[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 22285-22287]
[From the U.S. 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

[[Page 22286]]

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 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 Lao 
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.

[[Page 22287]]

  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 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.

                          ____________________