DELEGATE MOYLAN CO LEADS BIPARTISAN BILL TO RESTORE FULL BENEFITS TO FILIPINO VETS AND FAMILIES AT THE CLOSE OF FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 31, 2023

DELEGATE MOYLAN CO LEADS BIPARTISAN BILL TO RESTORE FULL BENEFITS TO FILIPINO VETS AND FAMILIES AT THE CLOSE OF FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

(Washington D.C.) Representative James Moylan (R-Guam) joined Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) and Representatives Ed Case (D-HI-01) to co-lead and introduce the bipartisan Filipino Veterans Fairness Act to ensure Filipino World War II veterans and their families receive the benefits they deserve. During the war, the Philippines was a U.S. possession, and Filipino military units served under U.S. commanders in heavy fighting that was crucial to the war effort, saving countless American lives. Originally, all Filipino troops who served under U.S. command were eligible for full veterans’ benefits, but Congress partially rescinded benefits from Filipino veterans who served in certain units as a cost-saving measure in 1946. There is no historical justification for this disparate treatment of Filipino WWII veterans who served in different units. All participated in the same kinds of combat and support activities under the command of U.S. military officers.
The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act would correct this longstanding inequity by restoring full veterans benefits to all Filipino WWII veterans who served under U.S. command, most significantly by offering a need-based death pension to survivors of these veterans. The bill would also direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to consider alternative military documentation when determining eligibility, removing a significant hurdle that has kept many deserving dependents from receiving their rightful benefits, since many official service records for Filipino vets were destroyed in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center.
“The Philippines is a close friend and ally to the United States, providing U.S troops with invaluable support in conflicts, especially during World War II. As co-chair of the US-Philippine Friendship Caucus, I am committed to protecting Filipino veterans' rights and ensuring they receive their full benefits and quality healthcare. I thank my colleagues, Representative Mullin, and Representative Case, for joining me in co- leading this effort and all our cosponsors for their support of this important bill,” stated Delegate Moylan.
The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act has been endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars. The legislation also has 39 additional co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle.