May 19, 2016 - 5:47 AM
HAGATNA, Guam - U.S. lawmakers have approved a defence spending bill that includes reparations for Guam residents killed, raped, beaten or forced to work by Japanese occupiers during World War II.
The Pacific Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/1U149MN ) the bill passed the House of Representatives Thursday and will move to the Senate for consideration. Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo had introduced the wartime reparations proposal, saying it would help make amends for those "who suffered under enemy occupation."
According to Bordallo's office, the amendment would authorize payments for survivors of the Japanese occupation during WWII as well as the descendants of those who died as a result of it.
A dollar amount for the proposed reparations has not yet been announced.
The legislation also includes $250 million for military construction projects in Guam.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016