[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the 18,000 
surviving Filipino Veterans of World War II who have yet to receive the 
benefits and recognition for their service to this country that was 
promised to them many years ago.
  As my colleagues know, Filipino soldiers were an essential part of 
United States military operations during World War II. These brave men 
fought alongside our American soldiers under the command of General 
Douglas MacArthur.
  In return for their heroic efforts, our Government promised these 
Filipino soldiers that they would receive full veteran status and the 
benefits awarded to their American compatriots in recognition of their 
sacrifices.
  However, to date, over 60 years later, we have not kept this promise. 
This is shameful.
  200,000 Filipinos fought alongside American soldiers in World War II. 
Today, only 18,000 of these Filipino veterans are still living. It is 
imperative that we act to provide these surviving veterans with the 
benefits we promised them and the respect that they deserve.
  I will vote for H.R. 6897 because it begins to address this misguided 
policy by the U.S. Government by providing a one-time payment to 
surviving Filipino veterans--$15,000 for U.S. citizens and $9,000 for 
those veterans who have remained citizens of the Philippines.
  However, the benefit provided in H.R. 6897 is only a small fraction 
of what we owe these veterans. I am disappointed that this legislation 
does not go as far as the Senate-passed provisions in S. 1315, which 
would give Filipino WWII veterans full veteran status and all the 
benefits that go along with that designation. Full veteran status is 
not only important because of the benefits received, but also because 
of the honor that the designation affords.
  Nonetheless, I believe that it is important that the House pass this 
legislation which at long last will give formal congressional 
recognition to contributions and sacrifices of these soldiers.
  Despite my belief that we should do more, I urge my colleagues to 
vote in support of H.R. 6897. It is imperative that we pass this 
legislation as soon as possible to move the process forward with the 
goal of keeping our word to these brave soldiers.

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