SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8000

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, January 29, 2009

Brief Description: Requesting the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating Nisei veterans.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Kauffman, Swecker, Roach, Kastama, Marr, Kilmer and Kline; by request of Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Benton, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Nisei veterans have done wonderful things for our country.