On the recordJuly 24, 2019
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1365. As the gentleman has so well already explained, this bill would authorize the release of certain funds from the Guam Treasury that have been set aside to pay Guam World War II survivor claims. Many individuals living on the island during the Japanese occupation suffered injury and, in some cases, death. In 2016, Congress enacted the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act to provide for the adjudication of claims and for the payment of compensation as recommended by the Guam War Claims Review Commission in their 2004 report. However, legislation and language in the act unintentionally prevented funds from being provided to World War II survivors and their heirs. This bill fixes the original act's language to ensure survivors can receive these claims. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure. I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.
