Local Politicos React to Armenian Genocide Declaration

SACRAMENTO – Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) issued the following statement in response to President Joseph R. Biden’s historic, and long overdue, recognition of the Armenian Genocide:  “Today is an historic and emotional day for the Armenian people, including members of my own family who are descendants of genocide survivors,” said Senator Borgeas. “I want to express my sincere appreciation for President Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide. After more than a century, the United States has mustered the courage to acknowledge the truth despite the potential political consequences with the Republic of Turkey.”

WASHINGTON —Today, Congressman David G. Valadao released the following statement in response to President Biden issuing an official statement formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide:  “As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, my colleagues and I sent a letter to President Biden this week asking he follow through on his promise to make this overdue declaration,” said Congressman Valadao. “I am glad to see President Biden respond to my request to take formal action to recognize the Armenian Genocide, a tragedy I have been determined to see acknowledged for years alongside so many others in Congress and the entire Armenian-American community.

“The Armenian-American community has been steadfast in their efforts to see their pain recognized, and I am honored to have done my part in seeing the United States formally acknowledge the Armenian Genocide at last. This tragedy at the hands of the Ottoman Empire must never be forgotten, and it is encouraging to know the voices dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost have finally been heard.”

During his tenure in House of Representatives, Congressman Valadao introduced several resolutions to formally recognize the Ottoman Empire’s engagement in the systematic and organized deportation and extermination an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. As co-chair on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, he has led and joined numerous efforts to seek official declaration of the genocide from the President of the United States.

On Wednesday, Congressman Valadao and over 100 of his colleagues sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide as no President had done officially before. Today’s announcement from President Biden on the 106^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is a long-awaited conclusion to Congressman Valadao’s many years of committed efforts on the matter and recognizes the dedication of the Armenian-American community to have their experience properly commemorated.

FRESNO – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement in recognition of the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the Biden Administration’s official acknowledgment of this early 20th century atrocity: “Today we remember the lives of the one and a half million Armenians who were needlessly slaughtered by Ottoman Turks in 1915. The record of this atrocity is well documented, and it’s long past the time for us to officially acknowledge one of humanity’s most horrific crimes. By standing up to Turkey’s policy of denial, we not only honor the victims, but we reaffirm to the international community the United States’ unconditional opposition to all instances of genocide and injustices around the world.”