[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 27 (Friday, March 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1956-S1957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. Campbell, Mr. McCain, Mr. Abraham, 
        Mr. Domenici, Mr. Grassley, and Mrs. Hutchison):
  S. 1759. A bill to grant a Federal charter to the American GI Forum 
of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.


          the american g.i. forum federal charter act of 1998

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today, on behalf of myself and a 
number of my colleagues--Senators Campbell, McCain, Abraham, Domenici, 
Grassley, and Hutchison--to introduce a bill to grant a federal charter 
to the American GI Forum a National Veterans Family Organization.

  The American GI Forum, a nonprofit Section 501(c)(4) corporation, was 
founded on March 26, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas by the late Dr. 
Hector P. Garcia, a medical doctor who was an Army veteran of World War 
II, and other visionary Mexican American veterans. This year, 1998, the 
American GI Forum will celebrate its 50th Year of service to our 
Nation's veterans and their families. Then, as now, the American GI 
Forum is dedicated to addressing issues affecting Hispanic veterans and 
their families.
  As the American GI Forum enters its 50th Year, we believe it is 
fitting to secure passage of this important legislation which would 
recognize and grant the American GI Forum a federal charter. A federal 
charter is an honorary recognition that does not convey any special 
status or authority. However, within the veterans community a federal 
charter is deemed to be recognition of a national veterans 
organization's commitment and service to our nation's veterans. Also, 
other entities sometimes distinguish between Veterans Service 
Organizations which are congressionally-chartered and those which are 
not. For example, the web

[[Page S1957]]

page of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs separately lists 
``Congressionally-Chartered Veterans Service Organizations'' and 
``Other Veterans Service organizations and Military Associations'' 
(http://www.house.gov/va/vetlinks.htm).
  A congressional charter would prove an appropriate tribute to the 
selfless sacrifices and tireless work of their beloved Founder, Dr. 
Garcia, and the countless Hispanic Americans who have answered and 
continue to answer America's call to fight for and defend the freedom 
of all Americans. Having earned the highest number of medals of honor 
per capita, Hispanic Americans have a distinguished record of valor and 
patriotism.
  Today, the American GI Forum has more than 500 chapters in the United 
States and Puerto Rico. Though predominately Hispanic, the AGIF is open 
to all veterans and their families. The organization is comprised of 
three elements--the Veterans Forum, the Women's Forum, and the Youth 
Forum. On a local level, American GI Forum chapters function under a 
regional and/or a state structure. The elected officers of each state 
organization serve as members of the National Board of Directors. The 
National Commander and other National officers are elected at our 
National Convention and are also members of the National Board of 
Directors.
  The patriotism of this community, and their willingness to make daily 
sacrifices and even the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we 
all enjoy is inspiring, and deserves our support, recognition and 
gratitude. On behalf of my colleagues and myself, I urge you to join us 
in sponsoring this legislation to grant a federal charter to this 
deserving organization.
                                 ______