BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SJR 25
Author: Yee (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
SUBJECT : Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution urges the President of the United
States, Congress, and the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs to expedite funding, and lessen the amount
of required documentation necessary to allow eligible
Filipino and Filipino American veterans to receive payments
provided under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation
Fund.
ANALYSIS :
Resolution findings:
1. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(ARRA) (Public Law 111-5), which authorizes cash
payments to Filipino and Filipino American veterans of
World War II.
2. Through the ARRA Congress authorized the United States
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SJR 25
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Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a total amount
of compensation equaling approximately $198 million to
soldiers of the Philippine Government who served in the
armed forces prior to July 1, 1946, while those forces
were in the service of the Armed Forces of the United
States.
3. Some recognized guerilla forces and Philippine Scouts
may also be eligible for these payments.
4. All Filipino and Filipino American veterans are required
to fill a VA claim form 21-4138 (CF) Statement in
Support of Claim in order to receive payment from the
Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.
5. If found to be eligible, Filipino and Filipino American
veterans or their survivors will receive a one-time
payment of $15,000 for United States citizens, and
$9,000 for non-United States citizens, and applying for
this cash payment will not affect those veterans'
eligibility for other existing veterans' benefits.
6. As of January 1, 2010, 39,591 claims for payments have
been received and 11,345 applications for benefit
payments have been granted.
This resolution urges the President of the United States,
Congress, and the United States Department of Military
Affairs to expedite funding, and lessen the amount of
required documentation necessary to allow eligible Filipino
and Filipino American veterans to receive payments provided
under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
TSM:do 8/3/10 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
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