By Roy Mabasa

A milestone in Philippine-United States relations is about to be nailed down in time for this year’s commemoration of the birth of Filipino revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio.

The United States Congress is scheduled to vote on Wednesday (Pacific Time Zone) a legislation to finally honor Filipino World War II veterans the highest civilian award that can be bestowed by the US government to an individual or group who performed a significant achievement that has impact in American history and culture.

The principal sponsors of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 already expressed optimism that the legislation will breeze through the Lower House considering that the US Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent last July after it gained bipartisan co-sponsorship of 72 senators – a super majority that demonstrates the support needed to merit moving the bill in an expedited manner.

Should the the House companion bill, House Resolution 2737, pass Congressional scrutiny, it will be sent to the President to be signed into law.

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”

The award is the US Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

The Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act in 2015 acknowledges the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II.

The legislation directs the Speaker of the House and the Senate President pro tempore to make arrangements for the award, on behalf of the US Congress. The medal, the cost of which will be charged against the US Mint Public Enterprise Fund in an amount not to exceed $30,000 (roughly P1.4 million) shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display.

The Smithsonian, in turn,should make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Filipino war veterans.

In a statement, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) who introduced the bill in the US Senate June the previous year, said in voting for the legislation “Congress will take the next step to recognize the brave and courageous service of Filipino World War II veterans.

“The unanimous support this bill earned in the Senate and the overwhelming backing it has in the House honors the sacrifice so many of these veterans made for our country,” Senator Hirono said.

For her part, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-02), who introduced HR 2737 last year, stressed that the “loyal and courageous soldiers” who “suffered, fought, and gave up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war, have waited decades for their service to be recognized.”

“They cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Rep. Gabbard. “It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this timely legislation, and to honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition.”

Bing Cardenas Branigin of the National Association of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) described the upcoming approval of the bill as the “biggest accomplishment in Philippine-US relations.”

According to Branigin, they already bagged the support of over 300 congressional members.