Hawaii U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said he will continue his efforts to secure benefits for Filipino veterans who fought alongside U.S. troops during World War II.

A measure that would have authorized $198 million — H.R. 6897, the Filipino Equity Act of 2008, which authorizes a lump sum payment to eligible Filipino veterans of World War II — failed to receive final Congressional approval due to opposition by Senate Republicans and due to the lateness of the House in moving the measure forward, Inouye said.

"My work on this important issue is not finished," Inouye said in a news release issued Friday by his office. "When the 111th Congress begins, I will consider all options to gain the legislative authority needed to expend the funds, as well as secure the recognition and honor that Filipino veterans of World War ii so duly deserve," Inouye said in the release. "That injustice must be corrected," he said.