[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 82 (Thursday, June 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  RETURN OF VETERANS MEMORIAL OBJECTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 1999

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to an 
amendment to the Senate version of the FY2000 Defense Authorization 
Bill. Section 1066 of the Senate version prohibits the return of 
veterans memorial objects to foreign nations without specific 
authorization in law.
  Although it might seem to be a well-intentioned attempt to protect 
veterans memorials, this amendment is, in fact, an underhanded attempt 
infringe upon the chief executive's authority to, in good, return 
questionably acquired items to their rightful owners.
  We all agree that this nation had been involved in a number of unjust 
conflicts. Regrettably, our troops have been involved in dubious 
actions, both here and in foreign lands. Without, taking dignity away 
from those who have fallen and those who followed orders, we should 
strive towards preserving our ability to right certain historical 
wrongs.
  Under the cloak of protecting veterans memorials, this amendment is 
actually an attempt to impede the facilitation of a compromise between 
the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. F.E. Warren Air 
Force Base plays host to a memorial comprised of two church bells 
seized from the Philippines. As the bells are equally important to 
Filipinos, they have requested the repatriation of one.
  I have worked in the last Congress to bring this compromise. Veterans 
groups, church officials, and members of this body have expressed 
support. Section 1066 of the Senate version is designed to undermine 
the progress we have made on this issue.
  I urge the members of the conference committee to be mindful of this. 
Let us be straightforward and put the real issue on the table. I urge 
the members of the conference committee to act accordingly on this 
matter.

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