Providing for Consideration of H. Res. Affirming the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy, and I appreciate his words.

Mr. Speaker, for years, we have danced around this. It is complex with the Turks, in terms of the relationship that we have tried to deal with. But denying genocide has not helped resolve those issues. It hasn't changed the behavior of the Turks.

Look at what is happening with the Kurds today. Failure to acknowledge this horrific episode is a burden for us all--standing up for human rights, acknowledging the truth, giving a sense of closure and solace to the people who endured this horrific activity, and making sure that we are united in our opposition to those genocidal activities.

Sadly, unless and until the Turks own their history, acknowledge it, they are not going to be able to move past it. This is a chapter that needs a spotlight shone on it.

I appreciate this formal acknowledgment by the House of Representatives. I think it is a first step toward healing, and it is an important step toward preventing tragedies like this in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support it, and I look forward to its passage on the floor of the House.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source