Titus Fights to Ensure Fair Access to Benefits for Filipino Veterans
Washington, DC,
November 20, 2014
November 20, 2014 Today Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada's First District delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing, “Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund: Inquiry into the Adequacy of Process in Verifying Eligibility.” Titus is the Ranking Member of the VA Subcommittee. Below is a copy of her remarks, as prepared for delivery. "I want to thank the witnesses and our Filipino veterans for being here today to discuss the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. The Philippines has a long and distinguished history, including fighting alongside the United States in military campaigns and wars. We are grateful for their actions on behalf of our Nation. I am proud to have an active group of Filipino veterans in my district, and thank them for their service and for the guidance they have provided on this important issue. "The Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund was established to compensate and thank these veterans who served so bravely alongside the American Army in the South Pacific in World War II. As part of the Stimulus passed in the 111th Congress, we finally took actions to provide additional benefits for Filipino veterans. "I continue to hear concerns from my Filipino veteran constituents in Las Vegas who believe that while this program was well intended, there may be veterans that have been denied the benefits they earned. It is critical that Congress, as well as the Administration, work to ensure that in some cases, we look to additional evidence for facts, when necessary. Earlier this year, the Appropriators directed VA to “consider all forms of evidence of service not just those originally considered.” I agree with this statement, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure that Filipino veterans are finally being treated fairly. "I understand we are in a challenging situation to verify veterans’ service more than 70 years after the fact. However, this is also why we cannot simply ascribe a one-size-fits-all approach to these claims. "Most of our WWII Filipino veterans are in their nineties. We are limited in the time we have to get this right. Any impediments to veterans who might show clear and irrefutable evidence should be removed and benefits granted. We must act fast, but be careful, to ensure that we are being a good steward of resources. "Lastly, I hope we can put to rest any notions that DOD is withholding any information that may positively impact these veterans’ claims. After seventy years, all of this information should be publicly available. I hear too often from Filipino veterans and their advocates that the DOD is not being transparent and failing to produce all pertinent information. "These men and women fought on behalf of our nation and they should receive the same benefit of the doubt that U.S. servicemembers receive with their benefits determinations. Thank you again and I yield back." |