November 20, 2009 - 11:22 AMT
Senate majority leader to cosponsor Armenian genocide resolution
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has informed the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) that he will once again support legislation calling for U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide.

"We want to offer our appreciation to Majority Leader Reid for joining with his colleagues in supporting this legislative effort to put America on the right side of the Armenian Genocide issue," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We look forward to working with Senator Reid and our other friends in theleadership of the Senate and the Foreign Relations Committee as the Armenian Genocide Resolution moves to a Committee vote and adoption by the full Senate."

Spearheaded by Senators Bob Menendez and John Ensign the Armenian Genocide resolution (S.Res.316) also enjoys the early support of Senators Sherrod Brown, Russ Feingold , Dianne Feinstein , Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse.

Senator Reid's cosponsorship comes as Armenian Americans across the country continue to participate in the ANCA "Countdown to Erdogan" campaign - a four-week, grassroots campaign urging President Obama to speak truthfully about the Armenian Genocide when he meets on December 7th with Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan. The first week of the campaign focused on Senate action, with thousands sending ANCA WebMails and participating in a national call in day to Senate offices in support of S.Res.316.