Legacies of War Recognition and UXO Removal Act

Washington, D.C. Rep. Duffy, Sean P. [R-WI] introduced HR 2097, 'Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act' to recognize the Hmong, Khmer, Laotian, and other ethnic groups commonly referred to as Montagnards, who supported and defended the Armed Forces during the conflict in Southeast Asia and to authorize assistance to support activities relating to clearance of UXO and other explosive remnants of war.

The Bill mentions the tragic legacy of the conflict in Southeast Asia and the UXO which continues to "litter forests, rice fields, villages, school grounds, roads, and other populated areas hindering development and poverty reduction efforts" in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The proposed Bill states that, "Since 1993, the United States has provided more than $3,400,000,000 in assistance to more than 100 countries, including more than $132M in Vietnam, $200M in Laos, and $140M in Cambodia.

To honor the Montagnard Freedom Fighters with recognition for their support and defense of the Armed Forces, it calls on Congress to "continue to support activities to clear UXO and other explosive remnants of war in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and strengthen people-to-people ties and reaffirm America's long-standing commitment to Southeast Asia."

The draft Bill proposes an authorization and appropriation of $250M over a five year period (i.e., $50M for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024).

The Bill currently has four other supporters including Mr. McCaul, Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Castro of Texas, and Ms. Speier of California and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Download HR 2097 from UXOInfo.com.