Pallone Applauds Committee Action on Armenian Genocide Resolution

March 4, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Today the House Committee on Foreign Affairs voted to pass House Resolution 252, Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, by a vote of 23-22. The nonbinding resolution would officially recognize the actions taken against Armenians from 1915-1923 as genocide.

“I commend the members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for passing this legislation out of committee,” said Pallone. “Moving this bill is a critical first step in recognizing the wrongdoing committed against 1.5 million Armenians.”

Having passed out of committee, the bill will move to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

Final passage of the legislation would mark an official acknowledgement of genocide and ensure that U.S. foreign policy with Armenia and other countries reflects sensitivity to the Armenian Genocide.

“Today’s action is a strong statement on the U.S.'s goal to end genocide everywhere and seek justice no matter the obstacles. This resolution will finally provide Armenians, Armenian-Americans and all Americans a voice to express the truth. We have waited too long for the U.S. Government to recognize these atrocities as genocide and I remain committed to seeing this resolution through to the end,” said Pallone.

April 24th 2010 will be the 95th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide.