The Senate has just voted in favor of moving forward on a floor debate for S. 1315. The good news is that the first vote taken by the entire Senate on Filipino WWII veterans equity legislation was passed unanimously 94-0.
The BETTER news is that our work HAS ONLY BEGUN. The Senate will spend the next 30 legislative hours debating this bill. Let's make calls, faxes, and emails over the next two days
Now is the time to do something. The Filipino Veterans Bill will be on the Senate Floor. PLEASE please contact your senators and urge others to do the same.
if not you, WHO?
if not now, WHEN?
Here's a quick sample email you can just cut and paste and send easily. it will take 30 seconds best to send to your own Senators. Please encourage everyone to send on behalf of our Filipino Veterans.
FIND YOUR SENATOR HERE:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Dear Senator ________________,
I urge you to support our Filipino World War II veterans and to vote in favor of S. 1315 Veterans Benefit Enhancement Act.
We must correct the grave injustice done to Filipino veterans when they were divested of their rightful US veteran status.
On July 26, 1941 when the Philippines was a colony of the United States, President Roosevelt issued a military order calling all organized military forces of the government of the Philippines into the service of the Armed Forces of the United States. The Filipino veterans are those individuals who responded to the call of President Roosevelt and served under the U.S Armed Forces during World War II. They fought as American nationals under the American flag and under the direction of the US military leaders.
These veterans have been waiting for far too long. Let us not forget these heroes. Support cloture on the motion to proceed and VOTE YES ON S. 1315.
Sincerely, __________________________
Name
ADRESS
Q&A: WHY IS IT URGENT TO CONTACT YOUR SENATORS NOW!!!
A Call to Action to All Those Who Believe in Justice & Equity for Veterans
1. What is at stake?
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007(S. 57) sponsored by Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka was incorporated in a bigger comprehensive bill entitled Veterans Benefit Enhancement Act (S.1315). After 62 years of injustice, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 will give full recognition and corresponding benefits to all Filipino World War II if enacted into law. The omnibus/comprehensive bill S. 1315 is placed on Senate calendar for debate by full chamber beginning April 22, 2008.
2. What will happen on April 22, 2008?
Before the bill becomes a law, both the House of Representatives and Senate must vote in favor of the bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid scheduled S. 1315 for debate by full chamber on April 22, 2008 at 12:00 noon (EST).
3. What happens during a scheduled debate on the S. 1315?
If there are enough supporters for the bill, Senators attending the session may vote to close debate by invoking “cloture” which requires that the debate be ended by 60 Senators vote.
4. What happens if there is a cloture?
If there is a cloture, the debate will end and the bill will be voted upon and be approved by majority of the Senators (60) who attended the scheduled session for debate or vote.
How do we Contact our Senators?
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224.3121 or check online directory at
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt
Or log on to
http://www.veteransequitycenter.org/legislative.htm to find list of Senators and their corresponding fax number and contact information.
What will we say to our Senators when we contact their office?
The message should be simple and clear: “I urge you to support our Filipino World War II veterans and to vote in favor of S. 1315 Veterans Benefit Enhancement Act”
Sent by:
National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity
National Network for Veterans Equity
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