Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues Introduce Resolution in Remembrance of the 1994 Bombing of the AMIA

Statement

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution remembering the 25th Anniversary of the bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The deadliest terrorist attack in Argentina's history, the bombing occurred on July 18, 1994 and resulted in the death of 85 people and more than 300 people who were wounded.

"Twenty-five years ago, Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists launched a horrific attack against Argentina's Jewish community that killed 85 people and injured hundreds," Rubio said. "Today, we honor the victims and the survivors of the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) car bombing in Buenos Aires, and recommit to helping the Government of Argentina seek justice for the victims and their families."

"25 years after the AMIA tragedy, its perpetrators have not been held to account, and its victims have not been delivered justice," Menendez said. "It is critical that the U.S. recommit to helping the Government of Argentina in their investigation. The Argentinian people have waited long enough for answers."

A joint U.S.-Argentinian investigation concluded that Hezbollah operatives--supported by Iran--were responsible for the bombing. The resolution calls on President Donald Trump to monitor Iran's activities in the Western Hemisphere, and to assist the Government of Argentina in supporting its ongoing investigation into the death of Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who was assassinated while investigating the attack.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Rubio is a Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues.