SENATE BILL REPORT
HJM 4005
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, March 17, 2009
Brief Description: Requesting the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating Nisei veterans.
Sponsors: Representatives Santos, Hasegawa, McCune, Hurst, Campbell, Pedersen, Hunter, Rodne, Warnick, Smith, Anderson, Ross, Angel, Walsh, Bailey, Roach, Shea, Upthegrove, Morrell, Ormsby, Hudgins, Conway, Rolfes, Kelley and Kenney.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/09, 94-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/17/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: Nisei veterans of the Second World War served with distinction, earning more than 18,000 medals, citations, and commendations. "Nisei" means "second generation" in Japanese, and refers to American-born children whose parents came from Japan. The Postmaster General evaluates proposals for new stamps with the help of the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee. Chosen subjects must adhere to 12 criteria. For example, no subject can be portrayed more than once every 50 years, and no living person may be portrayed on a stamp.
Summary of Bill: The Senate and the House of Representatives petition the President of the United States, as well as the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, to issue a postage stamp commemorating Nisei veterans of the Second World War.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Veterans Legislative Coalition (VLC) supports this legislation. Young Japanese-Americans enlisted even though their families were in concentration camps. What is even more remarkable is their performance in combat. Many were not allowed to join veteran's groups because of their ancestry.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Dale Kaku, Nisei Veterans Committee; Oscar Hillman, VLC.