ______

      By Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Bumpers, Mr. Boren, and 
        Mrs. Boxer):
  S. 2415. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 relating 
to the treatment of partnership investment expenses under the 
alternative minimum tax; to the Committee on Finance.


                   partnership investment income act

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise to introduce legislation 
providing tax relief for general partners of venture capital funds. 
This legislation is needed to reduce disincentives in our current tax 
system which discourage entrepreneurial growth and job creation. It is 
also needed to encourage the continued private sector development of 
vital new health care technologies.
  The legislation will encourage venture capital investment in growth-
oriented businesses by permitting a partner in an investment 
partnership, filing as an individual, to deduct certain investment 
expenses for alternative minimum tax purposes. This provision was 
approved by both Houses of Congress in 1992 as part of H.R. 11, the 
Revenue Act. As my colleagues know, the legislation was vetoed by 
President Bush.
  Venture capital firms play a vital and active role in assisting the 
development of emerging companies by providing critically needed 
capital and assistance. Their efforts translate directly into job 
creation.
  Many of my colleagues are well aware of the significant contributions 
of the industry to capital formation, but less familiar with the 
crucial role venture capital firms play in developing new medical 
technologies and health care delivery systems. The venture capital 
industry devotes approximately one-third of its resources, or $1 
billion a year, to health-related companies. Given its significant 
healthcare contributions, I believe that it is uniquely appropriate to 
introduce this bill as the Senate continues its historic debate on 
health care reform.
  Examples of successful health care companies that have benefitted 
directly from venture capital abound. In my State of Connecticut, a 
number of examples quickly come to mind. In Avon, Value Health started 
just 7 years ago with venture capital assistance, and has become one of 
the largest providers of managed health services in the country. The 
company now employs 3,100 employees, and is projected to generate $900 
million in revenue this year. Value Health, which is one of the 100 
fastest growing corporations in America, contributes significantly to 
the economy of our State, which continues to suffer greatly from 
defense cutbacks.
  Another successful example is Merocel Corporation, located in Mystic, 
CT. Merocel began 4 years ago with the infusion of venture capital. The 
company now employs over 100 people and generates approximately $10 
million in annual revenue. Merocel is one of a few growing employers in 
southeastern Connecticut providing a critical economic boost to the 
local economy.
  Venture capital provides a critical and invaluable source of funding 
to the development of improved, and cost-effective health care 
technologies. According to the National Venture Capital Association, 
venture capital supported the creation of 8 out of the top 10 firms 
experiencing major breakthroughs in research and new therapies.
  This legislation is needed to bolster the critical role private 
sector investment plays in advancing our Nation's health care research 
and development goals.
  It is also needed to eliminate financial disincentives in our tax 
code which impede the development of new, innovative products. 
Enactment of this legislation will encourage private sector investment 
and growth.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
                                 ______

      By Mr. BRADLEY (for himself, Mr. Wofford, and Mr. Wellstone):
  S. 2416. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Health And Human 
Services to award grants and contracts to establish community response 
teams and a technical assistance center to address the development and 
support of community response teams; to the Committee on Labor and 
Human Resources.


             domestic violence community response team act

 Mr. BRADLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the 
Domestic Violence Community Response Team Act of 1994. It is a bill 
designed to fortify America's front lines in the fight against spousal 
abuse and domestic violence in America. Those front lines are not found 
here in Washington, but in community-based organizations throughout the 
country.
  Domestic violence is a social sickness, and women and children are 
its most common casualties. Violence against women in the home is a 
heinous crime being committed behind locked doors and pulled shades in 
cities and towns across America: studies have shown that one half of 
all women who are murdered in America are killed by their male 
partners. Studies have also shown that violence against women in the 
home causes more total injuries to women than rape, muggings, and car 
accidents combined.
  When a woman is a victim of domestic violence, she needs to have a 
place to go. She needs someone who knows what her legal rights are, and 
how to prevent future beatings from occurring. She needs counseling and 
protection for herself and her children, and she needs support.
  I have said again and again that much of what must be done to counter 
the rising tide of violence in America lies beyond the reach of the 
Federal Government. The responsibility is shared and the fight must be 
won by individuals and communities across this country. Mr. President, 
nothing provides a better example of this than the community-based 
organizations that work with local law enforcement agencies every day 
to protect the rights--and the lives--of battered women.
  Our police do an outstanding job of fighting crime in our 
communities, but often they don't have the resources or the time to 
provide domestic violence victims with the special attention they need. 
Community Response Teams work in tandem with police to help victims of 
domestic violence right when a crisis occurs. By working together, 
community response teams and police can provide victims with the 
services so essential to them after they have been battered or beaten 
in their home. The bill I am introducing today will increase the 
ability of communities to coordinate all the resources available to 
citizens who are victims of domestic abuse.
  The cooperation between volunteers and law enforcement groups is 
essential to providing services to victims of domestic violence. Such 
programs exist today, and they work. They are working in towns like 
South River, NJ. There the community has come together with the local 
police, led by Chief Frank Eib, to form a community response team that 
has made a tremendous difference to the well-being of families in the 
community. With the help of people like Paula Bollentin, a police 
dispatcher who volunteers her time to help with a crisis intervention 
team. South River is winning its fight against domestic violence.
  Mr. President, South River is a model to emulate, and the legislation 
I am introducing today will enable communities across the country to do 
just that. Because it is through partnerships such as the ones that 
exist between police and crisis intervention teams that communities can 
best combat the scourge of violence in the home.
  Women in my State have been able to find shelter, obtain medical 
treatment, receive counseling, and protect their children from the rage 
of violent spouses--all due to the efforts of strong community-based 
programs. Through them, women can see that they are not alone.
  Mr. President, the legislation I am introducing today will increase 
the ability of communities to pool their resources in the fight against 
violence in the home. The Domestic Violence Community Response Team Act 
of 1994 will provide funding to establish new partnerships between 
community teams the and police, and will enable existing ones to grow. 
Through this legislation, law enforcement officials will be able to 
help more women in more big cities and small towns across America.
  The bill enables the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human 
Services to award grants and contracts to organizations whose primary 
purpose involves working with police to intervene in cases of domestic 
violence. These teams will have the ability to respond to the specific 
needs of different racial and ethnic communities across the country. 
Most importantly, they will work closely with police to provide 
services to victims of domestic violence.
  The bill will also establish a National Technical Assistance Center 
to provide community-based organizations with information, training, 
and materials on the development and support of community response 
teams. This national facility will provide much-needed support to 
community programs, including help to local groups in starting new 
programs.
  If domestic violence is to be obliterated in our society, we need to 
provide communities with the resources they need to prevent instances 
of violence and protect victims from further abuse. The Domestic 
Violence Community Response Team Act of 1994, by strengthening the 
partnerships that exist between crisis intervention teams and local 
police, will help to provide those resources. By doing so it will 
strengthen the lines of defense that already exist within our 
communities.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in 
the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2416

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Domestic Violence Community 
     Response Team Act of 1994''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this Act is to--
       (1) establish and strengthen the partnership between law 
     enforcement and community groups in order to assist victims 
     of domestic violence;
       (2) provide early intervention and follow up services in 
     order to prevent future incidents of domestic violence; and
       (3) establish a central technical assistance center for the 
     collection and provision of programmatic information and 
     technical assistance.

     SEC. 3. GRANTS AUTHORIZED FOR COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary''), is authorized 
     to award grants to encourage eligible entities to develop 
     community response teams to combat domestic violence. Grants 
     shall be awarded in a manner that ensures geographic and 
     demographic diversity.
       (b) Maximum Amount.--The Secretary shall not award a grant 
     under this section in an amount which exceeds $500,000.
       (c) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under this 
     section for a period not to exceed 3 years.
       (d) Eligible Entity.--
       (1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     ``eligible entity'' means a nonprofit, community-based 
     organization whose primary purpose involves domestic violence 
     prevention. The organization must have a proven track record 
     of expertise in providing services to victims of domestic 
     violence and collaborating with existing service providers 
     and support agencies in the community.
       (2) Additional requirements.--An eligible entity shall--
       (A) act in partnership with local law enforcement agencies 
     to carry out the purposes of this Act; and
       (B) understand, be able to respond adequately to, and if 
     possible reflect the racial, ethnic, and lingual diversity of 
     the community.
       (e) Role of Community Response Teams.--Community response 
     teams established pursuant to this section shall--
       (1) provide community advocates to work (in conjunction 
     with local police) with victims immediately after incidents 
     of domestic violence;
       (2) educate victims about the legal process with respect to 
     restraining orders and civil and criminal charges;
       (3) discuss immediate safety arrangements and child care 
     needs, and educate victims about resources provided by local 
     agencies;
       (4) provide for follow-up services and counseling with 
     local support agencies; and
       (5) educate victims regarding abuse tactics, including 
     increased incidence of violence that occurs after repeated 
     episodes of violence.
       (f) Applications.--
       (1) In general.--Applications for grants pursuant to this 
     section shall be submitted to the Secretary at such time, in 
     such manner, and accompanied by such information as the 
     Secretary may reasonably require.
       (2) Contents.--Each application submitted pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) include a complete description of the eligible entity's 
     plan for operating a community-based partnership between law 
     enforcement officials and community organizations;
       (B) demonstrate effective community leadership, commitment 
     to community action, and commitment to working with affected 
     populations;
       (C) provide for periodic project evaluation through written 
     report and analysis in order to assist in applying successful 
     programs to other communities; and
       (D) demonstrate an understanding of the population to be 
     served (racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic characteristics 
     which influence women's roles and affect treatment).

     SEC. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to award a 
     contract to an eligible entity to serve as a technical 
     assistance center under this Act. The tedchnical assistance 
     center shall--
       (1) serve as a national information, training, and material 
     development source for the development and support of 
     community response teams nationwide; and
       (2) provide technical support and input to community 
     programs, including helping local groups start their own 
     programs and providing training for community volunteer staff 
     persons.
       (b) Eligible Entity.--For purposes of this section, the 
     term ``eligible entity'' means a nonprofit organization with 
     a primary focus on domestic violence, prevention and a proven 
     track record of expertise in providing technical assistance, 
     information, training, and resource development on some 
     aspect of domestic violence service provision or prevention. 
     An eligible entity shall be selected by the Secretary under 
     this section based on competence, experience, and a proven 
     ability to conduct national-level organization and program 
     development. The eligible entity shall provide the Secretary 
     with evidence of support from community-based domestic 
     violence organizations for the designation of the eligible 
     entity as the technical assistance center.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for 
     fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 1998 to carry out the provisions 
     of this Act of which $300,000 shall be available for a grant 
     under section 4. Not to exceed 5 percent of any grant made 
     under this Act may be used by the grantee for administrative 
     purposes.

                          ____________________