Armenian Assembly of America Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Armenian Assembly of America’s 2016 Terjenian-Thomas Interns, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Armenian National Institute Director Dr. Rouben Adalian.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) met with and congratulated newly minted Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA). Rep. Speier is now one of four co-chairs serving alongside Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Robert Dold (R-IL) and David Valadao (R-CA).
“We look forward to Congresswoman Speier’s dynamic leadership as we work to strengthen the U.S.-Armenian relationship,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
During the meeting, Assembly Executive Director and the 2016 Terjenian-Thomas intern class covered a range of issues affecting the South Caucasus region, and recalled her historic visit to Armenia to participate in the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Speier encouraged the intern class to be active members of their respective communities and to also reach out to their Members of Congress about issues they care deeply about. The Assembly delegation thanked Congresswoman Speier for her steadfast support and looks forward to future actions by the Caucus.
In a statement upon her appointment, Rep. Speier told the Armenian Assembly: “As one of only two Armenian members of Congress, I couldn’t be more proud to Co-Chair the Congressional Armenian Caucus. I was raised to take pride in my Armenian background, and learned at an early age the rich history of our Armenian people – including the horrors my ancestors and others suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as part of the Armenian Genocide. I look forward to representing Armenian Americans and all Americans in building a robust U.S.-Armenia relationship. By celebrating our strong heritage, and ensuring atrocities of the past are never forgotten, we can ensure that America and Armenia will enjoy a peaceful and prosperous future.”
Armenian Caucus Vice-Chair Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) and the Armenian Assembly of America’s 2016 Terjenian-Thomas Interns.
Also last week, the Assembly’s 2016 intern class had the opportunity to meet with newly appointed Armenian Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). In addition to Rep. Schiff, Rep. David Trott (R-MI) also serves as Vice-Chair.
The Armenian Caucus has worked to strengthen the ties between the United States and Armenia and keep members engaged on Armenia-related issues. The Caucus continues to advocate for increased trade and assistance to Armenia, self-determination for Nagorno Karabakh and supporting U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.