Congressional Documents and Publications Valley Congressmen Costa and Valadao Commemorate Armenian Genocide in House of Representatives Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) News Release SECTION: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DOCUMENTS Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (CA-16) and David G. Valadao (CA-21) - in their continued work to serve the people of the San Joaquin Valley - joined to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with dual speeches in the U.S. House of Representatives. Costa and Valadao have been strong advocates for the Armenian community they represent, and both are active members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. The Valley Congressmen have consistently called for the official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States, including urging the current and past Administrations multiple times to recognize the Genocide, as Presidents Reagan and Eisenhower did during their terms. Both Representatives have also joined the Congressional Armenian Caucus in leading H. Res. 220, a legislative resolution in which the House of Representatives directs the U.S. to examine and learn from the world's reaction to the Armenian genocide in order to prevent war crimes, crimes against humanity, and future genocides. In addition to their work surrounding the Armenian Genocide, Congressmen Costa and Valadao are leaders in efforts to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Armenia, to support the free and fair treatment of the democratic Republic of Artsakh, and to hold accountable the Turkish security forces who violently attacked protesters outside of the Turkish Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C. last year. Last month, Congressmen Costa and Valadao were awarded the Gratitude Medal by the President of Artsakh, Bako Sahakayan, for their work supporting the nation's development and right to self-determination. "The Armenian people show us what resilience, strength, and dedication can achieve, both in the important role they play in our San Joaquin Valley and in their contributions across the world," said Rep. Costa. "Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, I heard the stories of the Armenian families who settled there. We as a nation should recognize and learn from the Armenian Genocide to prevent similar atrocities from ever occurring again. It is the right and moral thing to do." Rep. Valadao stated, "Although the tragic events we remember today occurred 103 years ago, the sense of loss still runs deep in Armenian communities across the nation where those who lost a loved one have been steadfast in their efforts to ensure the memory of those lost never fades. As a country, we must recognize the horrific events of the Armenian Genocide and work together to ensure such atrocities never take place again." In their speeches today, Congressmen Costa and Valadao spoke about the significance of the Armenian Genocide and the strength and spirit of the Armenian people. To view a video of Congressmen Costa's and Valadao's speeches, go to: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__costa.house.gov_media-2Dcenter_videos_valley-2Dcongressmen-2Dcosta-2Dand-2Dvaladao-2Dcommemorate-2Darmenian-2Dgenocide-2Dhouse&d=DwIBaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=s3gokJkgrIzC7yJ0kCd7RaRVKuclvAdtlMx6pwLT5KY&s=gklTnbBmFqkZecHr2jLGiwX0DStAids7aLKXzs54nRo&e=. Read this original document at: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__costa.house.gov_media-2Dcenter_press-2Dreleases_valley-2Dcongressmen-2Dcosta-2Dand-2Dvaladao-2Dcommemorate-2Darmenian-2Dgenocide-2Dhouse&d=DwIBaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=s3gokJkgrIzC7yJ0kCd7RaRVKuclvAdtlMx6pwLT5KY&s=9o339Ovl77F9Z4AOwxqprSmkHIN5w0ct8eiPqNxvZZI&e=