[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 70 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2138-S2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, one final issue. It has come to my 
attention that President Biden intends to have the United States 
formally recognize the Armenian genocide, becoming the first sitting 
U.S. President to do so. Great news. It is a long time coming and a 
step that I have called on Presidents of both parties to take.
  Each year, I gather with Armenian Americans in Times Square to 
commemorate the annual anniversary of this atrocity. Every year, my 
heart breaks for the victims of the genocide and their descendants. 
There are very few left, but some very elderly people are sitting in 
the audience each year, reminding us how painful and how real that 
genocide was. The Turkish Government's idea of saying there was no 
genocide just defies history. I have seen the victims. I have talked to 
the victims.
  Saturday marks the 106th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. I am 
so relieved, grateful, and moved that we

[[Page S2139]]

can finally commemorate the anniversary with the knowledge that the 
Government of the United States, led by President Joseph Robinette 
Biden, has recognized the truth of the Armenian genocide at last.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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