The German American Internee Coalition is thrilled that on October 21, 2009, the Wartime Treatment Study Act made a huge step toward passage when it was reported favorably out of the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. The bipartisan vote was 19-7, including two Republicans. With this action, HR 1425 is now set for passage by the House of Representatives. Former German internees and their families and friends sincerely appreciate the support of the House Judiciary Committee and the leadership of Rep. Robert Wexler, House Immigration Subcommittee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren and House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers for their leadership in making this possible. On July 31, 2009, the bill was voted favorably out of the House Immigration Subcommittee which held the hearing in March noted below.

For further information on HR 1425’s legislative progress, please visit our Legislative Efforts page.

GAIC is also pleased to note that the Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act (HR 42), which would create a commission to study the treatment of Japanese Latin Americans during World War II, was also voted favorably out of the Judiciary Committee.