A Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Lionel Rosenblatt

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Foung Hawj

The bill formally honors Lionel Rosenblatt for his humanitarian work aiding Hmong refugees and reaffirms Minnesota's commitment to refugee protection and dignity.

Referred to Rules and Administration

Summary of Senate Resolution 96 (2025-2026, Minnesota)

Purpose and intent

SR 96 is a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Lionel Rosenblatt, a diplomat and humanitarian who advocated for and supported Hmong refugees and other refugees.

The resolution recognizes Rosenblatt’s public service, moral leadership, and impact on Hmong Americans and refugee communities.

It expresses the Senate’s commitment to the values Rosenblatt championed: standing with allies, welcoming those in need, and upholding dignity and justice for all.

Key provisions and changes

Declares that the Minnesota Senate honors Rosenblatt’s life and extraordinary contributions to the Hmong community and to refugees more broadly.

Reaffirms core values associated with his legacy: compassion, integrity, courage to act in times of need, and dedication to humanitarian service.

Acknowledges Rosenblatt’s role as refugee coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, including his advocacy for safe resettlement of Hmong families displaced after 1975.

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an enrolled copy of the resolution, authenticated by the Secretary and the Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and to transmit the enrolled copy to Rosenblatt’s family.

Who or what would be affected

The resolution itself has symbolic and ceremonial impact, recognizing an individual who supported Hmong refugees and the broader refugee community.

Hmong Americans and refugee communities may view the resolution as an acknowledgment of their history and contributions.

The Secretary of the Senate and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee are involved in the formal enacting process (preparation and authentication of the enrolled copy).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee on May 16, 2026.

As a resolution, it does not create duties, expenditures, or enforceable policy changes; rather, it serves as an official commendation and expression of the Senate’s values.

The Secretary of the Senate is tasked with producing an enrolled copy, authenticated by the Secretary and the Committee Chair, and sending it to Rosenblatt’s family.

Additional context

Co-sponsor: Foung Hawj (Senate, District 67).

The action demonstrates Minnesota’s legislative acknowledgment of the historical alliance between the United States and Hmong allies, and the importance of refugee protection and resettlement programs.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph plain-language briefing suitable for a quick briefing sheet.