WASHINGTON, DC – Citing the moral imperative for the proper characterization of past genocides and the critical role the United States must play in the prevention of this crime, New Jersey Democrat Rob Andrews and Florida Republican Michael Bilirakis urged the House leadership to schedule a vote for the Genocide Resolution (H.Res.193), reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In a letter to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Reps. Andrews and Bilirakis stated, “it is essential that we recognize all past genocides as clear cases of genocide, including the Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, so that it is made explicitly clear that no act of genocide will be tolerated.” The letter goes on to note that, “particularly at this time of a heightened vigilance around the world, it is absolutely imperative that America take a strong stance against the most troubling of all terrorist acts, mass killings.”
“Supporters of the Genocide Resolution, in New Jersey, Florida and around the nation, appreciate the leadership of Congressmen Bilirakis and Andrews in asking the House leadership to schedule a vote on this legislation, which so clearly enjoys broad, bipartisan support,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “The Resolution, which quickly built up over a hundred House cosponsors and was unanimously adopted by the Judiciary Committee, awaits only the decision of the House leadership to bring it to the floor. We are hopeful that they will take this step as soon as possible.”
The Genocide resolution, introduced in the House by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA, Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) in April, 2003, marks the 15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the Genocide Convention. The measure was unanimously voted on and reported out of the House Judiciary committee in May and currently has 111 cosponsors. Its companion resolution in the Senate, S.Res.164, was introduced by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and has 34 cosponsors.
The full text of the letter to Majority Leader DeLay is provided below.
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Congressman Tom DeLay
Office of the Majority Leader
H-107
The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman DeLay:
We write in strong support of H.Res.193, a bill which reaffirms support for the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and to respectfully urge the House Leadership to schedule this legislation for consideration on the House floor.
As you know, this legislation has been reported out of the Judiciary Committee and has been prepared for floor consideration. H.Res.193 has gained widespread support throughout Congress due to its inclusive text, and it currently has 110 cosponsors. It is essential that we recognize all past genocides as clear cases of genocide, including the Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, so that it is made explicitly clear that no act of genocide will be tolerated.
The senseless crime of genocide is one of the most reprehensible acts that can be committed by man. To attempt eradication of an entire population based on a misguided prejudice is absolutely vile, and the United States should do everything in its power to try and prevent such atrocities from happening in the future. Only by explicitly defining genocide and ensuring that any person or group who commits the act of genocide is appropriately punished can we effectively deter this crime. Particularly at this time of heightened vigilance around the world, it is absolutely imperative that America take a strong stance against the most troubling of all terrorist acts, mass killings.
Thank you for your serious consideration of our views, and we will look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Robert Andrews
Member of Congress
[signed]
Michael Bilirakis
Member of Congress
