PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 24, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBERS IN HOUSE
REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
Armenian Genocide Resolution Supporter Eric Cantor Elevated to
Republican Whip
Washington, DC – The House Republican Conference met last week to select
its leaders for the 111th Congress, reported the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly).
Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA), a member of the Congressional Caucus
on Armenian Issues and a cosponsor of H.Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide
resolution, was elected to serve as Republican Whip. As the second
highest ranking person in Republican Leadership, Rep. Cantor is
responsible for mobilizing votes, coordinating strategy and acting as a
liaison between rank and file Members and the leadership.
At the 2005 Armenian Genocide Commemoration event on Capitol Hill, Rep.
Cantor stated, "April 24th marks the anniversary of one of the most
horrible tragedies of the 20th century, the genocide that was committed
against the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire. Over the years many
Armenian-Americans have helped to enrich and enhance our Nation’s
character; we have remained committed to peace in the region and will
continue to help Armenia with its economic prosperity and strengthening
of its democracy." Minority Whip Cantor replaces outgoing Rep. Roy Blunt
(R-MO), who voted against H.Res. 106 in the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs in October of 2007.
Armenian Caucus Member and H.Res. 106 cosponor, Representative Thaddeus
McCotter (R-MI), will also serve in the House Republican leadership.
Rep. McCotter was re-elected as Chairman of the Republican Policy
Committee. In this role, McCotter will be responsible in crafting
winning policies that can help the Republicans regain control of the
House, which they lost in 2006.
In addition to cosponsoring H.Res. 106, McCotter also supported
H.Res.102, honoring the life and legacy of slain Turkish-Armenian
journalist Hrant Dink and calling for the repeal of Article 301 of
Turkey’s Penal Code that effectively punishes discussion of the Armenian
Genocide.
Representative Cathy McMorris (R-WA), cosponsor of the H.Res.106 and
cosigner of the 2006 Armenian Genocide letter, will serve as Republican
Conference Vice-Chair.
Rounding out the other posts, Representative John Boehner (R-OH) won
re-election as Republican Leader and followed the Administration’s
opposition to H.Res. 106; Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), who voted against
H.Res. 106 in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, will serve as
Republican Conference Chairman; Rep. John Carter (R-TX) will be
Republican Conference Secretary and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) will serve
as National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman.
"The new Congress and Administration will provide important
opportunities on a wide variety of issues. We look forward to working
with the incoming leadership, and in particular, Armenian Caucus members
and supporters Reps. Cantor, McCotter and McMorris, especially as we
gear up for our March 2009 Advocacy Conference," stated Bryan Ardouny,
Executive Director of the Assembly.
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(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.
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NR#2008-083
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