Date: 1984-08-06
Speaker: SAM B. HALL (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. the bill H.R. 3775 will grant Federal recognition to the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. Inc. The organization was originally organized on March 15. 1897. when 78 Jewish Veterans of the Union Army gathered together and formed themselves Into an organization they then called the Hebrew Union Veterans. the original name of the Jewish* War Veterans of the USA. The Hebrew Union Veterans pledged to maintain their true allegiance to the United States of America. to combat the powers of bigotry wherever originating and whatever their target. and to assist such comrades and their families as might stand in need of help. Another parent organization was organized after the SpanishAmerican War. The veterans of that war formed an organization originally called the Junior Hebrew War Veterans. subsequently renamed I the Hlebrew Veterans of the War with Spain. As World War I approached. these two groups merged. This proud record of service continued through the Korean war. the Vietnam war. and other recent conflicts around the world. Increasing in numbers after World War I. the veterans organization changed its name to the Jewish War Veterans of the Wars of the Republic on September 23. 1924. and was Incorporated as a notforprofit corporation In thie State of New York. on September 26. 1924. On December 2. 1925. the organization wits officially recognized by the Veterans Administration as a veterans service organization. On April 20. 1929. the name was officially changed to the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. It is a section 501(c)(4) tax exempt organization under IRS rulings. The purpose of this legislation Is merely to recognize an existing Statechartered organization. It does not expand any corporate rights or relieve any corporate responsibilities established by the State of New York charter. Moreover. this legislation specif ically requires compliance with State laws governing the election of corporate officers and the responsibilities of the board of directors for the corporation. It also specifically requires compliance with State laws governing service of process. In order to assure responsible and appropriate conduct on the part of the corporation. the legislation prohibits certain corporate acts and establishes certain requirements for the corporation. The legislation prohibits the loan of transfer of corporate assets to off icers. members. or other persons. except for expenses. or the issuance of stock or the payment of dividends. The legislation further prohibits the corporation from claiming congressional approval or Federal Government authority for any of its activities. The legislation requires the corporation to keep certain records. to perform an annual audit. and to report to Congress annually. Should the corporation engage In any prohibited activity or fail to perform any of the requirements established by this legislation. or if the corporation fails to maintain its taxexempt status. the Federal charter granted by this legislation will expire automatically as a matter of law. The Committee on the Judiciary f avorably considered this bill on August 1. 1984. and recommends its enactment. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to recognize the longstanding service of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. Inc.