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 Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America. Inc.. was founded on May 12. 1935. and was Incorporated on July 19. 1935 in the State of New York as a nonprofit. nonpolitical Catholic war veterans organizttion o1 honorably discharged veterans. On July 25. 1940 the organization was recognized by the Veterans Administration. The organization maintains its national headquarte~rs in Washington. DC. Its purposes. as stated In its articles of incorporation. are to preserve. protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the several States. to aid and assist veterans and their families. and to cooperate to the fullest extent and in a harmonious manner with all veterans organizations. in common projects designed to serve the interests of all veterans of all wars. Its constitution further defines the guiding principles of the organization stating that they are to promote zeal and devotion to God: To promote a gIreater love. honor and service to our count ryth rou gh a more vivid understanding of the Constitution of the United Statesand through the active participation In the promotion of Its Ideals of life. liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To promote the realization that the family Is the basic unit of society. To aid in the develhipment of anl enlightened. patriotic American youth. These objectives are encouraged without regard to race. creed or color. 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 specifically 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 sentice of process. In order to assure responsible and appropriate conduct on the part of the corporation. the legislation prohibits certain corporate acts and prohibits the loan or transfer of corporate assets to officers. members or other personsexcept for expensesor 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 taxexempt status. the Federal charter granted by this legislation will expire automatically as a matter of law. The Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America. Inc.. is national in scope and Its membership covers 21 States and the District of Columbia and totals 23.019 members. I_1 ladies auxiliary has a membership of 8.286 and this national membership Includes 25 chapters and 325 posts. for an overall membership total of 31.305 members. The Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America. Inc.. functions solely for charitable. patriotic and civic purposesdedicated to providing services to the welfare of veterans. their wives. widows and children. the youth of our Nation. senior citizens and the community. It has been a tax exempt organization since March 5. 1945. and presently functions as a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(4) under the IRS Code. The testimony at the Subcommittee hearing on the bill established that for almost 50 years the organization has been dedicated to working for the welfare of our hospitalized veterans. all across the country. The Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America. Inc. has rendered outstandIng work in our Nations Veterans Administration medical centers and is presently rendering service in 65 Veterans Administration medical centers and the 18 State veterans homes. The committee favorably considered this bill on Wednesday. August 1. 1984. and recommends its enactment. Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as he may consume t o the gentleman from New Jersey. Lhe Honorable JOE MINisH. who is the author of this bill and who has done an outstanding bit of work In working with the subcommittee and with the Congress In seeing to It that this bill has reached the place where It is now.