Black Coffee -  The article said "for the America" - not "the Americans".  In other words, your comment is based on the wrong premise - "for the Americans", not "for the America" Nevertheless . . . . The news item says - " The United States Senate approved a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers in the US and the Philippines who fought in World War II under the US Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). "  - - -  Where and how did you come to make such a comment as -> "award is being considered in lieu of the veterans benefits that were rescinded. It's a consolation prize. Get it?".   There's no basis for your comment either from the article nor from the news item. . . .