Valley Congressmen Costa and Valadao Commemorate Armenian Genocide in House of Representatives

Congressional Documents and Publications
Valley Congressmen Costa and Valadao Commemorate Armenian Genocide in
House of Representatives
Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) News Release
SECTION: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DOCUMENTS
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (CA-16) and David G.
Valadao (CA-21) - in their continued work to serve the people of the
San Joaquin Valley - joined to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide with dual speeches in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Costa and Valadao have been strong advocates for the Armenian
community they represent, and both are active members of the
Congressional Armenian Caucus. The Valley Congressmen have
consistently called for the official recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by the United States, including urging the current and past
Administrations multiple times to recognize the Genocide, as
Presidents Reagan and Eisenhower did during their terms. Both
Representatives have also joined the Congressional Armenian Caucus in
leading H. Res. 220, a legislative resolution in which the House of
Representatives directs the U.S. to examine and learn from the world's
reaction to the Armenian genocide in order to prevent war crimes,
crimes against humanity, and future genocides.
In addition to their work surrounding the Armenian Genocide,
Congressmen Costa and Valadao are leaders in efforts to strengthen the
relationship between the United States and Armenia, to support the
free and fair treatment of the democratic Republic of Artsakh, and to
hold accountable the Turkish security forces who violently attacked
protesters outside of the Turkish Ambassador's residence in
Washington, D.C. last year. Last month, Congressmen Costa and Valadao
were awarded the Gratitude Medal by the President of Artsakh, Bako
Sahakayan, for their work supporting the nation's development and
right to self-determination.
"The Armenian people show us what resilience, strength, and dedication
can achieve, both in the important role they play in our San Joaquin
Valley and in their contributions across the world," said Rep. Costa.
"Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, I heard the stories of the
Armenian families who settled there. We as a nation should recognize
and learn from the Armenian Genocide to prevent similar atrocities
from ever occurring again. It is the right and moral thing to do."
Rep. Valadao stated, "Although the tragic events we remember today
occurred 103 years ago, the sense of loss still runs deep in Armenian
communities across the nation where those who lost a loved one have
been steadfast in their efforts to ensure the memory of those lost
never fades. As a country, we must recognize the horrific events of
the Armenian Genocide and work together to ensure such atrocities
never take place again."
In their speeches today, Congressmen Costa and Valadao spoke about the
significance of the Armenian Genocide and the strength and spirit of
the Armenian people.
To view a video of Congressmen Costa's and Valadao's speeches, go to:
Read this original document at: