BIPARTISAN SENATE VOTE IN SUPPORT OF DECIDING TODAY ISSUE
TO RESTORE WWII WAR-TIME BENEFITS TO FILIPINO VETERAN
WASHINGTON -- In a unanimous vote (94-0), the Senate voted to invoke closure on a motion to proceed with floor debate for S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act. The bill, since 2pm yesterday, moved forward for a Senate floor debate. A decision is expected to be reached before close of business today, April 23.
This vote marks the FIRST time that the full Senate will be taking a vote on due legislation since Congress took away war-time benefits and pension compensation for Filipinos who fought for theUnited States in World War II. S. 1315 includes, among its provisions, the FilipinoVeterans Equity Act, which has been introduced in Congress every session for over a decade. This bill will restore U.S. veteran status for Filipino WWII veterans who have been denied recognition of their service to the U.S. military for 62 years.
“I believe that too many Americans are not aware of, or have forgotten the sacrifices of our Filipino friends," said Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI). "Let us not turn our backs on those who sacrificed so much. Let us instead work to repay all of these brave men for their sacrifices by providing them the veterans’ benefits they deserve. It is the right thing for our nation to do in honor of those who have bravely served in its defense."
In World War II, the estimated total of forces in defense of the Bataan Peninsula was 80,000 and comprised of troops from the U.S. Army, Philippine Scouts, and the Philippine Commonwealth Army. In the spring of 1942, the Japanese 14th Army overran the Bataan Peninsula and after a heroic but futile defense, more than 75,000 American and Filipino troops were captured. Of the 75,000, there were 15,000 Americans; the remaining 60,000 were all Filipinos.
“As anyone who has put on the uniform knows, you don’t leave your fellow soldier behind,” said Ben de Guzman, National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE) national campaign coordinator. "All we’re asking is that the Senate does the same. This comprehensive veterans’ legislation contains a range of provisions that will also improve the lives of ALL veterans."
NAFVE also calls for rapid action in the House on the Filipino Veterans Equity Act (HR. 760) under the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Mike Honda (D-CA), and Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA).
NAVFE represents over 20 local, national and international organizations committed to securing full equity for Filipino World War II Veterans. More information about NAFVE and the Filipino Veterans Equity Act is available on the NAFVE Web site:
www.nafve.org .
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