Speech #920036796

This is a measure which I first offered many years ago. Under the present provisions of the War Claims Act only persons who were citizens of the United States at the time of their loss can apply for benefits. All those who came to this country as refugees. but who did not actually receive final citizenship papers until after their loss are ineligible to file claims. I stress in reintroducing this bill which must be for the last timebecause the entire fund will have been distributed by the time the 93d Congress convenesthat there is very little likelihood that there will be sufficient funds available even to pay all American citizens their full claims. and until that is done. it is doubtful that Congress will pass a bill such as this. expanding the class of claimants. I offer the measure only in the hope that funds now in litigation will eventually accrue to the fund. and that with these additional funds available. congressional attitudes toward later nationals will change.