Cerrato’s PA Korean VALOR Act bill headed to governor
Rep. Melissa Cerrato June 26, 2025 | 3:49 PM
HARRISBURG, June 26 – Korean Americans who served alongside American troops in Vietnam will soon be extended Department of Veterans Affairs benefits under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Melissa Cerrato, D-Montgomery.
The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously passed Cerrato’s House Bill 304, which grants naturalized Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War the same rights, recognition, benefits and privileges under Pennsylvania law as other veterans.
“Hundreds of Korean Americans who became naturalized U.S. citizens served bravely alongside American troops during the Vietnam War, yet many have been denied access to the benefits they deserve,” Cerrato said. "This legislation honors Korean American veterans’ courage and strives to uphold Pennsylvania’s commitment to all who have served alongside us in times of war.
“I thank my Senate colleagues for seeing the wisdom and fairness of this legislation and look forward to it becoming law.”
Cerrato’s bill mirrors the Federal Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief Act, which was signed into law in November 2023. Under her bill, Pennsylvania veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, would be eligible for applicable benefits with necessary proof of service documentation.
The bill passed the House 201-1 on March 18 and the Senate 50-0 today. It now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature.