Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
03/04/2025 10:15 AM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR8 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HJR 8-AWARD HMONG VETERANS CONGRES. GOLD MEDAL
10:57:33 AM
CHAIR EISCHEID announced that the only order of business would
be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8, "Encouraging the United States
Congress to award the Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the
Congressional Gold Medal."
10:58:08 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HJR 8, Version 34-LS0482\I, Radford,
2/27/23, as the working document.
CHAIR EISCHEID objected.
10:58:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON explained that the proposed CS would
correct a drafting error in the language of the original
resolution.
10:59:11 AM
The committee took a brief at ease at 10:59 a.m.
10:59:21 AM
CHAIR EISCHEID removed his objection to HJR 8. There being no
further objection, Version I was before the committee.
10:59:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID NELSON, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HJR 8 to the committee. He paraphrased the
sponsor statement for HJR 8 [included in the committee packet],
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]
House joint resolution 8 urges the United States
Congress to recognize the sacrifices and contributions
of Hmong soldiers during the Vietnam war by awarding
them the Congressional gold medal. This long overdue
honor would acknowledge their bravery loyalty and
invaluable service and support of the United States
armed forces.
During the 1960s over 100,000 Hmong soldiers were
recruited by the United States Central intelligence
agency. These warriors played a critical role in
intercepting enemy forces and disrupting the flow of
troops and supplies along the Ho chi min trail.
Despite being heavily outnumbered the Hmong soldiers
fought with unwavering courage gathered vital
intelligence and conducted rescue message to save down
American pilots. Approximately 40,000 Hmong soldiers
were killed while defending and protecting US military
operations.
Following the war long veterans faced severe
persecuted forcing many to flee their homeland and
seek refuge in Thailand and the United States.
It is time for our nation to honor their service and
fulfill the commitments made to them The Congressional
gold medal represents not just a symbol of recognition
but an affirmation of their legacy in American
history.
We must acknowledge and honor the Hmong veterans who
stood alongside US forces to ensure their sacrifices
are never forgotten. We urge Congress to award the
Congressional gold medal to these courageous warriors.
11:03:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY thanked Representative Nelson for bringing
forward HJR 8.
11:03:11 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER commented that the Hmong have been one of
the "best friends" of the U.S.A. in among its many military
conflicts.
11:04:28 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 11:04 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.
11:05:58 AM
MAI XIONT, Unalaska Community Inc, gave invited testimony in
support of HJR 8 Version I. She explained a history of the Hmong
people's role in assisting the U.S. military in the Vietnam War
and emphasized the importance of honoring them for their service
to the country. She urged the committee's support for the
proposed resolution.
11:08:56 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 11:08 a.m. to 11:09 a.m.
11:09:23 AM
LADDIE SHAW, Former Alaska State Representative, gave invited
testimony in support of HJR 8 Version I. He briefly explained
his time serving in the Vietnam War and said that he
"absolutely" wanted to honor the Hmong. He said that the Hmong
were "our lifeline" during the Vietnam War and emphasized the
value of honoring an unwavering ally like the Hmong people. He
urged the committee's support of HJR 8 Version I.
11:10:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Mr. Shaw if he could share any
personal anecdotes of the Hmong helping him during his time in
Vietnam. He asked Mr. Shaw how the Congressional Gold Medal
would be effective in proving the United States' appreciation
for the Hmong.
MR. SHAW shared his experience in fighting alongside the Hmong
people and said that they were "never recognized for the value
of what they did". He said that the Hmong community lost over
300,000 people, while the U.S. military lost only 58,000 people
during its time in the Vietnam War. He emphasized the outsized
impact and importance of awarding the Congressional Gold Medal
to the Hmong people to honor their service to the U.S. military.
11:13:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY thanked Mr. Shaw for his service in Vietnam.
11:14:06 AM
CHAIR EISCHEID opened public testimony on HJR 8 version I. after
ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify, he
closed public testimony on HJR 8 Version I.
11:14:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY moved to report CSHJR 8, Version 34-
LS0482\I, Radford, 2/27/23, out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being
no objection, CSHJR 8 (MLV) was reported from the House Special
Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
11:15:29 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 11:15 a.m.
11:15:43 AM
CHAIR EISCHEID thanked the invited testifiers and delivered
committee announcements.
11:16:19 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 11:16 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 3.04.25 AK Aerospace Overview.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
|
| HJR008A.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 8 |
| HJR 8 Sponsor Statement Version A.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 8 |
| CS for HJR 8 - Version I.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 8 |
| HJR 8 Zero Fiscal Note.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 8 |
| CS HJR 8 Summary of Changes.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 8 |
| HJR 8 Letter in Support- Mai Xiong.pdf |
HMLV 3/4/2025 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 8 |