115 S1179 IS: Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act U.S. Senate 2017-05-18 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1179IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 18, 2017Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Franken, Ms. Baldwin, and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who supported the United States in Laos during the Vietnam War era, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act.

2.

Eligibility for interment in national cemeteries

(a)

In general

Section 2402(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10)Any individual— (A)who— (i)was naturalized pursuant to section 2(1) of the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–207; 8 U.S.C. 1423 note); and (ii)at the time of the individual’s death resided in the United States; or (B)who— (i)the Secretary determines served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 7, 1975; and (ii)at the time of the individual’s death— (I)was a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and (II)resided in the United States.. (b)

Effective date

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to an individual dying on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.