September 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8483 revise and extend their remarks and in- ice of the United States Armed Forces of the Far SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.—Receipt of a pay- clude extraneous material on House East on July 26, 1941, by an executive order of ment under this section shall not affect the eli- Resolution 1287. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. gibility of an individual residing outside the (4) Even after hostilities had ceased, wartime The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there United States to receive benefits under title VIII service of the new Philippine Scouts continued of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) objection to the request of the gen- as a matter of law until the end of 1946, and the or the amount of such benefits. tleman from California? force gradually disbanded and was disestab- (g) RELEASE.— There was no objection. lished in 1950. (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para- Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield (5) Filipino veterans who were granted bene- graph (2), the acceptance by an eligible person myself such time as I may consume. fits prior to the enactment of the so-called Re- of a payment under this section shall be final, In conclusion, maybe as a segue to a scissions Acts of 1946 (Public Laws 79–301 and and shall constitute a complete release of any 79–391) currently receive full benefits under laws claim against the United States by reason of bill we have in a couple minutes, this is administered by the Secretary of Veterans Af- a memorial to World War II veterans. any service described in subsection (c). fairs, but under section 107 of title 38, United (2) PAYMENT OF PREVIOUSLY AWARDED BENE- For over 62 years, the Filipinos, who States Code, the service of certain other Filipino FITS.—Nothing in this section shall prohibit a were drafted to fight in World War II veterans is deemed not to be active service for person from receiving any benefit to which the and helped us win the battle in the Pa- purposes of such laws. person is entitled based on a claim for which cific, have not been granted the rights (6) These other Filipino veterans only receive benefits are awarded before the date of the en- and benefits of being veterans of our certain benefits under title 38, United States actment of this Act. Code, and, depending on where they legally re- (h) REPORTS.—The Secretary shall include, in Nation. They played a very important side, are paid such benefit amounts at reduced role, slowing up the Japanese advance, documents submitted to Congress by the Sec- rates. retary in support of the President’s budget for harassing them so that MacArthur (7) The benefits such veterans receive include each fiscal year in which payments are made could return, and continuing to help us service-connected compensation benefits paid from the compensation fund under this section, fight the battle of the Pacific. We under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, detailed information on the operation of the would not have won the battle in the dependency indemnity compensation survivor compensation fund, including the number of ap- Pacific as quickly as we did were it not benefits paid under chapter 13 of title 38, United plicants, the number of eligible persons receiving for our Filipino World War II veterans. States Code, and burial benefits under chapters benefits, the amounts paid out of the compensa- 23 and 24 of title 38, United States Code, and tion fund, and the administration of the com- I just want to say for the record that such benefits are paid to beneficiaries at the I and millions of people around the pensation fund. rate of $0.50 per dollar authorized, unless they (i) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 90 days country regard this World War II Me- lawfully reside in the United States. after the date of the enactment of this Act, the (8) Dependents’ educational assistance under morial on the Mall as also commemo- Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code, is also rating the contributions of the Fili- out this section. payable for the dependents of such veterans at pinos who fought by our side in World (j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATION.—There the rate of $0.50 per dollar authorized, regard- War II. is authorized to be appropriated to the com- less of the veterans’ residency. I yield back the balance of my time. pensation fund $198,000,000, to remain available SEC. 3. PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS WHO until expended, to make payments under this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The SERVED IN THE PHILIPPINES DUR- section. question is on the motion offered by ING WORLD WAR II. the gentleman from California (Mr. (a) COMPENSATION FUND.— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (1) IN GENERAL.—There is in the general fund FILNER) that the House suspend the ant to the rule, the gentleman from of the Treasury a fund to be known as the ‘‘Fil- California (Mr. FILNER) and the gen- rules and agree to the resolution, H. ipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund’’ (in tleman from Florida (Mr. STEARNS) Res. 1287. this section referred to as the ‘‘compensation The question was taken; and (two- fund’’). each will control 20 minutes. thirds being in the affirmative) the (2) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Subject to the The Chair recognizes the gentleman rules were suspended and the resolu- availability of appropriations for such purpose, from California. tion was agreed to. amounts in the fund shall be available to the Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield A motion to reconsider was laid on Secretary of Veterans Affairs without fiscal year myself such time as I may consume. the table. limitation to make payments to eligible persons in accordance with this section. b 1215 f (b) PAYMENTS.—During the one-year period Madam Speaker, this bill, rights a beginning on the date of the enactment of this wrong that has existed for more than 60 FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT Act, the Secretary shall make a payment to an OF 2008 eligible person who, during such period, submits years. Filipino servicemembers played a critical role in the United States’ vic- Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I to the Secretary an application containing such tory in the Pacific during World War move to suspend the rules and pass the information and assurances as the Secretary may require. II. bill (H.R. 6897) to authorize the Sec- (c) ELIGIBLE PERSONS.—An eligible person is They exhibited great courage, as we retary of Veterans Affairs to make cer- any person who served— all know, in the epic battles of Bataan tain payments to eligible persons who (1) before July 1, 1946, in the organized mili- and Corregidor. Many died in the fa- served in the Philippines during World tary forces of the Government of the Common- mous Bataan Death March. Those who War II, as amended. wealth of the Philippines, while such forces survived, and others who escaped, con- The Clerk read the title of the bill. were in the service of the Armed Forces of the tinued to harass the Japanese as gue- The text of the bill is as follows: United States pursuant to the military order of the President dated July 26, 1941, including rilla units. When MacArthur returned, H.R. 6897 among such military forces organized guerrilla they joined in the victory of the re- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- forces under commanders appointed, designated, taking of the Philippines. resentatives of the United States of America in or subsequently recognized by the Commander This bill would provide a one-time Congress assembled, in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other com- petent authority in the Army of the United payment to the courageous Filipino SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. soldiers who fought side-by-side with This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Filipino Vet- States; or erans Equity Act of 2008’’. (2) in the Philippine Scouts under section 14 American GIs. There is no disputing of the Armed Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act the valiant service that these men pro- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. of 1945 (59 Stat. 538). Congress makes the following findings: vided in the Pacific. (d) PAYMENT AMOUNTS.—Each payment under Unfortunately, during a less-than- (1) The Philippine islands became a United this section shall be— States possession in 1898 when they were ceded (1) in the case of an eligible person who is not noble moment in our history, Congress from Spain following the Spanish-American a citizen of the United States, in the amount of passed the Rescission Acts of 1946, War. $9,000; and which stripped them of their veteran (2) During World War II, Filipinos served in a (2) in the case of an eligible person who is a status and denied them the right of variety of units, some of which came under the citizen of the United States, in the amount of any benefit. While some veteran bene- direct control of the United States Armed $15,000. fits have been restored for a few sol- Forces. (e) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may not make diers on a limited and piecemeal basis, (3) The regular Philippine Scouts, the new more than one payment under this section for Philippine Scouts, the Guerilla Services, and each person described in subsection (f). for the large majority, they have never more than 100,000 members of the Philippine (f) ELIGIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS LIVING OUT- received a dime for their service. This Commonwealth Army were called into the serv- SIDE THE UNITED STATES ENTITLED TO CERTAIN is wrong.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:34 Sep 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22SE7.010 H22SEPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H8484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 22, 2008 When these men were called up to no money in here authorized for this. bills, which utilized offsets from over- service by President Roosevelt, they This is subject to appropriation. They turning the Hartness decision, Ranking were still considered Americans who have to find the money. We don’t know Member BUYER had staff contact the were under territorial rule. Even if dec- where this money, roughly $200 mil- various veterans organizations regard- ades later, we must recognize the serv- lion, is going to come from. ing the use of these funds. The Amer- ice of our Filipino soldiers and dem- I don’t agree with the notion fre- ican Legion, AMVETS, and NAUS, onstrate the gratitude all of our sol- quently put forth that there was a strongly opposed using the Hartness diers deserve for doing what they were breach of promise put forth to the Fili- funds to provide for the Filipino vet- asked to do nobly and without com- pino veterans by the United States erans. That was then, that was back plaint. Government, and that we must make then. Let me remind you what President some sort of belated payments to them While their positions vary regarding Truman said when he signed the so- for their service during World War II. overturning the Hartness decision, called Rescission Acts, even though he The Congressional Research Service, as there are other organizations such as disagreed with part of it. Truman said I pointed out, has provided an excellent the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the the passage and approval of this legis- objective and nonpartisan report on Military Officers Association of Amer- lation ‘‘does not release the United the Filipino veterans benefits from ica and the Gold Star Wives of Amer- States from its moral obligation to World War II. ica, believe that there are many higher provide for the heroic Filipino veterans It does not, as I pointed out, support priorities than additional benefits for who sacrificed so much. Philippine the breach of promise theory that we Filipino veterans of World War II. Army veterans fought as American na- often hear from my distinguished Why don’t we talk about some of those higher priorities, because this is tionals under the American flag and chairman and also, from a lot of Fili- what the veterans service organiza- under the direction of our military pino veterans groups. Both the United tions feel strongly about. If you are leaders.’’ States and the Philippine Governments H.R. 6897, as amended, will give a are already providing benefits to many going to give this money to the Fili- pinos, what about the higher priorities long overdue one-time payment of Filipino World War II veterans, so they of these other people? How about im- $15,000 for U.S. citizens and $9,000 for are already getting benefits. provements to the Specially Adaptive those who were citizens. By doing this, This bill is significantly different from the legislation that was pre- Housing Grant, the PVA; improvement we will provide a small, yet meaning- viously marked up last July, H.R. 760, to the Specially Adaptive Automobile ful, measure of recognition and thanks the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of Grant, PVA, increases to the mileage to these brave men who deserve far, far 2007, and it also differs from the origi- reimbursement rate, PVA and MOAA; more. nal language of the Senate-passed increases in supplemental insurance It is time that this Congress and our version of S. 1315. Both bills utilize coverage for disabled veterans, MOAA; Nation recognize their contributions to funding from overturning the court de- increases to the DIC rate for American the successful outcome of World War cision in Hartness v. Nicholson to, surviving spouses, GSW; increases to II, recognize the injustice visited upon among other things, pay pension bene- the maximum death benefit pension for them and act to correct this injustice. fits to Filipino veterans of World War the surviving widow of a veteran not To those who ask if we can afford to re- II. entitled to a VA compensation, GSW. deem this debt, I say we can’t afford At least in that case they did at- Why, I would think, would we give not to. The historical record remains tempt to find some money. So they had $200 million for Filipino veterans who blotted until we recognize these vet- a legitimate way to get money to pay are not even U.S. citizens while not erans. for this. That is not true in this bill providing a priority for these? Obvi- I hope all my colleagues will join me today. It has taken out discretionary ously, there are many, many higher in supporting these veterans and would spending left to the appropriators, and priorities that we as a Nation at war reserve the balance of my time. the appropriators don’t know where should be meeting. We should be devot- Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I re- they are going to get the money either. ing our available resources to meeting quest such time as I may consume. It’s apparent from the legislation be- the needs of our veterans and the re- Let me start out in this discussion of fore us that my distinguished chairman turning warriors that are coming back this bill, H.R. 6897, that Mr. FILNER took pause before moving forward. He from Afghanistan and from Iraq. from San Diego has done a very excep- listened, and this is a credit to him, he Now, during last Wednesday’s mark- tional job in his assiduous efforts to listened to the veterans service organi- up session, Mr. BUYER, the ranking Re- pass this bill. I admire him for his ef- zations who opposed the bill, his origi- publican member of the full committee forts. nal bill. He listened to his colleagues offered, and then he had to withdraw, a I don’t all together agree with him, on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, second amendment to this bill, which and I will point to that in my speech, and then he carefully drafted the bill would have authorized $198 million to but this in no way implies that his ef- that we have before us today. fund the VA veterans small business forts aren’t appreciated for the Fili- It does not take money away from loan program that was terminated in pinos who fought for us in World War II any other veterans group to pay for 1986. Think of that, we could have, in- and for those Filipinos who receive these funds, and it makes the payment stead of this bill, we could have had the money who are not U.S. citizens be- of the lump sum subject to appropria- VA veterans small business loan pro- cause of this bill. tion. This bill would authorize a pay- gram reenacted for all these veterans I would have to point out that he has ment of $15,000 for World War II Fili- coming back from Afghanistan and said there are no benefits provided for pino veterans who are United States from Iraq. Surely they could use this the Filipino veterans. I have here an citizens and $9,000 for those who are to help create jobs and start their own Overview of Filipino Veterans’ Bene- not citizens of the United States and companies and provide for jobs for fits, a report that indicates that, in live in the Philippines. more Americans. fact, in 1946, $200 million was author- I appreciate the committee accepting The program authorized VA to either ized to give them benefits. So his state- our ranking member, Mr. BUYER’s guarantee a loan made by a vendor or ment is not entirely accurate. amendment to the bill, which provides make a loan up to $200,000 for a vet- We do have a report of Congress that that payment of the lump-sum benefit eran-owned small business. Sounds like shows money was authorized, $200 mil- would be final and constitute a com- a good idea to me. The original pro- lion in 1946 was worth a lot of money. plete release of any claim against the gram gave preference to disabled vet- I think we should put that in perspec- United States by those recipients that erans, and Mr. BUYER added a pref- tive before we start discussing this fur- are covered under this legislation. erence for members of the National ther. However, World War II Filipino vet- Guard and Reserves, who have been or- As pointed out, it is a lump sum pay- erans would continue to receive bene- dered to active duty in support of the ment to Filipino veterans of World War fits already awarded. global war on terror. II subject to appropriations. Now, During discussions of the previously Each of us on this committee has think about that for a second. There is mentioned Filipino veterans equity veteran constituents who are also

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:11 Sep 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22SE7.026 H22SEPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE September 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8485 small business owners, and many of fighter on behalf of these Filipino vet- There was no objection. these veterans are members of the erans in her career in Congress. Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, let me Guard or Reserves. Unfortunately, one Ms. BORDALLO. Thank you, Mr. say this is an important bill for our of the prices many of these dedicated Chairman, for the time. Nation, for our moral standing, and for citizen soldiers have paid is being Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- our historical standing. There has been forced to close their small businesses, port of H.R. 6897, the Filipino Veterans a blot on our record for the last 62 or at least seeing their small busi- Equity Act. H.R. 6897 would recognize years. We now have a chance to remove nesses decline significantly while they the valor of the Filipino veterans of it. are serving on active duty. the Second World War by providing a I am surprised to hear from my Obviously this program for small one-time payment to the surviving friend, Mr. STEARNS, that he wants to business loans that was terminated in 18,000 Filipino soldiers who are scat- play off one veteran against another 1986 was good and could have been done tered today and living throughout the and say there are higher priorities. at a higher priority than the bill we United States and also in my own dis- That is what he and his ranking mem- have this afternoon. So, simply said, by trict in the Territory of Guam. ber objected to in our pay-for in S. 1315. As we deal with the very real prob- authorizing a loan program for vet- b 1230 eran-owned small businesses, we would lems of our veterans returning from have been responding to that unin- Madam Speaker, as a member of the Iraq and Afghanistan, we have 24 mil- tended consequence of their willingness Congressional Asian Pacific American lion other veterans to care for, whether to serve their Nation. Caucus and the United States-Phil- they be from the Persian Gulf War I, While the amendment was withdrawn ippines Friendship Caucus, I strongly Korea, Vietnam or World War II. We due to procedural issues, it received urge this House to pass H.R. 6897 and have injustices. I don’t think the gen- such strong interest among the com- help restore due justice which is long tleman from Florida would have any mittee members that Mr. BUYER plans overdue, over 60 years. Many attempts problem dealing with the injustices to introduce the amendment as a bill, have been made by this Congress to from Vietnam where we have not hon- just simply, later this week. We will all correct this injustice, so it is time to ored our Agent Orange claims, and we have a chance to vote on it, and I en- close this chapter. will try to take care of that. I don’t courage any interested Member to con- These are heroes who served shoulder think he would have any problem hon- tact either the VA Committee, Repub- to shoulder with our Nation’s Armed oring the atomic veterans of World War lican staff, or to cosponsor Mr. BUYER’s Forces. President Franklin Delano II who, involved in the testing of atom- bill. We should be looking for ways to Roosevelt drafted these brave Filipino ic weapons, were not told of the dan- better assist our Nation’s veterans, ob- soldiers during the height of the con- gers and risks, and they have cancers viously, and I know you and everybody flict between the Allies and the Impe- today that they cannot get compensa- in this chamber agrees with that, to rial Japanese forces; and their presence tion for. We have to correct that. help returning warriors, instead of set- turned the tide in battles such as Ba- So, yes, we are involved with the cur- tling these questionable claims. taan and Corregidor. rent veterans, but we also have to cor- I urge my colleagues, when they con- Their bravery and loyalty to America rect injustices of the past as we are sider to vote for this bill, to consider was questioned by none. However, the trying to do here in this bill on Fili- the priorities of all the veterans. I, for Rescission Act of 1946 stripped these pino veterans. one, in good conscience, have trouble veterans of their veteran status. Madam Speaker, I misspoke when I supporting the passage of this bill, par- As a Congress, Madam Speaker, we said I didn’t have any further speakers, ticularly in light of what we are seeing must recognize the service of these and if Mr. STEARNS wants more time, here this week, with the Treasury ask- brave Filipino soldiers and correct this he can take from us before Ms. RICH- ing to raise the debt ceiling, asking for injustice once and for all. While I hope ARDSON takes the floor. $700 billion for Wall Street. this Congress will restore full equity to Mr. STEARNS. That is very kind, There are so many higher priorities our Filipino veterans, the lump sum and Dr. FILNER knows how much I re- for our Nation’s veterans and for this payment proposed by this bill to the spect him and have enjoyed working bill. As I pointed out, we don’t know remaining 18,000 Filipino veterans is a with him on the Veterans’ Committee. where the funding for this bill is going step forward. I recognize the legislative We have been on trips together, and to come from. With a price tag of al- constraints surrounding the passage of both our wives appreciate each other most 200 million, it’s all subject to ap- H.R. 6897, and I support its advance- and understand our friendship. propriations. ment in the legislative process. I think I made my points. The only I conclude by saying while Filipinos I want to go on record this afternoon thing I would say to him, is he advo- of U.S. citizenship living in the United to commend Chairman FILNER of the cating that we give veterans benefits States will receive $15,000, we are giv- House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for to soldiers in Vietnam who are not U.S. ing $9,000 to Filipino veterans who are his leadership on this issue, and I also citizens? Is he suggesting that new pro- not citizens of the United States. If commend Congressman MIKE HONDA gram this afternoon, that we go back you take $9,000 based upon the cost of and our Speaker, NANCY PELOSI, for and identify all those veterans in Viet- living in the Philippines versus what it their dedicated work on this bill. nam who are now Vietnam citizens, not is here in the United States, the Fili- It is the duty of this Congress to rec- U.S. citizens, that may have been pro- pino veterans at $9,000 are getting a ognize the service of these Filipino vet- America back then? huge sum of money. erans during World War II and to cor- Mr. FILNER. Would the gentleman I can’t, in good conscience say that rect the injustice placed upon them so yield? this bill has a high priority than the I urge us to vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 6897 and Mr. STEARNS. The time is yours. So ones we are talking about, and so I to continue to work for full justice and I appreciate your consideration here. urge my colleague carefully look at equity for our Filipino veterans. Actually, you might answer that ques- this and to take into account the Over- Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I tion. view of the Filipino Veterans Benefits have no further speakers, so I yield Mr. FILNER. What you ask, I think, report that shows they were authorized back the balance of my time. has already taken place. We do, in fact, money of $200 million in 1946. Indeed, I GENERAL LEAVE compensate those who were our allies, think if you look at the priorities, you Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask whether from Laos or Cambodia or will see there are other priorities we unanimous consent that all Members Thailand. should consider first. may have 5 legislative days in which to But more importantly, in World War With that, I reserve the balance of revise and extend their remarks and in- II, Mr. STEARNS, there were nationali- my time. clude extraneous material on H.R. 6897, ties of 67 countries who fought in the Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I as amended. war to help us. We have compensated would yield as much time as she may The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the nationals who were not our citizens consume to the gentlelady from Guam objection to the request of the gen- of 66 of those countries. Only one has (Ms. BORDALLO), who has been a strong tleman from California? not been, and that is the Philippines. It

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:11 Sep 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22SE7.031 H22SEPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H8486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 22, 2008 is true that they got their independ- did. In fact, 60,000 Filipino soldiers about $900 million. You are right, this ence after the war in 1946, and the $200 were forced to march 65 miles without is not my first choice. This is a second million that you referred to was given food, water and medicine while they choice brought about by the actions of to that new government. But they sim- were being bayonetted and killed. They those who opposed it and would not ply have not received the compensation are our first class heroes, those who allow it to pass. and benefits that we granted to other provided a service and didn’t hesitate Mr. STEARNS, You spent a lot of time nationals of World War II, to other na- to do so. on the $200 million from 1946. By my tionals in Korea and Vietnam. There is Back in 1946, General Omar Bradley, quick calculations, each of the quarter a real historical precedent for all of the U.S. Administrator of Veterans’ Af- million veterans at the time would that. fairs, put it best when he said ‘‘the have received less than $1,000 at that Mr. STEARNS. If the gentleman service of the Filipino Commonwealth moment. would yield, I would just add to that, it Army in the U.S. Armed Forces during Madam Speaker, I think we have a is 66 out of 66 because the overview of World War II has met the definition of historical record to correct. I strongly the Filipino Veterans Benefit Study a U.S. veteran.’’ Has met the definition urge my colleagues to correct it. showed that we authorized $200 million of a U.S. veteran. Mr. ROHRABACHER. Madam Speaker, I in 1946 for the Filipinos. So actually In my district, as I said, I have nu- rise in strong support of H.R. 6897, the Fili- you are correct, but the United States merous Filipino veterans who in their pino Veterans Equity Act of 2008. I am very Government has already done this so golden years, we are not talking about, pleased to see so much enthusiasm in recog- this bill here is seeking to do some- as our chairman said, 62 years ago. nizing World War II Filipino veterans who have thing which has already been done. These are people who, men, women, so long deserved our gratitude for their service Mr. FILNER. Reclaiming my time, children, have failed to have adequate to this nation. As Americans, we have a moral Mr. STEARNS, if you were a Filipino benefits for a work that they did. Isn’t obligation to care for the veterans who have veteran at the time, that money was that what this Congress is all about? sacrificed so much to ensure that we here at awarded to the Government of the That’s what I believe it is about. home can continue to pursue the ideals that Philippines. I am not sure what they So, Madam Speaker, I join Chairman have been the foundation of our country for ended up giving back. But we are 62 FILNER and all of us who look forward over two centuries. years later. That would never have ac- to passing finally this resolution, this For many years I have met with individuals complished the analogous benefits that resolution which will bring back not a of the Filipino community who have longed for our brave veterans of World War II stain in America but one we can look acknowledgement of the sacrifices they made have received. back and say yes, for those who helped not only for their own land, but also ours. I would yield such time as she may us to have freedom, we recognize that While these veterans were once eligible for consume to Ms. RICHARDSON from Cali- and we are willing to do the right benefits under programs administered by the fornia, and thank her for being here. thing. Veterans’ Administration, these benefits were Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I see stripped by the passage of the Rescission I rise in strong support of H.R. 6897, the my friend would like some additional Acts of 1946. Since then, some of these bene- Filipino Veterans Equity Act, and urge time, and so I yield to Mr. STEARNS. fits have been reinstituted, but not to the ex- my colleagues to join last year’s 116 co- Mr. STEARNS. This is sort of a com- tent deserved. sponsors who felt strongly about the pliment in a way. H.R. 760, which you The Philippine Islands were possessions of need for us to finally move forward and offered, was for roughly $1.4 billion, as the United States through 1946 and the mili- to act in a moral way. I recollect, give or take. This bill is for tary forces of the Commonwealth of the Phil- I want to acknowledge Chairman FIL- $198 million. So you are to be com- ippines were inducted by President Roosevelt NER for his leadership on bringing this mended in your perseverance for trying under the command of the United States legislation before us today. He has to pass the bill, you have reduced the Armed Forces of the Far East. They were not pleaded with all of us, Members of Con- amount from $1.4 billion to $198 mil- just allies during the war who fought alongside gress, to do the right thing. lion. But I would say to you in all re- our soldiers; they were our soldiers. My father, Being an American is more than spect, is this the timing that you want a late World War II Veteran, encountered standing up on Memorial Day and sa- in the middle of a possible financial combat in the Philippines and served with the luting the flag. Being American is also meltdown in America? That you want Filipino veterans, whom he considered com- one who is willing to take the responsi- to give funds, taxpayer funds, to people rades in every sense of the word. bility for those who have enabled us to in the Philippines who are not U.S. The passage of Filipino Veterans Equity Act have that freedom, and Mr. FILNER has citizens? I just wonder whether the of 2008 is imperative to help close this chapter never hesitated in my short 1 year of timing is appropriate here in Congress. of our past. Most of the Filipino Veterans have being here. He has constantly pleaded Mr. FILNER. I yield to Ms. RICHARD- already passed away with no adequate com- for us to finally make this right. SON. pensation or recognition for their service to At the end of World War II, President Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. STEARNS, we this country, yet that should not keep us from Harry Truman stated it was a moral are not just talking about people in the acting today to ensure that those still left are obligation of our Nation to look at the Philippines. We are talking about peo- acknowledged. I am pleased to see that H.R. welfare of Filipino veterans. Well, here ple who live in Carson, California, resi- 6897 is on suspension today and ask my col- we are today in this great, incredible dents of mine, people who do not have leagues to give it their support. building, the House of Representatives, health care benefits, people who do not Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, today I rise to where our Nation has an opportunity, have adequate pay for the work that speak in support of H.R. 6897, the ‘‘Filipino finally, a long overdue process, to ful- they do. If we can spend billions of dol- Veterans Equity Act of 2008.’’ fill our moral obligation. lars, as will be coming before this Recently Congress honored the 67th anni- Indeed, many would not be enjoying House, $700 billion to assist corpora- versary of President Franklin Roosevelt’s mili- the freedoms that we have today if it tions of people who made millions of tary order conscripting the Philippine military were not for the courageous efforts of dollars, surely we can issue a check for forces into the service of the United States those 470,000 Filipino veterans that an- work that has been done. All the more Armed Forces. On July 26, 1941, President swered the call during World War II. reason why they need the money Roosevelt said, ‘‘In this great struggle of the As a Nation, some tend to measure today, because these are real people. Pacific the loyal Americans of the Philippine our war heroes based on the suffering. These are not corporations. These are Island are called upon to play a crucial role They suffered as well. I am not just not presidents. These are people who . . . I count on every Philippine man, woman, giving a speech and reciting history. I are surviving on paychecks of $500 and and child to do his duty. We will do ours.’’ have a large Filipino population in my $600 a month. H.R. 6897 recognizes the service of these district and it is without hesitation Mr. FILNER. I want to end the de- veterans to our Nation and commitment of that they stand side by side on Memo- bate now. Mr. STEARNS, I appreciate it. President Roosevelt. rial Day, Armed Services Day, and You pointed out, by the way, the dis- In World War II, approximately 200,000 Fili- really have a desire for us to recognize crepancy in the funds between this one pinos served under the command of General the incredible commitment that they and my H.R. 760, which I think was MacArthur in the Far East, in guerrilla units,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:11 Sep 23, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22SE7.102 H22SEPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE September 22, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8487 and the Philippine Scouts. Their service to our TITLE II—HOUSING MATTERS 1965(5)(B) of this title’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- country was a critical component to the allied Sec. 201. Home improvements and structural paragraph (B) or (C) of section 1965(5) of this success in the Pacific. alterations for totally disabled title’’. Approximately 13,000 survivors of the total members of the Armed Forces (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Paragraph (5)(C) of such section 1967(a) is amended by estimated 200,000 Filipino World War II vet- before discharge or release from the Armed Forces. striking ‘‘section 1965(5)(B) of this title’’ and erans now reside in the United States and in inserting ‘‘subparagraph (B) or (C) of section TITLE III—LABOR AND EDUCATION the Philippines, many of which are not receiv- 1965(5) of this title’’. MATTERS ing benefits they earned as servicemen for the (b) REDUCTION IN PERIOD OF COVERAGE FOR U.S. military. Sec. 301. Coordination of approval activities DEPENDENTS AFTER MEMBER SEPARATES.— Since coming to Congress and as co-chair- in the administration of edu- Section 1968(a)(5)(B)(ii) is amended by strik- man of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus cation benefits. ing ‘‘120 days after’’. Sec. 302. Waiver of residency requirement I have urged my House colleagues to support SEC. 103. DESIGNATION OF FIDUCIARY FOR for Directors for Veterans’ Em- TRAUMATIC INJURY PROTECTION legislation providing equity to World War II Fili- ployment and Training. COVERAGE UNDER pino veterans. Sec. 303. Modification of special unemploy- SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP LIFE IN- While not perfect, H.R. 6897 would make ment study to cover veterans of SURANCE IN CASE OF LOST MENTAL payments to those that have yet to receive Post 9/11 Global Operations. CAPACITY OR EXTENDED LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS. recognition for their service to the United TITLE IV—COURT MATTERS (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense States. Sec. 401. Recall of retired judges of the shall, in consultation with the Secretary of With each passing year, there are fewer United States Court of Appeals Veterans Affairs, develop a form for the des- surviving Filipino veterans. I urge my col- for Veterans Claims. ignation of a recipient for the funds distrib- leagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6897 to Sec. 402. Additional discretion in imposition uted under section 1980A of title 38, United give these veterans their long overdue rec- of practice and registration States Code, as the fiduciary of a member of ognition. fees. the Armed Forces in cases where the member Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance Sec. 403. Annual reports on workload of is mentally incapacitated (as determined by of my time. United States Court of Appeals the Secretary of Defense in consultation for Veterans Claims. with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) or The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Sec. 404. Report on expansion of facilities question is on the motion offered by experiencing an extended loss of conscious- for United States Court of Ap- ness. the gentleman from California (Mr. peals for Veterans Claims. (b) ELEMENTS.—The form under subsection FILNER) that the House suspend the TITLE V—OTHER MATTERS (a) shall require that a member may elect rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6897, as Sec. 501. Clarification of purpose of the out- that— amended. reach services program of the (1) an individual designated by the member The question was taken. Department of Veterans Af- be the recipient as the fiduciary of the mem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the fairs. ber; or opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Sec. 502. Termination or suspension of con- (2) a court of proper jurisdiction determine in the affirmative, the ayes have it. tracts for cellular telephone the recipient as the fiduciary of the member for purposes of this subsection. Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, on service for servicemembers un- dergoing deployment outside (c) COMPLETION AND UPDATE.—The form that I demand the yeas and nays. under subsection (a) shall be completed by The yeas and nays were ordered. the United States. Sec. 503. Maintenance, management, and an individual at the time of entry into the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Armed Forces and updated periodically ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the availability for research of as- sets of Air Force Health Study. thereafter. Chair’s prior announcement, further Sec. 504. National Academies study on risk TITLE II—HOUSING MATTERS proceedings on this motion will be of developing multiple sclerosis SEC. 201. HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND STRUC- postponed. as a result of certain service in TURAL ALTERATIONS FOR TOTALLY f the Persian Gulf War and Post DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 9/11 Global Operations theaters. FORCES BEFORE DISCHARGE OR RE- VETERANS’ BENEFITS Sec. 505. Comptroller General report on ade- LEASE FROM THE ARMED FORCES. ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2008 quacy of dependency and in- Section 1717 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I demnity compensation to main- tain survivors of veterans who ‘‘(d)(1) In the case of a member of the move to suspend the rules and pass the Armed Forces who, as determined by the Senate bill (S. 1315) to amend title 38, die from service-connected dis- abilities. Secretary, has a disability permanent in na- United States Code, to enhance life in- ture incurred or aggravated in the line of SEC. 2. REFERENCE TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES duty in the active military, naval, or air surance benefits for disabled veterans, CODE. service, the Secretary may furnish improve- and for other purposes, as amended. Except as otherwise expressly provided, ments and structural alterations for such The Clerk read the title of the Senate whenever in this Act an amendment or re- member for such disability or as otherwise bill. peal is expressed in terms of an amendment described in subsection (a)(2) while such The text of the Senate bill is as fol- to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, member is hospitalized or receiving out- the reference shall be considered to be made lows: patient medical care, services, or treatment to a section or other provision of title 38, S. 1315 for such disability if the Secretary deter- United States Code. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- mines that such member is likely to be dis- resentatives of the United States of America in TITLE I—INSURANCE MATTERS charged or released from the Armed Forces Congress assembled, SEC. 101. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF SERVICE for such disability. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. DISABLED VETERANS’ INSURANCE. ‘‘(2) The furnishing of improvements and (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Section 1922(a) is amended by striking ‘‘di- alterations under paragraph (1) in connec- the ‘‘Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of rectly from such fund’’ and inserting ‘‘di- tion with the furnishing of medical services 2008’’. rectly from such fund; and (5) administrative described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of sub- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- costs to the Government for the costs of the section (a)(2) shall be subject to the limita- tents for this Act is as follows: program of insurance under this section tion specified in the applicable subpara- Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. shall be paid from premiums credited to the graph.’’. Sec. 2. Reference to title 38, United States fund under paragraph (4), and payments for TITLE III—LABOR AND EDUCATION Code. claims against the fund under paragraph (4) MATTERS TITLE I—INSURANCE MATTERS for amounts in excess of amounts credited to SEC. 301. COORDINATION OF APPROVAL ACTIVI- Sec. 101. Administrative costs of service dis- such fund under that paragraph (after such TIES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF abled veterans’ insurance. administrative costs have been paid) shall be EDUCATION BENEFITS. Sec. 102. Modification of Servicemembers’ paid from appropriations to the fund’’. (a) COORDINATION.— Group Life Insurance coverage. SEC. 102. MODIFICATION OF SERVICEMEMBERS’ (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 3673 is amended— Sec. 103. Designation of fiduciary for trau- GROUP LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE. (A) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub- matic injury protection cov- (a) EXPANSION OF SERVICEMEMBERS’ GROUP section (c); and erage under Servicemembers’ LIFE INSURANCE TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MEM- (B) by inserting after subsection (a) the Group Life Insurance in case of BERS OF INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE.— following new subsection (b): lost mental capacity or ex- (1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1)(C) of sec- ‘‘(b) COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES.—The tended loss of consciousness. tion 1967(a) is amended by striking ‘‘section Secretary shall take appropriate actions to

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