BILL NUMBER: HR 33	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Jones

                        AUGUST 4, 2010

   Relative to Vietnam War era Hmong soldiers.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



   WHEREAS, From 1961 to 1975, during the Vietnam War, the United
States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ran a covert
counterinsurgency operation in Laos that became known as the Secret
War; and
   WHEREAS, The CIA recruited Hmong individuals from Laos to help
fight the communists; and
   WHEREAS, The Hmong soldiers fought shoulder-to-shoulder with
American soldiers; and
   WHEREAS, The Hmong were recruited initially to shield Laos from
communist takeover, and were later instructed to interdict convoys of
supplies on the Ho Chi Minh Trail; and
   WHEREAS, These young Hmong earned a reputation as capable, loyal,
and brave fighters, and their service in combat proved to match the
best guerrilla fighters in the world; and
   WHEREAS, Many Hmong soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in
service to our country, and our nation owes a debt of gratitude to
them; and
   WHEREAS, These Hmong soldiers played an important and unique role
in United States military history; and
   WHEREAS, About 130,000 ethnic Hmong moved to the United States
after the 1975 communist takeover as political refugees; and
   WHEREAS, It is fitting that the service of Hmong veterans be
honored with burial benefits in our national cemeteries; and
   WHEREAS, House Resolution 5879 would authorize the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who
served in combat support of the Armed Services of the United States
in the Kingdom of Laos from 1961 to 1975; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California,That the
Assembly of the State of California respectfully requests the
Congress of the United States to pass, and the President to sign,
House Resolution 5879, which would authorize the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who
served in combat support of the Armed Services of the United States
in the Kingdom of Laos from 1961 to 1975; and be it further
   Resolved,That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United
States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President
pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and each Senator and
Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.