Congresswoman Susan Davis Cosponsors the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53) cosponsored legislation to make all Filipino veterans fully eligible for veterans' benefits similar to those received by U.S. veterans.

"Filipino veterans, who fought for America, made the same sacrifices just as other veterans," said Davis, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "They deserve to be recognized and respected for their service and receive the same benefits."

After being promised full benefits by President Roosevelt for their service in World War II, Congress stripped Filipino veterans of those benefits under the Rescission Act of 1946.

There are about 15,000 living Filipino veterans of World War II. The widows and children of Filipino veterans would also be eligible for survivor's benefits, known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

During WW II, over 200,000 Filipinos fought on behalf of the United States in the Pacific Theater against the Japanese.

Source