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Former U.S. Senator James Jeffords of Vermont passes at 80

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  • Former U.S. Senator James Jeffords of Vermont passes at 80

    Armenian Assembly of America News
    1334 G Street, N.W., Suite 200
    Washington, D.C. 20005
    Tel: (202) 393-3434
    Fax: (202) 638-4904
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://armenianassembly.tumblr.com/


    Former U.S. Senator James Jeffords of Vermont passes at 80

    September 2, 2014


    By Taniel Koushakjian
    AAANews Blog


    On August 18th, the political world was saddened by the death of former
    U.S. Senator James Jeffords of Vermont. His death was widely noted as he
    represented a principled voice in United States national politics for over
    30 years before retiring in 2007 because of health problems. Those
    familiar with modern American politics recall when in 2001 the Senator left
    the Republican Party to become an Independent, effectively handing control
    of the Senate to Democrats in the first year of President George W. Bush's
    administration. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont who declined the
    opportunity to run against Senator Jeffords but later succeeded him after
    his retirement stated, `Jim was one of the most popular elected officials
    in the modern history of the state - serving at the local, state and
    federal levels. Vermonters admired him because of his low-key and
    down-to-earth qualities, and because of his obvious and strong love of the
    state and the Vermont way of life. He was an effective champion of
    education, disability rights, the environment and the arts - and millions
    of Americans have benefited from his efforts."

    For Americans of Armenian descent, however, Jeffords was also a part of a
    different political history. In the 101st Congress, Senator Jeffords was an
    original cosponsor of S.J.Res. 212, a bill marking the 75th anniversary of
    the Armenian Genocide reaffirming the U.S. record. In 1990, S.J. Res. 212
    made it to the floor of the U.S. Senate. Introduced by Senator Robert Dole
    (R-KS), the bill garnered 54 cosponsors. From February 20-27, 1990 a
    lengthy debate and two votes to invoke cloture on Senator Dole's motion to
    proceed took place. During that week, national and international media such
    as ABC News, CSPAN, and the Associated Press were covering the bill's
    prospects while openly discussing the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Even though
    he did not have a large Armenian constituency in Vermont, Senator Jeffords
    supported the resolution and opposed efforts to deny the United States' own
    history to help save the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Senator Robert
    Byrd (D-WV) opposed the bill with a filibuster and ultimately blocked
    passage of this important human rights issue. But, the entire Armenian
    American community and their friends took note of Senator Jeffords' help
    and willingness to stand up for what was right. Armenian Americans
    remember his legacy and mourn his passing.

    After Jeffords became an Independent in 2001, he also signed consecutive
    letters to President George W. Bush calling on him to officially
    acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

    For more on the life of Senator James Jeffords please click here to read an
    excellent profile published by the Associated Press shortly after his death.

    Available online at: http://bit.ly/1lG61Aj

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