For the first time in five years, the House International Relations
Committee passed Armenian Genocide legislation (H. Con. Res. 195 and H.
Res. 316) clearing the way for a historic vote on the House Floor.
In June, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) secured a commitment for
today’s mark-up from House International Relations Committee Chairman
Henry Hyde (R-IL). A mark-up is the final hurdle a bill must pass
before a vote by the full House of Representatives is possible.
The Schiff resolution (H. Con. Res. 195) commemorates the Armenian
Genocide and urges Turkey to acknowledge the role of the Ottoman Empire
in those atrocities. The resolution also urges Turkey to go
beyond recognition of the Genocide and reach a just resolution with the
Armenian people. The Schiff resolution has 85 co-sponsors.
The United States still does not officially recognize the 1915-1924
genocide of 1.5 million Armenians. This genocide is recognized by
the European Union, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Italy,
Lebanon, Russia and Switzerland.
After passing the Schiff resolution, the committee then approved a
second resolution recognizing the genocide that was sponsored by
Congressmen George Radanovich (R-CA), Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI), Adam
Schiff (D-CA) and Frank Pallone (D-CA).
“This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
We are working to ensure our country recognizes this terrible tragedy
while some of the victims are still alive, including the three brave
survivors here today,” said Schiff. “I urge the entire community
to call Members of Congress and demand a quick floor vote for H. Con.
Res. 195.”
“Our entire community is grateful to Congressman Schiff for his efforts
today in the International Relations Committee and for his tireless
work to pass an Armenian Genocide Resolution,” said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director, Armenian National Committee of America. “We look
forward to building on the Committee’s action and to working with all
members of Congress to secure a full Floor vote on Armenian Genocide
legislation at the earliest opportunity.”
Congressman Schiff is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues and he represents the largest Armenian population in the United
States. He is a member of both the House Judiciary and
International Relations committees. The 29th Congressional District
includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena,
East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South
Pasadena and Temple City.
Yorumlar kapatıldı.