House committee approves Cerrato’s PA Korean VALOR Act bill
Rep. Melissa Cerrato January 28, 2025 | 12:26 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Cerrato’s bill to extend U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to Korean Americans who served alongside American troops in Vietnam cleared its House committee today.
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved H.B. 304, voting to grant 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. "House Bill 304 honors Korean American veterans’ courage and strives to uphold Pennsylvania’s commitment to all who have served alongside us in times of war."
Cerrato’s legislation 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.
Cerrato noted that H.B. 304 is a vital step toward ensuring fairness and honoring the sacrifices of those who stood alongside American troops in defense of freedom.
House Bill 304 now advances to the full House chamber for a vote.