[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 29, 1996

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of House Concurrent Resolution 191, honoring the Filipino veterans of 
World War II, which the House approved yesterday. A number of my 
Filipino constituents are veterans from the Second World War, and 
served bravely in defense of our Nation. I can personally attest to 
their courage, strength of character, and love of country.
  However, I cannot help but express my concern that the House has yet 
to act on an important bill to help Filipino veterans: the Filipino 
Veterans Equity Act, which would provide all Filipino veterans full and 
equal benefits available to other veterans of the Second World War.
  Few people realize that thousands of Filipinos who served in World 
War II are not considered to have been in ``active service'', and are 
thus ineligible for full veterans benefits. Many of these same veterans 
served during the battle of Bataan, and were later subject to the 
horrors of the Bataan Death March. They also fought against the 
Japanese during their occupation of the Philippines.
  The Filipino Veterans Equity Act would end this unfair discrimination 
and allow Filipino veterans the same benefits as others who served 
during World War II. I and 70 of my colleagues in the House have 
cosponsored this important legislation; yet, after nearly eighteen 
months of consideration, the bill has yet to be enacted.
  Thousands of Filipinos risked their lives during World War II for 
freedom and democracy. We owe them the same benefits and privileges as 
other veterans who did the same. Let's enact real rights and 
recognition for Filipino veterans.

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