Washington DC - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and WWII veterans Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Senator Daniel K. Inouye praise the passage of the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007. 

Senator Harry Reid said: "After years of Democrats fighting to fulfill America's promise to Filipino veterans, the Senate has done the right thing and restored U.S. veteran status to Filipino soldiers who served under U.S. command during World War II.  The fight was not easy but Senate Democrats successfully defeated a Republican amendment that sought to strip out the provision for Filipino veterans, and we passed the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act."

"I am humbled by the courageous stories of our Filipino veterans who risked their lives for our country.  They helped our great nation to triumph during a crucial time in our history.  I am honored to have fought for them and passed legislation to provide the benefits they rightfully deserve.  Now the battle goes on to the House where the bill must be passed to complete the path to victory for Filipino veterans." 

Senator Daniel K. Akaka said: "The people of the Philippines did not shy from the call to fight during World War II.  They were true brothers in arms who fought valiantly.  The Philippine forces under U.S. command suffered heavy casualties.  Congress's action in 1946 to strip them of the recognition they were due was a grave injustice.  It is especially regrettable that this wrong was allowed to continue into their twilight years.  This past week, the Senate moved us one step closer to correcting this injustice, and finally recognizing the valor of all Filipino veterans and loyalty to their American commanders." 

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye said: "In July 1941, when war clouds over the Pacific and Asia were gathering, President Roosevelt called upon Filipino soldiers to serve under U.S. command.  It was a crucial time, and 470,000 Filipinos volunteered.  These brave men were willing to fight for the United States, and to stand in harm's way on our behalf.  They suffered thousands of casualties.  For their service, they were told they would be entitled to full U.S. veterans' benefits.  Today, less than 18,000 of these courageous warriors are still alive but this week, the Senate took a major step forward by upholding a promise made more than 60 years ago to our comrades in arms." 

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