Schiff Introduces Bill Urging End to Turkish Blockade of Armenia

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a bill urging the President and Secretary of State to call upon Turkey to immediately lift its ongoing blockade of Armenia.  The “End the Turkish Blockade of Armenia Act” requires a report from the Secretary of State within 30 days of final passage that will outline steps taken by the U.S. to end Turkey’s blockade of Armenia.

“We need to step up pressure on Turkey to lift the draconian blockade of Armenia, permitting Armenian businesses to fully participate in the global economy and assisting Armenia’s integration into Europe,” said Schiff.

The State Department has estimated that the blockade is inflating Armenia’s transportation costs by 30-35%, and the blockade prevents the U.S. and international humanitarian assistance from crossing its borders which is already a violation of U.S. law and international humanitarian standards. 

Rep. Schiff is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security He serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.  He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.