[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 19937-19941]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 2008

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6897) to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make 
certain payments to eligible persons who served in the Philippines 
during World War II, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6897

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Filipino Veterans Equity Act 
     of 2008''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Philippine islands became a United States 
     possession in 1898 when they were ceded from Spain following 
     the Spanish-American War.
       (2) During World War II, Filipinos served in a variety of 
     units, some of which came under the direct control of the 
     United States Armed Forces.
       (3) The regular Philippine Scouts, the new Philippine 
     Scouts, the Guerilla Services, and more than 100,000 members 
     of the Philippine Commonwealth Army were called into the 
     service of the United States Armed Forces of the Far East on 
     July 26, 1941, by an executive order of President Franklin D. 
     Roosevelt.
       (4) Even after hostilities had ceased, wartime service of 
     the new Philippine Scouts continued as a matter of law until 
     the end of 1946, and the force gradually disbanded and was 
     disestablished in 1950.
       (5) Filipino veterans who were granted benefits prior to 
     the enactment of the so-called Rescissions Acts of 1946 
     (Public Laws 79-301 and 79-391) currently receive full 
     benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, but under section 107 of title 38, United States 
     Code, the service of certain other Filipino veterans is 
     deemed not to be active service for purposes of such laws.
       (6) These other Filipino veterans only receive certain 
     benefits under title 38, United States Code, and, depending 
     on where they legally reside, are paid such benefit amounts 
     at reduced rates.
       (7) The benefits such veterans receive include service-
     connected compensation benefits paid under chapter 11 of 
     title 38, United States Code, dependency indemnity 
     compensation survivor benefits paid under chapter 13 of title 
     38, United States Code, and burial benefits under chapters 23 
     and 24 of title 38, United States Code, and such benefits are 
     paid to beneficiaries at the rate of $0.50 per dollar 
     authorized, unless they lawfully reside in the United States.
       (8) Dependents' educational assistance under chapter 35 of 
     title 38, United States Code, is also payable for the 
     dependents of such veterans at the rate of $0.50 per dollar 
     authorized, regardless of the veterans' residency.

     SEC. 3. PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS WHO SERVED IN THE 
                   PHILIPPINES DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) Compensation Fund.--
       (1) In general.--There is in the general fund of the 
     Treasury a fund to be known as the ``Filipino Veterans Equity 
     Compensation Fund'' (in this section referred to as the 
     ``compensation fund'').
       (2) Availability of funds.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations for such purpose, amounts in the fund shall be 
     available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs without fiscal 
     year limitation to make payments to eligible persons in 
     accordance with this section.
       (b) Payments.--During the one-year period beginning on the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make a 
     payment to an eligible person who, during such period, 
     submits to the Secretary an application containing such 
     information and assurances as the Secretary may require.
       (c) Eligible Persons.--An eligible person is any person who 
     served--
       (1) before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces 
     of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, 
     while such forces were in the service of the Armed Forces of 
     the United States pursuant to the military order of the 
     President dated July 26, 1941, including among such military 
     forces organized guerrilla forces under commanders appointed, 
     designated, or subsequently recognized by the Commander in 
     Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other competent authority 
     in the Army of the United States; or
       (2) in the Philippine Scouts under section 14 of the Armed 
     Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act of 1945 (59 Stat. 538).
       (d) Payment Amounts.--Each payment under this section shall 
     be--
       (1) in the case of an eligible person who is not a citizen 
     of the United States, in the amount of $9,000; and
       (2) in the case of an eligible person who is a citizen of 
     the United States, in the amount of $15,000.
       (e) Limitation.--The Secretary may not make more than one 
     payment under this section for each person described in 
     subsection (f).
       (f) Eligibility of Individuals Living Outside the United 
     States Entitled to Certain

[[Page 19938]]

     Social Security Benefits.--Receipt of a payment under this 
     section shall not affect the eligibility of an individual 
     residing outside the United States to receive benefits under 
     title VIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1001 et 
     seq.) or the amount of such benefits.
       (g) Release.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     acceptance by an eligible person of a payment under this 
     section shall be final, and shall constitute a complete 
     release of any claim against the United States by reason of 
     any service described in subsection (c).
       (2) Payment of previously awarded benefits.--Nothing in 
     this section shall prohibit a person from receiving any 
     benefit to which the person is entitled based on a claim for 
     which benefits are awarded before the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
       (h) Reports.--The Secretary shall include, in documents 
     submitted to Congress by the Secretary in support of the 
     President's budget for each fiscal year in which payments are 
     made from the compensation fund under this section, detailed 
     information on the operation of the compensation fund, 
     including the number of applicants, the number of eligible 
     persons receiving benefits, the amounts paid out of the 
     compensation fund, and the administration of the compensation 
     fund.
       (i) Regulations.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations to carry out this section.
       (j) Authorization of Appropriation.--There is authorized to 
     be appropriated to the compensation fund $198,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended, to make payments under this 
     section.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

                              {time}  1215

  Madam Speaker, this bill, rights a wrong that has existed for more 
than 60 years. Filipino servicemembers played a critical role in the 
United States' victory in the Pacific during World War II.
  They exhibited great courage, as we all know, in the epic battles of 
Bataan and Corregidor. Many died in the famous Bataan Death March. 
Those who survived, and others who escaped, continued to harass the 
Japanese as guerilla units. When MacArthur returned, they joined in the 
victory of the retaking of the Philippines.
  This bill would provide a one-time payment to the courageous Filipino 
soldiers who fought side-by-side with American GIs. There is no 
disputing the valiant service that these men provided in the Pacific.
  Unfortunately, during a less-than-noble moment in our history, 
Congress passed the Rescission Acts of 1946, which stripped them of 
their veteran status and denied them the right of any benefit. While 
some veteran benefits have been restored for a few soldiers on a 
limited and piecemeal basis, for the large majority, they have never 
received a dime for their service. This is wrong.
  When these men were called up to service by President Roosevelt, they 
were still considered Americans who were under territorial rule. Even 
if decades later, we must recognize the service of our Filipino 
soldiers and demonstrate the gratitude all of our soldiers deserve for 
doing what they were asked to do nobly and without complaint.
  Let me remind you what President Truman said when he signed the so-
called Rescission Acts, even though he disagreed with part of it. 
Truman said the passage and approval of this legislation ``does not 
release the United States from its moral obligation to provide for the 
heroic Filipino veterans who sacrificed so much. Philippine Army 
veterans fought as American nationals under the American flag and under 
the direction of our military leaders.''
  H.R. 6897, as amended, will give a long overdue one-time payment of 
$15,000 for U.S. citizens and $9,000 for those who were citizens. By 
doing this, we will provide a small, yet meaningful, measure of 
recognition and thanks to these brave men who deserve far, far more.
  It is time that this Congress and our Nation recognize their 
contributions to the successful outcome of World War II, recognize the 
injustice visited upon them and act to correct this injustice. To those 
who ask if we can afford to redeem this debt, I say we can't afford not 
to. The historical record remains blotted until we recognize these 
veterans.
  I hope all my colleagues will join me in supporting these veterans 
and would reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I request such time as I may consume.
  Let me start out in this discussion of this bill, H.R. 6897, that Mr. 
Filner from San Diego has done a very exceptional job in his assiduous 
efforts to pass this bill. I admire him for his efforts.
  I don't all together agree with him, and I will point to that in my 
speech, but this in no way implies that his efforts aren't appreciated 
for the Filipinos who fought for us in World War II and for those 
Filipinos who receive money who are not U.S. citizens because of this 
bill.
  I would have to point out that he has said there are no benefits 
provided for the Filipino veterans. I have here an Overview of Filipino 
Veterans' Benefits, a report that indicates that, in fact, in 1946, 
$200 million was authorized to give them benefits. So his statement is 
not entirely accurate.
  We do have a report of Congress that shows money was authorized, $200 
million in 1946 was worth a lot of money. I think we should put that in 
perspective before we start discussing this further.
  As pointed out, it is a lump sum payment to Filipino veterans of 
World War II subject to appropriations. Now, think about that for a 
second. There is no money in here authorized for this. This is subject 
to appropriation. They have to find the money. We don't know where this 
money, roughly $200 million, is going to come from.
  I don't agree with the notion frequently put forth that there was a 
breach of promise put forth to the Filipino veterans by the United 
States Government, and that we must make some sort of belated payments 
to them for their service during World War II. The Congressional 
Research Service, as I pointed out, has provided an excellent objective 
and nonpartisan report on the Filipino veterans benefits from World War 
II.
  It does not, as I pointed out, support the breach of promise theory 
that we often hear from my distinguished chairman and also, from a lot 
of Filipino veterans groups. Both the United States and the Philippine 
Governments are already providing benefits to many Filipino World War 
II veterans, so they are already getting benefits.
  This bill is significantly different from the legislation that was 
previously marked up last July, H.R. 760, the Filipino Veterans Equity 
Act of 2007, and it also differs from the original language of the 
Senate-passed version of S. 1315. Both bills utilize funding from 
overturning the court decision in Hartness v. Nicholson to, among other 
things, pay pension benefits to Filipino veterans of World War II.
  At least in that case they did attempt to find some money. So they 
had a legitimate way to get money to pay for this. That is not true in 
this bill today. It has taken out discretionary spending left to the 
appropriators, and the appropriators don't know where they are going to 
get the money either.
  It's apparent from the legislation before us that my distinguished 
chairman took pause before moving forward. He listened, and this is a 
credit to him, he listened to the veterans service organizations who 
opposed the bill, his original bill. He listened to his colleagues on 
the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and then he carefully drafted the bill 
that we have before us today.
  It does not take money away from any other veterans group to pay for 
these funds, and it makes the payment of the lump sum subject to 
appropriation. This bill would authorize a payment of $15,000 for World 
War II Filipino veterans who are United States citizens and $9,000 for 
those who are not citizens of the United States and live in the 
Philippines.
  I appreciate the committee accepting our ranking member, Mr. Buyer's 
amendment to the bill, which provides

[[Page 19939]]

that payment of the lump-sum benefit would be final and constitute a 
complete release of any claim against the United States by those 
recipients that are covered under this legislation. However, World War 
II Filipino veterans would continue to receive benefits already 
awarded.
  During discussions of the previously mentioned Filipino veterans 
equity bills, which utilized offsets from overturning the Hartness 
decision, Ranking Member Buyer had staff contact the various veterans 
organizations regarding the use of these funds. The American Legion, 
AMVETS, and NAUS, strongly opposed using the Hartness funds to provide 
for the Filipino veterans. That was then, that was back then.
  While their positions vary regarding overturning the Hartness 
decision, there are other organizations such as the Paralyzed Veterans 
of America, the Military Officers Association of America and the Gold 
Star Wives of America, believe that there are many higher priorities 
than additional benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II.
  Why don't we talk about some of those higher priorities, because this 
is what the veterans service organizations feel strongly about. If you 
are going to give this money to the Filipinos, what about the higher 
priorities of these other people? How about improvements to the 
Specially Adaptive Housing Grant, the PVA; improvement to the Specially 
Adaptive Automobile Grant, PVA, increases to the mileage reimbursement 
rate, PVA and MOAA; increases in supplemental insurance coverage for 
disabled veterans, MOAA; increases to the DIC rate for American 
surviving spouses, GSW; increases to the maximum death benefit pension 
for the surviving widow of a veteran not entitled to a VA compensation, 
GSW.
  Why, I would think, would we give $200 million for Filipino veterans 
who are not even U.S. citizens while not providing a priority for 
these? Obviously, there are many, many higher priorities that we as a 
Nation at war should be meeting. We should be devoting our available 
resources to meeting the needs of our veterans and the returning 
warriors that are coming back from Afghanistan and from Iraq.
  Now, during last Wednesday's markup session, Mr. Buyer, the ranking 
Republican member of the full committee offered, and then he had to 
withdraw, a second amendment to this bill, which would have authorized 
$198 million to fund the VA veterans small business loan program that 
was terminated in 1986. Think of that, we could have, instead of this 
bill, we could have had the VA veterans small business loan program 
reenacted for all these veterans coming back from Afghanistan and from 
Iraq. Surely they could use this to help create jobs and start their 
own companies and provide for jobs for more Americans.
  The program authorized VA to either guarantee a loan made by a vendor 
or make a loan up to $200,000 for a veteran-owned small business. 
Sounds like a good idea to me. The original program gave preference to 
disabled veterans, and Mr. Buyer added a preference for members of the 
National Guard and Reserves, who have been ordered to active duty in 
support of the global war on terror.
  Each of us on this committee has veteran constituents who are also 
small business owners, and many of these veterans are members of the 
Guard or Reserves. Unfortunately, one of the prices many of these 
dedicated citizen soldiers have paid is being forced to close their 
small businesses, or at least seeing their small businesses decline 
significantly while they are serving on active duty.
  Obviously this program for small business loans that was terminated 
in 1986 was good and could have been done at a higher priority than the 
bill we have this afternoon. So, simply said, by authorizing a loan 
program for veteran-owned small businesses, we would have been 
responding to that unintended consequence of their willingness to serve 
their Nation.
  While the amendment was withdrawn due to procedural issues, it 
received such strong interest among the committee members that Mr. 
Buyer plans to introduce the amendment as a bill, just simply, later 
this week. We will all have a chance to vote on it, and I encourage any 
interested Member to contact either the VA Committee, Republican staff, 
or to cosponsor Mr. Buyer's bill. We should be looking for ways to 
better assist our Nation's veterans, obviously, and I know you and 
everybody in this chamber agrees with that, to help returning warriors, 
instead of settling these questionable claims.
  I urge my colleagues, when they consider to vote for this bill, to 
consider the priorities of all the veterans. I, for one, in good 
conscience, have trouble supporting the passage of this bill, 
particularly in light of what we are seeing here this week, with the 
Treasury asking to raise the debt ceiling, asking for $700 billion for 
Wall Street.
  There are so many higher priorities for our Nation's veterans and for 
this bill. As I pointed out, we don't know where the funding for this 
bill is going to come from. With a price tag of almost 200 million, 
it's all subject to appropriations.
  I conclude by saying while Filipinos of U.S. citizenship living in 
the United States will receive $15,000, we are giving $9,000 to 
Filipino veterans who are not citizens of the United States. If you 
take $9,000 based upon the cost of living in the Philippines versus 
what it is here in the United States, the Filipino veterans at $9,000 
are getting a huge sum of money.
  I can't, in good conscience say that this bill has a high priority 
than the ones we are talking about, and so I urge my colleague 
carefully look at this and to take into account the Overview of the 
Filipino Veterans Benefits report that shows they were authorized money 
of $200 million in 1946. Indeed, I think if you look at the priorities, 
you will see there are other priorities we should consider first.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I would yield as much time as she may 
consume to the gentlelady from Guam (Ms. Bordallo), who has been a 
strong fighter on behalf of these Filipino veterans in her career in 
Congress.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6897, the Filipino 
Veterans Equity Act. H.R. 6897 would recognize the valor of the 
Filipino veterans of the Second World War by providing a one-time 
payment to the surviving 18,000 Filipino soldiers who are scattered 
today and living throughout the United States and also in my own 
district in the Territory of Guam.

                              {time}  1230

  Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific 
American Caucus and the United States-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I 
strongly urge this House to pass H.R. 6897 and help restore due justice 
which is long overdue, over 60 years. Many attempts have been made by 
this Congress to correct this injustice, so it is time to close this 
chapter.
  These are heroes who served shoulder to shoulder with our Nation's 
Armed Forces. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt drafted these brave 
Filipino soldiers during the height of the conflict between the Allies 
and the Imperial Japanese forces; and their presence turned the tide in 
battles such as Bataan and Corregidor.
  Their bravery and loyalty to America was questioned by none. However, 
the Rescission Act of 1946 stripped these veterans of their veteran 
status.
  As a Congress, Madam Speaker, we must recognize the service of these 
brave Filipino soldiers and correct this injustice once and for all. 
While I hope this Congress will restore full equity to our Filipino 
veterans, the lump sum payment proposed by this bill to the remaining 
18,000 Filipino veterans is a step forward. I recognize the legislative 
constraints surrounding the passage of H.R. 6897, and I support its 
advancement in the legislative process.
  I want to go on record this afternoon to commend Chairman Filner of 
the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for his leadership on this issue, 
and I also commend Congressman Mike Honda and our Speaker, Nancy 
Pelosi, for their dedicated work on this bill.
  It is the duty of this Congress to recognize the service of these 
Filipino veterans during World War II and to correct the injustice 
placed upon them so

[[Page 19940]]

I urge us to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6897 and to continue to work for full 
justice and equity for our Filipino veterans.
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, so I yield 
back the balance of my time.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H.R. 6897, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, let me say this is an important bill for 
our Nation, for our moral standing, and for our historical standing. 
There has been a blot on our record for the last 62 years. We now have 
a chance to remove it.
  I am surprised to hear from my friend, Mr. Stearns, that he wants to 
play off one veteran against another and say there are higher 
priorities. That is what he and his ranking member objected to in our 
pay-for in S. 1315.
  As we deal with the very real problems of our veterans returning from 
Iraq and Afghanistan, we have 24 million other veterans to care for, 
whether they be from the Persian Gulf War I, Korea, Vietnam or World 
War II. We have injustices. I don't think the gentleman from Florida 
would have any problem dealing with the injustices from Vietnam where 
we have not honored our Agent Orange claims, and we will try to take 
care of that. I don't think he would have any problem honoring the 
atomic veterans of World War II who, involved in the testing of atomic 
weapons, were not told of the dangers and risks, and they have cancers 
today that they cannot get compensation for. We have to correct that.
  So, yes, we are involved with the current veterans, but we also have 
to correct injustices of the past as we are trying to do here in this 
bill on Filipino veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I misspoke when I said I didn't have any further 
speakers, and if Mr. Stearns wants more time, he can take from us 
before Ms. Richardson takes the floor.
  Mr. STEARNS. That is very kind, and Dr. Filner knows how much I 
respect him and have enjoyed working with him on the Veterans' 
Committee. We have been on trips together, and both our wives 
appreciate each other and understand our friendship.
  I think I made my points. The only thing I would say to him, is he 
advocating that we give veterans benefits to soldiers in Vietnam who 
are not U.S. citizens? Is he suggesting that new program this 
afternoon, that we go back and identify all those veterans in Vietnam 
who are now Vietnam citizens, not U.S. citizens, that may have been 
pro-America back then?
  Mr. FILNER. Would the gentleman yield?
  Mr. STEARNS. The time is yours. So I appreciate your consideration 
here. Actually, you might answer that question.
  Mr. FILNER. What you ask, I think, has already taken place. We do, in 
fact, compensate those who were our allies, whether from Laos or 
Cambodia or Thailand.
  But more importantly, in World War II, Mr. Stearns, there were 
nationalities of 67 countries who fought in the war to help us. We have 
compensated the nationals who were not our citizens of 66 of those 
countries. Only one has not been, and that is the Philippines. It is 
true that they got their independence after the war in 1946, and the 
$200 million that you referred to was given to that new government. But 
they simply have not received the compensation and benefits that we 
granted to other nationals of World War II, to other nationals in Korea 
and Vietnam. There is a real historical precedent for all of that.
  Mr. STEARNS. If the gentleman would yield, I would just add to that, 
it is 66 out of 66 because the overview of the Filipino Veterans 
Benefit Study showed that we authorized $200 million in 1946 for the 
Filipinos. So actually you are correct, but the United States 
Government has already done this so this bill here is seeking to do 
something which has already been done.
  Mr. FILNER. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Stearns, if you were a Filipino 
veteran at the time, that money was awarded to the Government of the 
Philippines. I am not sure what they ended up giving back. But we are 
62 years later. That would never have accomplished the analogous 
benefits that our brave veterans of World War II have received.
  I would yield such time as she may consume to Ms. Richardson from 
California, and thank her for being here.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6897, 
the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, and urge my colleagues to join last 
year's 116 cosponsors who felt strongly about the need for us to 
finally move forward and to act in a moral way.
  I want to acknowledge Chairman Filner for his leadership on bringing 
this legislation before us today. He has pleaded with all of us, 
Members of Congress, to do the right thing.
  Being an American is more than standing up on Memorial Day and 
saluting the flag. Being American is also one who is willing to take 
the responsibility for those who have enabled us to have that freedom, 
and Mr. Filner has never hesitated in my short 1 year of being here. He 
has constantly pleaded for us to finally make this right.
  At the end of World War II, President Harry Truman stated it was a 
moral obligation of our Nation to look at the welfare of Filipino 
veterans. Well, here we are today in this great, incredible building, 
the House of Representatives, where our Nation has an opportunity, 
finally, a long overdue process, to fulfill our moral obligation.
  Indeed, many would not be enjoying the freedoms that we have today if 
it were not for the courageous efforts of those 470,000 Filipino 
veterans that answered the call during World War II.
  As a Nation, some tend to measure our war heroes based on the 
suffering. They suffered as well. I am not just giving a speech and 
reciting history. I have a large Filipino population in my district and 
it is without hesitation that they stand side by side on Memorial Day, 
Armed Services Day, and really have a desire for us to recognize the 
incredible commitment that they did. In fact, 60,000 Filipino soldiers 
were forced to march 65 miles without food, water and medicine while 
they were being bayonetted and killed. They are our first class heroes, 
those who provided a service and didn't hesitate to do so.
  Back in 1946, General Omar Bradley, the U.S. Administrator of 
Veterans' Affairs, put it best when he said ``the service of the 
Filipino Commonwealth Army in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II 
has met the definition of a U.S. veteran.'' Has met the definition of a 
U.S. veteran.
  In my district, as I said, I have numerous Filipino veterans who in 
their golden years, we are not talking about, as our chairman said, 62 
years ago. These are people who, men, women, children, have failed to 
have adequate benefits for a work that they did. Isn't that what this 
Congress is all about? That's what I believe it is about.
  So, Madam Speaker, I join Chairman Filner and all of us who look 
forward to passing finally this resolution, this resolution which will 
bring back not a stain in America but one we can look back and say yes, 
for those who helped us to have freedom, we recognize that and we are 
willing to do the right thing.
  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I see my friend would like some additional 
time, and so I yield to Mr. Stearns.
  Mr. STEARNS. This is sort of a compliment in a way. H.R. 760, which 
you offered, was for roughly $1.4 billion, as I recollect, give or 
take. This bill is for $198 million. So you are to be commended in your 
perseverance for trying to pass the bill, you have reduced the amount 
from $1.4 billion to $198 million. But I would say to you in all 
respect, is this the timing that you want in the middle of a possible 
financial meltdown in America? That you want to give funds, taxpayer 
funds, to people in the Philippines who are not U.S. citizens? I just 
wonder whether the timing is appropriate here in Congress.
  Mr. FILNER. I yield to Ms. Richardson.

[[Page 19941]]


  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Stearns, we are not just talking about people in 
the Philippines. We are talking about people who live in Carson, 
California, residents of mine, people who do not have health care 
benefits, people who do not have adequate pay for the work that they 
do. If we can spend billions of dollars, as will be coming before this 
House, $700 billion to assist corporations of people who made millions 
of dollars, surely we can issue a check for work that has been done. 
All the more reason why they need the money today, because these are 
real people. These are not corporations. These are not presidents. 
These are people who are surviving on paychecks of $500 and $600 a 
month.
  Mr. FILNER. I want to end the debate now. Mr. Stearns, I appreciate 
it. You pointed out, by the way, the discrepancy in the funds between 
this one and my H.R. 760, which I think was about $900 million. You are 
right, this is not my first choice. This is a second choice brought 
about by the actions of those who opposed it and would not allow it to 
pass.
  Mr. Stearns, You spent a lot of time on the $200 million from 1946. 
By my quick calculations, each of the quarter million veterans at the 
time would have received less than $1,000 at that moment.
  Madam Speaker, I think we have a historical record to correct. I 
strongly urge my colleagues to correct it.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
6897, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008. I am very pleased to 
see so much enthusiasm in recognizing World War II Filipino veterans 
who have so long deserved our gratitude for their service to this 
nation. As Americans, we have a moral obligation to care for the 
veterans who have sacrificed so much to ensure that we here at home can 
continue to pursue the ideals that have been the foundation of our 
country for over two centuries.
  For many years I have met with individuals of the Filipino community 
who have longed for acknowledgement of the sacrifices they made not 
only for their own land, but also ours. While these veterans were once 
eligible for benefits under programs administered by the Veterans' 
Administration, these benefits were stripped by the passage of the 
Rescission Acts of 1946. Since then, some of these benefits have been 
reinstituted, but not to the extent deserved.
  The Philippine Islands were possessions of the United States through 
1946 and the military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines 
were inducted by President Roosevelt under the command of the United 
States Armed Forces of the Far East. They were not just allies during 
the war who fought alongside our soldiers; they were our soldiers. My 
father, a late World War II Veteran, encountered combat in the 
Philippines and served with the Filipino veterans, whom he considered 
comrades in every sense of the word.
  The passage of Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008 is imperative to 
help close this chapter of our past. Most of the Filipino Veterans have 
already passed away with no adequate compensation or recognition for 
their service to this country, yet that should not keep us from acting 
today to ensure that those still left are acknowledged. I am pleased to 
see that H.R. 6897 is on suspension today and ask my colleagues to give 
it their support.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, today I rise to speak in support of H.R. 
6897, the ``Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008.''
  Recently Congress honored the 67th anniversary of President Franklin 
Roosevelt's military order conscripting the Philippine military forces 
into the service of the United States Armed Forces. On July 26, 1941, 
President Roosevelt said, ``In this great struggle of the Pacific the 
loyal Americans of the Philippine Island are called upon to play a 
crucial role . . . I count on every Philippine man, woman, and child to 
do his duty. We will do ours.''
  H.R. 6897 recognizes the service of these veterans to our Nation and 
commitment of President Roosevelt.
  In World War II, approximately 200,000 Filipinos served under the 
command of General MacArthur in the Far East, in guerrilla units, and 
the Philippine Scouts. Their service to our country was a critical 
component to the allied success in the Pacific.
  Approximately 13,000 survivors of the total estimated 200,000 
Filipino World War II veterans now reside in the United States and in 
the Philippines, many of which are not receiving benefits they earned 
as servicemen for the U.S. military.
  Since coming to Congress and as co-chairman of the U.S.-Philippines 
Friendship Caucus I have urged my House colleagues to support 
legislation providing equity to World War II Filipino veterans.
  While not perfect, H.R. 6897 would make payments to those that have 
yet to receive recognition for their service to the United States.
  With each passing year, there are fewer surviving Filipino veterans. 
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6897 to give these 
veterans their long overdue recognition.
  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.
  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.
  Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 6897, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. Stearns. 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 motion will be 
postponed.

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