WASHINGTON — Since the protocols to establish diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey were announced in August, the Armenian Genocide resolution, H.Res. 252, has garnered an additional seven cosponsors, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). This brings the total number of supporters to 134.
“The Assembly welcomes the support of Reps. Brian Bilbray (R-CA); Elton Gallegly (R-CA); Darrell Issa (R-CA); Steve Israel (D-NY); John Hall (D-NY); Laura Richardson (D-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA),” said Assembly Congressional Relations Associate Bianka Dodov.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important human rights initiative,” added Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “US affirmation of the
Armenian Genocide should not be held hostage to normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.”
Ardouny and Dodov met with Bilbray to discuss issues concerning the Armenian-American community. Bilbray expressed interest in working with the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, co-chaired by Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), to further strengthen the US-Armenia relationship. During the meeting, Bilbray also pledged his support regarding H.Res. 252.
“I support the resolution,” he said. Currently, Bilbray serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Science and Technology Committee. He is also a member of the House Republican Policy Committee and the chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus.
