S.Res. 778

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 778 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 778

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 18, 2026

Mr. Schiff (for himself, Mr. Markey, and Mr. Padilla) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

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.

Whereas Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces (also known in 
French as the ``Forces armees nationales khmeres'' and referred to in 
this resolution as the ``FANK''), played a significant role in the fight 
against communism during the Vietnam war, standing shoulder-to-shoulder 
with the Armed Forces of the United States in the defense of freedom and 
democracy in Southeast Asia;
Whereas, through their courageous actions, the FANK successfully captured and 
destroyed significant enemy supplies, thereby disrupting the logistical 
capabilities of adversarial forces;
Whereas the FANK played a pivotal role in gathering and providing vital 
intelligence to the Armed Forces of the United States, which 
significantly contributed to operational success and strategic planning 
in the region;
Whereas the intelligence provided by the FANK included crucial information on 
enemy troop positions, movements, and strength, enabling the Armed 
Forces of the United States to make informed decisions that saved lives 
and advanced the mission of promoting stability and security;
Whereas the members of the FANK have faced profound challenges, including loss 
of life, personal sacrifice, and the enduring impact of conflict, yet 
have remained steadfast in their commitment to their country and allies;
Whereas, recognizing the FANK's role in Phnom Penh on April 12, 1975, in 
providing critical support and protection that facilitated the safe 
evacuation of United States Embassy personnel, ensuring the safe passage 
of United States diplomats and citizens from a rapidly deteriorating 
situation;
Whereas, after the fall of Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975, an estimated of 
1,500,000 to 3,000,000 members of the FANK and Cambodian people lost 
their lives during the Khmer Rouge genocide;
Whereas the FANK members and their families were targeted and executed, along 
with a wide range of people, including intellectuals, professionals, 
scholars, artists, religious figures, and anyone associated with the 
former Government of Cambodia or perceived as a threat, during the 
``Killing Fields'' regime;
Whereas many FANK personnel, their family members, and other Cambodians fled 
their homeland to escape the Khmer Rouge regime to find freedom in the 
United States and other nations;
Whereas veterans of the FANK and other Cambodians who resettled in the United 
States found refuge in the country where they suffered severe mental 
health and socioeconomic challenges, but were determined to build new 
lives;
Whereas veterans of the FANK who risked their lives fighting for freedom in the 
Cambodian civil war should be honored for their distinguished service 
and for the contributions they provided to the United States;
Whereas many of these brave individuals witnessed unimaginable horrors, lost 
comrades, and endured personal loss that has left deep psychological 
scars, extending far beyond physical impact;
Whereas veterans and survivors of genocide are at a higher risk for mental 
health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and 
anxiety;
Whereas veterans of the FANK were founders of, and served in, local not-for-
profit organizations, engaging with the Federal Government, local and 
State governments, and with other community and religious organizations, 
advocating on behalf of and educating Cambodian people in the United 
States;
Whereas, along with other Cambodian refugees and immigrants, veterans of the 
FANK have done much to further successful resettlement to help new 
refugees and immigrants in socioeconomic, psychological, cultural, and 
educational development; and
Whereas, while remembering and honoring the lives of members of the FANK, and 
other lives lost during the genocide, the new generation of Cambodian 
Americans continue to be an integral part of American society, including 
by serving others as health care professionals, teachers, and 
servicemembers: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the sacrifices made by Cambodian veterans of 
the Khmer National Armed Forces in their unwavering commitment 
to protect their nation and support allied efforts alongside 
the United States in the early 1970s;
(2) expresses profound gratitude to the Khmer National 
Armed Forces for their invaluable partnership, which has been 
instrumental in advancing the shared goals of freedom, 
security, and prosperity in the region; and
(3) acknowledges the historical significance of the 
contributions of the Khmer National Armed Forces during that 
period to the fight for freedom in shaping the future of 
southeast Asia.
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