Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Today the House of Representatives will affirm, finally, that we recognize the horrors of the Armenian genocide and are committed to remembering the victims of this crime against humanity. Our moral standing in the world requires us to acknowledge the truth of the Armenian genocide. For too long, we have acquiesced in Turkey's policy of genocide denial, unwilling to risk the ire of our so-called ally. However, Turkey's actions against the Kurds in Syria have reinforced what many of us have long known: Erdogan's Turkey does not stand for human rights or religious freedom, but instead spreads authoritarianism wherever it goes. Erdogan's disdain for democracy and contempt for an ally was on display 2 years ago when his bodyguards attacked peaceful demonstrators right here in our Nation's Capital. I am pleased that later today the House will vote to impose sanctions on Turkey for its actions in Syria. This resolution and that bill are tied together. They are both powerful statements that we respect fundamental human rights and that we desire to stand on the right side of history.”