Filipino Veterans Equity Act Moves Through Committee: Sunday, 25 March 2007

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applauded a vote by the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to approve H.R. 760, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007, sponsored by Committee Chairman Bob Filner. Congressman Mike Honda, Chair of CAPAC, is an original cosponsor and vocal advocate of the bill.

The legislation moves Congress closer to fulfilling a broken promise of full veterans' benefits that the U.S. made to approximately 250,000 Filipino soldiers who fought under the American flag during World War II. Of the troops from 66 countries recognized for their military service under U.S. command, the Filipino soldiers are the only group yet to be fully recognized. Today, approximately 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans are still alive.

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15): "Today's vote to move the Filipino Veterans Equity Act out of the Veterans' Affairs committee is an important step toward keeping our promise and honoring the contributions of the Filipino veterans to our nation," said Rep. Honda, Chair of CAPAC. "I thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chairman Bob Filner, and the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity for their commitment and continued leadership on this top CAPAC priority. I look forward to continuing my work with the Speaker and the Chairman to fund full equity for the Filipino veterans."

News From:
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Congressman Michael M. Honda, 110th Congress, Chair
Contact: Gloria Chan - 202.226.9707 gloria.chan@mail.house.gov