[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H6401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS DESERVE HONOR, RESPECT, AND RECOGNITION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Filner] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, this evening we have heard many moving words 
about bringing America together, about justice for all. I want to speak 
about bringing justice to another group of people. Today, Congress, 
after waiting for 50 years, has an opportunity to restore to Filipino 
World War II Veterans the respect and honor they so richly deserve.
  Today, Representative Benjamin Gilman, the distinguished chairman of 
the House International Relations Committee, joins me in introducing a 
resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the brave 
service of these veterans and their contributions to the victory of the 
United States in World War II.
  Joining us as original cosponsors are a representative number of 
Members from both sides of the aisle, including Representative Bob 
Stump, the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and 
Representative G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery, the ranking Democratic member 
of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, who support recognition for the 
Filipino World War II Veterans. Senators Inouye and Akaka are also 
introducing this concurrent resolution in the Senate. Many more 
Representatives have also joined us as cosponsors of H.R. 1136, the 
Filipino Veterans Equity Act.
  It is truly hard to believe that soon after World War II ended--the 
war in which Filipino soldiers died defending the American flag in the 
epic battles of Bataan and Corregidor and through four long years of 
enemy occupation--the 79th Congress in 1946 voted to rescind the 
benefits and recognition that were promised to these soldiers.
  It is even harder to believe that Filipino World War II veterans have 
been kept waiting for over 50 years for the recognition they deserve. 
Many have already died, and in 15 years, there will no longer be any of 
these veterans alive.
  The bullets in World War II did not ask if their target was an 
American or Filipino soldier. Both Filipino soldiers from the United 
States mainland fought side-by-side against a common enemy. We must act 
now to redress the wrongs these Filipino veterans have suffered.
  This concurrent resolution will finally recognize the contribution of 
the brave Filipino World War II veterans. I urge my colleagues to join 
with Representative Gilman and me to correct this injustice.

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