Dearest sisters and brothers,

Think.

S.1315 - The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act - (correction: not H.R. 760) has passed overwhelmingly in the Senate of the United States (96-1) and has yet to be called for a vote in the House of Representatives.

In this crucial point in history, we must remember that in 1941 our Filipino veterans were called to fight side by side with U.S. troops during World War II. To this day, 67 years later, our Filipino veterans still have not received the benefits and equity promised to them that they rightfully and justly deserve.

Congress convenes for a month long recess on July 31 to return to session on September 8. We MUST make sure that the bill is called for a vote on the floor BEFORE JULY 31 or else the momentum for passing (particularly before the presidential election) will be significantly diminished.

Together, by calling our respective Congresspeople, we can help S.1315 pass in the House of Representatives.

Act.

Have faith that your call CAN and WILL make a difference politically and that it will not go unheard by following these FIVE easy steps:

1) Type your zip code in the following link (including the +4 additional digits if you know them):
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

2) Call the phone number of your Representative's Washington DC office.

3) Introduction: "Hi can I speak to your legislative aide who handles veterans affairs?"

4) Speak to the staff member or leave a message stating: "Hi I'm calling because I would like Congressman ___________ to support S.1315 - The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act, I'm a constituent of the Congressman's district."

5) BUT, that's not all. Ask them, "Now would you be able to confirm for me the Congressman's stance on the Fil Vets bill?

It is that simple.

Reflect.

Think of the power and change that you have just made in making ONE SIMPLE PHONE CALL, practicing your innate and fundamental democratic right, and more importantly utilizing the most significant tool for change: your voice.

Now calculate all those seconds you spent yelling chants in protest at the top of your lungs; the minutes of tears that you shed hearing the tragic stories of our veterans; the hours of all the meetings, forums, rallies, protests, and community events you have attended; and MULTIPLY that by all of the YEARS that our Filipino veterans have gone and STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE EQUITY THEY DESERVE.

Turn that frustration, that anger and that PASSION into POLITICAL ACTION.

PLEASE, for the sake of our veterans, MAKE THAT CALL.

Isang bagsak,

Jason Tengco
Advocate for Justice for Filipino American Veterans