Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: ckojoian@aaainc.org
DEMOCRATS WIN CONTROL OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBER REP. PELOSI SET TO BECOME SPEAKER
Caucus Grows in Clout with Some 50 Democrats Slated for Key Positions
Washington, DC – The balance of power shifted in Washington yesterday as
Democrats took control over the House of Representatives, paving the way
for Armenian Caucus Member Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to become the first
female Speaker of the House. Pelosi’s anticipated rise, coupled with
the likelihood of numerous Caucus Democrats picking up important
leadership positions, will expand the scope and influence of this
important body in the next congressional session.
As part of that power shift, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill) will
pass the Speaker’s gavel to Pelosi, making her the first Armenian Caucus
Member to hold that position. Pelosi has a strong record of support on
Armenian-American issues and has regularly called on the Administration
to properly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. She is currently a
cosponsor of H. Res. 316 – a bill that affirms the attempted
annihilation of the Armenian people as genocide. Last year, Pelosi
participated in a Capitol Hill observance of the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide and in April 2001, spoke on the floor of the House
saying that "the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact. The Republic
of Turkey has adamantly refused to acknowledge that the Genocide
happened on its soil, but the evidence is irrefutable….We must learn
from the past and never forget the victims of the Armenian Genocide."
Additionally, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) will run for Majority
Leader, and if elected, will be another Caucus first. Like Pelosi,
Hoyer has co-sponsored legislation reaffirming the Genocide and has
given commemoration addresses to Congress during the month of April.
During the Assembly’s pan-Armenian Advocacy Conference in March of this
year, Hoyer pledged to continue fighting for U.S. reaffirmation of the
Genocide and said that he has asked Turkish leaders why they cannot
acknowledge the crimes.
"Representatives Pelosi and Hoyer have strong records on Armenian issues
of any Democratic leadership and we look forward to building on these
strong relationships, as well as others in the House, to address issues
and concerns facing Armenian-Americans, as well as our homeland," said
Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Annie Totah.
In total, some 50 Democratic Armenian Caucus Members are positioned to
take over important leadership positions and full committee
chairmanships including Representatives Charles Rangel (NY) House Ways
and Means, John Dingell (MI) Energy and Commerce, John Conyers, Jr. (MI)
Judiciary, George Miller (CA) Education, Henry Waxman (CA) Government
Reform, Barney Frank (MA) Financial Services, Collin Peterson (MN)
Agriculture and Nydia M. Velazquez (NY) Small Business Committee.
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), who is the current Ranking Member of
the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and is also poised to
become a subcommittee chair and potentially the first Armenian Caucus
Member to Chair Foreign Operations. Lowey, an ardent supporter of
Armenian issues, has commemorated the Armenian Genocide with statements
on the House floor and urged Congress to retain Section 907 of the
Freedom Support Act. Representatives Donald Payne (D-NJ), Brad Sherman
(D-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA) and Grace
Napolitano (D-CA) are positioned to Chair various International
Relations Subcommittees. Additionally, Representatives Peter Visclosky
(D-IN), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA),
Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Caucus Co-Chair Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) are anticipated to become
subcommittee chairs, among others.
The majority of Armenian Caucus Members were re-elected including
Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
Representative Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) won a seat in the Senate. As for
Caucus Members of Armenian descent, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) was
elected for an eight term, while Congressman John Sweeney (D-NY) was
defeated after serving four years in the House, where he championed
issues facing Armenian-Americans.
Totah also noted that prior to the election, several lawmakers pledged
to join the Armenian Caucus if elected and that the Assembly will reach
out those new Members.
In other House leadership posts, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), who has
traditionally opposed efforts to reaffirm the Genocide, but supported
the Armenian Genocide resolution during a 2005 vote before the
International Relations Committee, is anticipated to Chair the
International Relations Committee. The Appropriations Committee
Chairmanship is expected to be filled by Congressman David Obey (D-WI),
who has also supported Armenian issues.
On the Senate side, longtime Armenian issues supporter Senator Robert
Menendez (D-NJ) faced a hard-fought race and retained his seat, while
Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Lincoln D. Chafee (R-RI) lost their
re-election bids. Earlier this year, Santorum and Menendez introduced a
major bill (S. 2461) to bar assistance for a railroad bypass of Armenia.
In September, Menendez also placed a "hold" on the nomination of
Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland as America’s next Ambassador to
Armenia. The move is in protest to the Bush Administration’s flawed
policy on the Armenian Genocide, neither denying nor properly affirming
the events as genocide.
At press time, the balance of power in the Senate was yet to be
determined and contingent on the outcome of the Virginia Senate races.
Senator George Allen (R-VA) was trailing democratic challenger Jim Webb
by a margin of less than 1 percent, opening the door to a potential
recount vote.
"The Assembly congratulates Armenian-American supporters in the Senate
and House on their victory and looks forward to reaching out to new
members in the coming year," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan
Adouny. "To that end, we also encourage Armenian Americans to join us
in our outreach efforts and build on our advocacy successes in the
current Congress."
Ardouny noted that, with this election, the anticipated leadership of
the 110th Congress will offer new opportunities to pass an Armenian
Genocide resolution, to ensure that attempts by Armenia’s neighbors to
isolate her are addressed, and to make security issues facing Nagorno
Karabakh and Armenia priorities. When Congress returns next week for the
lame duck session, several outstanding items remain including the rail
legislation, appropriations funding for Armenia and Karabakh, as well as
the confirmation process for Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland.
Governors in 36 states were also elected. In Ohio, Armenian Caucus
Member Ted Strickland (D-OH), a cosponsor of the pan-Armenian Genocide
bill H. Res. 316 and the House rail bill H.R. 3361, was elected
governor, while in California, incumbent Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA)
defeated his Democratic challenger by a large margin. As governor,
Schwarzenegger has championed Armenian-American issues. Last month he
signed legislation authorizing the construction of a memorial for the
victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Earlier, the Governor
signed into law Senate Bill 1524, enabling Armenian Genocide victims and
their families to seek legal action to recover assets lost or stolen as
result of the tragedies, as well as Senate Bill 424, which permanently
recognizes April 24 as the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide
in California.
Thousands of state and local races were also contested across the
country yesterday. In California, State Senator Charles Poochigian
(R-CA), who has done much to advance Armenian-American issues in the
Legislature, was defeated in his bid for State Attorney General.
California State Assembly Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Greg Aghazarian
(R-Stockton) was re-elected and Paul Krekorian (D-Glendale) became the
first Armenian-American elected to the State Assembly representing the
Glendale-Burbank area which includes the largest concentration of
Armenians in the United States. California State Senator Jackie Speier
(D-San Mateo), retiring due to term limits, made an unsuccessful bid for
Lieutenant Governor during the primaries.
The 110th congressional session will convene in January when the Speaker
of the House will be elected by the full House of Representatives.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2006-097
Editor’s Note: Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the
following links:
7/2006-097-1.jpg
Caption: Assembly Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Annie
Totah (right) with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who is
expected to become Speaker of the House in the 110th Congress.
-097/2006-097-2.jpg
Caption: Representative Nancy Pelosi and Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny at an Awards Reception on Capitol Hill.
/2006-097-3.jpg
Caption: Armenian Caucus Member Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA) flanked
by Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian (right) and Board of
Trustees Counselor Van Krikorian.
6-097/2006-097-4.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, former U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans, Assembly Board of Trustees
Executive Committee Member Annie Totah, Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer
(D-MD) (who is expected to become Majority Leader) Board of Trustees
Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, Board of Trustees President Carolyn Mugar and
Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Anthony Barsamian.
6-097/2006-097-5.jpg
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny with
Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Joseph
Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr., (D-NJ).
The Assembly is pleased to report that 93 percent of Armenian Caucus
Members who stood for re-election retained their seats. See complete
below.
W =3D Win L =3D Loss R=3D Retired S =3D Sought other office TC=3D Too
close to call
Arizona (2)
Raul Grijalva (D-7); W
Rick Renzi (R-1); W
California (39)
Mike Thompson (D-1); W
Doris Matsui (D-5); W
Lynn Woolsey (D-6); W
George Miller (D-7); W
Nancy Pelosi (D-8); W
Barbara Lee (D-9); W
Ellen Tauscher (D-10) ; W
Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-13); W
Anna Eshoo (D-14); W
Michael Honda (D-15); W
Zoe Lofgren (D-16); W
Dennis Cardoza (D-18); W
George Radanovich (R-19); W
Jim Costa (D-20); W
Devin Nunes (R-21); W
William Thomas (R-22); R
Lois Capps (D-23); W
Elton Gallegly (R-24); W
Howard McKeon (R-25); W
David Dreier (R-26); W
Brad Sherman (D-27); W
Howard Berman (D-28); W
Adam Schiff (D-29); W
Henry Waxman (D-30); W
Xavier Becerra (D-31); W
Hilda Solis (D-32); W
Diane Watson (D-33); W
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-34); W
Grace Napolitano (D-38); W
Linda Sanchez (D-39); W
Edward Royce (R-40); W
Gary Miller (R-42); W
Joseph Baca (D-43); W
Ken Calvert (R-44); W
Loretta Sanchez (D-47); W
Darrell Issa (R-49); W
Bob Filner (D-51); W
Duncan Hunter (R-52); W
Susan Davis (D-53); W
Colorado (2)
Mark Udall (D-2); W
Bob Beauprez (R-7); S
Connecticut (5)
John Larson (D-1); W
Robert Simmons (R-2); TC
Rosa DeLauro (D-3); W
Christopher Shays (R-4); W
Nancy Johnson (R-5); L
District of Columbia (1)
Eleanor Norton (D-DL); W
Florida (5)
Michael Bilirakis (R-9); R
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-18); W
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-21); W
E. Clay Shaw (R-22); L
Tom Feeney (R-24); W
Illinois (9)
Bobby Rush (D-1); W
Jesse Jackson (D-2); W
Dan Lipinski (D-3); W
Luis Gutierrez (D-4); W
Danny Davis (D-7); W
Mark Kirk (R-10); W
Jerry Weller (R-11); W
Jerry Costello (D-12); W
John Shimkus (R-19); W
Indiana (2)
Peter Visclosky (D-1); W
Mark Souder (R-3); W
Kansas (3)
Jerry Moran (R-1); W
Dennis Moore (D-3); W
Todd Tiahrt (R-4); W
Kentucky (1)
Ben Chandler (D-6); W
Louisiana (1)
Bobby Jindal (R-1); W
Maine (1)
Thomas Allen (D-1) W
Maryland (4)
Benjamin Cardin (D-3); S
Albert Wynn (D-4); W
Steny Hoyer (D-5); W
Christopher Van Hollen (D-8); W
Massachusetts (10)
John Olver (D-1); W
Richard Neal (D-2); W
James McGovern (D-3); W
Barney Frank (D-4); W
Martin Meehan (D-5); W
John Tierney (D-6); W
Edward Markey (D-7); W
Michael Capuano (D-8); W
Stephen Lynch (D-9); W
William Delahunt (D-10); W
Michigan (13)
Vernon Ehlers (R-3); W
Dave Camp (R-4); W
Dale Kildee (D-5); W
Fred Upton (R-6); W
Joe Schwarz (R-7); L
Michael Rogers (R-8); W
Joe Knollenberg** (R-9); W
Candice Miller (R-10); W
Thaddeus McCotter (R-11); W
Sander Levin (D-12); W
Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-13); W
John Conyers (D-14); W
John Dingell (D-15); W
Minnesota (4)
Gil Gutknecht (R-1); L
Betty McCollum (D-4); W
Mark Kennedy (R-6); L
Collin Peterson (D-7); W
Nevada (2)
Shelley Berkley (D-1); W
Jon Porter (R-3); W
New Hampshire (2)
Jeb Bradley (R-1); L
Charles Bass (R-2); L
New Jersey (11)
Robert Andrews (D-1); W
Frank LoBiondo (R-2); W
Jim Saxton (R-3); W
Christopher Smith (R-4); W
Scott Garrett (R-5); W
Frank Pallone** (D-6); W
Mike Ferguson (R-7); W
Bill Pascrell (D-8); W
Steven Rothman (D-9); W
Donald Payne (D-10); W
Rush Holt (D-12); W
New York (14)
Steve Israel (D-2); W
Carolyn McCarthy (D-4); W
Gary Ackerman (D-5); W
Joseph Crowley (D-7); W
Anthony Weiner (D-9); W
Nydia Velazquez (D-12); W
Carolyn Maloney (D-14); W
Charles Rangel (D-15); W
Eliot Engel (D-17); W
Nita Lowey (D-18); W
Sue Kelly (R-19); L
John Sweeney (R-20); L
Michael McNulty (D-21); W
Maurice Hinchey (D-22); W
Ohio (6)
Ted Strickland (D-6); S
Marcy Kaptur (D-9); W
Dennis Kucinich (D-10); W
Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-11); W
Sherrod Brown (D-13); S
Steven LaTourette (R-14); W
Oregon (2)
Earl Blumenauer (D-3); W
Darlene Hooley (D-5); W
Pennsylvania (11)
Chaka Fattah (D-2); W
Phil English (R-3); W
Melissa Hart (R-4); L
Jim Gerlach (R-6); W
Curt Weldon (R-7); L
Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8); L
Allyson Schwartz (D-13); W
Mike Doyle (D-14); W
Charles Dent (R-15); W
Joseph Pitts (R-16); W
Tim Holden (D-17); W
Rhode Island (2)
Patrick Kennedy (D-1); W
James Langevin (D-2); W
South Carolina (1)
Joe Wilson (R-2); W
South Dakota (1)
Stephanie Herserth (D-AL); W
Texas (3)
Lloyd Doggett (D-25); W
Kenny Marchant (R-24); W
Eddie B. Johnson (D-30); W
Virginia (2)
Eric Cantor (R-7); W
James Moran (D-8); W
Washington (2)
Jim McDermott (D-7); W
Adam Smith (D-9); W
Wisconsin (1)
Paul Ryan (R-1); W
Puerto Rico (1)
Luis Fortuno (R) N/A
Losses/Retirments/Sought other office
Charles Bass (R-2) NH; Lost
Bob Beauprez (R-7) CO; Lost Gubernatorial
Michael Bilirakis (R-9) FL; Retired
Jeb Bradley (R-1) NH; Lost
Sherrod Brown (D-13) OH; Won Senate
Benjamin Cardin (D-3) MD; Won Senate
Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8) PA; Lost
Gil Gutknecht (R-1) MN; Lost
Melissa Hart (R-4) PA; Lost
Nancy Johnson (R-5) CT; Lost
Sue Kelly (R-19) NY; Lost
Mark Kennedy (R-6) MN; Lost Senate
Joe Schwarz (R-7) MI ; Lost Primary
E. Clay Shaw (R-22) FL; Lost
Ted Strickland (D-6) OH; Won Gubernatorial
John Sweeney (R-20) NY; Lost
William Thomas (R-22) CA; Retired
Curt Weldon (R-7) PA; Lost