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Remembering a Heinous Attack Against the Kurdish People

Floor Speech

Date: March 18, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pause and remember a heinous attack against the Kurdish people that occurred 27 years ago this week.

On March 16, 1988, Saddam Hussein's regime dropped chemical weapons on the city of Halabja, killing 5,000 innocent men, women, and children.

Thousands more suffered permanent injuries.

This crime against humanity was the worst part of a larger campaign of more than 40 gas attacks aimed at exterminating the Kurds.

The Kurdish people, however, have proudly persevered, rebuilt, and now provide stability and an ally in an often unstable region.

Today, while we look back on this solemn anniversary, it is important to offer our gratitude to the Kurdish people for their courage and sacrifice in the current fight to defeat our mutual enemy ISIL.


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