[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1790-E1791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING AND HONORING FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2006

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, yesterday this House voted and unanimously 
passed 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. While I applaud the 
House's long due recognition to the bravery and commitment of these 
Filipino veterans in the service of the United States military, I must 
stress that our responsibility in Congress is still not complete. A 
great injustice was perpetrated on the Filipino veterans, and Congress 
must correct it.
  On July 26, 1941, President Roosevelt ordered the Commonwealth Army 
of the Philippines to serve under the United States military command. 
Thousands of Filipino soldiers gave their lives in the battles of 
Bataan and Corregidor, and more than 120,000 Filipinos fought under the 
command of General Douglas MacArthur during World War II. These 
soldiers won for the United States the precious time needed to disrupt 
the enemy's plan for conquest of the Pacific. At the time of 
recruitment, the United States government promised that all members of 
the armed forces who fought for our Nation would be treated as U.S. 
veterans for the purposes of their benefits.
  Congress unfortunately withdrew this promise through the Rescission 
Act of 1946, which stated that the service of these Filipino soldiers 
``shall not be deemed to be or have been service in the military or 
naval forces of the United States''. While some Filipino veterans now 
receive full veterans' benefits, many others are still waiting for the 
Congress to do the right thing, and restore the benefits that were 
promised to them nearly six decades ago.
  Although H. Res. 622 recognizes the brave men and women who 
sacrificed to keep our country safe, the resolution does not fully 
restore justice to these brave patriots. H.R. 4574, the Filipino 
Veterans Equity Act, would amend the Rescission Act of 1946, restoring 
their honor and their veteran status as was promised.
  Mr. Speaker, these WWII heroes are in the twilight of their lives, 
and time is running out for Congress to fully recognize their service. 
Do not let H. Res. 622 be a simple substitute for the also bipartisan 
H.R. 4574 that will restore the honor and dignity these Filipino 
veterans rightfully deserve.

[[Page E1791]]



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