09/29/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "For the past two years, Azerbaijan President Aliyev has perpetrated a devastating war against the people of Armenia and Artsakh. And as we saw earlier this month and as recently as yesterday, when Azerbaijan once again violated the ceasefire and killed three Armenian soldiers Aliyev has only become more emboldened to expand his attacks over time, because the world has chosen to meet his brutality with little more than the language of false equivalence. There is only one perpetrator in this conflict Azerbaijan and the United States must hold them accountable. We must unequivocally condemn Azerbaijans assaults against Armenia and Artsakh, explore sanctions, and use our influence to call for an immediate investigation into Aliyevs war crimes and his countrys many violations of international law."
View the Facebook post here. 09/21/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "On this Armenian Independence Day, I stand in solidarity with the Armenian people the survivors of the first genocide of the 20th century during this extraordinarily painful and precarious time. Last weeks unprovoked attacks by Azerbaijan were yet another direct assault on Armenias sovereignty, and an appalling escalation of the Azeri violence that has devastated the Armenian people over the past two years. My heart breaks for those whose families and loved ones have been lost, for those who have been displaced, and for those who are living in fear every day of the next attack or invasion.
The terrible tragedy is that these attacks and indeed, the war and ongoing aggression of the past two years could have been prevented, if the international community, and the United States, had condemned the clear instigator in this conflict, Azerbaijan, instead of using the language of false equivalence. If Azerbaijan had been called out for its continual acts of aggression in the past, President Aliyev may not have felt emboldened to expand his attacks on Armenia and Artsakh. Time and time again, the world has failed to hold Aliyev accountable for his belligerence, creating an environment in which he believes he can invade internationally-recognized Armenian towns and territories with impunity.
Thats why it is essential for the United States to not just condemn Azerbaijan and its leader for this naked war of aggression, but to take immediate and meaningful action to stop it. My fellow co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues have crafted legislation that would cease all assistance to Azerbaijan. And I believe we must go even further cutting off the Aliyev regime permanently, and exploring sanctions. I will continue to work with my colleagues to develop additional legislation in response to Azerbaijans ongoing disregard for international legal standards in its unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful attacks against Armenia and Artsakh.
This bloody war must finally be stopped, once and for all, political prisoners must be released, and there must be justice and accountability for the war crimes committed by Aliyev and his enablers. Today and every day, I stand proudly with the people of Armenia and Artsakh, and especially with my constituents in the Armenian community. Their strength and resilience have been one of my greatest inspirations during my time in public service, and I am honored to be their voice in Congress."
View the Facebook post here. 09/21/22 - Rep. Schiff tweeted "This Armenian Independence Day, we mourn the Armenian soldiers murdered last week by Azeri forces, and seek justice for the displaced and terrorized. These atrocities will continue until the international community condemns Aliyev, unequivocally. The U.S. must lead the way."
View the tweet here. 09/18/22 - Rep. Schiff tweeted "Proud @SpeakerPelosi went to Yerevan to express Americas solidarity with Armenia. Because only when America and the international community stand up to the brutal dictator in Baku will the bloodshed end. America and Congress must go further, and cut off all aid to Azerbaijan."
View the tweet here. 09/14/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Azerbaijan must stop attacking and terrorizing innocent Armenian civilians. And the U.S. and its allies must unequivocally condemn Azeri actions. Today, the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues introduced a resolution with a resounding message: No more U.S. support for Azerbaijan. It must pay for its belligerence."
View the Facebook post here. 09/14/22 - Rep. Schiff tweeted "Azerbaijan must stop attacking and terrorizing innocent Armenian civilians. And the U.S. and its allies must unequivocally condemn Azeri actions. Today, we introduced a resolution with a resounding message: No more U.S. support for Azerbaijan. It must pay for its belligerence."
View the tweet here. 09/12/22 - Rep. Schiff tweeted "Azerbaijan has reportedly shelled the homes of innocent civilians in Artsakh and is now attacking Armenias border. An egregious violation of the ceasefire and direct attack on Armenias sovereignty. The U.S. must halt all assistance to Azerbaijan - immediately and permanently."
View the tweet here. 08/05/22 - Rep. Schiff tweeted "Deeply disturbed by reports of casualties including two Armenian soldiers in Nagorno-Karabakh a result of Azerbaijans violation of the ceasefire agreement. @StateDept
must use all diplomatic levers and show our unwavering support for Armenian sovereignty. My full statement:"
View the tweet here. 05/09/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Beginning on September 27, 2020, and over the course of 44 days, Azerbaijani forces targeted and killed thousands of innocent Armenians in Artsakh. Thousands more were forced to flee their ancestral homelands, and others have been illegally detained and subject to torture while those who remain live in fear of another attack and invasion. As defenders of democracy and peace around the world, the United States must offer more than just words of solidarity with our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad. Our actions must be just as powerful.
That's why I'm proud to announce that, as part of the 2023 State and Foreign Relations funding legislation, I'll be requesting significant investments to deliver much-needed humanitarian relief to the people of Artsakh, and support a number of priorities including economic development in Armenia.
Specifically, I'm calling for:
- A full prohibition of U.S. security assistance to Azerbaijan.
- No less than $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh.
- No less than $100 million in democratic, economic, and diplomatic assistance for Armenia, to support its democratic reforms, sustain its economic development, and aid its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Secretary of State to engage at all levels with Azerbaijan, including through the OSCE Minsk Group, to call for the immediate release of all Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians.
You can read the full letter here:"
View the Facebook post here. 04/24/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "It was an honor to march with my Armenian constituents today on the anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide one hundred and seven years ago. And I will always be proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the community in the ongoing fight for truth, liberation, and justice."
View the Facebook post here. 04/24/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "One hundred and seven years ago, the Ottoman Empire undertook a systematic effort to destroy the Armenian people ultimately murdering one and a half million innocent men, women, and children in what became the first genocide of the 20th century. Despite the overwhelming evidence of this methodical mass killing, to this day, Turkey continues to deny the genocide ever happened. But today, we speak with one voice: We will not forget. We will never forget. For tens of thousands of my constituents, achieving recognition of the genocide has been a lifelong struggle. The milestones we have achieved together, from the resolutions passed by Congress in 2019 affirming the facts of the Genocide to President Bidens historic recognition last year, happened because of them a strong and resilient Armenian diaspora. But the threat of annihilation still hangs over the Armenian people. Because today, the Armenian people are still under attack, including the many who died in Artsakh, the thousands who were forced to flee unprovoked aggression by Azerbaijan and Turkey, and those who remain prisoners of war or live in fear of another invasion. We cannot allow these crimes against humanity to go unrecognized. The United States must fully step into its role as a defender of democracy and peace around the world. We must not relent in our calls for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of the remaining Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians, for the end of U.S. assistance to the Aliyev regime, and for stronger efforts to secure more funding for Armenia and Artsakh. Now more than ever, we must seek to further strengthen and support Armenia and Artsakh. We demand their liberation and we will not rest until safety, peace, and justice are achieved for our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad. I will always stand with Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian community. Adam"
View the Facebook post here. 03/28/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "It was an honor to attend the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of Californias Legacy Gala. Weve made so much progress on this exciting project since the groundbreaking. And I expect more is still to come now that Congress has delivered nearly $1 million for the construction of the museum funds I fought for and cant wait to see put to use. This museum is going to ensure Armenian stories are told to millions of people, in Glendale, in Los Angeles, and around the world, for generations to come. And I cant wait to be one of the first to walk through its doors and marvel at them for myself."
View the Facebook post here. 02/28/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Yesterday, we marked the 34th anniversary of the Sumgait and Baku pogroms. Beginning on February 27, 1988, and for three days following, Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed Armenians - leaving hundreds of civilians dead and injured and women and girls were raped. Some victims were thrown from windows and burned alive. Tens of thousands were forced to flee.
After two years, it was estimated that only 40,000 of the 250,000 Armenian residents of Baku remained in Azerbaijan. On January 13, 1990, organized Azerbaijani mobs turned on them, too, killing hundreds and injuring many more.
The pogroms came as a direct result of years of vicious, racist anti-Armenian propaganda by Azerbaijani authorities, dehumanizing the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan and laying the groundwork for mass violence. Azerbaijani authorities made little effort to punish those responsible, instead attempting to cover up the atrocities and deny the governments role in instigating the attacks.
As we reflect on yesterday's anniversary, we honor the victims of this ghastly injustice and pledge to speak out against hatred so that history will not repeat itself. But tragically, more than three decades later, that is exactly what has happened. Beginning on September 27, 2020, and over 44 days, Azerbaijani forces once again targeted and murdered innocent Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, and displaced tens of thousands more. Today, Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Armenia and Artsakh continues. Armenian soldiers are still illegally detained and subject to torture while thousands of civilians still live in danger. Religious and cultural Armenian sites that have fallen under Azerbaijani control are under constant threat.
These are the horrific consequences when aggression and hatred grow unchecked and it is why, whether these crimes against humanity occurred one year, thirty years, or a hundred years ago, we can never allow them to go unrecognized. More than that, it is why the United States must fully step into its role as a defender of democracy and peace around the world. We must not relent in our calls for the safe and unconditional release of the remaining Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians, for the end of U.S. assistance to the Aliyev regime, and for stronger efforts to support democracy in Armenia and a free, independent Artsakh.
So let us pause to remember those who suffered in the atrocities of the Sumgait and Baku pogroms. But let us also recommit ourselves and our nation to doing everything we can, today, to bring liberation to our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad, once and for all."
View the Facebook post here. 02/15/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "An update on progress at the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center in Glendale."
View the Facebook post here. 01/19/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Thirty years ago, Armenia and America first established diplomatic ties and in the years since, our partnerships have only grown stronger. Today, in commemoration of that anniversary, I was awarded the State Order for my work on behalf of the Armenian American community in Congress. I was incredibly humbled by this tremendous honor and I look forward to continuing the important work of strengthening diplomatic ties between our two nations."
View the Facebook post here. 01/06/22 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Wishing the Armenian community a very Merry Christmas! Shnorhavor Nor Dari yev Sourp Dznount ????????? ??? ???? ?? ????? ??????"
View the Facebook post here. 12/02/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Im pleased that after a long delay, the United States has resumed humanitarian aid for landmine removal in Artsakh. The assistance that the United States provided for more than a decade to remove land mines doubtlessly saved countless civilians from being killed or maimed by these weapons. Ending this support in March 2020 was a mistake, and Im glad we have prevailed on the State Department to reinstate it. After the devastating November 2020 war, its all the more critical. For years, thousands of Armenian families have lived in fear of unexploded munitions near their homes, farms, schools, and other gathering places that bind their communities together. This decision helps save further lives."
View the Facebook post here. 11/16/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "I am deeply disturbed by todays reports of Azerbaijani forces attacking Armenian soldiers at the border, including the reported murder or illegal detainment of more than two dozen Armenian soldiers. This unprovoked attack is in direct violation of Azerbaijan and Armenias ceasefire agreement, and a grave reminder that the United States must be doing everything we can to deter Azerbaijans ongoing aggression. I urge the State Department to act immediately to use every diplomatic channel and lever available to avert another mass humanitarian disaster and show our unwavering support for the Armenian people and their sovereignty."
View the Facebook post here. 10/01/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Despite Azerbaijan and Armenias ceasefire agreement, unprovoked and ongoing Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Armenia and Artsakh means thousands of innocent civilians still live in fear, and the threat remains intolerably high. It is vital we have a thorough understanding of the current situation and look closely into all potential threats, so we are better prepared to avert future deadly conflicts. Thats why the House Intelligence Committee included a measure Rep. Jackie Speier and I championed in the 2022 Intelligence Authorization Act which will require an unclassified report on the likelihood of future military action within the Southern Caucuses including Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Nagorno-Karabakh. We must use every tool at our disposal to ensure that peace endures for the people of Armenia and Artsakh."
View the Facebook post here. 09/27/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "One year ago today, an autocrat facing domestic discontent chose to provoke war with a peaceful neighbor. Over 44 days, Azerbaijani forces targeted and murdered many innocent civilians in Artsakh, and displaced tens of thousands more. The war created a mass humanitarian disaster and robbed countless ethnic Armenian families at home and abroad of their fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Artsakh and Armenia continues. Dozens of Armenian soldiers remain illegally detained and subject to torture, while thousands of innocent civilians still live in danger due to the continued and unprovoked threats in Nagorno-Karabakh. Now more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to doing everything possible to bring liberation and peace to the region. We must continue to demand Azerbaijan immediately and unconditionally return all prisoners of war and captured civilians. We must continue to urge the Biden administration to withhold U.S. assistance from the Aliyev regime and to reinvigorate the peace process. And we must further strengthen and support democracy in Armenia and a free, independent Artsakh. I will always stand with the people of Armenia and Artsakh."
View the Facebook post here. 09/21/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Today, I join with my Armenian-American constituents and Armenians around the world to mark the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. The road to independence has not been easy, but time and time again, Armenians have proven that they are survivors. Having persevered through war and genocide, the Armenian people have emerged from these terrors united to secure a better future for their families and people. In the United States, Armenian-Americans continue to illustrate what an essential part of the national fabric they are with contributions in every field from government, law, arts and education to science, medicine, and engineering that serve as an inspiration to us all. As we mark this anniversary, we must also rededicate ourselves to confronting the continued threats to Armenia and Artsakh, especially as we approach the one-year anniversary of the six-week war in Nagorno-Karabakh. We must do everything we can to bring liberation and peace to our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad. I will always stand with the Armenian people, and remain committed to deepening the ties between the United States, Armenia and, and a free and independent Artsakh."
View the Facebook post here. 09/02/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Today, we come together to mark Artsakhs Independence Day, when 30 years ago the brave people of Artsakh declared their independence from the Soviet Union. And while Artsakhs path has never been an easy one, the war over the last year or so has tested the people of Artsakh in unimaginable ways. I will always stand with Artsakh and the Armenian people, as we demand security and self-determination for Artsakh."
View the Facebook post here. 07/28/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire agreement with Armenia, killing three Armenian soldiers and seriously wounding two others at the border are alarming. If true, this would constitute yet another deadly act of aggression by Azerbaijan that, if allowed to escalate, could result in further violence, death, and destruction.
We must acknowledge the fact that continued United States assistance to the Aliyev regime in Azerbaijan provides no disincentive to their aggression and poses an imminent threat to Armenians. Im urging the Department of State and Secretary Blinken to speak out about the events of the last 24 hours, and pressure Azerbaijan to abide by the ceasefire. The United States should never provide military funds or support to a country that routinely violates human rights and encroaches on the independence of its neighbor. Its time for accountability. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/28/armenia-says-three-killed-in-fire-exchange-with-azeri-forces"
View the Facebook post here. 07/15/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Exciting update: Im thrilled to share that the 2022 federal government funding bill includes $??????,?????? to support the construction and development of the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center! This funding will make the federal government a partner with state and local government and the private sector in building this important cultural institution. Its an honor to work alongside my Armenian-American constituents for recognition and justice, and with these funds, we can help ensure that your stories of hope in the face of hardship, of perseverance, and of new beginnings are told for generations to come. Learn more about the ten projects throughout our community that I secured funding for, and how theyll enrich our health, safety, cultural opportunities, and quality of life: https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/schiff-secures-more-than-7-million-for-critical-community-projects_in-upcoming-government-funding-legislation"
View the Facebook post here. 07/14/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "This week, we secured more than $7 million to fund community projects in Californias 28th District. These projects will deliver lifesaving health services, emergency housing, support for small businesses, and public safety investments that will enhance the quality of life for all. Im thrilled they have been be included in the recently introduced government funding bills, and I look forward to celebrating their passage soon.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Thai Community Development Center
Los Angeles City College
Armenian American Museum
Covenant House California
Los Angeles LGBT Center
City of Glendale Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory
Para Los Niños
Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley
Burbank Fire Department
https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/schiff-secures-more-than-7-million-for-critical-community-projects_in-upcoming-government-funding-legislation"
View the Facebook post here. 07/12/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "It was an honor to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for what will soon become the Armenian-American Museum and Cultural Center of California in the beautiful heart of Glendale. Armenian-Americans are an essential component of the fabric of our nation enriching our customs, traditions, and communities. Their story is an American story, one of hope in the face of hardship, of perseverance and new beginnings. And this museum will ensure that story gets told for generations to come."
View the Facebook post here. 07/01/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "After a year marked by devastating conflict and incredible suffering, we have been able to secure more than $52 million in funding for Armenia and Artsakh in the recently introduced House Foreign Affairs spending bill, along with the other co-chairs of the House Armenian Caucus. This robust investment will support democratic, economic, and energy reforms in Armenia and provide urgent humanitarian relief in Artsakh. But our work is far from done. We must continue to push the Biden administration to take every possible diplomatic action to end Azerbaijani aggression and secure immediate release of all Armenian detainees and prisoners of war, some of whom have been tortured in violation of international human rights conventions. And we must also continue to push President Biden to withhold U.S. assistance from the Aliyev regime in Azerbaijan, which continues to commit grave human rights abuses and threaten the independence of Armenia. I will always stand with the people of Armenia and Artsakh. Always."
View the Facebook post here. 06/24/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "Azerbaijans continued violation of human rights following the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is unacceptable. Prosecuting prisoners of war is a flagrant violation of international conventions and further evidence of Azerbaijans grotesque disregard for human rights and international law. While we continue working to secure the immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war, the United States must impose harsh consequences on Azerbaijan and end the waiver that has allowed U.S. military assistance to flow to the regime in Baku. We must not allow Azerbaijan to violate human rights and trample on international norms with impunity. https://asbarez.com/yerevan-condemns-prosecution-of-armenian-pows-by-azerbaijan/"
View the Facebook post here. 05/12/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "I am deeply concerned by recent reports that Azerbaijani troops have reportedly crossed into Armenian territory. If true, this is yet another dangerous and provocative action that could lead to further loss of life. It is past time for the United States to recognize that our policies have emboldened Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to escalate militarily, risking another war. I have been in communication with the Biden administration and urged them to engage more deeply through the Minsk Group, now more important than ever. According to reports, Azerbaijan is taking these actions just days after the State Department issued an unjustified waiver of restrictions under Section 907 against direct aid to Azerbaijan. We should not be providing military funding to a nation that habitually engages in human rights violations and violates the sovereignty of its neighbors."
View the Facebook post here. 05/04/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "During the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan was guilty of grave and egregious human rights abuses. Reports of the torture and murder of 19 Armenian prisoners of war, including civilians, are further evidence of Azerbaijans grotesque disregard for human rights and international law. While we work to secure the immediate release of remaining POWs, the United States must impose harsh consequences on Azerbaijan, and those who enabled these crimes, and end the waiver that has allowed U.S. military assistance to flow to the regime in Baku. We cannot stand idly by as crimes against humanity are committed against Armenia and the people of Artsakh. My heart breaks for these 19 men and women, their loved ones, and the entire Armenian community tonight. I will always stand with them as we demand peace and independence for Artsakh. Always."
View the Facebook post here. 05/01/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "I will always stand with the Armenian community to honor the martyred saints of the Armenian Genocide, and our work goes on as we continue the fight for justice and reparations. I will always stand with the Armenian community as we demand peace and independence for Artsakh. I will always stand with the Armenian community as we strengthen our ties to Armenia. Always."
View the Facebook post here. 04/24/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "As this historic day comes to a close, my thoughts are with the Armenian community in America and around the world. Over my years in Congress, Ive sat with survivors of the Genocide and heard their harrowing tales of tragedy and suffering at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, and their inspiring stories of perseverance and resilience as they forged new lives in Los Angeles and across America. Every Armenian family carries with them the memory of the parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and others who were murdered as part of the effort to exterminate the Armenian people. It has been my profound honor to fight for recognition and justice alongside thousands upon thousands of my Armenian American constituents for nearly twenty years. I know that many of them have been working and praying for this moment for their entire lives, and my heart is with the Armenian American community tonight. Although nothing can undo the atrocities visited upon your ancestors, I hope today has brought some measure of peace and justice."
View the Facebook post here. 04/24/21 - Rep. Schiff posted the following to Facebook: "For Armenian-Americans and everyone who believes in human rights and the truth, today marks an historic milestone: President Biden has defied Turkish threats and recognized the slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians for what it was - the first genocide of the 20th Century. In so doing, he has cast aside decades of shameful silence and half-truths, and the broken promises of so many of his predecessors, and spoken truth to power. This is a momentous day for thousands upon thousands of my Armenian-American constituents who have been working, advocating, and praying for recognition for their entire lives and I am heartened that this announcement