President Biden Signs Hirono Legislation to Help Korean American Veterans Access Medical Services Through VA

WASHINGTON, DC – President Joseph R. Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). The Korean American VALOR Act allows veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War, and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens, to become eligible for healthcare services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The House companion legislation was introduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA).

“Thanks to the Korean American VALOR Act, approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans in Hawaii and across the country will be able to access medical services through the VA,” said Senator Hirono. “I am glad President Biden has signed our legislation into law, to help ensure our veterans have access to the quality VA healthcare they need and deserve.”

Since 1958, the VA has provided healthcare services to veterans of allied European nations during World War I and World War II through the Allied Beneficiary Program. The Korean American VALOR Act amends title 38 of the U.S. Code to allow the VA Secretary to enter into a similar reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Korea. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens, and the VALOR Act would provide an avenue for these veterans to access medical services and care through the VA.

The full text of the bill is available here. 

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