WASHINGTON -- The Senate approved an omnibus veterans benefit bill today after rejecting an attempt to strip out a provision that would authorize $221 million over the next decade to give special pension to low-income Filipinos who fought with the U.S. Army against the Japanese in World War II.

The bill applies to veterans living in the Philippines.

"The Filipino veterans of World War II fought bravely under U.S. military command, helping us win the war only to lose their veteran status by an act of Congress," said U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawai'i, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

The bill, approved 96-1, expands a number of veterans benefits covering life insurance, housing assistance, education and burial costs.

Some Republicans blocked action on the Senate bill for nine months because they objected to a provision granting special pensions of about $3,600 a year to aging, low-income Filipino veterans living in the Philippines.

But the Senate voted 41-56 to reject the bill and keep the Filipino benefit.

Supporters estimate that about 20,000 Filipino veterans -- about 2,000 in Hawai'i -- are still alive. An estimated 470,000 Filipinos fought for the U.S. during the war with an estimated 13,000 still living in the Philippines.

"This veterans bill has a provision -- a provision of honor -- in which finally, after over 65 years, we will restore our honor and tell the Filipinos it's late, but please forgive us," said U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i. "It took us a little while, but we're going to carry our promise."

The bill now goes to the House, which does not have a similar bill, although Filipino veterans legislation is pending before the House Veterans Affairs Committee.