Senate moves to create commission investigating WWII violations against Japanese Latin Americans

The federal government moved a step closer this week toward investigating wartime violations against Japanese Latin Americans during World War II.

A Senate companion bill to one written by Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Los Angeles creating a commission on wartime relocation passed the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.

Becerra called committee passage ``a momentous step’’ on ``an issue that has long deserved its due.’’

The commission would investigate U.S. involvement in the abduction, internment and deportation of Japanese Latin Americans and make recommendations for appropriate remedies to Congress. The commission would be composed of nine people, with the president, speaker of the House and president pro tempore of the Senate each selecting three.

No word yet on when the bill might reach the Senate floor for a full vote.