Heller resubmits bill for Filipino WWII veterans
WASHINGTON — A bill seeking to sort out compensation for Filipinos who fought alongside U.S. troops during World War II was resubmitted in Congress last week.
“The Filipino Veterans Promise Act” would direct the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to consult with military historians and establish a process to determine whether individuals might qualify for benefits if they are not on an already-approved list.
More than 41,000 claims were filed under a one-time payment program Congress created in 2009. Only 12,600 were found eligible amid complaints the officially compiled roster of fighters gathered during the war was incomplete.
The bill was reintroduced by Sens. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii. Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., submitted a House version. Heller backed similar legislation in two earlier sessions of Congress.
