Armenian National Committee of West San Fernando Valley
P.O. Box 17673
Encino, CA, 91416
Phone: 818 636 2952
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
: Thursday, August 23, 2007
Contact: Nishan Bostanian
E-mail: nishanbostanian@yahoo.com
West San Fernando Valley ANC Meets with Republican Congressman McKeon
Santa Clarita, CA – On Thursday, August 16th the Chairman of the West San
Fernando Valley ANC (WSFV ANC) Nishan Bostanian and ANC member Vahe
Melkonian met with Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-25). The
Congressman, who was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in
1992, has consistently supported the concerns of his constituents in
California’s 25th Congressional District. The WSFV ANC expressed its
appreciation to the Congressman for effectively advocating for his Armenian
American constituents in the halls of Congress. The Congressman is
currently the Ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee
and also serves on the Armed Services Committee.
"Congressman McKeon has always been a strong friend of the Armenian American
community," stated Bostanian. "He has shown overwhelming support for
important human rights issues, and we look forward to continuing our efforts
with the Congressman as we move forward," he added.
Congressman McKeon has been a strong supporter of the Armenian American
community. He was one of the first cosponsors to sign on as a
supporter of H. Res. 106 after it was introduced on January 30, 2007.
The WSFV ANC is planning various community events to raise awareness of the
Armenian Genocide. With 227 cosponsors of H. Res. 106 (the Armenian
Genocide Resolution), the community is eager to become more involved in this
issue to help ensure its passage. Potential events included a panel with
academics and experts to discuss the Armenian Genocide and the cultural and
political implications of its recognition.
Over his twelve years in office, Congressman McKeon has proven to be a vocal
advocate for preserving Social Security, cutting the national debt,
providing tax cuts for America’s working families and strengthening the
military. First elected to represent the 25th Congressional District of
California in 1992, Rep. McKeon has earned a reputation as a leader in the
national education reform movement. Because of this, McKeon was elected by
his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and
the Workforce in 2006 to replace Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) who was required
by House rules to resign his committee assignment upon becoming House
Majority Leader.
In the wake of the November, 2006 mid-term elections, Congressman McKeon is
now the Senior Republican Member on the House Education and Labor Committee,
(formerly the Education and the Workforce Committee.) He also serves on the
House Armed Services Committee.
Born Sept. 9, 1938, in Tujunga, California, Congressman McKeon grew up in
the Tujunga area and graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in 1956. After
serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints, he attended Brigham Young University. After several terms, McKeon
embarked on a temporary "hiatus" from his studies. During this hiatus, he
married his wife, Patricia, began raising his family and started his career
as a businessman in the Santa Clarita Valley. McKeon was soon involved in
his community through such organizations as the Boy Scouts, Little League,
the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Board and the Chamber of Commerce,
among others. He subsequently returned to school and completed his bachelor’s
degree in 1985.
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the
Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated
organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.