PASS THE EQUITY BILL NOW! (tags)
Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement on the United States Senate unanimous vote to proceed with a floor debate on S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act. Among other actions the bill would restore U.S. Veterans status and eligibility for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension benefits to Filipino Veterans serving in WW II. A final vote is expected today:
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act (tags)
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 has gone through its shares of ups and downs this year. If passed, an estimated 7,000 Filipino American veterans living in the US and 12,000 Filipino veterans in the Philippines, who both fought during WWII, would restore US Veterans status and be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension benefits.
Historic Debate on Filvets Bill Up Before Full Senate (tags)
When US Senate session resumes after Dec. 3, it will deliberate for the first time, the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill sponsored by Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (Dem.). He is Chairman of the Senate Veterans Committee. Originally Senate Bill 57, the “Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007” will provide for the first time starting May 1, 2008 a flat rate of $3,600 annually disability pension for single Filipino veterans living in the Philippines; $4,500 annually for married veterans; and $2,400 annually for surviving spouses.To be eligible, a veteran “must have income below a certain threshold, have served during a period of war, and have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability.”