2023 -- H 5467

========

LC001285

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION

TO PROVIDE VETERANS BENEFITS TO THE HMONG/LAOTIAN VETERANS WHO

SERVED THE UNITED STATES IN THE "SECRET WAR" IN LAOS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Corvese, Azzinaro, Kennedy, O'Brien, Hull, and
Fenton-Fung

     Date Introduced: February 08, 2023

     Referred To: House Veterans` Affairs

1

     WHEREAS, During the Vietnam War, from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, many

2

thousands of Hmong/Laotian people served and fought in the Laos Civil War, also known as the

3

"Secret War", on the side of the United States-led coalition against the Pathet Lao and North

4

Vietnamese communist force; and

5

     WHEREAS, The Hmong/Laotian forces worked together and were paid by the CIA, to

6

conduct operations in Laos. It is estimated that more than 35,000 Hmong/Laotian soldiers

7

perished while supporting the United States and its armed forces. They fought honorably and

8

tirelessly for the cause of freedom, yet today are still not recognized as United States Vietnam

9

War Veterans; and

10

     WHEREAS, Recognizing the heroic sacrifices made by these Hmong/Laotian war

11

veterans would allow them to finally receive the support and respect they earned on the battle

12

field; now, therefore be it

13

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

14

respectfully urges the United States Congress to pass legislation to provide veterans' benefits to

15

the Hmong/Laotian veterans who served the United States in the “Secret War” in Laos; and be it

16

further

17

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

18

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Joseph Biden, Jr., President of

 

1

the United States and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.

========

LC001285

========

 

LC001285 - Page 2 of 2