Washington, DC - Today, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed news that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has agreed to cosponsor S. Res. 316, the Armenian Genocide Resolution.

In a letter sent to Reid last week the Assembly thanked the Senator for his past support of U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and urged the Senator to cosponsor S. Res. 316, introduced by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV).

The letter read in part, “By affirming the truth in the face of denial, you will help contribute to the cause of genocide education and prevention, and give true meaning to the words ‘never again.’  We look forward to working with you in helping to secure successful passage of this important human rights legislation this Congress before the few remaining survivors are no longer with us.”

“Senator Reid has consistently supported legislation affirming the Armenian Genocide,” said Assembly Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hirar Hovnanian. “With his leadership role in the U.S. Senate as Majority Leader, his addition to the resolution greatly strengthens the growing list of cosponsors.”

The Assembly letter also reiterated the importance of bringing this important human rights legislation to a successful vote in the Senate.  S. Res. 316 mirrors the House version, H. Res. 252, introduced by Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA), along with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), which currently has over 130 cosponsors and is pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.  It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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