The House : Resolution on Armenians

By a vote of 233 for and 180 against, the House failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed to pass a resolution (H.J. Res. 192) designating April 24, 1986, for remembering the killing of more than 1 million Armenians in Turkey between 1915 and 1923. Sponsors said the victims, who were Christians, were the targets of a genocide directed by the Muslim rulers of the Ottoman Empire. The resolution said “all victims of genocide” throughout civilization should be remembered on that date.

The Administration opposed the measure on grounds it unduly antagonized the current Turkish government, a NATO ally that bears no responsibility for the mass killings that occurred more than 60 years ago.

Sponsor William Ford (D-Mich.) said the resolution “in no way reflects negatively on the present government of Turkey, with whom we enjoy good relations.”

Opponent William Whitehurst (R-Va.) said, “We place in jeopardy the vital interests of the United States if we pass this resolution.”

Members voting yes favored the resolution.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Anderson (D) x Rep. Dornan (R) x Rep. Lungren (R) x

South Africa Sanctions

A bill (HR 1460) imposing what would be the first U.S. economic sanctions against South Africa was passed by the House and sent to the Senate on a vote of 295 for and 127 against. The Administration opposed the bill. It favors the softer approach of “constructive engagement” to persuade Pretoria to abandon apartheid, the official South African policy of discrimination against and subjugation of nonwhites. In part, the bill prohibits new American loans to and investments in the South African private and public sectors, bans the sale of U.S. computer technology in that country and prohibits the sale of South African krugerrands (gold coins) in the U.S.

Sponsor William Gray (D-Pa.) said, “It is time for us as a nation to put our values into action, move beyond the rhetoric of ‘abhorrence of apartheid’ and begin . . . to do something.”

Opponent Gerald Solomon (R-N.Y.) said. “Our country can best serve the cause of freedom and justice in South Africa by staying there . . . to participate in the process of change that is even now under way.”

Members voting yes wanted to impose tough economic sanctions on South Africa.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Anderson (D) x Rep. Dornan (R) x Rep. Lungren (R) x