[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H6674-H6678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING AND HONORING FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 622) to recognize and honor the 
Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic ideals 
and their important contribution to the outcome of World War II, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 622

       Whereas in 1898, the Philippines Archipelago was acquired 
     by the United States, became an organized United States 
     territory in 1902, and, in preparation for independence, 
     became a self-governing commonwealth in 1935;
       Whereas the people of the Philippines and of the United 
     States developed strong ties throughout the decades-long 
     democratic transition of the island, compelling the United 
     States to assume the responsibilities of defending the 
     archipelago and protecting the people of the Philippines;
       Whereas on July 26, 1941, anticipating the aggression of 
     Japanese invasion forces in the Asia Pacific region, as well 
     as the imminent conflict between the United States and Japan, 
     President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a military order, 
     calling the organized military forces of the Government of 
     the Commonwealth of the Philippines into armed service under 
     the command of United States Army officers led by General 
     Douglas MacArthur;
       Whereas on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Government began 
     a devastating four-year war with the United States with their 
     stealth bombing attacks of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Clark 
     Air Field, Philippines, and led to the loss of tens of 
     thousands of American and Filipino soldiers and countless 
     civilian casualties;
       Whereas on February 20, 1946, President Harry Truman 
     stated, ``Philippine Army veterans are nationals of the 
     United States and will continue in that status until July 4, 
     1946. They fought, as American nationals, under the American 
     flag, and under the direction of our military leaders. They 
     fought with gallantry and courage under most difficult 
     conditions. I consider it a moral obligation of the United 
     States to look after the welfare of the Philippine Army 
     veterans.'';
       Whereas on October 17, 1996, President William J. Clinton 
     issued a proclamation on the anniversary of the 1944 return 
     of United States forces under General MacArthur to liberate 
     the Philippines and said, ``I urge all Americans to recall 
     the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of Filipino Veterans of 
     World War II and honor them for their contribution to our 
     freedom.'';
       Whereas on July 26, 2001, President George W. Bush, in his 
     greetings to the Filipino World War II veterans said, ``More 
     than 120,000 Filipinos fought with unwavering loyalty and 
     great gallantry under the command of General Douglas 
     MacArthur. The combined United States-Philippine forces 
     distinguished themselves by their valor and heroism in 
     defense of freedom and democracy. Thousands of Filipino 
     soldiers gave their lives in the battles of Bataan and 
     Corregidor. These soldiers won for the United States the 
     precious time needed to disrupt the enemy's plan for conquest 
     in the Pacific. During the three long years following these 
     battles, the Filipino people valiantly resisted a brutal 
     Japanese occupation with an indomitable spirit and steadfast 
     loyalty to America.''; and
       Whereas the contributions of the Filipino people, and the 
     sacrifices of their soldiers in World War II, have not been 
     fully recognized: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and 
     honors Filipino World War II veterans for their important 
     contributions to the victorious outcome of World War II, 
     including their valiant fight for the liberation of their 
     homeland and their defense of democratic ideals.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of House Resolution 622, which recognizes and 
honors Filipino World War II veterans for their important contributions 
to the victorious outcome of World War II.
  This resolution notes that the prior history of the Philippines as a 
United States territory, then as a self-governing commonwealth, during 
which time the Filipino Armed Forces were called into service under the 
command of General Douglas MacArthur in July 1941. Those servicemen 
fought with gallantry and courage, and thousands gave their lives 
resisting Japanese aggression and occupation. House Resolution 622 
honors those Filipino veterans for their valiant fight, for the 
liberation of their homeland, and for their defense of democratic 
ideals.
  I commend the cochair of the Philippine Caucus, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Issa), for introducing this long overdue resolution. It 
was moved forward with the strong support of the chairman of the House 
International Relations Committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Hyde).
  My colleagues may not be aware that Chairman Hyde was a combat 
veteran of the Philippine campaign in World War II, and he piloted a 
landing craft

[[Page H6675]]

in the January 1945 landing that marked the beginning of the liberation 
of Luzon.
  Madam Speaker, I submit for printing in the Congressional Record a 
copy of an article from the September 10, 2006, edition of Philippine 
Panorama, the leading weekly news magazine in the Philippines

             [From the Philippine Panorama, Sept. 10, 2006]

                          Memories of Lingayen

                          (By Beth Day Romulo)

       Henry Hyde, chairman of the US House International 
     Relations Committee, led a group of four congressmen, 
     including Melvin Watt of North Carolina, Dana Rohrabacher of 
     California, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Eni Faleomavaega of 
     Samoa, on a visit to the Philippines (August 11th to 15th) to 
     assess security in this country, discuss trade relations and, 
     in the case of the 82-year old chairman, he hoped to visit 
     with fellow veterans of World War Two, and see Lingayen Gulf 
     again.
       As a college freshman at Georgetown University, Hyde 
     enlisted in the Navy in 1942. Why the Navy? He had never been 
     to sea but liked the idea of ``a nice clean ship'' in 
     comparison to life in a trench. ``It didn't occur to me that 
     ships sink,'' he recalled wryly in an interview at the Makati 
     Shangri-la Hotel where the group were staying. After an 
     officers training program at Duke University, he attended a 
     90-day midshipmen's school at Notre Dame and won his 
     commission as an Ensign in October 1944. Told that he would 
     go to commanders school at Harvard, he bought new blue 
     uniforms as befit the occasion which he never wore, since his 
     orders were suddenly changed and he was sent to sea in the 
     Pacific theater, as part of the operation to liberate the 
     Philippines.
       Having never been at sea before, he became deathly seasick 
     on his first night out of San Francisco, recovered on the 
     third day and was fortunately never seasick again despite the 
     fact that the Liberty ship took 30 days to reach Hollandia, 
     New Guinea, zigzagging to miss Japanese submarines.
       Joining the flotilla of supply ships offshore of the 
     Philippines in January 1945, young Ensign Hyde was assigned 
     command of an amphibious Landing Craft Tank (LCT), a flat-
     bottomed vessel with a ramp that could tow supplies to shore 
     and unload on beaches. He had 12 crew members, all 
     considerably older than he, so ``I grew a full beard.'' The 
     big ships couldn't come ashore, so it was the duty of the LCT 
     to load from the big ships (``at night and we couldn't use 
     lights'') everything from trucks (LCT could carry five at a 
     time) weapons, ammunition, supplies, and occasionally 
     personnel. By this time, General MacArthur had made his 
     historic landing at Leyte and by March 1945, the Americans 
     controlled Manila and Subic Bay and the Japanese army had 
     withdrawn to the North.
       After two or three days at sea, water washed over the craft 
     and filled the pontoons. The radio man was frantically 
     calling ``we are sinking'' to the towing vessel and signaling 
     with the blinker. Hyde recalls with wry humor that he was 
     running around with a mattress ``trying to hold back the 
     South China Sea.'' Eventually, the tow ship got the message 
     and cut loose the lines which dragged down the LCT, and they 
     limped into Lingayen.
       Sent on a special mission to Aparri on the northern tip of 
     Luzon, they arrived at a beach which had no grading. ``It was 
     like a wall.'' They couldn't move onto shore, so came in as 
     close as they could. The deserted beach suddenly swarmed with 
     people who came out from the trees and bushes and waded out 
     to unload their cargo. They were guerillas in dire need of 
     supplies.
       While not engaging in combat, the LCT was often under fire 
     from enemy aircraft who dropped bombs near them ``but we were 
     too busy to notice.''
       At another time, Hyde's LCT was given a special mission to 
     salvage the supplies from a Liberty Ship which had foundered 
     on rocks and was lying on its side. They were sent, he found 
     later, because a typhoon was coming and military brass didn't 
     want to lose all the cargo. A destroyer escort took the LCT 
     out to the grounded ship, then disappeared. They tied up to 
     the starboard, started loading and the typhoon hit before 
     they were finished. ``This taught me what real terror 
     means.'' The LCT was banging helplessly against the ship. The 
     wind blew off the conning tower and Hyde was convinced he 
     would lose both his craft and his men. They donned their 
     lifejackets, fully expecting to be washed overboard. ``I'll 
     never forget it,'' Hyde recalled. ``The sky was green. The 
     sea was green. And our complexions were green.''
       Eventually, they were able to cut the lines free from the 
     ship, and Ensign Hyde guided his craft through the swelling 
     seas. in the direction he thought he would lead to Subic Bay. 
     He was in luck. After all-night winds and heavy swells, 
     dawn came. The storm was gone. And they could see Subic 
     Bay. They unloaded their cargo. The LCT was repaired, and 
     they headed back to the grounded ship for a second load. 
     Getting out all the supplies and transporting them to. 
     Subic Bay took a week in all.
       Lighter moments came when the administrative ship in the 
     flotilla distributed mail from home, and when they had shore 
     leave. After Manila was liberated, there was ``a great 
     officers club'' where we sat around, sipped beer, and told 
     football stories. Sometimes, they played basketball with 
     college students.
       Hyde remembers spending his 21st birthday walking alone on 
     the beach at Lingayen, wondering if he would ever see home 
     again. Other young officers, with wives and children awaiting 
     them, were allowed to' leave first. He was finally sent home 
     in August 1946. When the ship was nearing San Francisco, he 
     rose at 3 a.m. and went out on deck to wait for the sight of 
     the lights on the bridge of San Francisco loom through the 
     mist. ``It was the happiest moment of my life.''
       When he had first sailed on the Liberty ship for the 
     Philippines, a submarine was just coming in from the South 
     China Sea, and the men coming and going waved at one another. 
     He wondered then what they had experienced. Now, he knew.
       Congressman Hyde was able to greet a large number of 
     Philippine veterans at a wreath-laying ceremony at the 
     American Cemetery in Ft. Bonifacio, some of whom had called 
     upon him in his home constancy. He was also awarded the 
     Philippine Liberation Medal by AFP Major General Horacio 
     Tolentino in a ceremony on August 12th in recognition of his 
     service during the Liberation of the Philippines.
       Discovering the difficulties of getting to Lingayen by 
     land, he flew over it instead, which inspired these memories.
  The article profiles Chairman Hyde's service in the Philippines and 
describes, among many others things, his interaction with Filipino 
servicemen who were waging a guerilla campaign against the Imperial 
Japanese Army at that time.
  I am grateful to have this opportunity today to express our 
appreciation to those veterans, both Filipino and Americans, who are 
with us. This resolution is a fitting tribute to their heroism and 
sacrifice and deserves our unanimous support.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  I first would like to commend my California colleague Darrell Issa 
for introducing this important measure. I also want to thank the 
chairman of our committee Henry Hyde for letting this resolution move 
to the floor so expeditiously.
  Madam Speaker, the measure before the House honors the contributions 
of Filipino Americans during the Second World War. You might be 
surprised to learn that I represent the largest concentration of 
Filipinos outside of Manila. Among my constituents are tens of 
thousands of Filipino American families, so it is with great pleasure 
that I cosponsor this legislation and serve as the Democratic manager 
of this resolution on the floor today.
  Filipino Americans have made an enormous contribution to the 
cultural, political and economic life of my congressional district, 
particularly in the community of Daly City. Outside of Honolulu, Daly 
City is the largest city in the United States with a majority Asian 
population, and most of this population is Filipino American.
  Their contributions to our Nation are not a recent phenomenon. More 
than 120,000 Filipinos fought under the command of General Douglas 
MacArthur during World War II. Filipino soldiers played a critical role 
in stopping the Japanese advance throughout the Pacific. During 3 long 
years of Japanese occupation, Filipinos helped to liberate their 
homeland and ultimately to defeat the Japanese warmaking machine.
  That is why I am so pleased that we are moving forward with this 
resolution honoring the contributions of Filipino World War II 
veterans, many of whom are still with us.
  It is my strong hope that passage of this measure will pave the way 
for congressional consideration of the long overdue Filipino Veterans 
Equity Act. This important legislation would allow Filipino veterans to 
become eligible for a range of United States veterans benefits 
currently reserved for former Active Duty military personnel.
  Given the enormous contributions made by the Filipinos to the war in 
the Pacific, it is imperative that Filipino veterans finally receive 
the benefits they deserve.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to a 
fighter for Filipino veterans rights, my friend and colleague from 
California (Mr. Filner)

[[Page H6676]]

  Mr. FILNER. I thank Congressman Lantos for your leadership in the 
fight for benefits, and your chairman, Mr. Hyde, and the sponsor of 
this legislation, Mr. Issa. Along with my colleague from San Diego 
County, Mr. Issa, we chair the Congressional U.S.-Philippines Caucus, 
and Mr. Issa is the prime sponsor of the equity bill which you talked 
about, H.R. 4574, to bring real justice to our Filipino American and 
Filipino veterans.
  We all know, or we all should know, the impact of the Filipino 
soldiers on World War II. They endured the original Japanese advance. 
They held them up far beyond their calendar, allowed MacArthur and the 
U.S. Army to have more time. As guerillas, they kept the Japanese busy 
for the 4 years that they were occupied, and then helped prepare the 
way for General MacArthur's return and our eventual victory in the 
Pacific.
  We know their great contribution to American history, but we have 
repaid this great contribution with words. My friend, the doctor from 
Florida, said this is a long overdue resolution, and it is a fitting 
tribute.
  Well, 10 years ago this body, or 10 years ago, President Clinton said 
this same thing: I urge all Americans to recall the courage, sacrifice 
and loyalty of Filipino veterans of World War II and honor them. Five 
years ago President Bush sent his greetings, which said the same thing: 
We thank you all for this work.
  But nobody since 1946 has done what President Truman tried to say: I 
consider it a moral obligation of the United States to look after the 
welfare of the Filipino Army veterans. They were drafted into the 
American Army. They were promised benefits.
  But in 1946, this Congress, only Mr. Lantos was here, I think, at the 
time, this Congress passed a Rescissions Act, which cut the benefits 
and cut the recognition that they were promised by President Roosevelt 
and President Truman.

                              {time}  1530

  This is wrong, my colleagues; and yet Mr. Issa, as the sponsor of 
this resolution, also is the sponsor of the real answer to this 
situation and the real tribute that we could pay to these veterans, all 
of whom now are in their 80s. They are a rapidly dwindling band of 
patriots. What they want is honor and dignity, and that is provided by 
H.R. 4574, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. I hope that Mr. Lantos is 
right, that this resolution will pave the way. I am afraid it will be 
an excuse for not doing anything more.
  Let us pass this resolution. It helps educate us and our constituents 
about the role of the Filipino veterans in World War II. But let us go 
further. Let us pass the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, which provides 
access to health care and access to pensions of those Filipinos who are 
eligible.
  They don't have long to live, Madam Speaker. They want the honor and 
dignity that was denied them after World War II. So let us give a 
fitting tribute and let us do a long overdue action of this Congress. 
Let us pass H.R. 4574, which will be our true tribute to these brave 
men.
  I thank Mr. Issa for introducing this resolution. Let us approve it, 
but let us move on beyond this and truly recognize those who 
contributed so much to this Nation's freedom and independence.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good 
friend and distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Scott).
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
California for yielding. I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked not only Pearl 
Harbor, but also Clark Airfield in the Philippines. Tens of thousands 
of Americans died that day, but also thousands of Filipino soldiers 
lost their lives. This one act of war united the American and Filipino 
people in the noble cause of ending tyranny in the Pacific.
  In 1946, President Harry Truman cited that during the war the 
Philippine Army veterans ``fought with gallantry and courage under the 
most difficult conditions.'' He also declared that it was the ``moral 
obligation of the United States to look after the welfare of the 
Philippine Army veterans.'' In fact, it was with that promise that many 
of the veterans joined our military efforts, many losing their lives, 
others suffering lifetime injuries.
  Our promise, however, remains unfulfilled. We promised to make them 
eligible for veterans benefits, but, unfortunately, in 1946, Congress 
withdrew those benefits.
  Now, nearly 60 years later, our Filipino veterans are still looking 
to see our promise fulfilled. We saw some progress in 2003 when we 
passed the Veterans Benefit Act, which increased VA benefits for U.S. 
residents who are Filipino veterans and made the new Philippine Scouts 
living in the United States eligible for burial in VA national 
cemeteries.
  The United States is indebted to the 120,000 Filipino veterans of 
World War II for their extraordinary sacrifices. While we can never 
fully repay our veterans for the sacrifices made on our behalf, today 
we stop to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and to 
thank those who are still with us for their courage and dedication to 
our country.
  Although no longer a territory of the United States, the Philippines 
and the United States are bound by the countless sacrifices the 
Filipino veterans made during World War II. We are also bound by 
countless contributions and achievements of Americans of Filipino 
descent in every field of human endeavor, including the sciences, 
business, education, medicine, the arts, athletics, and government.
  As the only Member of Congress with any Filipino ancestry, I am 
honored to come before the House today to honor the Filipino veterans 
of World War II and urge my colleagues not only to support this 
resolution, but to also pass legislation to grant the Filipino veterans 
the equity that they were promised
  Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor and strong 
supporter of H. Res. 622, a resolution to recognize and honor the 
Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic ideals 
and their important contribution to the outcome of World War II. As a 
member of the U.S. Philippines Caucus and the Congressional Asian 
Pacific American Caucus, I am pleased that the House of Representatives 
is considering this important resolution and urge its passage.
  Just this past weekend, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the President of the 
Republic of Philippines, visited my home State of Hawaii and unveiled 
at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific a commemorative marker 
honoring Filipinos and Americans who served in World War II. President 
Macapagal-Arroyo's presence underlines the continuing closeness and 
importance of the relationship between our two countries.
  With more Filipino-Americans in my district than any other 
congressional district in the country, I was pleased that President 
George W. Bush, at my request, wrote a message on the occasion of the 
centennial anniversary of Filipino migration to Hawaii. We must also 
continue to celebrate and thank the early Filipino migrants who came to 
work in the sugar plantations of Hawaii and those who fought in support 
of the United States in World War II.
  But there is still much more to be done in support of these brave 
individuals.
  I have introduced legislation in both the 108th and l09th Congresses 
advancing the interests of the families of our Filipino World War II 
veterans, many of whom are still waiting in the Philippines to be 
reunited with their loved ones living in the United States. Earlier 
this Congress, I reintroduced the bill (H.R. 901) that provides for the 
sons and daughters of our Filipino World War II veterans to receive 
priority preference in their respective immigration categories.
  Because of the grassroots support by many in Hawaii and across the 
country and in the Philippines, I am proud to say that Congress is on 
the verge of successfully advancing legislation that will enable the 
children of our Filipino World War II veterans to join their parents in 
the United States. The objectives of H.R. 901 were included in the 
Senate's version of comprehensive immigration reform legislation. I 
continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to 
secure this provision in conference or to pass the free-standing bill.
  With the waning days of the 109th Congress upon us, we must stay 
vigilant and continue to urge Congress to make this and all issues 
affecting Filipino veterans a high priority in our busy Congressional 
schedule. I urge Congress to pass H. Res. 622 and to also consider H.R. 
901 before the adjournment of the 109th Congress.
  Madam Speaker, I commend the Gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for 
introducing this important measure. I ask all members to not only 
support this important resolution, but to also continue to support the 
full federal recognition and accessibility of benefits for Filipino 
veterans.

[[Page H6677]]

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 622, to recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans 
for their defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution 
to the outcome of World War II.
  In 1941, 250,000 of Filipino men and women responded to President 
Roosevelt's call and joined the U.S. Armed Forces in order to help 
preserve peace and democracy in the Philippines.
  In their tumultuous four-year battle to restore their independence, 
the courageous young men and women of the combined Philippine Islands 
suffered many hardships, tortures, loss of life and limbs, yet they 
never wavered. They endured the unendurable. They bore the unbearable.
  Four decades after their heroic service under the command of their 
leaders and General Douglas McArthur, these men and women of Filipino-
American national heritage were denied the benefits and privileges 
provided to their American compatriots who fought alongside them.
  It is past time that the brave and proud soldiers of the Philippines 
receive well-earned recognition and thanks for their selfless and 
heroic contributions.
  Filipino World War II veterans fought as nationals of the United 
States and must be given the same recognition and praise as all 
American veterans. I applaud the service and efforts of all of our 
veterans and am honored to give such praise to the Filipino World War 
II veterans.
  I urge my colleagues not only to support this resolution--I urge my 
colleagues to also consider legislation, such as H.R. 170, the Filipino 
Veterans Fairness Act, that will grant these aging patriots the full 
benefits they are due.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, during World War II, the War in the 
Pacific began with attacks on the United States on December 7, 1941, 
including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, attacks on the Philippine 
Islands and the invasion of Guam. Within days of these attacks, our 
nation and our allies mobilized for war. The United States and the 
Philippines united behind the cause of democracy and we are proud of 
the support of the Filipinos during that difficult time. This is why I 
rise today in support of House Resolution 622, to recognize and honor 
the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic 
ideals and their important contribution to the outcome of World War II.
  Ultimate victory belonged to the cause of freedom and therefore to 
the American and Filipino people. Having suffered a brutal occupation, 
Filipinos and Guamanians alike were liberated in the march to allied 
victory in World War II.
  Filipino soldiers and civilians fought, sacrificed and died side-by-
side with members of the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the course of the 
World War II. Loyal to the American flag and to the ideals which our 
country represented, Filipinos fought with notable skill, dedication, 
and heroism. We honor their commitment to freedom and democracy.
  Over sixty years later, we pause today to remember the valor and the 
commitment to freedom displayed by Filipinos who fought the invading 
forces alongside their American brothers in arms. With this resolution 
we also proclaim our deep debt of gratitude for their service and share 
the disappointment that our nation has not fully honored Filipino World 
War II veterans as have we have honored our own. It is important that 
we recognize the Filipino veterans and express our appreciation for 
their sacrifices, contributions and accomplishments.
  I am a proud sponsor of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to 
honor Filipino veterans by voting in favor of this resolution to honor 
the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of freedom and 
their important contributions to our nation in World War II.
  Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives is 
poised to pass House, Resolution 622 honoring and recognizing the 
service of Filipino World War II veterans in their defense of our 
society and the freedoms we enjoy today. I am proud to co-sponsor this 
resolution highlighting the efforts of a community that came together 
with the United States to triumph over Japanese Imperialism.
  In 1946, on a hot July day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a 
military draft calling the organized military forces of the Government 
of the Commonwealth of the Philippines into armed services under the 
command of United States Army officers lead by General Douglas 
MacArthur. Those brave soldiers stood side by side with American 
military service members courageously fighting to defend America.
  These Filipino World War II veterans are part of what is often 
referred to as the ``greatest generation'' and with good reason. From 
Bataan to Corregidor, Filipino soldiers unselfishly fought to preserve 
and protect the democratic principles we champion, with the hope that 
those principles could liberate a people enveloped by tyranny. Today, 
we stand to recognize those heroes who fought so valiantly to help win 
the peace in the Pacific.
  Madam Speaker, in San Diego we have a vibrant and robust Filipino 
community that includes many military families with a storied line of 
military service to our nation. Through the sacrifices of these brave 
veterans, serve as an example for all Americans. The Filipino community 
in San Diego has a distinct pride that defines them, and for that they 
enrich San Diego and make it a better place to live.
  I thank my colleague from California, Mr. Issa, for introducing this 
legislation and I look forward to voting on its passage.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 622, to, provide 
recognition to the Filipino veterans who fought to defend democracy and 
freedom during World War II. Their heroic efforts played a vital role 
in the outcome of the war and helped lead the allied forces to, 
victory.
  It was more than 60 years ago, when Filipino, soldiers answered a 
call from President Roosevelt asking them to fight alongside American 
troops. Countless Filipino and American soldiers sacrificed their lives 
to protect the democratic principles they shared. It was estimated that 
10,000 Filipino, soldiers and 1,200 American soldiers died as prisoners 
of war during the Bataan Death March alone.
  Upon taking the pledge to serve, the Filipino, troops were promised 
the same benefits and pensions as their American brethren. They 
suffered the same torture and witnessed the same horrors. They shared 
the same patriotic duty to preserve liberty around the world. But in 
1946 Congress passed the Recission Act, which revoked the full 
eligibility rights of Filipino soldiers and broke the commitment our 
nation made to, them.
  As we stand together today acknowledging the contributions that the 
Filipino, soldiers sacrificed for our country, we must pledge to 
continue their fight for full recognition. This resolution is the first 
step in correcting the past. As Americans, we make a simple yet sacred 
promise to those who serve our country in uniform: `You have taken care 
of us, so we will take care of you.'
  Today, fewer than 70,000 Filipino, veterans are still alive. We 
remember World War II hero Magdaleno Duenas, a brave soldier who moved 
to my district in San Francisco and continued the fight from the 
battlefield to the frontlines in effort to ensure equity for Filipino 
veterans. We cannot forget the sacrifices that these veterans have 
made. We must dedicate ourselves as a nation to ensure that America 
fulfills its moral obligation to those who pay the high price for our 
freedom.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor those 
brave American and Filipino soldiers who fought side by side during the 
Pacific battles of World War II. Their heroic actions and courageous 
fortitude gave the Allied Forces the edge that they needed to emerge 
victorious in that great war.
  American veterans like Donald Patafio of Woodcliff Lakes and Raymond 
DiPietro of Demarest. Patafio and DiPietro served in the Navy alongside 
these brave Filipino soldiers in the battle for their homeland. Patafio 
served honorably as an aviation radioman and DiPietro's unit received a 
Presidential Citation for their work in the battle.
  More than 120,000 Filipino nationals were formed into U.S. divisions 
for the defense of their homeland and to advance the Allied forces' 
cause of liberty. Though poorly equipped, they fought valiantly under 
the American flag and under the direction of American military leaders 
in the weeks following the invasion of their homeland. Many continued 
the battle against the Japanese during the years of occupation.
  Thousands of American and Filipino troops died during the infamous 
hundred-mile Bataan Death March. Many were executed along the way for 
merely asking for water in the scorching sun. While 70,000 forces 
surrendered, only 54,000 reached the internment camp. The Geneva 
Convention was no barrier to the mistreatment, torture, and 
indiscriminate execution inflicted upon these prisoners of war.
  Civilian Filipinos suffered for their alliance with our American 
troops as well. In Manila, for instance, Japanese troops--in an 
indefensible position and cut off from supplies--took their anger out 
on an undefended civilian population, massacring more than 100,000.
  We are grateful for the service of all the Filipino people--civilian, 
guerilla, and regular army--in the defense of democracy. And, we are 
thankful for their continued friendship. To this day, the Filipino 
people continue to welcome American soldiers, sailors, and airmen to 
bases that were instrumental in the Cold War and are now important in 
the War on Terror. As they did in World War II, fighting along side of 
brave American soldiers like Donald Patafio and Raymond DiPietro, the 
people of the Philippines continue to work with American forces to 
spread the cause of liberty.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
the sacrifice of the Filipino veterans of WWII.
  America owes a great debt of gratitude to these brave veterans, who 
risked life and limb

[[Page H6678]]

fighting off Japanese aggression in the War of the Pacific.
  These brave soldiers, who were outmanned and outgunned, helped hold 
Japanese forces at bay for 2 years, preventing enemy victories in other 
parts of the Pacific theater.
  Following the surrender of Allied forces on the island, Filipino 
veterans were subjected to some of the harshest treatment in WWII's 
recorded history.
  This is perhaps best symbolized by the Bataan Death March, where over 
10,000 veterans--both American and Filipino, side by side--gave the 
ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
  That is why I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Daryl 
Issa, for offering H. Res. 622.
  This important resolution, ``Reaffirms, recognizes, and honors the 
Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of American democracy 
and important contribution to the victorious outcome of World War II.''
  And while I proudly support Mr. Issa's efforts here today, I must 
point out that there is much more work left to be accomplished in fully 
honoring and recognizing the sacrifices of our brave Filipino WWII 
veterans.
  Sadly, Madam Speaker, as many of these veterans enter the sunset of 
their years, America has yet to fully extend health and survivor 
benefits to them and to their spouses.
  Filipino veterans did not abandon America in her hour of need. Nor 
should we abandon them in theirs.
  Congress must pass legislation to correct this inequity immediately. 
Several bills that more fully honor the sacrifices of these brave 
veterans, including, H.R. 302, the Filipino Equity Act, introduced by 
my colleague and fellow Californian Bob Filner, are pending before this 
House.
  H.R. 302 would restore all benefits promised to Filipino veterans. I 
call on the leadership of this House to bring H.R. 302 to the floor for 
a full vote before we adjourn this fall.
  The words of this resolution are well deserved and welcomed by all 
who honor the sacrifices by Filipino veterans of WWII. But it is time 
we match our words with action.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I also have no other requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 622, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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