WASHINGTON, DC – In a sign of the growing bipartisan support in Congress for the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106), the Caucus on Hellenic Issues – spearheaded by New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney and Florida Republican Gus Bilirakis – this week asserted that “it is time” for the U.S. government to recognize this crime against humanity, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The Co-Chairs of the 127-member Caucus, in a May 23rd letter circulated to their House colleagues, stressed that, “it is time for our government to finally acknowledge that the unimaginable horror committed on Turkish soil in the aftermath of World War I was, and is, an act of genocide. The United States must stand up for human rights everywhere by renewing its commitment to prevent similar atrocities and by acknowledging that the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact.”

“We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis and support of the membership of the Hellenic Caucus for the timely adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We welcome, as well, the work of the American Hellenic Institute and all our friends in the Greek American community for full recognition of the genocidal crimes Turkey has committed against its Christian subjects.”

The Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues regularly cooperates on issues of mutual concern with the Armenian Issues Caucus, Co-chaired by Congressmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). The American Hellenic Institute and the United Hellenic American Congress are among the Greek American organizations supporting the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. The ANCA, last week, joined with Hellenes around the world in marking May 19th, the day of remembrance for the genocide of the Pontian Greeks.

H.Res.106, and its companion bill in the Senate, S.Res.106, call on the President to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide and to help ensure that the U.S. government applies the lessons of this atrocity in seeking to prevent future crimes against humanity. In the House, the resolution is being led by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), and Foreign Affairs Committee members Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI). The House measure has 196 cosponsors. The Senate bill, which is led by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and John Ensign (R-NV), currently has 31 cosponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).

A link to the Hellenic Caucus “Dear Colleague” letter is below.