Senate puts Filipino vet pensions in stimulus

[unhappycamper]

Senate puts Filipino vet pensions in stimulus
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 29, 2009 18:22:33 EST

Philippine Scouts and other Filipinos who served under direct control of the U.S. military in World War II would get one-time payments of up to $15,000 for their service under a provision of the Senate’s economic recovery bill.

About 18,000 people might qualify, although numbers are declining every day as World War II veterans die.

Buried inside the Senate bill, which includes tax cuts and new spending initiatives intended to create jobs in the U.S., the Filipino payment was inserted at the urging of Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, the new chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a longtime supporter of monthly pensions for World War II Filipino veterans.

Providing a one-time payment instead of a pension is a compromise that first surfaced in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee last year as a suggestion from Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., committee chairman.

Under terms of the Senate bill, S 366, Filipino veterans who served under U.S. military control would file claims for benefits. Payments would be $15,000 for an eligible veteran who is a U.S. citizen and $9,000 for noncitizens.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/01/military_filipinoscouts_stimulus_012909w/%2e

[adadem]

1. Under Obama

it's wonderful to see the "right things" done instead of ignored. Many years too late but at least they are receiving their due.