CONGRESSMAN MORAN OF KANSAS JOINS ARMENIAN CAUCUS

WASHINGTON, December 21 (Noyan Tapan). At the urging of Armenian
Assembly of America activists, fifth term Congressman Jerry Moran
(R-KS) joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues on December
20, bringing the total Caucus membership to date in the 109th
Congress to 137. Congressman Moran, who serves on the Agriculture,
Transportation and Infrastructure and Veteran’s Affairs Committees,
was first approached by Kansas Armenian activists and ARAMAC Kansas
State Chair Alex Kotoyantz, who was instrumental in securing a
proclamation earlier this year designating June 18 as “Kansas-Armenia
Partnership Day.” “I was encouraged by the dedication of people like
Alex to join. The Armenian Caucus has played an important role in the
House of Representatives, and I am proud to be its latest member,”
said Congressman Moran, who becomes the first member of the Kansas
delegation to join the Caucus. “I have followed the work of the Caucus
and its role in building strong ties between the United States and
Armenia, and by joining this group of dedicated legislators, I hope to
do more to further enhance these already strong relations,” Congressman
Moran said. Welcoming Congressman Moran’s membership in the Caucus,
Assembly Executive Director Ross Vartian said: “The Assembly extends
its appreciation and thanks to Congressman Moran for his expression
of support and decision to be more directly involved in issues of
importance to the Armenian-American community, including Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh.” The Armenian Caucus was formed in 1995 to provide a
bi-partisan forum for legislators to discuss how the United States can
better assist the people of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Co-Chaired
by Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI), the Caucus has, over the years, played a critical role on
a wide range of issues, including assistance programs for Armenia
and Nagorno Karabakh, the ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish blockades,
the Karabakh peace process and efforts to reaffirm the U.S. record
on the Armenian Genocide.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress