A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement and the many contributions and sacrifices of Southeast Asian Americans to the United States.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 542

119th Congress

A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement and the many contributions and sacrifices of Southeast Asian Americans to the United States.

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 11, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Mazie Hirono

D - HI

Cosponsors

11

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States, honoring over 3 million Americans of Vietnamese, Hmong, Cambodian, and Lao descent. It acknowledges their sacrifices as US allies during the Secret Wars and Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge genocide, and ongoing challenges including 60%+ PTSD rates among Cambodian refugees.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S8676)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States, honoring over 3 million Americans of Vietnamese, Hmong, Cambodian, and Lao descent. It acknowledges their sacrifices as US allies during the Secret Wars and Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge genocide, and ongoing challenges including 60%+ PTSD rates among Cambodian refugees.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Commemorates April 1975 anniversaries: Khmer Rouge rise, Fall of Saigon, Lao monarchy abolition
Recognizes over 1.2 million Southeast Asians resettled between 1975 and mid-2000s
Acknowledges Hmong, Lao allies in CIA's 13-year Secret Wars
Notes 1.5-3 million Cambodians killed in Khmer Rouge genocide (1975-1979)
Highlights ongoing health disparities including 60%+ PTSD rates for Cambodian refugees
Documents 40-50% limited English proficiency, 90% among elders

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Southeast Asian American communities receive formal congressional recognition of their sacrifices and contributions. First/second generation descendants' intergenerational trauma is acknowledged. May inform policy discussions on refugee support, mental health services, and immigration. Washington State recognized for first governor to welcome Vietnamese refugees.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

542, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement and the many contributions and sacrifices of Southeast Asian Americans to the United States.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-542