02/25/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB43 | |
| SB40 | |
| SJR6 | |
| SJR10 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 43 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 40 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SJR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SJR 10 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 25, 2025
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 43
"An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History
Month."
- MOVED SB 43 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 40
"An Act establishing the period between September 15 and October
15 of each year as Hispanic Heritage Month."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6
Supporting the admittance of Washington, D.C., into the Union as
a state of the United States of America.
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10
Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans
of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal.
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 43
SHORT TITLE: WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GRAY-JACKSON
01/17/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/17/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) STA
02/18/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/18/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/18/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/25/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 40
SHORT TITLE: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GRAY-JACKSON
01/17/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/17/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) STA
02/25/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SJR 6
SHORT TITLE: WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) TOBIN
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, JUD
02/25/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SJR 10
SHORT TITLE: HMONG VETERANS; CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
02/20/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/25 (S) STA
02/25/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff
Senator Gray-Jackson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 43.
DORA WILSON, Member
Anchorage School Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 40.
JOAN RYAN ESTAY, Vice President
Enlaces Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 40.
FELIX RIVERA, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 40.
MAGGIE GRENIER, Staff
Senator Loki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-introduced SJR 6 on behalf of the
sponsor.
MIKE MASON, Staff
Senator Loki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-introduced SJR 6 on behalf of the
sponsor.
SUE SHERIF, Board Member,
League of Women Voters of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 6.
JOSHUA MCHOES, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a presentation on SJR 10.
MAY RAMIREZ, CEO
Hmong Empowering Advocating Reforming Together (H.E.A.R.T)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SJR 10.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:31 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Yundt,
and Chair Kawasaki.
SB 43-WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
3:31:40 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 43
"An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History
Month."
3:32:12 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON presented a brief recap of SB 43 as
follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
As we approach another Women's History Month, it is
imperative that we formally recognize this important
celebration in state statute. With more women serving
in the legislature than ever before, we have a
responsibility to uphold and expand this
representation. By doing so, we ensure that our
daughters and granddaughters can see themselves as
vital contributors to Alaska's future. Honoring
Women's History Month in law reaffirms our commitment
to equality, empowerment, and the enduring impact of
women in our state.
3:33:10 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 43; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
3:33:34 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:33:36 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report SB 43, work order 34-LS0081\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
3:33:52 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SB 43 was reported from
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
SB 40-HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
3:34:09 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 40
"An Act establishing the period between September 15 and October
15 of each year as Hispanic Heritage Month."
3:34:33 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON speaking as sponsor, introduced SB 40 in
Spanish and continued with the rest of the introduction as
follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 40 seeks to formally establish the period between
September 15 and October 15 of each year as Hispanic
Heritage Month in Alaska. This recognition aligns with
the federal observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, a
time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the rich
histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic
Americans.
Hispanic and Latino communities have played an
essential role in shaping our state and our nation.
Their contributions span across industriesbusiness,
education, public service, science, and the arts
enriching our communities and strengthening our
economy. By designating this month in state law, we
affirm the importance of recognizing and celebrating
these contributions in a meaningful and consistent
way.
SB 40 does not impose any mandates but encourages
schools, community groups, and public and private
organizations to engage in educational and cultural
activities that highlight the achievements and history
of Hispanic Americans.
By passing this bill, we send a clear message that
Alaska values diversity, inclusivity, and the
recognition of the many communities that contribute to
our shared success. I respectfully ask for your
support in advancing SB 40.
3:36:31 PM
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff, Senator Gray-Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 43.
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 40: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sectional Analysis Version N
Section 1- Adds a new section to AS 44.12.
Section 44.12.183. Hispanic Heritage Month
This new section establishes the period between
September 15 and October 15 of each year as Hispanic
Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month may be
observed by schools, community groups, and other
public and private agencies and individuals with
appropriate activities to honor and recognize the
contributions that Hispanic Americans have made in the
history and culture of Alaska and the United States.
3:37:32 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony on SB 40.
3:38:03 PM
DORA WILSON, Member, Anchorage School Board, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 40 as follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
I have lived, worked and raised my three beautiful
children in Alaska. I have been a therapeutic foster
parent for the past 21 years, where my husband and I
have had over 50 youth come through our home in that
time. I am a Community Outreach Manager. I have served
in many volunteer roles as well as on multiple non-
profit boards. I am also an elected member of the
Anchorage School Board.
I am taking the time to share a few of my
accomplishments because my married name is Wilson, but
my maiden name is Garcia.
To my knowledge, I am the first Latina Americana that
has been elected to the Anchorage School Board.
3:38:55 PM
MS. WILSON continued:
I am only one of the many Hispanics in Alaska that are
working every day to advocate for our community and
inspire future generations.
The Hispanic community in Alaksa is very diverse, with
roots in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, El
Salvador, Colombia, Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico.
Hispanics make up 7.7 percent of Alaska's population.
The Anchorage School District is one of the most
diverse school districts in the nation. Of the over
100 languages spoken by students and families, Spanish
ranks in the top 5 languages spoken. Establishing
Hispanic Heritage Month in state law encourages
schools, community groups and public institutions to
educate students and the public about the achievements
and traditions of Hispanic Americans.
Hispanic Americans have contributed significantly to
Alaska's workforce, particularly in industries such as
healthcare, education, construction, fishing and small
business development. Recognizing Hispanic Heritage
Month highlights the importance of these contributions
and encourages greater participation in civic and
economic life.
3:40:51 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 40.
3:41:09 PM
JOAN RYAN ESTAY, Vice President, Enlaces Alaska, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 40. She read her testimony as
follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Hispanic Heritage Month is a vital celebration not
just for Latinos, but for all Alaskans, as it offers a
unique opportunity to showcase the rich culture,
history, and contributions of the Latino community to
the state's vibrant identity. In Alaska, Latino
businesses are playing an essential role in shaping
the local economy and adding to the cultural mosaic of
the state.
3:42:00 PM
MS. ESTAY continued:
Latino-owned businesses are growing throughout Alaska,
bringing with them a wealth of tradition, flavors, and
expertise. From restaurants offering authentic
Mexican, Central and South American dishes, to
creative enterprises in fashion, art, and music,
Latino businesses are helping to diversify the economy
and enrich the local culture. These businesses not
only provide goods and services, but they also become
cultural hubs where people can experience the heart of
Latino traditions and customs.
Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in Alaska goes
beyond acknowledging Latino cultureit helps everyone
appreciate the depth of Latino contributions to
society. It's a chance to open doors to new
experiences, whether through tasting Latin-inspired
dishes, learning about the history and traditions
behind them, or simply engaging with a diverse
community.
For Latinos, this month serves as a time to share our
vibrant customs, history, and flavors with the broader
Alaskan population. It's a way to create connection,
understanding, and appreciation across different
communities. Everyone can embrace this opportunity to
learn about cultural practices, whether it's through
attending events, trying a new dish, or experiencing
Latin dance and music.
Moreover, Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the
importance of inclusivity, showing that Alaska's rich
cultural fabric is strengthened by every community
Latinos included. It's about ensuring that everyone's
voice is heard and everyone's contributions are
valued, creating a more cohesive and welcoming state.
Latino businesses help to create jobs, support local
economies, and foster a sense of community. Whether
it's a family-run restaurant, a community
organization, or a small retail store, these
businesses are integral to the social and economic
life of Alaska. They offer opportunities for cross-
cultural exchange, where Alaskans of all backgrounds
can engage with one another and learn from diverse
perspectives.
3:44:28 PM
MS. ESTAY continued:
To conclude
Hispanic Heritage Month in Alaska is about much more
than honoring the Latino community. It's about
recognizing how Latino culture enhances the vibrancy
and uniqueness of the state. From its flavors to its
artistic contributions, Latino businesses are
enriching the Alaskan experience for all. By embracing
this celebration, we can foster understanding, build
stronger communities, and ensure that Alaska remains a
place where every culture has the space to shine.
3:45:12 PM
FELIX RIVERA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 40. He stated that the Hispanic and Latino
Alaskans make up 7.5 percent of Alaska's population, though
undercounts suggest the true number of Hispanic and Latino
Alaskans is 10 percent, with most residing in Anchorage. He said
the community of Latinos has a rich history and culture that
deserves recognition through SB 40. He announced the Anchorage
Museum is currently hosting an exhibit celebrating Latino and
Hispanic Alaskans contributions to the state's political,
economic, and social fabric. He stated that SB 40 aims to honor
these contributions at the state level, like how the Anchorage
Assembly has passed resolutions recognizing Hispanic Heritage
Month for many years. He stated that passing SB 40 would
strengthen the community's connection to the state.
3:47:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public and invited testimony on SB 40.
3:47:48 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 40 in committee.
SJR 6-WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD
3:48:16 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 6 Supporting the admittance of Washington, D.C.,
into the Union as a state of the United States of America.
3:48:57 PM
MAGGIE GRENIER, Staff, Senator Loki Tobin, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, co-introduced SJR 6 on behalf of
the sponsor as follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Joint Resolution 6 seeks to put the Alaska
State Legislature on record supporting admitting
Washington, D.C. as a new state.
• Specifically, SJR 6 calls on the President and
Congress to enact legislation granting statehood
to the people of Washington, D.C.
• The goal is for that legislation to shrink the
size of the current federal District of Columbia
to only include federal lands and buildings.
• That would include the main symbols of our shared
democracy, including the White House, the Capital
Building, the Supreme Court, and the National
Mall.
• The new state that is envisioned by SJR 6 would
include the residential areas of Washington, D.C.
that includes a population of around 712,000.
The current situation by the residents of Washington,
D.C. is similar to the situation faced by the people
of Alaska prior to statehood.
• To highlight this similarity, I would like to
read a quote from a letter of support in your
packet from the League of Women Voters of Alaska.
• From 1884 to 1912 Alaska was organized as the
District of Alaska.
"Because Alaska's own campaign for statehood is
relatively recent, and we still have citizens who
remember our territorial status before 1959, when we
had federal rule and no voting representation in
Congress, it seems appropriate that Alaskans and the
Alaska State Legislature should speak up in support of
statehood for the citizens of the District of
Columbia, who pay federal income taxes and serve in
the US military without full representation in
Congress." Excerpt from a letter of support from the
League of Women Voters Alaska
3:51:02 PM
MIKE MASON, Staff, Senator Loki Tobin, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, co-introduced SJR 6 on behalf of the sponsor as
follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
The District of Columbia Elections Act that was
approved by Congress in 1970 gave the Washington, D.C.
area to send a delegate to the House of
Representatives.
• The delegate can participate in debates but
cannot vote.
• Additionally, the Washington, D.C. area is not
represented in the U.S. Senate.
MR. MASON stated that the District of Columbia is currently
represented by an elected 13-member council and elected mayor,
with limited powers of local self-government granted in 1973 to
ease the burden on Congress. He said Congress and the President
have frequently interfered with D.C.'s self-government by
disapproving, amending, or repealing actions taken by the local
council and mayor. He stated that on multiple occasions, a
majority of Washington D.C. voters have expressed support for
statehood through initiatives and referrals.
The U.S. Government is facing a lot of challenges and
there is little attention paid to the needs and the
rights of the residents of Washington, D. C.
• Statehood would give those residents the right of
self-determination that is currently lacking
under exclusive federal control.
3:54:54 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI [opened public testimony on SJR 6.]
3:55:07 PM
SUE SHERIF, Board Member, League of Women Voters of Alaska,
Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SJR 6. She offered
the following testimony:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Although Washington, DC is a large city by Alaska
standards, the population of the District itself is
only 689.5 thousand people, which would place it as a
state between Alaska and Vermont amongst the five
smallest states. It would join the seven states--
Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Vermont, and Delaware that have only one delegate in
the House of Representatives. (The district currently
has a non-voting representative in the House who can
draft legislation but cannot vote.)
The League is nonpartisan and does not support or
oppose candidates or parties, but it does take
positions on issues after reaching a consensus based
on careful study. The League of Women Voters US
position states: "The League of Women Voters of the
United States believes that citizens of the District
of Columbia should be afforded the same rights of
self-government and full voting representation in
Congress as are all other citizens of the United
States."
3:58:33 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that the District of Columbia would be the
smallest state geographically and asked how the state would
generate revenue to function.
3:58:48 PM
MR. MASON answered that the residents of Washington D.C. pay
more in federal taxes per capita than any other state. He said
Washington D.C has a strong tax base. He stated that Washington
D.C. is a major metropolitan area with a large population of
visitors, which supports the idea that Washington D.C. would
generate enough revenue to sustain itself as a state.
3:59:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if Washington D.C. were to become the 51st
state would there be concerns about the imbalance in the United
States Senate.
3:59:45 PM
MR. MASON responded that expanding the number of members in
Congress and the Senate is a significant policy decision. He
stated there are a lot of good arguments how more representation
is beneficial, especially for underrepresented populations. He
stated that Washington D.C. currently has a larger population
than Wyoming and Vermont.
4:00:28 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked how many states have sent resolutions
supporting Washington D.C.'s statehood.
4:00:43 PM
MR. MASON answered that over the past few years, around 100
resolutions have been filed, with approximately 35 states
involved. He emphasized that no other democracy denies the
people of its national capital the right to vote in its national
legislature. He stated that 700,000 residents of Washington D.C.
currently lack a vote in Congress, which is unique among major
democracies.
4:01:36 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked whether the country has a plan for
establishing a new seat of government if Washington, D.C. were
to become its own state.
4:01:51 PM
MR. MASON answered that the seat of government would stay where
it is, the District of Columbia would be reduced to include only
federal infrastructure, while the new state would encompass the
residential areas currently part of Washington D.C.
SENATOR YUNDT stated his concern that it would defeat the
purpose of why Washington D.C. was set up in the first place.
MR. MASON stated that there have been concerns to enact the
statehood for Washington D.C., the United States would have to
have a constitutional amendment because of the 23rd Amendment.
He said legal experts suggest that while a federal district
can't be enlarged, it can be shrunk. He said the District of
Columbia has been reduced before, so the district would be
resized to include only federal infrastructure, while the new
state would cover the residential areas, giving representation
to those currently unrepresented.
4:03:56 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SJR 6 in committee.
SJR 10-HMONG VETERANS; CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
4:04:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 10 Encouraging the United States Congress to
award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold
Medal.
4:04:35 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, speaking as sponsor introduced SJR 10. He
stated that this resolution is a bipartisan companion to a House
bill that honors Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War. In 1960, the
CIA recruited tens of thousands Hmong soldiers, some as young as
11. He said the Hmong soldiers supported the U.S. forces through
intelligence, combat, and rescue missions, suffering casualties
at 10 times the U.S. rate. After the war, the Hmong soldiers
faced brutal persecution in Laos, forcing many to flee across
the Mekong River, where thousands died. He said Hmong survivors
that fled to Thailand lived in refugee camps before being
resettled in the U.S., including about 5,000 now in Alaska. SJR
10 urges Congress to recognize their sacrifice with a
Congressional Gold Medal.
4:07:53 PM
JOSHUA MCHOES, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a presentation on SJR 10
and moved to slide 3. He stated that the Hmong are an ethnic
group from China, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand who migrated to
Southeast Asia centuries ago. During the Vietnam War, the CIA
covertly recruited Hmong soldiers to fight North Vietnamese
forces in Laos. The Hmong soldiers disrupted supply lines,
gathered intelligence, and protected U.S. positions. He said
even though the Hmong soldiers were vastly outnumbered, the
Hmong soldiers showed remarkable bravery, including rescuing
downed American pilots.
4:08:40 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 4 and said over 3500 Hmong soldiers
were killed and thousands wounded. The Hmong soldier deathrate
was 10 times higher than the U.S. troops. He said with the high
casualty rate, children as young as 12 were recruited to fight.
4:09:39 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 5 and said after the U.S. withdrew in
1975, the Hmong faced brutal retaliation from the Laos
government. He said many Hmong soldiers were executed, sent to
camps or forced into the jungle.
4:10:11 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 6, Hmong Integration into the U.S.
[Original punctuation provided.]
The U.S. accepted Hmong refugees, many of whom settled
in Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California.
Continued struggles with assimilation and cultural
preservation.
4:10:31 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 7, Recognition and Hmong-American
Veterans Day.
[Original punctuation provided.]
1997: U.S. government formally recognized Hmong
contributions with the Laos Memorial in Arlington.
2019: Alaska established Hmong American Veterans Day
(May 15) to honor their sacrifices.
Ongoing efforts to secure official federal recognition
4:10:57 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 8, The Push for the Congressional Gold
Medal.
[Original punctuation provided.]
U.S. allies, including Filipino WWII veterans, have
been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. U.S.
Senator Gary C. Peters introduced S. 3271 The Hmong
Congressional Gold Medal Act in 2023, but it stalled
in committee. The medal is the highest civilian honor
in the U.S., requiring an act of Congress to be
awarded.
4:11:36 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 10, What is the Congressional Gold
Medal.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Oldest civilian honor awarded by Congress.
Recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions
to U.S. history.
Each medal is unique and designed by the U.S. Mint.
One medal struck and put on display at location of
choice by honoree.
Bronze Replicas for sale by US Mint
4:12:06 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 11, Congressional Gold Medal
Recipients.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Historically awarded to figures such as George
Washington and the Wright Brothers.
Recognized foreign allies, including Filipino WWII
veterans in 2016.
The Hmong's case is similarbravery, sacrifice, and an
unfulfilled promise from the U.S.
4:12:30 PM
MR. MCHOES moved to slide 12, Call to Action.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Why it matters: The Hmong veterans fought alongside
the U.S. but were never granted a worthy veteran
award.
Current status: Advocacy efforts continue to push for
Congressional action.
What you can do: Vote to move this resolution out of
committee and vote for it when it comes to the floor.
4:13:02 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony on SJR 10.
4:13:37 PM
MAY RAMIREZ-XIONG, Chief Executive Officer CEO, Hmong Empowering
Advocating Reforming Together (H.E.A.R.T), Anchorage, Alaska,
testified by invitation and in support on SJR 10. She stated her
father was Colonel Xiong who served in the Secret War and
provided the following testimony:
[Original punctuation provided.]
We call the beautiful State of Alaska our home, and
today, I testify before you to advocate for a cause
that is deeply meaningful to the Hmong People: The
Resolution urging the U.S. Congress to award the Hmong
Veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold
Medal.
4:14:31 PM
MS. XIONG continued:
The Congressional Gold Medal represents the highest
form of national recognition for outstanding
achievements and contributions. Each medal honors
individuals, institutions, or events that have made a
significant impact. While these medals have
traditionally been awarded to military leaders,
humanitarians, and public servants, I believe it is
time to extend this honor to the Hmong veterans who
fought courageously alongside American forces.
Reflecting on my high school history classes, I
remember learning about the horrors of the Vietnam War
and the fear surrounding the draft. However, at that
time, I was unaware of the extensive involvement of my
people in neighboring countries, fighting to protect
those who were afraid to be recruited. The sacrifices
made by the Hmong People remain a mystery to many, as
the battle they fought in Laos is often referred to as
the "Secret War," orchestrated by the CIA - not taught
in history classes.
This Resolution honors the brave veterans who bravely
fought, but today, I am here to amplify the voices of
those who cannot speak for themselvesthe mothers,
wives, daughters, and children of the courageous men
and women who made immense sacrifices.
We owe them our profound gratitude. I often find
myself at a loss when it comes to repaying the debt
owed to our people who shed their blood in a conflict
that was not theirs to begin with. My heart aches for
those who lost their families, loved ones, and the
very essence of their lives in pursuit of A freedom
that was NOT yet known to them. If there's one thing I
can do, it's to share their stories and help recognize
their efforts. That their stories will not be
forgotten, and their sacrifices were NOT for nothing.
4:16:19 PM
MS. XIONG continued:
The statistics that you read here do not fully capture
the suffering endured by the Hmong people in the
aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal when the Lao
government executed genocide against the Hmong people.
Families were hunted like animals, and many were
affected by Agent Orange, with children paying the
ultimate price. To this day, they continue to plead
for assistance, yet their voices would often go
unheard.
The story of the Hmong people remains largely untold.
The sacrifices made by the Hmong People during the
Vietnam War are no less significant than those of
other allied forces recognized by Congress. As noted
in the Resolution, groups such as the Filipino World
War II Veterans have received the Congressional Gold
Medal for their bravery and sacrifices. Why should the
contributions of the Hmong people be seen as any less
important? Failing to pass this Resolution would be
both unjust and dismissive of the lives that were lost
in service to American soldiers during the Vietnam
War.
While this Resolution addresses the events surrounding
the sacrifices, it also serves as a reminder of the
Hmong People's story and their vital places in
American History.
So, if there is one thing you can do today, it's to
ask that you join me in advocating for the passage of
this Resolution to urge the U.S. Congress to honor the
Hmong Veterans of the Vietnam War with the
Congressional Gold Medal.
4:17:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked how the Alaska government would find all
the Hmong veterans.
4:18:23 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI answered this is not awarding a medal to
all Hmong veterans, it's a symbolic medal awarded to the Hmong
veterans acknowledging the sacrifices and service the Hmong
veterans made on behalf of the United States. He stated his
belief that it wouldn't be hard to find the remaining Hmong
veterans in Alaska.
4:19:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SJR 10; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
4:19:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SJR 10 in committee.
4:20:21 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:20 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SJR 6.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 Research ND Similar Resolution 1.30.25.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 Research NC Similar Resolution 1.30.25.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 Research MD Similar Resolution 1.30.25.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 D.C. Statehood Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR6 Letter of Support Signed2-23-25(2).pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SB 40 Version N.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 40 |
| SB 40 Sponsor Statement version N.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 40 |
| SB 40 Sectional Analysis version N.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 40 |
| Fiscal.Note.SB 40.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 40 |
| SJR010A.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 10 |
| AWA SB Support.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| SJR6-LEG-SESS-02-24-2025.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| Hmong Veterans Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Hmong Resolution Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| SB 40 Testimony- received as of 02.24.2025-compressed (1).pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 40 |
| SJR10-LEG-SESS-02-24-2025.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 10 |
| SJR 6 letter of Support2.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 Letter of support 3.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR6 letter of support.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 10 letters of support.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 10 |
| SB 40 letter of support.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 40 |
| SB 43 Letter of Support - Congresswoman Mary Peltola.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 43 |
| SJR 6 Letter of support 4.pdf |
SSTA 2/25/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |