H7020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 30, 2016 and contributions of this brave group. I signed the National Defense Act, passed by Japanese invaders. Guerrilla armies, from urge passage of the bill. the Philippine Assembly. General Douglas Northern Luzon to Mindanao— Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no MacArthur set upon the task of creating an (A) raided Japanese camps, stealing weap- further requests for time, and I urge independent army in the Philippines, con- ons and supplies; sisting of a small regular force, the Phil- (B) sabotaged and ambushed Japanese my colleagues to support this bill. ippine Constabulary, a police force created troops on the move; and I yield back the balance of my time. during the colonial period of the United (C) with little weaponry, and severely out- Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. States, and reservists. By July 1941, the Phil- matched in numbers, began to extract vic- Speaker, I, too, have no further speak- ippine army had 130,000 reservists and 6,000 tories. ers. officers. (12) Japanese intelligence reports reveal I yield back the balance of my time. (5) On July 26, 1941, as tensions with Japan that from the time the Japanese invaded The SPEAKER pro tempore. The rose in the Pacific, President Franklin D. until the return of the United States Armed Roosevelt used his authority vested in the Forces in the summer of 1944, an estimated question is on the motion offered by 300,000 Filipinos continued to fight against the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Constitution of the United States and the Philippine Independence Act to ‘‘call into Japanese forces. Filipino resistance against HUIZENGA) that the House suspend the service of the United States . . . all of the the Japanese was so strong that, in 1942, the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2992. organized military forces of the Government Imperial Army formed the Morista Butai, a The question was taken; and (two- of the Philippines.’’ On July 27th, 1941, in ac- unit designated to suppress guerrillas. (13) Because Philippine guerrillas worked thirds being in the affirmative) the cordance with a War Department directive to restore communication with United rules were suspended and the bill was received a day earlier, the United States States forces in the Pacific, General Mac- Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) was estab- passed. Arthur was able to use the guerrillas in ad- lished, and Manila was designated as the A motion to reconsider was laid on vance of a conventional operation and pro- command headquarters. Commander of the the table. vided the headquarters of General Mac- USAFFE, General Douglas MacArthur, Arthur with valuable information. Guerrillas f planned to absorb the entire Philippine army captured and transmitted to the head- FILIPINO VETERANS OF WORLD into the USAFFE in phases. The first phase, quarters of General MacArthur Japanese WAR II CONGRESSIONAL GOLD which began on September 1, 1941, included naval plans for the Central Pacific, including MEDAL ACT OF 2015 25,000 men and 4,000 officers. defense plans for the Mariana Islands. Intel- (6) Filipinos who served in the USAFFE in- Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. ligence derived from guerrillas relating to cluded— aircraft, ship, and troop movements allowed Speaker, I move to suspend the rules (A) the Philippine Scouts, who comprised for Allied forces to attack Japanese supply and pass the bill (S. 1555) to award a half of the 22,532 soldiers in the Philippine lines and guerrillas and even directed United Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, Department, or United States Army garrison States submarines where to land agents and to the Filipino veterans of World War stationed in the Islands at the start of the cargo on the Philippine coast. II, in recognition of the dedicated serv- war; (14) On December 20, 1941, President Roo- (B) the Philippine Commonwealth Army; sevelt signed the Selective Training and ice of the veterans during World War (C) the new Philippine Scouts, or Filipinos II. Service Amendments Act (Public Law 77–360; who volunteered to serve with the United 55 Stat. 844) which, among other things, al- The Clerk read the title of the bill. States Army when the United States Armed lowed Filipinos in the United States to enlist The text of the bill is as follows: Forces returned to the island; in the United States Armed Forces. In Feb- S. 1555 (D) Filipino civilians who volunteered to ruary 1942, President Roosevelt issued the serve in the United States Armed Forces in Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Second War Powers Act (Public Law 77–507; 1945 and 1946, and who became ‘‘attached’’ to resentatives of the United States of America in 56 Stat. 176), promising a simplified natu- various units of the United States Army; and Congress assembled, ralization process for Filipinos who served in (E) the ‘‘Guerrilla Services’’ who had the United States Armed Forces. Subse- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. fought behind enemy lines throughout the quently, 16,000 Filipinos in California alone This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Filipino war. decided to enlist. Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold (7) Even after hostilities ceased, wartime (15) The mobilization of forces included the Medal Act of 2015’’. service of the new Philippine Scouts contin- activation and assumption of command of SEC. 2. FINDINGS. ued as a matter of law until the end of 1946, the First Filipino Infantry Battalion on Congress finds the following: and the force gradually disbanded until it April 1, 1942, at Camp San Luis Obispo, Cali- (1) The First Philippine Republic was was disestablished in 1950. fornia. Orders were issued to activate the founded as a result of the Spanish-American (8) On December 8th, 1941, not even 24 First Filipino Infantry Regiment and Band War in which Filipino revolutionaries and hours after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, at Salinas, California, effective July 13, 1942. the United States Armed Forces fought to Japanese Imperial forces attacked bases of The activation of the Second Filipino Infan- overthrow Spanish colonial rule. On June 12, the United States Army in the Philippines. try Regiment occurred at Fort Ord, Cali- 1898, Filipinos declared the Philippines to be (9) In the spring of 1942, the Japanese 14th fornia, on November 21, 1942. Nearly 9,000 an independent and sovereign nation. The Army overran the Bataan Peninsula, and, Filipinos and Filipino Americans fought in Treaty of Paris negotiated between the after a heroic but futile defense, more than the United States Army 1st and 2nd Filipino United States and Spain ignored this dec- 78,000 members of the United States Armed Infantry Regiments. laration of independence, and the United Forces were captured, specifically 66,000 Fili- (16) Soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Infantry States paid Spain $20,000,000 to cede control pinos and 12,000 service members from the Regiments participated in the bloody com- of the Philippines to the United States. Fili- United States. The Japanese transferred the bat and mop-up operations at New Guinea, pino nationalists who sought independence captured soldiers from Bataan to Camp Leyte, Samar, Luzon, and the Southern Phil- rather than a change in colonial rulers O’Donnell, in what is now known as the infa- ippines. In 1943, 800 men were selected from clashed with forces of the United States in mous Bataan Death March. Forced to march the 1st and 2nd Regiments and shipped to the Islands. The Philippine-American War, the 70-mile distance in 1 week, without ade- Australia to receive training in intelligence which officially lasted for 3 years from 1899 quate food, water, or medicine, nearly 700 gathering, sabotage, and demolition. Reorga- to 1902, led to the establishment of the members of the United States Armed Forces nized as part of the 1st Reconnaissance Bat- United States civil government in the Phil- and an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 Filipinos per- talion, this group was sent to the Philippines ippines. ished during the journey. to coordinate with major guerrilla armies in (2) In 1901, units of Filipino soldiers who (10) After the fall of the Bataan Peninsula, the Islands. Members of the 1st Regiment fought for the United States against the na- the Japanese Army turned its sights on Cor- were also attached to the United States 6th tionalist insurrection were formally incor- regidor. The estimated forces in defense of Army ‘‘Alamo Scouts’’, a reconnaissance porated into the United States Army as the Corregidor totaled 13,000, and were comprised group that traveled 30 miles behind enemy Philippine Scouts. of members of the United States Armed lines to free Allied prisoners from the Caba- (3) In 1934, the Philippine Independence Act Forces and Filipino troops. Of this number, natuan death camp on January 30, 1945. In (Public Law 73–127; 48 Stat. 456) established a 800 were killed, 1,000 were wounded, and addition, in 1945, according to the 441st timetable for ending colonial rule of the 11,000 were captured and forced to march Counter Intelligence Unit of the United United States. Between 1934 and Philippine through the city of Manila, after which the States Armed Forces, Philippine guerrillas independence in 1946, the United States re- captured troops were distributed to various provided ‘‘very important information and tained sovereignty over Philippine foreign POW camps. The rest of the captured troops sketches of enemy positions and installa- policy and reserved the right to call Fili- escaped to organize or join an underground tions’’ for the liberation of the Santo Tomas pinos into the service of the United States guerrilla army. prisoner of war camp, an event that made Armed Forces. (11) Even before the fall of Corregidor, front page news across the United States. (4) On December 21 1935, President of the Philippine resistance, in the form of guer- (17) In March 1944, members of the 2nd Fili- Philippine Commonwealth, Manuel Quezon, rilla armies, began to wage warfare on the pino Infantry Regiment were selected for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 11:38 Dec 01, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30NO7.079 H30NOPT2 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE November 30, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7021 special assignments, including intelligence (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- and those families who paid an ulti- missions, and reorganized as the 2nd Filipino poses of the award referred to in subsection mate sacrifice during World War II. I Infantry Battalion (Separate). The 2nd Fili- (a), the Secretary shall strike the Gold have actually visited our World War II pino Infantry Battalion (Separate) contrib- Medal with suitable emblems, devices, and cemetery in Manila, and have seen the uted to mop-up operations as a civil affairs inscriptions, to be determined by the Sec- unit. retary. headstones and gravestones of many (18) Filipinos participated in the war out of (c) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.— Filipinos who were there fighting national pride, as well as out of a commit- (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of alongside of us as well. That is why it ment to the Allied forces struggle against the gold medal in honor of the Filipino Vet- is a special opportunity for me, as fascism. 57,000 Filipinos in uniform died in erans of World War II, the gold medal shall chair of the subcommittee that has ju- the war effort. Estimates of civilian deaths be given to the Smithsonian Institution, risdiction over this, to be involved. range from 700,000 to upwards of 1,000,000, or where it will be available for display as ap- So this bill authorizes the striking between 4.38 to 6.25 percent of the prewar propriate and made available for research. and awarding of a single Congressional population of 16,000,000. (2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of (19) Because Filipinos who served in the Congress that the Smithsonian Institution Gold Medal of appropriate design to the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines should make the gold medal received under Filipino Veterans of World War II in were originally considered a part of the Al- paragraph (1) available for display elsewhere, recognition of their heroic and dedi- lied struggle, the military order issued by particularly at other appropriate locations cated service. Following the award, the President Roosevelt on July 26, 1941, stated associated with the Filipino Veterans of medal will be given to the Smithsonian that Filipinos who served in the Common- World War II. Institute, where it will be available for wealth Army of the Philippines were entitled (d) DUPLICATE MEDALS.— to full veterans benefits. The guarantee to display as appropriate, or available for (1) IN GENERAL.—Under regulations that display elsewhere, particularly at other pay back the service of Filipinos through the Secretary may promulgate, the Sec- veterans benefits was reversed by the Rescis- retary may strike and sell duplicates in locations associated with the Filipino sion Acts of 1946 (Public Laws 79–301 and 79– bronze of the gold medal struck under this Veterans of World War II. 391; 60 Stat. 6 and 60 Stat. 221), which deemed Act, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of The Treasury Secretary is authorized that the wartime service of the Common- the medals, including labor, materials, dies, to make and offer for sale bronze rep- wealth Army of the Philippines and the new use of machinery, and overhead expenses. licas of the medal at a price that will Philippine Scouts was not considered active (2) SALE OF DUPLICATE MEDALS.—The help defray the design and production and, therefore, did not qualify for benefits. amounts received from the sale of duplicate costs of the actual medal. (20) The loyal and valiant Filipino Vet- medals under paragraph (1) shall be depos- erans of World War II fought, suffered, and, Mr. Speaker, Japanese Imperial ited in the United States Mint Public Enter- forces attacked the Philippines the day in many instances, died in the same manner prise Fund. and under the same commander as other after bombing the U.S. base at Pearl members of the United States Armed Forces SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS. Harbor almost exactly 75 years ago on during World War II. (a) NATIONAL MEDALS.—Medals struck December 7, 1941. At that point, the under this Act are national medals for pur- (21) The Filipino Veterans of World War II Philippines still were a United States fought alongside, and as an integral part of, poses of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. colony, though the process that led to the United States Armed Forces. The Phil- its independence in 1946 actually began ippines remained a territory of the United (b) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of States for the duration of the war and, ac- section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, in 1934. cordingly, the United States maintained sov- all medals struck under this Act shall be Fortunately, the Philippines formed ereignty over Philippine foreign relations, considered to be numismatic items. its own armed forces. Four months be- including Philippine laws enacted by the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- fore the Pearl Harbor attack, President Philippine Government. Filipinos who ant to the rule, the gentleman from Roosevelt brought the 136,000 members fought in the Philippines were not only de- Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA) and the gen- of the force into a full state of readi- fending or fighting for the Philippines, but tleman from Illinois (Mr. FOSTER) each ness to defend the U.S. and its terri- also defending, and ultimately liberating, will control 20 minutes. tories and colonies. sovereign territory held by the United States I will leave it to the House sponsor of Government. The Chair recognizes the gentleman (22) The United States remains forever in- from Michigan. the companion bill to describe the her- debted to the bravery, valor, and dedication GENERAL LEAVE oism of those soldiers and the sac- that the Filipino Veterans of World War II Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. rifices that they made in defense of the displayed. Their commitment and sacrifice Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that United States and their homeland; but demonstrates a highly uncommon and com- all Members may have 5 legislative suffice it to say that it was a difficult mendable sense of patriotism and honor. days in which to revise and extend and costly defense that they waged. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. their remarks and include extraneous I will note that our embassy sits In this Act— right on the bay in Manila today and (a) the term ‘‘Filipino Veterans of World material on the bill. War II’’ includes any individual who served— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there overlooks Corregidor and so many (1) honorably at any time during the period objection to the request of the gen- other places there in the Philippines beginning on July 26, 1941, and ending on De- tleman from Michigan? that were witness to those battles, in- cember 31, 1946; There was no objection. cluding my own uncle who, at the time, (2) in an active-duty status under the com- Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. served in the Navy and helped deliver mand of the United States Armed Forces in Speaker, I yield myself such time as I goods and services throughout the Pa- the Far East; and cific and into the Philippines as well. (3)(A) within the Philippine Common- may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is a special one for Mr. Speaker, Congress has authorized wealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the Congressional Gold Medals in recogni- Philippine Constabulary, Recognized Guer- me, personally. I rise today in support rilla units, the New Philippine Scouts, the of S. 1555, the Filipino Veterans of tion of the heroic efforts of Japanese First Filipino Infantry Regiment, the Second World War II Congressional Gold Medal Americans, Native Americans, and Filipino Infantry Battalion (Separate), or Act of 2015, introduced by Senator Puerto Rican soldiers, among others, the First Reconnaissance Battalion; or in defense of this country during World HIRONO. (B) commanding or serving in a unit de- War II and in other conflicts. This rec- scribed in paragraph (3)(A) as a United b 1700 ognition of Filipino veterans of World States military officer or enlisted soldier; This bill, which was passed in the War II is long overdue, and I urge im- and (b) the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec- Senate on July 13, has companion leg- mediate passage of the bill. retary of the Treasury. islation here in the House, H.R. 2737, I reserve the balance of my time. SEC. 4. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. introduced by our colleague, Rep- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The President pro resentative GABBARD, which has 312 COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION, tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of House cosponsors. Washington, DC, November 30, 2016. the House of Representatives shall make ap- The reason why it is a special one to Hon. JEB HENSARLING, propriate arrangements for the award, on be- Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, half of Congress, of a single gold medal of ap- me is I have spent significant time in Washington, DC. propriate design to the Filipino Veterans of the Philippines and have many close DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write to you regard- World War II in recognition of the dedicated Filipino friends, and know the dedica- ing S. 1555. As you know, the bill was re- service of the veterans during World War II. tion of the Philippines collectively, ceived in the House of Representatives on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 11:38 Dec 01, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30NO7.172 H30NOPT2 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 30, 2016 July 17, 2016 and referred to the Committee invoked his authority to call all orga- the Philippines, in terms of Pearl Har- on Financial Services and in addition to the nized military forces of the Govern- bor, more than 250,000 Filipino soldiers Committee on House Administration. The ment of the Philippines into the serv- responded to President Roosevelt’s call bill seeks to award a Congressional Gold ice of the United States. Responding to to arms to fit under the American flag. Medal, collectively, to the Filipino veterans In addition to that, just in my State of World War II, in recognition of the dedi- his call to arms, more than 200,000 Fili- cated service of the veterans during World pinos fought on behalf of the U.S. as of California, we had 16,000 Filipino War II. S. 1555 passed the Senate without part of the United States Armed Forces Americans that went forward and en- amendment by unanimous consent on July in the Far East. listed, where the U.S. Army then 13, 2016. The force included the Philippine formed the 1st and 2nd Filipino Amer- I realize that discharging the Committee Scouts, the Philippine Commonwealth ican Infantry Regiments. That is where on House Administration from further con- Army, the new Philippine Scouts, Fili- those regiments were organized. sideration of S. 1555 will serve in the best in- On December 8, 1941—and this was terest of the House of Representatives and pino civilians who served on a vol- untary basis, and the Guerrilla Serv- not 24 hours after the bombing of Pearl agree to do so. It is the understanding of the Harbor—it was at that moment in time Committee on House Administration that ices who fought behind enemy lines forgoing action on S. 1555 will not prejudice throughout the war. that the Japanese Imperial forces at- the Committee with respect to appointment Over the course of the war, an esti- tacked the U.S. bases in the Phil- of conferees or any future jurisdictional mated 57,000 Filipinos in uniform per- ippines. Filipinos and Filipino Ameri- claim. I request that this letter and any re- ished, and many more Filipino civilian cans fought valiantly in the push to re- sponse be included in in the Congressional lives were lost. Despite this loyalty gain the Philippines from Imperial Record. and tremendous sacrifice, and the U.S. Japanese forces. Sincerely, commitment to provide Filipinos who Mr. Speaker, 57,000 Filipinos in uni- CANDICE S. MILLER, form died in the war effort. More than Chairman. served as part of the Allied struggle with full veterans benefits, this prom- that, among the casualties of those who struggled against Japan, but 50,000 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ise was shamefully withdrawn by the COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, Rescission Act of 1946 at the close of Filipinos in uniform, and they gave Washington, DC, November 30, 2016. the war. their lives in battles such as Bataan Hon. CANDICE MILLER, While a number of benefits have and Corregidor; and their sacrifice was Chairman, Committee on House Administration, since been made available to the Fili- absolutely instrumental in disrupting Washington, DC. the enemy’s advancement in the Pa- DEAR CHAIRMAN MILLER: Thank you for pino veterans, we must continue to work to ensure that those who risked cific. your November 30th letter regarding S. 1555, As President Harry Truman made their lives to defend the United States the ‘‘Filipino Veterans of World War II Con- clear: ‘‘They fought as American na- gressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.’’ and the free world are provided with tionals under the American flag and I am most appreciative of your decision to the full benefits, honor, and respect under the direction of our military forego action on S. 1555 so that it may move that they deserve. leaders. They fought with gallantry expeditiously to the House floor. I acknowl- This legislation has the support of edge that although you are waiving action and courage under the most difficult the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Dis- on the bill, the Committee on House Admin- conditions. . . .’’ istration is in no way waiving its jurisdic- abled American Veterans, the Amer- So I am honored to rise today in sup- tional interest in this or similar legislation. ican Legion, the National Federation port of recognizing these great heroes. In addition, if a conference is necessary on of Filipino American Associations, and The contributions of the Filipino World this legislation, I will support any request many other distinguished organiza- War II veterans are a very important that your committee be represented therein. tions. part of American military history, and Finally, I shall be pleased to include your I urge Members to pass this legisla- letter and this letter on S. 1555 in the Con- their accomplishments deserve the rec- gressional Record during floor consideration tion, which takes a modest but wel- ognition of the Congressional Gold of the same. come step to recognize the contribu- Medal. Sincerely, tions of Filipino veterans of World War Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 JEB HENSARLING, II. minutes to the gentlewoman from Ha- Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of waii (Ms. GABBARD), the lead sponsor of Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my time. the House version of this bill. myself such time as I may consume. Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I have I rise today in strong support of S. Speaker, I yield such time as he may the privilege of representing the Sec- 1555, legislation to award a Congres- consume to the gentleman from Cali- ond Congressional District in Hawaii, a sional Gold Medal collectively to the fornia (Mr. ROYCE), the chairman of the State that has deep cultural roots and Filipino Veterans of World War II in Foreign Affairs Committee. ties to the contributions that Filipino recognition of their service and sac- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Americans have made to our Nation rifice and their role in defeating the strong support here for the Filipino throughout history, from driving Ha- Imperial Japanese Army. Veterans of World War II Congressional waii’s plantation-based economy in the While we are taking up the Senate- Gold Medal Act, and I am one of the early 20th Century, serving in our passed version of the Filipino Veterans proud cosponsors, along with my col- Armed Forces, to becoming leaders in of World War II Congressional Medal leagues here, of this act. every industry and sector in our State Act today, I want to acknowledge the I have had an opportunity over the and across the country. hard work and dedication of the gentle- last couple of years to travel twice to It is an honor to stand here today as woman from Hawaii, Representative the Philippines. One of them was right a voice for the more than 200,000 Fili- TULSI GABBARD, who has led the effort after the cyclone hit Tacloban, and we pino and Filipino American soldiers to move this same legislation across took a delegation there. that served our country during World the finish line here in the House. Since As you travel across the islands of War II. These loyal and courageous sol- introducing the legislation, Represent- the Philippines, it is a constant re- diers suffered, sacrificed, fought, and ative GABBARD has garnered the sup- minder of the enormity of the sacrifice gave their lives alongside their Amer- port of more than 300 House cospon- as you see those battle sites, the enor- ican counterparts throughout the war. sors, and I am proud to be among them. mity of the sacrifice made by this un- We have waited far too long to recog- In 1934, the United States began a 10- sung group of heroes who fought so nize these heroes, who deserve this year period of bringing its colonial rule courageously for the defense of our honor, in standing alongside units like to an end. During that time, the U.S. country, during what is really one of the Tuskegee Airmen and Hawaii’s own retained control over Philippine for- the most perilous moments of Amer- 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with eign policy and maintained the right to ican history, and their valor and their being awarded the Congressional Gold call Filipinos into the service of the patriotism is deserving of this recogni- Medal, our Nation’s highest civilian United States Armed Forces. tion from Congress. honor. As tensions with Japan began to rise I don’t think many Americans under- With just 18,000 of these Filipino in 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt stand how quickly the reaction across World War II veterans still alive and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 11:38 Dec 01, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00136 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30NO7.173 H30NOPT2 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE November 30, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7023 with us today, we cannot afford to wait These soldiers served side by side chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friend- any longer. with American troops. They served ship Caucus, I urge my colleagues to I would like to thank the 312 House under American officers. They bled, support the legislation so that approxi- Members, Republicans and Democrats, fought, and died to protect their home- mately 18,000 surviving Filipino vet- and 71 Senators that cosponsored this land on behalf of the United States. erans of World War II may be recog- bipartisan legislation, representing I have had the honor to get to know nized for their service to our Nation. nearly every State and territory in our six of these gentlemen who lived in We are forever indebted to these brave country. southern Nevada: Francisco Cedulla; soldiers, and it is important that we I also want to say a special mahalo Romeo Barreras; Silverio Cuaresma; appropriately express our gratitude for nui loa to my colleagues, Congressman Augusto Opus; Bataan Death March that service. JOE HECK, who is the Republican lead survivor, Jesse Baltazar; and Edilberto Mr. Speaker, I therefore urge my col- on this legislation; Congresswoman Briones. Unfortunately, over the last 6 leagues to support the bill. JUDY CHU; and Congressman MIKE years, five of them have passed on, Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 HONDA, for working with me to push never receiving the recognition that minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- this bill through the House; and my they justly deserve. That is why this fornia (Ms. JUDY CHU), who is a mem- colleague, Senator MAZIE HIRONO, who bill is so important. ber of the Judiciary Committee and the is here today; as well as Senator DEAN While it does not justly compensate chair of the Congressional Asian Pa- HELLER, for championing this bill in these brave soldiers for the service that cific American Caucus. the Senate; all of our staff; and both they gave to this country, this bill, S. Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Democrat and Republican leadership 1555, and the companion introduced by Speaker, over 70 years ago, more than for their efforts, commitment, and sup- my good friend, the gentlewoman from 200,000 brave Filipino and Filipino port to passing this legislation. Hawaii (Ms. GABBARD), and of which I American soldiers answered the call to I would also like to recognize Major am the lead cosponsor, is in some small fight alongside American servicemem- General Antonio Taguba, who joins us way a recognition of the service ren- bers during World War II. These sol- today in the gallery, and the Filipino dered by these brave patriots. diers served on the front lines and Veterans Recognition and Education played a critical role in ultimately b 1715 Project for their years of commitment helping the United States to achieve to this historic effort and for con- It is for that reason that I rise in victory in the Pacific. It is because of tinuing to fight to ensure we remember strong support and urge all of my col- their courage that we were able to pro- and recognize the legacy of our Fili- leagues to vote in support of S. 1555, so tect Americans at home while defend- pino World War II veterans as a critical that we can finally pay some level of ing democracy abroad. Many of these part of our American history. recognition to those who served side by veterans are now in their twilight Major General Taguba’s father, Staff side with American soldiers under years, and it is long past time that we Sergeant Tomas Taguba, was a soldier American command. honor them for their sacrifice and serv- in the 45th Infantry Regiment Phil- Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ice to our Nation. ippine Division that served alongside minutes to the gentleman from Vir- While we can never fully repay the the U.S. Army during the war, where ginia (Mr. SCOTT), who is the ranking debt that we owe these veterans, today he fought in the Battle of Bataan. He member of the Committee on Edu- we have the opportunity to award them survived the Bataan Death March. cation and the Workforce. with our Nation’s highest civilian This legislation is a testament to Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, honor by passing the Filipino Veterans Staff Sergeant Tomas Taguba, and the I thank the gentleman for yielding. of World War II Congressional Gold hundreds of thousands of Filipino Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support Medal Act. I urge my colleagues to join World War II veterans who deserve a of S. 1555, the Filipino Veterans of me in voting to pass this critical legis- place of recognition amongst our great- World War II Congressional Gold Medal lation to honor our Filipino World War est generation. Thank you very much Act of 2015. II veterans with the recognition they to all of you: ‘‘Miraming salamat sa Filipino Americans have contributed have earned. inyong lahat.’’ to American life and culture in count- Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 I urge my colleagues to join me in less ways, and one of the most noble is minutes to the gentleman from Cali- voting to pass this long overdue legis- through military service. Over 200,000 fornia (Mr. HONDA), who is a member of lation today. Time is of the essence. Filipino soldiers and guerrilla fighters the Appropriations Committee and We must honor these courageous men served with the United States Armed chair emeritus of the Congressional while they are still among us and rec- Forces during World War II. Their in- Asian Pacific American Caucus. ognize their dedicated service to our valuable service helped provide the Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I want to Nation and our history. necessary support to defeat the Japa- thank my colleague, Mr. FOSTER, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- nese in the Pacific. on the other side, Congressman bers are reminded not to reference For over 60 years, Filipino veterans HUIZENGA of Michigan, for bringing guests in the gallery. and community advocates have fought this up. It is an issue that has been a Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. to obtain benefits and recognition that long time in coming forward. I thank Speaker, with that admonishment, I they were promised. In 2009, Congress Mr. HECK of Nevada, also, for the gen- won’t say Ma-Bu-Hi and welcome to created the Filipino Veterans Equity tleman’s comments regarding the Fili- our Filipino friends in the gallery; but Compensation Fund, where eligible pino veterans’ history in World War II. I will yield such time as he may con- veterans who are U.S. citizens could re- Prior to this, we talked about the sume to the gentleman from Nevada ceive a one-time payment of $15,000; el- merchant marines. I think that the (Mr. HECK), the lead sponsor on the Re- igible veterans who are not U.S. citi- merchant marines are a long time past publican side. zens could receive a one-time payment in being recognized for their bravery Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, of $9,000. While this fund has allowed and their willingness to forge through during my time here in the House of many of them to receive some com- the oceans to bring materiel and artil- Representatives, each Congressional pensation, in Congress we are still lery to fight fascism in Europe. Session I have introduced the World working to make sure these families Today we stand here in 2016 to ask War II Filipino Veterans Recognition get all of the benefits they earned, they for support for the bravery, patriotism, Act in an attempt to restore the bene- deserved and were promised. and sacrifice of nearly 250,000 Filipinos fits that were promised to these brave Another way that we can recognize and Filipino Americans to whom our soldiers by Franklin Delano Roosevelt these heroes is by awarding them the Nation owes much. I ask this Chamber when they were incorporated into the Congressional Gold Medal. The Senate to show its commitment to those who United States Armed Forces Far East unanimously passed the Filipino World have bled for our Nation’s principles at during World War II, but then had War II Congressional Gold Medal Act in a time of great adversity by honoring those benefits denied by the Rescission July. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of these brave souls with the Congres- Act of 1946. the House version of the bill and co- sional Gold Medal.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 11:38 Dec 01, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30NO7.084 H30NOPT2 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 30, 2016 The Congressional Gold Medal is a American World War II veterans that Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance symbol of our recognition of their serv- we are honored by their spirit and of my time. ice, but it does very little to recognize moved by the heroism and their pa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the sacrifice and patience that they tience—the spirit that remained hope- question is on the motion offered by had to endure since World War II, ful for many, many years that the the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. when, as it was mentioned earlier, this American people, through their Rep- HUIZENGA) that the House suspend the Congress passed two rescission bills in resentatives in this Congress, would do rules and pass the bill, S. 1555. the Appropriations in 1946 removing the right thing. The question was taken; and (two- the Filipino veterans from veterans’ This is the right thing to do. Join me thirds being in the affirmative) the benefits and the kinds of promises that in honoring all of the Filipino World rules were suspended and the bill was President Roosevelt and MacArthur War II veterans with the Congressional passed. had given to the Filipino veterans. Gold Medal. A motion to reconsider was laid on The story of these proud veterans be- Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 the table. minutes to the gentlewoman from Ha- gins more than 70 years ago when f President Roosevelt did ask Filipino waii (Ms. HANABUSA), who is a member OFFICE OF STRATEGIC SERVICES and Filipino American soldiers to serve of the Armed Services Committee. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL under U.S. authority during World War Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I just ACT II. Under our flag, we drafted them and returned to the 114th Congress, and I we asked for volunteers. We got both would like to have everyone remember Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. from them. that when I first came here in the 112th Speaker, I move to suspend the rules The people of the Philippines val- Congress is when we gave the Congres- and pass the bill (S. 2234) to award the iantly stepped up to the challenge and sional Gold Medals to the Japanese Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, played a vital role in securing a victory Americans who fought in World War II. to the members of the Office of Stra- for the U.S. and its Allies in the Pacific I remember how much pride they all tegic Services (OSS) in recognition of theater. Historians have long since had to receive that Gold Medal. That is their superior service and major con- concluded that these valiant efforts by why I introduced, in a subsequent Con- tributions during World War II. the Filipino and Filipino American sol- gress, the first attempt to get the Gold The Clerk read the title of the bill. diers in Bataan helped keep Midway Medal for the Filipino war veterans. The text of the bill is as follows: In 7 days, Mr. Speaker, we will be and the coral islands in America’s S. 2234 commemorating, in Hawaii, the attack hands at a crucial time during World on Pearl Harbor—the 75th anniversary. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- War II. resentatives of the United States of America in Imagine, 75 years, and we have still not Over 60,000 Filipino soldiers, along- Congress assembled, kept our promise to the Filipino war side 15,000 American brothers in arms, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. veterans. Many of them are in both were captured and forced to walk over This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Office of Congresswoman GABBARD’s and my dis- 65 miles to the prison camps, which Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal trict. I must tell you, all that they was called the infamous Bataan Act’’. have asked for is a recognition by this March—the infamous Bataan Death SEC. 2. FINDINGS. country that we will keep our promises The Congress finds the following: March—to the ships that would take to them. them to Japan, where they became (1) The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that was America’s first effort to implement a POWs. it is with such pride that I stand here system of strategic intelligence during Several thousand Filipinos and to see that, across the aisle, we have World War II and provided the basis for the Americans died along the way making been able to have this piece of legisla- modern-day American intelligence and spe- the ultimate sacrifice in our mutual tion hopefully pass and to also know cial operations communities. The U.S. Spe- struggle against fascism and for the the hard work of my colleagues, espe- cial Operations Command and the National Clandestine Service chose the OSS spearhead promise of democracy and self-deter- cially Senator HIRONO in the Senate mination. A lot of these Filipinos had as their insignias. and, of course, Congresswoman (2) OSS founder General William J. Dono- interceded during the march to the GABBARD. ships, endangering themselves of being van is the only person in American history There are two gentlemen that I also to receive our Nation’s four highest decora- beheaded or losing their arms or their want us all to remember, and that is tions, including the Medal of Honor. Upon lives because they were going to offer former Senator Daniel K. Inouye and learning of his death in 1959, President Ei- water as sustenance to our POWs who Senator Daniel K. Akaka. The reason senhower called General Donovan the ‘‘last were being marched to the ships. We why is because they both said that the hero’’. In addition to founding and leading have forgotten that. Hopefully, today, greatest regret they had was that we the OSS, General Donovan was also selected this Congressional Medal of Honor will could not—they could not—change that by President Roosevelt, who called him his ‘‘secret legs’’, as an emissary to Great Brit- help us remember the kinds of things act in 1946 and keep their word to the that they have sacrificed. ain and continental Europe before the United Filipino veterans that they would have States entered World War II. Congress shamefully passed the Re- full benefits, that they could not re- (3) All the military branches during World scission Act of 1946, as was mentioned unite them with their families as they War II contributed personnel to the OSS. earlier, betraying the promise of full had all promised. The present-day Special Operations Forces eligibility of rights to Filipino soldiers But, Mr. Speaker, this act, the act of trace their lineage to the OSS. Its Maritime turning their backs on these valiant this Gold Medal, will make things Unit was a precursor to the U.S. Navy souls. We did this consciously twice. In somewhat right. It will at least say SEALs. The OSS Operational Groups and February of 2009, we were here in Con- that this great country recognizes the Jedburghs were forerunners to U.S. Army gress and at long last passed legisla- Special Forces. The 801st/492nd Bombard- promises that we have made and this ment Group (‘‘Carpetbaggers’’) were pro- tion that included benefits for Filipino great country will not forget the sac- genitors to the Air Force Special Operations and World War II veterans. rifices that they have made for us. Command. The Marines who served in the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my col- OSS, including the actor Sterling Hayden (a time of the gentleman has expired. leagues vote in favor of this bill. Silver Star recipient), Col. William Eddy (a Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no Distinguished Service Cross recipient who the gentleman an additional 30 sec- further requests for time. I urge my was described as the ‘‘nearest thing the onds. colleagues to support this bill. United States has had to a Lawrence of Ara- Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, this bitter- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance bia’’), and Col. Peter Ortiz (a two-time Navy sweet victory comes at the end of a 50- of my time. Cross recipient), were predecessors to the year legislative battle which has seen Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Marine Special Operations Command. U.S. Coast Guard personnel were recruited for the thousands of veterans lose their lives Speaker, I, too, urge passage of this Maritime Unit and its Operational Swimmer due to the passage of time. This year bill by my colleagues and thank the Group. we must send a clear message to the Filipino people for their support and (4) The OSS organized, trained, supplied, surviving 18,000 Filipino and Filipino friendship for the many, many years. and fought with resistance organizations

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