The Oregon State Legislature convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss House Concurrent Resolution 17 (HCR 17), which recognizes and honors Cambodian Americans in Oregon and the United States, as well as those lost during the Cambodian genocide. The resolution is particularly significant as it coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the Khmer Rouge's seizure of power in Cambodia on April 17, 1975, marking the beginning of a tragic period that resulted in the deaths of approximately two million people.

Senator Manny Junior introduced the resolution, highlighting the importance of April as a time of renewal and reflection for the Cambodian community, which celebrates its New Year during this month. He noted that the history of the Cambodian genocide has often been overlooked in the United States, despite the significant impact it had on the Cambodian American community, including the passage of the Refugee Act of 1980 that allowed many to resettle in the country.

Senator Junior acknowledged the contributions of Cambodian Americans to Oregon's cultural tapestry and referenced previous efforts to honor this community, including the proclamation of April 2018 as Cambodian American Heritage Month. He emphasized the need to remember the horrors of the genocide and to honor both the survivors and those who lost their lives.

Senator Meek shared personal reflections from his high school experience in the 1980s, recalling the arrival of Cambodian refugees and the cultural exchanges that took place in schools. He expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of welcoming those seeking refuge and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

Senator Pham also spoke in favor of the resolution, noting that 2025 marks fifty years since many Cambodians and other Southeast Asians arrived in the United States. She highlighted the initial resistance they faced and the eventual acceptance and contributions they made to society.

As the discussion concluded, Senator Manning, who carried the bill in honor of Senator Aaron Woods, urged colleagues to support the resolution. The meeting also acknowledged the provision of live translation services in Cambodian for viewers, ensuring inclusivity in the legislative process.

The resolution aims to foster awareness and remembrance of the Cambodian genocide while celebrating the resilience and contributions of the Cambodian American community in Oregon.