WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) today announced that he has secured a commitment from House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) for the timely markup of the Schiff Armenian Genocide Bill to be introduced shortly. It has been over five years since an Armenian Genocide bill has been marked up in the International Relations Committee, and the Chairman’s commitment is a significant milestone. Schiff had planned to offer two amendments to the State Department Authorization Act; one concerning the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and one condemning the Turkish blockade of Armenia. As part of a deal brokered by Schiff, the Chairman agreed to a separate markup on a genocide bill to be authored by Schiff.
Specifically, Hyde agreed to a timely markup by the full International Relations Committee following a timely and successful markup by the relevant subcommittee(s).
The United States still does not officially recognize the 1915-1924 Turkish genocide of 1.5 million Armenians. This genocide is already recognized by Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Russia and Switzerland.
“On the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide it is high time to recognize the deliberate murder of a million and a half Armenians during the first genocide of the 20th century. I am grateful for Chairman Hyde’s commitment to a timely hearing on my bill,” said Schiff.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
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