S.Res. 778

119 SRES 778 IS: 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.
 U.S. Senate
 2026-06-18
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 III  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  S. RES. 778  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 armées nationales khmères  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
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.