[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BOAT PEOPLE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mrs. STEEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. STEEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the brave Vietnamese 
refugees who fled oppressive communism after the Vietnam war.
  Mr. Speaker, I have filed a resolution proclaiming September Boat 
People Awareness Month in honor of those who risked their lives at sea 
to escape.
  These individuals were searching for freedom and a better life. I am 
incredibly proud to say that many of them found it in Orange County, 
California. More specifically, they settled in the community known as 
Little Saigon, which I represent.
  Our country rightfully welcomed them with open arms. Sadly, many boat 
people did not survive the rough conditions. Dangerous waters and 
overcrowding took many lives.
  We still honor their memory and pursuit of freedom, and we must use 
their story to fight for the rights of all people suffering under the 
weight of communism to this day.

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