Today, Congressmen Robert Dold (R-IL) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), along with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Ed Royce (R-CA), introduced legislation reaffirming the fact of the Armenian Genocide and America's response to this crime against humanity, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). "The United States has a duty to remember those who have no voice," Rep. Dold told the Assembly. "Ninety-six years ago 1.5 million people were killed simply because they were Armenian. I've personally heard stories from Armenian-Americans in my district who lost loved ones during the Armenian Genocide. This appalling tragedy should not be ignored; rather, as a nation that fights for justice it is only fitting that the United States honestly recognize the Armenian Genocide and the victims so that together we can help prevent future genocides," stated Rep. Dold. Earlier this month, Assembly Board Member Annie Totah discussed the importance of the Armenian Genocide with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), during which Leader Pelosi reiterated her strong support for the resolution. Speaking to the importance of the resolution, Rep. Schiff stated, "The facts of history are clear, well documented and non-negotiable - 1.5 million Armenians were deliberately murdered in the first genocide of the 20th century." Rep. Schiff also said that, "If we are to prevent future atrocities, we must condemn genocide whenever and wherever it occurs. It has never served our national interest to be complicit in another nation's campaign of genocide denial, and it never will. While there are still some survivors left, we have a compelling, urgent and moral obligation to speak plainly about the past." House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Bryan Ardouny With 57 Members of Congress signed on as original cosponsors at press time, the resolution has already garnered strong bipartisan support. It is modeled after H. Res. 252 and H. Res. 106, which both passed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs during the 111th Congress and 110th Congress, respectively. "The Assembly commends Congressmen Schiff, Dold, Royce and Pallone for their leadership and commitment to reaffirm the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "This legislation represents an important opportunity for the United States to assume a leadership role in genocide affirmation and genocide prevention, especially in the face of genocide denial." Armenian Assembly Government Affairs Intern Raffi Nersessian Last week, Assembly Board Member Annie Totah, along with Executive Director Bryan Ardouny and Grassroots Director Taniel Koushakjian, asked House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to join as an original cosponsor, to which he committed. In addition, activists and supporters from across the country responded to the Assembly's "call to action" to contact their Member of Congress to be added as an original cosponsor. Joining the Assembly's ARAMAC grassroots activists, members of the 2011 class of the Terjenian-Thomas Summer Internship Program also participated in making calls to Capitol Hill urging support for this important human rights legislation. "It was a gratifying experience to do my part to confront Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide," stated Assembly Government Affairs Intern Raffi Nersessian.

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