2023 -- H 5467

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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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

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

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

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

Vietnamese communist force; and

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

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

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

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

War Veterans; and

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

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

field; now, therefore be it

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

respectfully urges 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; and be it

further

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

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

the United States and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.

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