Rep. Takano Celebrates Passage of Korean American VALOR Act
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released a statement after his Korean American VALOR Act passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. This bill allows veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens to be eligible for healthcare services through the VA.
“Naturalized Korean American Vietnam War veterans fought bravely alongside their U.S brothers and sisters but have never been eligible for VA healthcare services,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “I am ecstatic that the House passed my bipartisan Korean American VALOR Act which would rectify this injustice. With this passage, we are one step closer to ensuring that Korean American Vietnam war veterans get the VA medical care that they deserve.”
“On behalf of the Korean-American Allied Vietnam Veterans, I would like to thank all the members of the House of Representatives. We are particularly grateful to Congressman Takano, his staff and co-sponsors, who have been great friends and partners in this long effort. How fitting it is to celebrate the passing of the Valor Act on the 70th year anniversary of the US-ROK Alliance,” said Alfred Chung, Officer of Foreign Affairs, Korean-American Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America.
Since 1958, the VA has provided healthcare services to veterans of allied European nations during World War I and World War II through it Allied Beneficiary Program. The Korean American VALOR Act would amend title 38 of the United States Code to allow the VA Secretary to enter into a similar reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Korea. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens, and the Valor Act would provide an avenue for these veterans to access medical services and care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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