Pascrell Statement on Armenian Genocide Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today commented on the vote in the House of Representatives on H.Res. 296, an official recognition and remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

“The genocide of 1,500,000 Armenians is one of the worst events in human history. Therefore, it is appropriate that the United States stands in official commemoration now and always with the lives lost and the families destroyed. Our actions today cannot undo the destruction of a beautiful people. The Congress must ensure our nation is vigilant that such a tragedy does not occur ever again.”

Rep. Pascrell voted in favor of H.Res. 296 because he supports full official U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Pascrell did not vote for H.Res. 655, the rule designating H.Res. 296 for a vote, because he is concerned it could inflame tensions in the Middle East. Once on the floor, Pascrell supported the recognition promised by H.Res. 296. Rep. Pascrell is longtime member of both the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans and the Congressional Armenian Caucus.

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