[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IT'S TIME TO COMPENSATE FILIPINO VETS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of providing fair equity to the Filipino veterans of World War II.
  I represent many Filipino veterans in Congress, and I have witnessed 
their fortitude and love of country and heard many accounts of their 
bravery and dedication in the face of battle.
  Sadly, these veterans--despite their service and sacrifice--are not 
considered to have been in ``active service'', and are thus not 
eligible for full veterans benefits. Many of these veterans served in 
the battle of Bataan, were subject to the horrors of the Bataan Death 
March, and fought against the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. 
No one can argue that they did not earn their right to be considered 
World War Two veterans--yet current law does just that.
  I am hopeful that we are moving closer to finally providing these 
brave and honorable people the benefits they have earned and deserve. 
In the 104th Congress, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly 
approved a resolution expressing strong support for Filipino veterans. 
This year, the President's budget request actually includes funding--$5 
million--for benefits for these veterans.
  Now is the time to give equal treatment to Filipino veterans. Over 
180 Members of Congress, including myself, have cosponsored H.R. 836, 
the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, which would provide all Filipino 
veterans full and equal benefits available to other veterans of the 
Second World War. This legislation is long overdue and, especially 
given how little the House of Representatives is scheduled to consider 
this year, there is no reason not to enact this bill in this session of 
Congress.
  I urge my colleagues to support the President's request for funding 
for Filipino veterans, and push for swift consideration of H.R. 836. It 
is the least we can do for those who fought so bravely in the defense 
of our country.

                          ____________________