Rep. Takano Celebrates Passage of Korean American VALOR Act out of Committee
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs passed the bipartisan Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief (VALOR) Act (H.R. 366), sponsored by Ranking Member Mark Takano. Since 1958, through its Allied Beneficiary Program, the VA has been furnishing healthcare services to veterans of any era who served in the armed forces of European nations that were allies of the U.S. during World War I and World War II. The Korean American VALOR Act would expand the eligibility of these benefits to veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens.
“I am grateful that today the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted to advance my Korean American VALOR Act out of committee. Today’s passage of my bill is another critical step to bring parity for Korean American Vietnam War veterans who have never been eligible for the VA healthcare services that they earned,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “I am happy to have continued bipartisan support for my legislation, and I look forward to it receiving a full vote on the House floor.
“Yesterday’s joint address from President Yoon Suk Yeol was a further reminder of the deep relationship between the United States and Republic of Korea. This year marks the 70th anniversary of our alliance, and it is far past time for our nation to properly honor the service of Korean American veterans who served side-by-side with U.S. troops in Vietnam. These veterans should not have to wait any longer for the respect and VA care that they deserve.”
More information on the Korean American VALOR Act can be found here.