Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii is celebrating the news Wednesday that the U.S. Senate has passed a bill to award Filipino World War II veterans who fought for the America the Congressional Gold Medal.

The medal is the highest civilian award that Congress can bestow.

The bill’s author is Hirono.

“These veterans were instrumental to an Allied victory in the Pacific theater, but their fight didn’t end with the war,” Hirono, a Democrat, said in a press release. “For decades, they have continued to fight for the benefits they have earned and to be reunited with their families in the United States.”

The bill awaits passage by the U.S. House of Representatives in order to be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature.