[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E819-E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION GRANTING A FEDERAL CHARTER TO THE AMERICAN 
                                GI FORUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 1998

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I am 
introducing legislation, along with my San Antonio colleague 
Representative Ciro Rodriguez, to grant a federal charter to the 
American GI Forum (AGIF). The American GI Forum is an institution in 
Texas and has more than 500 chapters across our great nation. It is the 
largest national veterans service organization without a federal 
charter. AGIF members, through their commitment and sacrifice have 
earned this honorary status for their organization through their 
military service. It is long past time to grant this honor.
  I am fortunate to represent one of the most patriotic congressional 
districts in America. There are seven military bases in and around my 
district. There are two veterans cemeteries and three veterans 
hospitals in my area. It is not surprising that this patriotic area has 
many chapters of the American GI Forum. The patriotism of the region 
makes it a natural home for the GI Forum and makes me all the more 
committed to granting this organization a federal charter.
  The American GI Forum celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as 
our nation's largest

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predominantly Hispanic veterans organization. It is only fitting that 
we commemorate this occasion by granting a federal charter. This 
bipartisan bill provides a means for this Congress to recognize the 
sacrifices of the one million Hispanic veterans. I urge my colleagues 
to join this bipartisan effort to provide a federal charter to the 
American GI Forum.

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