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(L-R): Newly appointed Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Jackie Speier (D-CA) and David Valadao (R-CA) along with Vice Co-Chairs Adam Schiff (D-CA) and David Trott (R-MI).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed the bipartisan expansion of the leadership of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues with the addition of Representatives David Valadao (R-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) as Co-Chairs and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and David Trott (R-MI) as Vice Chairs, reported the Assembly. These Members of Congress join current Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Robert Dold (R-IL).
“Representatives Speier, Valadao, Schiff, and Trott have all proven to be dedicated and integral Members of the Armenian Caucus. We are excited to see them take on this new leadership role,” Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny said. “As more Members of Congress take the lead on Armenian issues, the more we can accomplish, especially in these challenging times. The Assembly welcomes the expanded Caucus leadership team and looks forward to working with them throughout the remainder of this Congress,” Ardouny continued.
During a recent meeting with Congressman Pallone, Armenian Assembly Board Co-Chair Van Krikorian expressed the importance of strengthening the Caucus in view of recent developments in the region as a result of Azerbaijan’s attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Co-Chair Valadao serves on the House Appropriations Committee and is the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies.
Co-Chair Speier, who participated in the U.S. delegation that traveled to Armenia last year for the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, also hails from California and serves on the House Armed Service Committee as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) with some of the Armenian Assembly of America’s 2016 Terjenian-Thomas Interns.
Vice-Chair Schiff, who met with the Assembly’s 2016 intern class today, has long been a leading Democratic sponsor of the House resolutions affirming the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Schiff previously served on the House Appropriations Committee, and presently serves as the Ranking Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Republican Member Trott was also part of the U.S. delegation to Armenia for the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on the Judiciary.
The Congressional Armenian Issues 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©(3) tax-exempt membership organization.