Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act”.
Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who supported the United States in Laos during the Vietnam War era, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Eligibility for interment in national cemeteries
In general— Section 2402(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(10) Any individual—
“(A) who—
“(i) was naturalized pursuant to section 2(1) of the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–207; 8 U.S.C. 1423 note); and
“(ii) at the time of the individual’s death resided in the United States; or
“(B) who—
“(i) the Secretary determines served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 7, 1975; and
“(ii) at the time of the individual’s death—
“(I) was a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and
“(II) resided in the United States.”
Effective date— The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to an individual dying on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.