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.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1150

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-04-14T08:05:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1150) aims to formally recognize and honor Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces (FANK) for their sacrifices during the Vietnam War era, their support for U.S. Armed Forces, and their role in defending freedom in Southeast Asia.

Key Provisions

• Historical Recognition: Details FANK's contributions, including fighting communism alongside U.S. forces, capturing enemy supplies, providing vital intelligence on enemy positions, and aiding the safe evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel from Phnom Penh in April 1975.
• Acknowledgment of Tragedies: Notes the immense losses during the Khmer Rouge genocide (1975 onward), where 1.5–3 million FANK members and Cambodians were killed, including targeted executions in the "Killing Fields."
• Current Contributions: Highlights FANK veterans' resettlement in the U.S., their challenges (e.g., mental health issues like PTSD), community leadership in nonprofits, and the next generation's service in fields like healthcare, education, and the U.S. military.
• Resolved Clauses:

1. Recognizes FANK veterans' sacrifices in protecting their nation and supporting allies.
2. Expresses gratitude for their partnership in promoting freedom, security, and prosperity.
3. Acknowledges FANK's historical role in shaping Southeast Asia's future.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's sentiments; it does not amend laws, create mandates, or appropriate funds.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Provides symbolic validation for Cambodian-American veterans and refugees, potentially improving mental health support and community cohesion by honoring their service and traumas.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; may encourage informal outreach by the State Department or Veterans Affairs to this community.
• On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. historical ties with Cambodian allies, subtly commemorating shared anti-communist efforts and the Khmer Rouge genocide, which could foster goodwill with Cambodia.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Cambodian FANK Veterans and Families: Primary honorees, many now U.S. residents facing ongoing socioeconomic and psychological challenges.
• Cambodian-American Community: Benefits from recognition of their resilience, resettlement efforts, and contributions.
• U.S. Congress (House of Representatives): Sponsors include Reps. Barragan, Kim, Garcia (CA), and Meng; referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
• U.S. Veterans and Military: Indirectly honors allied contributions to U.S. operations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No enforceable effects; purely declarative.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on foreign affairs (Article I).
• Political: Symbolic gesture honoring Vietnam War allies amid genocide remembrance; promotes bipartisan appreciation of immigrant veterans' service without controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2026-04-02: Submitted in House
• 2026-04-02: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• 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. — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (4 pages)