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[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 778 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 778
Recognizing and honoring Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed
Forces for their sacrifices, their support of the Armed Forces of the
United States, and their defense of freedom in Southeast Asia.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 18, 2026
Mr. Schiff (for himself, Mr. Markey, and Mr. Padilla) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign
Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing and honoring Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed
Forces for their sacrifices, their support of the Armed Forces of the
United States, and their defense of freedom in Southeast Asia.
Whereas Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces (also known in
French as the ``Forces armees nationales khmeres'' and referred to in
this resolution as the ``FANK''), played a significant role in the fight
against communism during the Vietnam war, standing shoulder-to-shoulder
with the Armed Forces of the United States in the defense of freedom and
democracy in Southeast Asia;
Whereas, through their courageous actions, the FANK successfully captured and
destroyed significant enemy supplies, thereby disrupting the logistical
capabilities of adversarial forces;
Whereas the FANK played a pivotal role in gathering and providing vital
intelligence to the Armed Forces of the United States, which
significantly contributed to operational success and strategic planning
in the region;
Whereas the intelligence provided by the FANK included crucial information on
enemy troop positions, movements, and strength, enabling the Armed
Forces of the United States to make informed decisions that saved lives
and advanced the mission of promoting stability and security;
Whereas the members of the FANK have faced profound challenges, including loss
of life, personal sacrifice, and the enduring impact of conflict, yet
have remained steadfast in their commitment to their country and allies;
Whereas, recognizing the FANK's role in Phnom Penh on April 12, 1975, in
providing critical support and protection that facilitated the safe
evacuation of United States Embassy personnel, ensuring the safe passage
of United States diplomats and citizens from a rapidly deteriorating
situation;
Whereas, after the fall of Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975, an estimated of
1,500,000 to 3,000,000 members of the FANK and Cambodian people lost
their lives during the Khmer Rouge genocide;
Whereas the FANK members and their families were targeted and executed, along
with a wide range of people, including intellectuals, professionals,
scholars, artists, religious figures, and anyone associated with the
former Government of Cambodia or perceived as a threat, during the
``Killing Fields'' regime;
Whereas many FANK personnel, their family members, and other Cambodians fled
their homeland to escape the Khmer Rouge regime to find freedom in the
United States and other nations;
Whereas veterans of the FANK and other Cambodians who resettled in the United
States found refuge in the country where they suffered severe mental
health and socioeconomic challenges, but were determined to build new
lives;
Whereas veterans of the FANK who risked their lives fighting for freedom in the
Cambodian civil war should be honored for their distinguished service
and for the contributions they provided to the United States;
Whereas many of these brave individuals witnessed unimaginable horrors, lost
comrades, and endured personal loss that has left deep psychological
scars, extending far beyond physical impact;
Whereas veterans and survivors of genocide are at a higher risk for mental
health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and
anxiety;
Whereas veterans of the FANK were founders of, and served in, local not-for-
profit organizations, engaging with the Federal Government, local and
State governments, and with other community and religious organizations,
advocating on behalf of and educating Cambodian people in the United
States;
Whereas, along with other Cambodian refugees and immigrants, veterans of the
FANK have done much to further successful resettlement to help new
refugees and immigrants in socioeconomic, psychological, cultural, and
educational development; and
Whereas, while remembering and honoring the lives of members of the FANK, and
other lives lost during the genocide, the new generation of Cambodian
Americans continue to be an integral part of American society, including
by serving others as health care professionals, teachers, and
servicemembers: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the sacrifices made by Cambodian veterans of
the Khmer National Armed Forces in their unwavering commitment
to protect their nation and support allied efforts alongside
the United States in the early 1970s;
(2) expresses profound gratitude to the Khmer National
Armed Forces for their invaluable partnership, which has been
instrumental in advancing the shared goals of freedom,
security, and prosperity in the region; and
(3) acknowledges the historical significance of the
contributions of the Khmer National Armed Forces during that
period to the fight for freedom in shaping the future of
southeast Asia.
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