Anna Eshoo: “I thank Representatives Visclosky, Bilirakis, and Durbin and my other colleagues helping to improve and strengthen the…”

“I thank Representatives Visclosky, Bilirakis, and Durbin and my other colleagues helping to improve and strengthen the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. On May 16, to the surprise and disappointment of the international human rights communities, as well as Members of this body, President Clinton exercised his option to waive the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. Passed with strong bipartisan support as part of last year's Foreign Operations appropriations bill, the Corridor Act is essential because it exerts the appropriate pressure on countries, such as Turkey, that block United States foreign assistance to the region. As the only Member of Congress of Armenian descent, I have a deep understanding of how the Ottoman Empire decimated Armenians and thus wrote one of the darkest chapters in human history. Mr. Chairman, as we remember the tragic history of the Armenian people, it's essential for us to frame the role the United States can play in establishing peace in the caucuses. I'm committed to the safety and independence of Armenia. We must ensure that its people are protected. Therefore, I support efforts to strengthen the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act and to curtail aid to Turkey should that country refuse to abide by the Act.”