[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 156 (Tuesday, November 13, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H8042-H8044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT PRESIDENT ISSUE PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING A NATIONAL LAO-HMONG RECOGNITION DAY
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 88) expressing the sense of
the Congress that the President should issue a proclamation recognizing
a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 88
Whereas the Lao-Hmong, which means ``free people'', are
Laotian members of the Hmong tribe and are noted for their
warrior tradition, loyalty, and bravery;
Whereas beginning in 1960 the United States recruited
thousands of the Lao-Hmong to fight against the Communist
Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army regulars in Laos;
Whereas the United States relied heavily on the Lao-Hmong
Special Guerrilla Units to engage in direct combat with North
Vietnamese troops from 1960 to 1975;
Whereas the Lao-Hmong conducted tactical guerrilla actions,
flew thousands of deadly combat missions in support of the
Armed Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency, and fought
in conventional and guerrilla combat clashes with extreme
casualties;
Whereas the Lao-Hmong, although outnumbered, fought against
enemy forces to disrupt the flow of troops and war supplies
along the Ho Chi Minh Trail;
Whereas the Lao-Hmong protected United States personnel,
guarded United States Air Force radar installations, gathered
critical intelligence about enemy operations, and undertook
rescue missions to save the lives of downed United States
pilots;
Whereas more than 35,000 of the Lao-Hmong lost their lives
defending the democratic way of life, and many more were
seriously injured and disabled;
Whereas thousands of Lao-Hmong suffered grievous injuries
and permanent disabilities, and thousands more were captured
and sent to Communist concentration camps;
Whereas after the conclusion of the war, many Lao-Hmong
soldiers were the victims of acts of retribution and
atrocities by the Pathet Lao, causing many of the Lao-Hmong
to flee to neighboring Thailand and become refugees; and
Whereas beginning with the City Council of Golden,
Colorado, in 1995, various State and local governments have
issued proclamations declaring July 22 as Lao-Hmong
Recognition Day, and the issuance of a Presidential
proclamation supporting the goals of Lao-Hmong Recognition
Day would recognize the bravery, sacrifice, and loyalty to
the United States exhibited by the Lao-Hmong in Southeast
Asia: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that the
President should issue a proclamation--
(1) supporting the goals of Lao-Hmong Recognition Day; and
(2) calling on the people of the United States to recognize
the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Lao-
Hmong with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).
General Leave
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks on H. Con. Res. 88.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution
88, and I commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo) for
introducing this important measure.
This resolution expresses congressional support for the goals of Lao-
Hmong Recognition Day. It asks the President to issue an appropriate
proclamation. That proclamation should recognize the contributions of
the Lao-Hmong in defending freedom and democracy. And it should call on
Americans to recognize the service and the sacrifice of the Lao-Hmong
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The Lao-Hmong fought valiantly against the Communist Pathet Lao and
the North Vietnamese Army regulars in Laos during the Vietnam War. The
United States relied heavily on the Lao-Hmong Special Guerrilla Units
to engage in direct combat with North Vietnamese troops from 1960 to
1975. They conducted tactical guerrilla actions. The Lao-Hmong flew
thousands of deadly combat missions to support our Armed Forces and the
CIA. And they also fought in conventional and guerrilla combat clashes,
suffering extreme casualties.
Although outnumbered, the Lao-Hmong fought against enemy forces to
disrupt the flow of troops and war supplies along the Ho Chi Minh
Trail. They protected United States personnel, guarded our Air Force
installations, gathered critical intelligence about enemy operations,
and undertook rescue missions to save the lives of our downed pilots.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution notes that ``Lao-Hmong'' means ``free
people.'' The brave and loyal members of the Hmong tribe paid a steep
price for defending their freedom and the democratic way of life. More
than 35,000 were killed. Thousands more were seriously injured.
Thousands were captured and sent to Communist concentration camps.
The suffering of the Lao-Hmong did not end with the war, because
after the war, the Pathet Lao retaliated against the many Lao-Hmong
soldiers, committing many atrocities against them. Many became refugees
when they were driven from native Laos. About 170,000 or more Hmong now
live here with us in the United States.
In 1995, the city council of Golden, Colorado, first established a
special day to recognize the contributions of the Lao-Hmong. Since
then, a number of State and local governments have also declared July
22 as Lao-Hmong Recognition Day. The Federal Government should
recognize and support these efforts as well.
Mr. Speaker, my husband is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He was
wounded in that war, so I come to this floor with a special gratitude
for the sacrifices and the suffering that the Lao-Hmong endured because
they supported the men and women of our military forces in Southeast
Asia. As a Cuban American, I feel a special empathy for the pain
inflicted on them because they fought against communism.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all Members to support this important
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentlewoman from Florida
(Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) in support of this resolution expressing the sense
of Congress that the President should issue a proclamation recognizing
a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day.
Mr. Speaker, in the late 1960s, a Central Intelligence Agency agent
known only as Colonel Billy, went into Laos to look for Vang Pao, a
Hmong military leader. By the age of 18, Vang Pao had led two raids
against the North Vietnamese forces that had penetrated into northern
Laos. When Colonel Billy found Vang Pao, he asked him if the Hmong
would be willing to help stop the Communist advance in Laos. It is
reported that Vang Pao said, ``For me, I cannot live with communism. I
must either leave or fight. I prefer to fight.''
Like Vang Pao, thousands of the Lao-Hmong fought against the
Communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army in Laos. Known for their
warrior tradition, loyalty and bravery, the Lao-Hmong Special Guerrilla
Units engaged in direct combat with North Vietnamese troops from 1960
to 1975.
The Lao-Hmong conducted tactical guerrilla actions, flew thousands of
deadly combat missions in support of the Armed Forces and the CIA, and
fought in conventional and guerrilla combat clashes with extreme
casualties.
Although outnumbered, the Lao-Hmong fought against enemy forces to
disrupt the flow of troops and war supplies along the Ho Chi Minh
Trail. The Lao-Hmong protected United States
[[Page H8043]]
personnel, guarded United States Air Force installations, gathered
critical intelligence about enemy operations, and undertook rescue
missions to save the lives of downed United States pilots. More than
35,000 of the Lao-Hmong lost their lives defending the democratic way
of life and many more were seriously injured and disabled.
H. Con. Res. 88 expresses the sense of Congress that the President
should issue a proclamation recognizing a National Lao-Hmong
Recognition Day. Let us recognize the Lao-Hmong for their fight for
freedom and democracy, a fight, yes, Mr. Speaker, that carries on unto
this day.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the distinguished gentleman from Colorado (Mr.
Tancredo) for introducing this proclamation and for working so hard to
ensure its passage. I also thank the chairman, the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Burton), from the Committee on Government Reform, and the
ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), for
expediting consideration of this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, it is very appropriate for Congress to pay tribute to
the Lao-Hmong at this troubled time in our history. President Reagan
referred to the United States as a ``shining city on the hill'' because
if has been a beacon of freedom in a world that is largely unfree.
Honoring the Lao-Hmong reminds us in the long struggle against the
evil of communism, many followed the light of that beacon. A diverse
array of people around the globe stood shoulder to shoulder with the
United States. They, too, paid the heavy price of freedom's defense
that is often required.
Evil forces are again warring against the United States and all that
we stand for. We have defeated evil before, and we will defeat it
again; but we will not have to do it alone. As we found steadfast
friends in the Lao-Hmong to fight with us against the evils of
communism in Southeast Asia, we will also find steadfast friends among
freedom-loving people around the world to stand with today. I ask all
Members to support this resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from
Colorado, Mr. Tancredo, for crafting H. Con. Res. 88 a resolution
expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should issue a
proclamation recognizing a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day.
Mr. Speaker, the Hmong are a brave, loyal and gentle people who
fought and died beside our soldiers and pilots during the Vietnam War.
Once we packed up and went home many thousands of the Hmong were
tortured and butchered by the Pathet Lao and Vietnamese for their
steadfast loyalty and trust in us.
The Lao-Hmong conducted tactical guerrilla actions, flew thousands of
deadly combat missions in support of the U.S. Armed Forces and the
Central Intelligence Agency, and fought in conventional and guerrilla
combat clashes. They suffered extreme casualties. In addition, the Lao-
Hmong, although outnumbered, fought against enemy forces to disrupt the
flow of troops and war supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.;
More than 35,000 of the Lao-Hmong lost their lives defending the
democratic way of life, and many more were seriously injured and
disabled. We owe the Hmong a great deal. What they did for us should
never be forgotten.
Accordingly proclaiming a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day is the
very least we can do to recognize their sacrifice and I urge my
colleagues to fully support the resolution.
Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to
thank and honor, Mr. Speaker, those who served with America to protect
democracy in Southeast Asia. The commitment and sacrifice of the L
Hmong people should never be forgotten. The citations that will be
presented will represent a collective thanks from all of us.
The Lao-Hmong, which means ``free people;'', are Laotian members of
the Hmong tribe and are noted for their warrior tradition, loyalty, and
bravery. Beginning in 1960 the United States recruited thousands of the
Lao-Hmong to fight against the Communist Pathet Lao and North
Vietnamese Army regulars in Laos. The United States relied heavily on
the Lao-Hmong Special Guerrilla Units to engage in direct combat with
North Vietnamese troops from 1960 to 1975. The Lao-Hmong conducted
tactical guerrilla actions, flew thousands of deadly combat missions in
support of the Armed Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency, and
fought in conventional and guerrilla combat clashes with extreme
casualties. The Lao-Hmong, although outnumbered, fought against enemy
forces to disrupt the flow of troops and war supplies along the Ho Chi
Minh Trail.
The Lao-Hmong protected United States personnel, guarded United
States Air Force radar installations, gathered critical intelligence
about enemy operations, and undertook rescue missions to save the lives
of downed United States pilots. More than 35,000 of the Lao-Hmong lost
their lives defending the democratic way of life, and many more were
seriously injured and disabled. Thousands of Lao-Hmong suffered
grievous injuries and permanent disabilities, and thousands more were
captured and sent to Communist concentration camps. After the
conclusion of the war, many Lao-Hmong soldiers were the victims of acts
of retribution and atrocities by the Pathet Lao, causing many of the
Lao-Hmong to flee to neighboring Thailand and become refugees.
Beginning with the City Council of Golden, Colorado, in 1995, various
state and local governments have issued proclamations declaring July 22
as Lao-Hmong Recognition Day. The issuance of a Presidential
Proclamation supporting the goals of Lao-Hmong Recognition Day will
recognize the bravery, sacrifice, and loyalty to the United States
exhibited by the Lao-Hmong in Southeast Asia. I call on the American
people today, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the service and sacrifice of
the Lao-Hmong men and women with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 88,
expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should issue a
proclamation recognizing a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day.
The United States owes a debt of gratitude to the Hmong veterans, and
their families, who served as loyal and dedicated allies during the
Vietnam conflict. Through their sacrifices, many American lives were
saved in Southeast Asia, and our nation must remain committed to
recognizing their service.
Over this past weekend, we honored those who served our nation
through Veterans Day parades and celebrations around the country. Many
Hmong, however, are not considered veterans by our government even
though they participated in covert operations directed by the U.S.
Central Intelligence Agency. Between 20,000 to 30,000 Hmong lost their
lives during the war and more than 100,000 Hmong were forced to either
flee or live in refugee camps. Presidential proclamation of a National
Lao-Hmong Recognition Day will represent our resolve as a nation that
the Hmong soldiers who fought for the freedom and liberty in Southeast
Asia should be honored for their service.
This legislation is also important because it calls on the people of
the United States to recognize not only the military service of Lao-
Hmong veterans and their families, but to also recognize their valuable
contribution to American society. Approximately 170,000 Hmong currently
reside in the United States, including 35,000 in my home state of
Wisconsin. Their cultural contribution to America's melting pot should
be recognized, too, because it is through our diversity and
understanding that our nation gains strength.
H. Con. Res. 88 represents America's gratitude to the Lao-Hmong for
their sacrifices in defense of American values and freedoms, and I
encourage my colleagues to support it.
Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 88, the National
Lao-Hmong Recognition Day, and praise the proud heritage of the Lao-
Hmong people who reside in my district and throughout the United
States. The Hmong are originally an agrarian people that were scattered
across parts of China, Laos, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Hmong
that now reside in the United States came mainly from Laos as refugees
following the Vietnam War.
During the Vietnam War, the Hmong were recruited by the CIA to
provide the U.S. with reconnaissance and guerrilla-combat support for
military actions in the country of Laos. They were so trusted and
effective that they were relied upon to undertake rescue missions to
save downed American pilots and protect our military installations. The
Hmong are remembered by the Vietnam veterans that they fought beside as
loyal, courageous fighters who prevented many American casualties.
Following the United States withdrawal from the region of Southeast
Asia, the Hmong people were targeted for persecution by the communist
Pathet Lao government in Laos, mainly due to the support they had
provided our nation during the war. Many of the Hmong people recall
this persecution of systematic imprisonment and killing, leaving them
with awful memories of bloody violence and the deaths of loved ones.
To survive, the Hmong showed the same courage and tenacity as when
they fought beside our soldiers, leaving their ancestral homelands for
America and hoping to adapt to a
[[Page H8044]]
country, culture and language that bore no resemblance to their own.
Before arriving in the U.S., the Hmong were a tribal society without a
written language until the mid-20th century. Additionally, many of the
Hmong were recruited to be guerrillas at the ages of 12-14 and hence
did not attend school after that point. Since 1975, over 200,000 Hmong
refugees have resettled in the U.S. Their adjustment to American
society has been difficult, but with perseverance and determination the
Hmong people have overcome and succeeded.
Last year, I cosponsored and the House passed legislation later
enacted into law, which expedites the naturalization of the Hmong who
served with special guerrilla units in Laos during the Vietnam war. Yet
a comprehensive acknowledgment of the plight and indomitable will of
the Hmong-Americans that reside in our country and community is needed.
I strongly support this legislation encouraging the President to
declare a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day and calling on the
American people to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Hmong
people. It is proper for all that the Hmong have done, similar to
countless other immigrant groups, as they add one more thread to the
fabric of our American society and history.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 88, as
amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as
amended, was agreed to.
The title of the concurrent resolution was amended so as to read:
``Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the
President should issue a proclamation to recognize the contribution of
the Lao-Hmong in defending freedom and democracy and supporting the
goals of Lao-Hmong Recognition Day.''
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________