Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-20

COMMEMORATING 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK JANUARY

HealthcareTaxesDefense

Context

On 2026-01-20, Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMEMORATING 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK JANUARY" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, defense.

Full Text

COMMEMORATING 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK JANUARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E55] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK JANUARY _____ HON. STEVE COHEN of tennessee in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the ``Black January'' killings, one of the most tragic events in Azerbaijan's history. On the night of January 20, 1990, nearly 26,000 Soviet troops stormed the capital city of Baku, deploying tanks and armored vehicles against the civilian population. Soviet forces crushed innocent Azerbaijanis under heavy machinery and fired without restraint at peaceful demonstrators, including women and children. These brutal actions resulted in the deaths of 147 individuals, injuries to approximately 800 others, the arrest of 841 people, and the disappearance of five. The Human Rights Watch report ``Black January in Azerbaijan'' states that ``among the most heinous violations of human rights during the Baku incursion were the numerous attacks on medical personnel, ambulances, and even hospitals.'' I offer my thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and to those who gave their lives to help their fellow citizens. The United States was one of the first countries to recognize independence and fully established diplomatic relations on February 28, 1992. Today, the United States and Azerbaijan are still strategic allies and share common interests in the region and globally. As the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I urge my colleagues to recognize the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani people in their steps towards independence and encourage a recommitment to the democratic values for which many Azerbaijanis sacrificed their lives. ____________________

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COMMEMORATING 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK JANUARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E55] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK JANUARY _____ HON. STEVE COHEN of tennessee in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the ``Black January'' killings, one of the most tragic events in Azerbaijan's history. On the night of January 20, 1990, nearly 26,000 Soviet troops stormed the capital city of Baku, deploying tanks and armored vehicles against the civilian population. Soviet forces crushed innocent Azerbaijanis under heavy machinery and fired without restraint at peaceful demonstrators, including women and children. These brutal actions resulted in the deaths of 147 individuals, injuries to approximately 800 others, the arrest of 841 people, and the disappearance of five. The Human Rights Watch report ``Black January in Azerbaijan'' states that ``among the most heinous violations of human rights during the Baku incursion were the numerous attacks on medical personnel, ambulances, and even hospitals.'' I offer my thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and to those who gave their lives to help their fellow citizens. The United States was one of the first countries to recognize independence and fully established diplomatic relations on February 28, 1992. Today, the United States and Azerbaijan are still strategic allies and share common interests in the region and globally. As the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I urge my colleagues to recognize the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani people in their steps towards independence and encourage a recommitment to the democratic values for which many Azerbaijanis sacrificed their lives. ____________________