PASADENA–In a letter addressed to members of the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights–Sen. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) Tuesday urged support for the United States Training on and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Resolution–House Resolution 398.
Pointing to decades long inaction by Congress–Sen. Schiff noted–"It is time for the United States to move forward with this resolution and honor the memories of the thousands of innocent victims of the first genocide of the 20th century."
Below is the full text of the letter sent to each member of the Sub-Committee–which is scheduled to vote on H.R. 398 on Thursday–September 21.
Dear Chairman Smith:
As the California State Senator from the 21st Senate District–I represent the largest Armenian community in the world outside of Armenia. I am writing you today to urge your support for the United States Training on and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Resolution–House Resolution 398.
I have been proud to co-author similar resolutions in the California State Senate–which have passed with broad bi-partisan support. Sadly–the United States Government has yet to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923–which resulted in the deportation of nearly 2,000,000 Armenia’s–the deaths of 1,500,000 men–women–and children–and the expulsion of 500,000 survivors from their homeland of over 2,000 years.
Speaker Dennis Hastert–in a meeting with community members here in southern California–promised a floor vote on House Resolution 398. It is about time. Congressmen Radanovich and Bonior have introduced this measure time and again to no avail. After over a decade of congressional inaction–it is time for the United States to move forward with this resolution and honor the memories of the thousands of innocent victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.
I urge your vote in support of House Resolution 398 so this measure can reach the floor for a full House vote before the end of this session.
Sincerely,
Adam B. Schiff
State Senator
California’s 21st Senate District