Bill would give burial rights to Hmong veterans

A California Congressman has introduced legislation that would make members of the country's Hmong ethnic group who fought with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War eligible for burial in national cemeteries.

Rep. Jim Costa of Fresno introduced the bill Tuesday, saying it's a way to honor the service of Hmong veterans.

Hmong soldiers trained by the CIA fought against Communist forces in Laos during the war.

Costa says about 6,900 Hmong around the country would be eligible for burial in national cemeteries if the bill passed.

Their service would have to be verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Census figures show more than 65,000 Hmong live in California, including 48,000 in Fresno. Other large Hmong communities are in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

---

Information from: The Fresno Bee

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)