[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1410-E1411]
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. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 29, 1996

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of several 
measures that will benefit veterans in my district and around the 
Nation. Today, the House considers veterans health care eligibility 
reform, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, and the honoring of 
Filipino veterans who served during World War II.
  The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act will strengthen veterans' 
preference and increase employment opportunities for veterans with the 
Federal Government. I am pleased to have supported this bill when it 
came through the committee on which I sit, the Government Reform and 
Oversight Committee.
  I believe in the importance of preventing Federal agencies from 
unfairly stripping veterans of their preference rights during a 
reduction in force. By ensuring that veterans have the right to take 
their cases to Federal court when their other legal avenues have been 
exhausted, this bill is a step forward for America's veterans.
  Another bill that I am happy to see come to the House floor is a bill 
to reform veteran's health care eligibility. After veterans have put 
their lives on the line for America, we need to do everything we can to 
provide the health care veterans need.
  The eligibility reform measure will change the way veterans health 
care is provided in the future. The new system will include a 
clinically appropriate ``need for care'' test to ensure that medical 
judgment is the fundamental criteria in determining the level and 
amount of care to be provided. However, although I agree that the 
eligibility rules must change to accommodate our veterans, we also need 
to

[[Page E1411]]

provide the necessary funding to achieve these goals.
  Finally, the House also considers a bill to honor the military 
contribution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War 
II. These Filipino forces were instrumental in helping the United 
States defend our democratic ideals during the war. We should be proud 
of all the contributions made by our Filipino neighbors on the Pacific 
front.
  The contributions made by veterans during times of war, is what 
allows us to enjoy these times of peace. We must continue to support 
and honor our veterans. America will always be grateful to its veterans 
for the sacrifices made for this great Nation.

                          ____________________