Langevin Votes to Recognize Armenian Genocide, Condemn Turkey’s Syrian Advance

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted for H.Res. 296, Affirming the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide, and condemning the Turkish advance into Syria, endangering America’s Kurdish allies in the fight against ISIS.

H.Res. 296 is bipartisan resolution stating it’s the policy of the United States to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, reject any efforts to deny its occurrence, and encourage further public education and understanding of the genocide. It passed by a vote of 405-11.

“I was proud to vote today to reaffirm the U.S. government’s condemnation of the Armenian Genocide,” said Langevin. “The killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire has left an indelible stain in the annals of history. Despite the Turkish government’s attempts to deny the Armenian Genocide, we will always remember this terrible atrocity. Genocide denial is at the heart of many human rights abuses around the world, and we must do more to educate the public about this horrific chapter in history.”

Langevin also voted in favor of H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act, bipartisan legislation holding Turkey accountable for its recent military actions in northern Syria. H.R. 4695 passed by a vote of 403-16.

“Turkey must be held responsible for its actions in Syria,” said Langevin, who chairs the House Armed Service Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities. “As a result of President Trump’s disastrous foreign policy, our Kurdish allies have been left defenseless in the face of an onslaught by the Turkish government. The PACT Act holds Turkey accountable by imposing tough, targeted sanctions that will not be lifted until Turkish forces are withdrawn from northern Syria.”