August 1989

              The
Redress Monitor
The National Newsletter of the Japanese American Citizens League - Legislative Education Committee
Uolume  02,   Number  02
Uaah i ngton, D.C.
Huguat, 1989
VOTE OFFERS GLIMPSE AT EMOTIONS, POLITICS BEHIND REDRESS PAYMENTS
by: Ed Matovcik, Press Secretary to Rep. Robert T. Matsui <D-Calif.)
It was supposed to take only a few minutes of debate. Instead it took nearly an entire day,
and caused divisiveness between representatives that could be felt long after the final vote
was tallied.
In the end, the vote before the House Appropriations Committee increased the redress funding
level for payments by $30 million next year. The vote also provided a detailed and revealing
glimpse at the emotions, politics and legislative maneuverings that have so embodied the fight
for redress payments over the past few years.
Though the official action began July 25th with Rep. Vic Fazio (D-CA) proposing an increase
in funds from $20 million to $50 million, the process began days before when long-time redress
supporters such as Reps. Norm Mineta, Bob Matsui and Daniel Akaka started pressuring the House
leadership to take action on the unacceptable funding level recently approved by a House subcommittee.
Fazio, a member of the new leadership team, was asked to carry the ball. His involvement was
a watershed because he's a proven player on this key committee and his commitment signaled continuing support from the leadership.
The next official action came when Rep. Neal Smith (D-IA) offered a substitute amendment to
Fazio's request. Smith, who chairs the subcommittee that approved the lower figure Just days
earlier, said even $50 million was not enough. But the committee simply did not have funds to
increase the number unless it took money directly from another program.
He proposed an increase of $80 million to be taken out of Census Bureau funds. Ironically,
one of the highest priority issues over the past year for Asian Americans has been the Census
and efforts to ensure an accurate count. It was a move that demonstrated just how tightly interwoven congressional spending decisions can be.
Rep. Sidney Yates (D-IL) then offered an amendment to raise the level to $500-million and
make redress payments an official entitlement program...a move many insiders believe will have
to be taken to assure responsible funding levels in the future. He withdrew it when colleagues
pointed out it was too late in the process this year.
Then, one by one, committee members rose and spoke about this emotional issue. Rep. Julian
Dixon (D-CA), a strong redress supporter, delivered an inspirational speech for more funding.
"This is not a new program," he said. "It's an old debt and we must pay it now."
Next, Rep. Vin Weber (R-MN) supported Fazio. His words were articulate and well-measured.
But the fact that he, a staunch conservative, supported the effort, said more than any speech
ever could.
Republican support in the committee was crucial for the day's victory. Republican Whip Newt
Gingrich, maneuvering behind the scenes a few days earlier, promised to deliver support among
his conservative colleagues.. With Weber, his promises began to take shape.
Next was Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ). He told his colleagues that he did not support redress pay
ments when HR 442 was debated, and that he questions whether they are appropriate. "But nevertheless, a taw has been passed and
this committee now has the obligation to appropriate money. We can't ignore it." He supported the Fazio amendment.
Rep. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) also spoke about commitment. He said he would support the highest possible level of funding that the
committee could appropriate.
Conservative Rep. Bob Livingston (R-LA) then spoke out strongly against any funding for redress. He told of what he believed to
be higher priorities such as poor shrimping families in his home state of Louisiana.
Weber responded to Livingston by saying we cannot deny due process. Stunned committee members stood by in amazement as one arch
conservative took on another over redress and won.
After more speeches and more battles, a vote was called. The Smith amendment for an $80 million increase to be taken from Census was defeated 18-27. The Fazio amendment then lost by a close 23-24 vote.
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), another member of the new House Democratic leadership team, immediately stood up to offer a compromise
which would increase funding by $30 million by taking it from Census. It was a courageous and selfless move for Hoyer whose district benefits probably more than any other from Census funds. The Hoyer compromise passed on a voice vote
recorded vote. They had had enough for one day
Senate will decide.
M@ssag©
ffr©iran   (tin®
Ctoanr
August 10, 1989
marks one year since the Civil Liberties
Act of 1988 was signed into law. The
former internees who witnessed that
historic act experienced an emotional
high that can only be understood by
those who have lived the 47 years since
the internment camps.
The words of apology and the talk of
final justice expressed so eloquently by
the former President, reaffirmed our faith
in American democratic principles.
More importantly, the acknowlegment
of wrongdoing told the world that America stood by its Constitution and
would never allow such an atrocity to
happen again.
Now, after experiencing the disappointment of being allocated zero dollars
from the 1989 supplemental budget
negotiations, and hearing the rhetoric
about the necessity of providing Redress
to at least those age 70 and above (requiring S340 million) during the 1990
appropriation discussions, we are at a
measly S50 million-only $30 million
more than the original Reagan budget
The House Committee's present recommendation is insulting and demeaning. I am cognizant of Gramm-Rudman
guidelines, but there are some interests
for which allowances are always made.
This cavalier treatment of our issue
leads one to wonder if the words of the
former President and Congress have any
real meaning to this government.
As Chair of the JACL-LEC Board, I
am very conscious of our responsibility
to the community to make unmistakably clear that the allocation is unacceptable and must be increased.
by Jerry Erwmoto,
Chairperson, JACL-LEC Board
No one called for a
The House battles were over.    Now they would watch to see how and what the