Political Quotes

“today I rise as a cosponsor of H.R. 371, the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1999, to honor the Hmong people, many of whom risked their lives or died in service to the United States during the Vietnam War. There are over 16,000 Hmong in my home-state of Wisconsin, and the legislation before the House of Representatives today will help many Hmong patriots who made it to the U.S. and are currently separated from their families. This bill will allow more Hmong people to become United States Citizens by providing interpreter-assistance during the citizenship test. Unlike other languages, written characters were only introduced in the Hmong language in recent years, so learning to read in a foreign language presents an extremely difficult challenge. By providing interpreters, the family reunification process in the Hmong community can begin sooner. Providing this service is a very small token of our appreciation for a people that so loyally fought on behalf of the United States, some of whom started fighting at the age of 10. The Hmong 'mountain men' not only rescued downed American pilots, but fought heroically alongside U.S. soldiers in the Vietnam War. It is my hope that by passing this bill today, the United States Congress will show its gratitude to the Hmong people, in appreciation of the many sacrifices they have made for this country.”