[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 119 (Friday, September 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HMONG VETERANS' NATURALIZATION ACT AMENDMENT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2000

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we passed H.R. 5234, a 
bill to correct a technical problem with the Hmong Veterans' 
Naturalization Act of 2000, which was passed by Congress and signed 
into law earlier this year. Unfortunately, I was unable to speak during 
general debate. I would however, like to add these remarks to the 
record to say thank you, and to further honor a little known group of 
individuals who routinely went above and beyond the call of duty to 
help American servicemen during the Viet Nam war.
  Many Americans are unaware that Hmong veterans, operating out of 
Laos, collected critical intelligence, provided protection to remote 
American outposts, and routinely rescued downed American airmen. As a 
result of American forces in Viet Nam, these men and their families 
lived in constant danger of retaliation by Communist forces. 
Predictably, when America withdrew from Viet Nam, many Hmong families 
suffered and died at the hands of the Communist North Vietnamese and 
Laotian forces.
  I was glad to cosponsor and support the Hmong people on May 2, 2000 
when the House passed H.R. 371, the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act 
of 2000. This bill was subsequently signed into law on May 26, 2000. 
The law waives the English language requirement and provides special 
consideration for the civics requirement with respect to the 
naturalization of eligible Hmong veterans and their immediate families. 
I am equally glad that this Congress was able to resolve so quickly to 
correct a technical problem that was discovered in the law, which 
prevented some deserving Hmong individuals from gaining the citizenship 
that they fought so valiantly to preserve.
  I am thankful that the House passed this bill unanimously under 
suspension of the rules, and appreciate this opportunity to raise 
America's awareness of these courageous people.

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