[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 462--RECOGNIZING THE KHMER AND LAO/HMONG FREEDOM 
 FIGHTERS OF CAMBODIA AND LAOS FOR SUPPORTING AND DEFENDING THE UNITED 
STATES ARMED FORCES DURING THE CONFLICT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND FOR THEIR 
           CONTINUED SUPPORT AND DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. RUBIO submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 462

       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters (also 
     known as the ``Khmer and Lao/Hmong veterans'') fought and 
     died with United States Armed Forces during the conflict in 
     Southeast Asia;
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters rescued 
     United States pilots shot down in enemy-controlled territory 
     and returned the pilots to safety;
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters retrieved 
     and prevented from falling into enemy hands secret and 
     sensitive information, technology, and equipment;
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters captured 
     and destroyed enemy supplies and prevented enemy forces from 
     using the supplies to kill members of the United States Armed 
     Forces;
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters gathered 
     and provided to the United States Armed Forces intelligence 
     about enemy troop positions, movement, and strength;
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters provided 
     food, shelter, and support to the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters 
     facilitated the evacuation of the United States Embassy in 
     Phnom Penh on April 12, 1975, by continuing to fight Khmer 
     Rouge forces as the forces advanced upon the capital;
       Whereas, in 2014, the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters 
     are still subject to intimidation, ridicule, discrimination, 
     and death if identified in Cambodia or Laos;
       Whereas veterans of the Khmer Mobile Guerrilla Forces, the 
     Lao/Hmong Special Guerrilla Units, and the Khmer Republic 
     Armed Forces defended human rights, freedom of speech, 
     freedom of religion, and freedom of representation and 
     association; and
       Whereas the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters have not 
     yet received official recognition from the United States 
     Government for their heroic efforts and support: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate affirms and recognizes the Khmer 
     and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters and the people of Cambodia and 
     Laos for their support and defense of the United States Armed 
     Forces and freedom of democracy in Southeast Asia.

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