Santa Fe, NM – United States Representative Tom Udall (D-NM-03) became the latest member to cosponsor H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide resolution, following a meeting with ANC of New Mexico advocates last month. The addition of Rep. Udall brings the total number of cosponsors for the Armenian Genocide Resolution to 193 House Members.

Last month, ANC of New Mexico Chairman Harry Kassakhian met with Robert Vasquez from Congressman Udall’s Santa Fe district office staff. Kassakhian, a Udall constituent, was joined by fellow constituent, Levon Tashjian. In discussing the resolution Kassakhian emphasized that the matter was an American issue as many victims found refuge in the United States following the genocide.

Representative Tom Udall represents northern New Mexico and is currently serving his fifth term in the US House where he is a member of the influential Appropriations Committee. He comes from a family distinguished for its devotion to public service. His father, Stewart Udall, served four terms in Congress before being appointed Secretary of the Interior by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Tom’s uncle Morris Udall served in Congress for thirty years and was a major presidential contender in 1976. Representative Mark Udall (D-CO) – an early cosponsor of H. Res. 106 – and Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) are Tom’s cousins and current Members of Congress.

“We are pleased that Congressman Udall has joined the growing community of leaders who realize that it is time for the United States to speak with moral clarity about the Armenian Genocide,” said Kassakhian. “For too long our country has been held hostage by a Turkish government and its proxies bent on covering up this dark chapter of its history. Congressman Udall’s cosponsorship reaffirms that there is no profit margin that justifies remaining silent in the face of genocide.”

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo Caption: Congressman Tom Udall (D-NM-03).