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Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 25, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans


FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 25, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOE BACA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

* Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6897, Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008. Congress must recognize the veteran status of the 250,000 Filipinos who served in the United States Armed Forces in World War II.

* In 1941, President Roosevelt drafted 140,000 Filipinos into the Service. They were promised US citizenship in exchange for fighting for our country. Unfortunately, in 1946 they were denied citizenship and Veteran's benefits. It was a post-war cost-cutting measure that President Truman said he later regretted signing into Law.

* We have a chance to right a wrong that has been allowed to continue for over 60 years. We must act quickly to honor these brave men before it is too late. I urge my colleagues to join me and vote in support of H.R. 6897, Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008.


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