[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 2008

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                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6897, 
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008. Congress must recognize the 
veteran status of the 250,000 Filipinos who served in the United States 
Armed Forces in World War II.
  In 1941, President Roosevelt drafted 140,000 Filipinos into the 
Service. They were promised US citizenship in exchange for fighting for 
our country. Unfortunately, in 1946 they were denied citizenship and 
Veteran's benefits. It was a post-war cost-cutting measure that 
President Truman said he later regretted signing into Law.
  We have a chance to right a wrong that has been allowed to continue 
for over 60 years. We must act quickly to honor these brave men before 
it is too late. I urge my colleagues to join me and vote in support of 
H.R. 6897, Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008.

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