Adam Schiff to reintroduce H. Res. 252 next year, if necessary

December 22, 2010 - 21:13 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - With the current Democrat-led House of Representatives coming to a close, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said he is pushing for a vote on H. Res. 252, the Armenian Genocide resolution, before U.S. Congress adjourns.

"I'm spending every opportunity I can on the House floor to whip up support," he said.

But Schiff said that Turkey's standing among U.S. leaders has been eroded given its recent diplomatic clash with Israel and its opposition to economic sanctions against Iran.

Schiff said the administration's opposition to the genocide measure has been "pro forma."

"They have not been lobbying members and making the kind of calls we have seen in the past," Schiff said. "I think the Turkish resistance will not be as effective as it has been."

Schiff said he will reintroduce the resolution if necessary next year, but that the odds will grow longer in the next Republican-controlled House, Glendale News Press reported.

"This week I think we have maybe our greatest opportunity yet, and our best opportunity for a long time," Schiff said.