[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 88 (Friday, May 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR AND 
        THE RESETTLEMENT OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN REFUGEES TO AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 23, 2025

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join thousands of my 
constituents from the Cambodian, Hmong, Lao and Vietnamese Diaspora 
communities in Minnesota and across the country to mark the 50th 
anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. As we commemorate this 
painful legacy, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the resettlement 
of more than 1 million Southeast Asian refugees to the United States of 
America after the war. Minnesota is home to 95,000 Hmong, 33,000 
Vietnamese, 16,000 Cambodians and 12,000 Lao Americans. These vibrant 
communities are flourishing and making tremendous contributions to our 
social, economic, political, and cultural lives.
  Southeast Asian Minnesotans are thriving throughout our state as 
entrepreneurs, professionals, engineers, and in the skilled tradesmen 
and women; serving our community as teachers, law enforcement officers, 
nurses, and medical doctors; and serving our nation and state in the 
Armed Forces and the Minnesota National Guard. These new Americans' 
success stories exemplify the spirit of resilience. Many have overcome 
tremendous difficulties and challenges in pursuing the American dream, 
especially Hmong and Laotian war veterans who fought alongside American 
forces during the secret war in Laos, and who continue to cope with the 
trauma of war, mental health challenges and other legacies of war.
  Recently, it was an honor to address the Hmong National Development 
(HND) Conference in Minnesota and commemorate the historic 50th 
anniversary celebration of Hmong refugees' resettlement to America. As 
home of one of the largest Hmong American populations outside of 
Southeast Asia, I am very proud to have six Hmong American state 
legislators representing constituents in my district! In total, 9 
lawmakers of Hmong descent represent legislative districts at the 
Minnesota State Capitol.
  As we celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month this year, it is a time 
to pause and reflect on these significant and historic milestones. It 
is also a time to look to the future. I am grateful for the rich 
cultural diversity our Southeast Asian Diaspora communities have 
brought to our nation and to Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District 
over the last fifty years. I look forward to the continued growth, 
success, partnership and collaboration with our Southeast Asian 
neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of 
the Vietnam War and the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees to 
America.

                          ____________________