With the new Congress underway, Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, and Grassroots & Development Associate Mariam Khaloyan held numerous meetings on the Hill discussing key issues of concern from robust assistance to support Armenia’s democratic reforms to prioritizing passage of a congressional resolution reaffirming the Armenian Genocide. In addition, the Assembly urged Members to join the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, of which the Assembly is pleased to welcome Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI), and Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA), bringing the Armenian Caucus to 108 Members.
“As a proud Armenian American, I am excited to join the Congressional Armenian Caucus. We must remember the lessons of the Armenian Genocide and ensure these atrocities never happen again. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to represent our Armenian American communities and strengthen U.S.-Armenian relations,” stated Rep. Brindisi, a freshman congressman of Armenian descent.
“I am proud to join my colleagues on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,” Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) expressed to the Armenian Assembly. “I look forward to continuing the Caucus’ efforts to ensure Armenian-American communities across the country, especially those in Ohio, are properly represented in Washington.”
“I’m thrilled to join the Congressional Armenian Caucus this Congress! I look forward to working on U.S. policy matters of interest to our Armenian American community in California’s 51st Congressional District and around our country,” Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) said to the Armenian Assembly.
“Many Armenian Americans call the Central Valley home, and I’m proud to represent them here in Congress. I’m honored to join the Congressional Armenian Caucus and look forward to strengthening the bonds that unite our two countries,” Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA) told the Armenian Assembly.
“The Armenian community is a vital part of Colorado sixth’s district and as a member of the Armenian Caucus, I look forward to working with our local Armenian leaders and helping serve as the community’s advocate in Congress,” Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) stated.
“We appreciate the enthusiastic response from the Members in joining the Armenian Caucus. During these first few months of the new Congress, it is important for Representatives to hear from their constituents. We urge our nationwide network of state chairs and activists to continue to reach out to their elected officials,” stated Khaloyan.
Ardouny and Khaloyan held meetings with various congressional offices, such as Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and congratulated Armenian Caucus Leaders on their re-election, including Caucus Co-Chairs Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). During the meeting with Rep. Bilirakis, they discussed several key issues as well as the Congressman’s leadership role in the Armenian Caucus. They also attended swearing-in ceremonies for Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) Senate Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-MD), in addition to Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), House Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and freshman Congressman David Trone (D-MD), among others.
Since its inception, the Armenian Caucus has played a critical leadership role in the House of Representatives on a wide range of issues, including assistance programs for Armenia, humanitarian aid to Artsakh, trade initiatives, addressing the ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish blockades against Armenia, the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, and U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Since independence, Armenia has not wavered from its commitment to the most important values shared with the United States: a commitment to democracy and a free market economy.
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 non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
