[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       PROVIDING MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill that 
would allow Filipino WWII Veterans to enroll in Medicare even if they 
do not meet the eligibility requirements.
  The time is long overdue that we provide justice to the Filipino 
Veterans who fought side by side with the United States Army during 
World War II.
  On July 26, 1941, the Philippine military was called on to join 
forces with the United States under an Executive Order by President 
Roosevelt. Their efforts were instrumental in the United States' 
successful final assault in the Pacific.
  Despite their outstanding contributions, in 1946 Congress enacted the 
Rescission Act, which stripped members of the Philippine Commonwealth 
Army of being recognized as veterans of the United States. As a result, 
they were excluded from receiving full veterans benefits.
  Last Congress, we provided disabled Filipino veterans living in the 
United States with the same payments for service-related disability 
compensation as other veterans receive.
  Let's go one step further this year.
  Under my bill, qualified WWII Filipino Veterans living in the United 
States would be entitled to Medicare Part A benefits and the option to 
enroll in Part B.
  It is time to recognize the service of our friends and neighbors who 
fought so valiantly for freedom and democracy.

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