Ilhan Omar’s Shameful Armenian-Genocide Statement

Marlo Safi  "On Tuesday, a historic vote took place in the House on a simple resolution to recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915, when Ottoman Turkey massacred 1.5 million Armenians and other Christian minorities in the Empire, including Assyrians and Greeks. For the descendants of victims of the Armenian genocide, congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s attempt to justify her “present” vote when H.R. 296 was on the House floor was not only inappropriate, but featured the common denial tactics used by deniers of the Armenian genocide. Omar was the only Democrat to not vote in favor of the resolution, which was bipartisan and included only 11 nay votes (all Republicans).

"Omar’s office sent a statement to CNN explaining her vote:"

. . . "Omar’s decision, as well as the decision of eleven Republicans to oppose the bill, fails to live up to the role of a witness of justice. There is no justice without recognition, and opposing measures that aim to affirm the U.S.’ stance as a protector of the persecuted is dishonorable. Victims of genocide die two deaths. Once at the hands of their persecutor, and again when the genocide is denied." . . .

Those Who Voted No or Present on the Armenian Genocide Resolution

"The U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 296, a resolution affirming the United States’ record on the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Empire, by a 405 to 11 vote.
"Between 1915 and 1923, the Ottoman Empire, now modern day Turkey, killed up to 1.5 million ethic Armenians who resided within the Ottoman Empire. Turkey to this day still denies the use of the word genocide as an accurate description of the crimes committed in the early 20th century.
"The resolution notes that Raphael Lemkin, who coined the word “genocide,” pointed to the Ottoman Empire’s action against Armenians as an example of genocide.
"The resolution affirmed past action taken by the United States and the resolution provided guidance for future U.S. policy as it concerns this historical event: . . ."