Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to give recognition to the stalwart Filipino and Filipino-American veterans who fought alongside U.S. troops in the Battles of Bataan and Corregidor following the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941. By Executive Order, the Filipino soldiers' service entitled them to U.S. veterans' health benefits, pensions, and money for college. But when the war ended, the VA benefits promised to the Filipino soldiers were rescinded by Congress' passage of the Recession Act of 1946.

I also rise to honor those prisoners of war forced into the Bataan Death March, a harrowing episode of dreadful suffering and immense casualties. The heroic resistance of these fighters engaged the Japanese Imperial Army for four months, preventing Japanese occupation of Australia.

On February 4, 2011, at Dr. Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, Washington, I joined the Association of Bataan and Corregidor Survivors and their families and friends for the unveiling of two bronze memorial plaques honoring the Filipino and Filipino-American veterans. These permanent reminders of their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice will always speak of the strength of the Filipino and American spirit.

I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 210, the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011. This measure deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts, active military service eligible for veterans' benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Filipino World War II veterans, who fought so courageously alongside U.S. troops during critical engagements of World War II, have waited far too long--almost 65 years--to receive what they were promised by our government. Most have now passed on.

Mr. Speaker, our debt to the surviving veterans and their families is long overdue. We must fulfill our obligation to them now.