William F. Smith: “Mr. Speaker, S. 1759, the bill we are considering today would grant a Federal charter to the American GI Forum of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 1759, the bill we are considering today would grant a Federal charter to the American GI Forum of the United States. This Senate bill is the companion measure to H.R. 3843, introduced and championed by my colleagues, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla). The American GI Forum will be holding its 50th anniversary celebration during August, and both House and Senate supporters have worked very hard to make sure we pass this legislation in time for that anniversary. The American GI Forum of the United States is a Hispanic veterans family organization. The organization has more than 100,000 Members and 500 chapters in 32 States and Puerto Rico. Although predominantly Hispanic, the American GI Forum is open to all veterans and their families. The House subcommittee of jurisdiction suspended the granting of Federal charters to private nonprofit organizations in 1989. Organizations seek Federal charters primarily to obtain the prestige of Federal Government recognition. The charter itself grants no special privileges or legal rights to the organization. It does, however, lead to the public perception that the Federal Government ensures the integrity and worthiness of the group's activities.”