LANCASTER, Penn.–Congressman Joseph Pitts (R-PA-16) recently announced that he will cosponsor H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. The Congressman’s support was acquired through the efforts of the Armenian-American constituents in his district led by ANC of Penn. activists, George Semerjian and Seeran and Greg Mizii.
Congressman Pitts and his staff met with Semerjian, the Miziis and ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Karine Birazian in the Congressman’s district office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania during which the Congressman was informed of the extensive historical documentation of the Armenian Genocide and the current genocides in the world.
H. Res. 106 calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide, and for other purposes.
The Resolution introduced in the House of Representatives on January 30, 2007 by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) has 199 cosponsors, with growing support each day.
Mrs. Mizii, and her husband Greg, have been active in the Republican Party in the 16th district, and are elected Republican Committee members. Following the meeting, Mrs. Mizii stated "We have been fortunate to have Cong. Pitts represent our conservative, Christian, and republican values in beautiful Lancaster County. We have known Congressman Pitts always as a man of principle and conscience. To me, this Resolution also stands for truth, justice, freedom of speech and freedom of religion."
Serving his sixth term, Congressman Pitts, a member of the Armenian Caucus, has a long history of advocating for human rights issues.
To date, eight of the 19 Pennsylvania representatives have signed on to the legislation, and the ANC of Penn. is continuing its efforts throughout the state. "We thank Congressman Pitts for his support and hope that his commitment will inspire his colleagues in Washington on both sides of the aisle to pass this important legislation. It is critical that our government recognize, condemn, and prevent the crime of genocide to demonstrate our compassion as a nation and our value for life and human rights," commented ANC of PA Chairman Dr. Ara Chalian following cosponsorship by Cong. Pitts.
