Schiff Releases Statement Ahead of Armenian Independence Day

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Vice Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, released the following statement ahead of Armenian Independence Day on September 21.

"Today, I join the global Armenian community as we mark the 33rd anniversary of Armenian Independence Day. The path to independence has never been easy, but time and again, the Armenian people have proven to be survivors-survivors of foreign domination, survivors of the first genocide of the 20th Century, and survivors of modern-day threats, facing every evil and adversity with faith, courage and resilience. The Armenian people have demonstrated this resiliency and strength time and time again, including most recently after Azerbaijan invaded and cleansed the ethnically-Armenian land of Artsakh. I have witnessed first-hand the strength and determination of the Armenian people, both during my visits to Armenia, and while working with my Armenian-American constituents. You have always been a constant source of inspiration to me," said Schiff.

"Now, more than ever, the United States must continue to send a clear message that America can and will defend democracy and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to Armenia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. I will always stand with the Armenian people as we continue to work together to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Armenia and ensure that the Armenian people live in their homeland peacefully, safely, and freely," concluded Schiff.

Schiff's 30th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Burbank and Glendale, is home to the largest Armenian diaspora community in the country. In 2019, the U.S. House passed Schiff's resolution officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide with broad bipartisan support. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Azerbaijan's coordinated military attack against Artsakh, Schiff introduced his bipartisan Artsakh Revenue Recovery Act of 2024, a critical piece of legislation aimed at holding the government of Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked military aggression against the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and providing compensation to Armenians forcibly displaced from the region.

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