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HONORING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

May 14, 2008
Floor Statements

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. As a member of the Congressional Asian American Pacific American Caucus, and as the only Member of Congress with any Filipino ancestry, I'm pleased to speak on the floor today in honor of this great month.

Since the early 1800s, the AAPI community has played a vital role in the development and growth of this country. I'd like to take just a moment to highlight one of the many contributions that the AAPI community has played in American history, and that is, the accomplishments of the Filipino American veterans during World War II.

Members of the Commonwealth of the Philippines' military fought tirelessly for the United States during World War II. The invaluable service that the members of the military helped provide us the necessary support to defeat the Japanese empire in the Pacific.

Last year, Congressman Filner introduced, and I cosponsored, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, which will ensure that the Filipino veterans who served in World War II will receive the veterans benefits promised to them over 60 years ago. We need to pass this bill as soon as possible.