US Senate Rejects Discussion on Armenian Genocide Resolution for the Third Time

According to Voice of America, the US Senate has rejected for the third time the discussion of Resolution 150 regarding the Armenian Genocide proposed by Senators Menendez and Cruz. Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat, questioned whether the US should recognize the genocide that occurred, or allow a country like Turkey to dictate our own views, perceptions of history, moral obligations, and public opinion. He once again raised the issue of recognizing the Armenian Genocide in the Senate.

According to the rules of the US Senate, lawmakers must first vote in favor of including the resolution on the agenda before proceeding to the substantive discussion and voting on the document. During his speech, Senator Menendez reminded that the US House of Representatives recently passed a resolution on the Armenian Genocide by an overwhelming majority and called on his Senate colleagues to follow the example of the lower house by voting in favor of including Senate Resolution 150 on the agenda.

“The Armenian Genocide occurred, and that is a fact. Denying it means denying one of the most horrific historical crimes,” noted Senator Menendez.

Senator Cruz, a Republican, joined the Democrat Senator and emphasized that the Armenian Genocide is an undeniable fact, and the US has a moral obligation to remember the innocent victims. Criticizing Turkey's policies, the Republican Senator expressed confidence that recognition would not have negative consequences for US-Turkey relations. “In 12 NATO member countries, the genocide is already recognized. Yes, Turkey is a NATO ally, but allies must speak the truth to each other,” Senator Cruz emphasized.

However, Republican Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota opposed the resolution's advancement. The former congressman and Senate member since 2018 believes that now is not the right time for the resolution's adoption. “I agree with the spirit of this resolution and am confident that my 99 other colleagues also agree with it. We can pass it, but the question is when should we do it? In my opinion, now is certainly not the time,” he said.

It should be noted that, according to US Senate rules, a single senator can block the discussion of any issue. Thus, the inclusion of the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution on the Senate agenda was blocked by the North Dakota Senator on December 5. In response, Senator Menendez emphasized that it is difficult to choose the right time for this action. He assured that he will continue to fight for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the US Senate.