Schiff, Radanovich Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the Armenian Genocide

Schiff, Radanovich Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the Armenian Genocide

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced the introduction of a resolution recognizing and commemorating the Armenian Genocide.  The resolution calls on the President and the U.S. Government to properly recognize the atrocities that occurred in Armenia beginning in 1915, and which resulted in 1.5 million deaths, as genocide.  Rep. Schiff authored the resolution with George Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).

“The facts of history are clear, well documented, and non-negotiable. One and a half million Armenians were deliberately murdered in the first genocide of the 20th century. If we are to lead in the effort to stop the genocide in Darfur and prevent future atrocities, we must be willing to condemn genocide whenever and wherever it occurs." said Schiff.  “It has never served our national interest to become complicit in the denial of genocide, and it never will. While there are still some survivors left, we have a compelling moral obligation to speak plainly about the past.”

Last week, Rep. Schiff and the other coauthors of the resolution wrote to President Obama lauding him for his principled record of recognizing the Armenian Genocide.  The letter asked the President to make a strong statement of genocide recognition on April 24th – as President Reagan did more than 20 years ago. 

“The Affirmation of the U.S. Record on the Armenian Genocide” resolution has the bipartisan support of 77 original co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.  It calls on the President to “ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding” of the “Armenian Genocide” and to “accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide.” 

The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by more than 20 nations including Canada, Italy, Sweden, France, Argentina and Russia, as well as the European Parliament.  Rep. Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Judiciary Committee. 

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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