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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
47 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY ACT OF 2007.
WHEREAS, in January 2007, Senator Daniel K. Inouye introduced a bill in the United States Senate, and United States Representative Filner, on behalf of Representatives Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, along with other members, introduced a bill in the United States House of Representatives, known as the "Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007"; and
WHEREAS, the bill would amend title 38 of the United States Code to deem certain active service members in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts in World War II to be eligible for benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the courage and loyalty of the Filipino troops who fought along side America's Armed Forces in the Philippines during World War II, the bill would make health benefits available to more of these qualified Filipino veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii community, particularly the Hawaii-Filipino community, cared for and earnestly supported the Filipino veterans of World War II since their arrival in 1992, triggering an awareness in the community that Filipino veterans should be recognized for their selfless service to this nation; and should receive veterans' benefits; and
WHEREAS, there are less than 70,000 Filipino veterans still alive and that the number of veterans is rapidly declining due to their age, as many of them are now in their 80s; and
WHEREAS, despite continuing initiatives and support by the local Filipino community, Hawaii's Congressional Delegation, the Hawaii State Legislature, and the Governor, the quest for Filipino veterans' benefits has remained illusive; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, the House of Representatives concurring, that the President of the United States and the United States Congress are urged to support the passage of the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, members of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation, and President of the Filipino-American Veterans, Hawaii Chapter.
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007