Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th Street, NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
[email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
July 14, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
REPS. MATSUI, STRICKLAND JOIN CONGRESSIONAL ARMENIAN CAUCUS
WASHINGTON, DC – Support continued to grow for Armenian issues on
Capitol Hill this week as Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and
Ted Strickland (D-OH) announced their membership in the
Congressional Armenian Caucus, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA). The latest additions bring the Caucus
to over 140 members.
“We are gratified that Representatives Strickland and Matsui have
joined the Congressional Caucus and look forward to continuing to
work closely with the body to further increase its membership and
promote Armenian American community concerns,” stated ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
Rep. Strickland joined 98 of his Congressional colleagues this week
in cosponsoring the Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res.316), lead
by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA),
and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
and Frank Pallone (D-NJ). In 1997, soon after his first election
to office, Rep. Strickland voted in support of the Radanovich-
Pallone amendment, which maintained U.S. restrictions on aid to
Azerbaijan until that country lifts its blockades of Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh. The six-term congressman serves on the powerful
House Energy and Commerce as well as the Veterans’ Affairs
committee. A native of Lucasville, Ohio, Rep. Strickland received
a Ph.D in Counseling and Psychology and served as a minister, a
psychologist, and a college professor prior to his election to the
House of Representatives.
“I am happy to be part of a group that supports a free and
independent Armenia,” said Rep. Strickland. “It is important for
Members of Congress to recognize the tragic history of the Armenian
people, and work toward a future which allows for a secure,
sovereign nation for all Armenians.”
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) is a first term congresswoman representing
the Sacramento area. She succeeded her husband, Rep. Robert
Matsui, who had been a long-time supporter of Armenian American
concerns and a member of the Armenian Caucus. Rep. Robert Matsui
tragically lost his battle against a form of bone marrow cancer in
January, 2005. Within months of her election to office, Rep. Doris
Matsui began active support of Armenian American concerns,
cosigning the Congressional letter to President Bush urging him to
properly characterize the Armenian Genocide as ‘genocide.’ She is
also a cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.316).
“I am pleased to join the Armenian Caucus and look forward to
working with the Caucus on a range of political and educational
activities,” noted Rep. Matsui.