U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DOCUMENTS
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) along with Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Congressman Peter King (NY-03), Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28) introduced a bipartisan resolution that reaffirms the critical importance of the relationship between the United States and Armenia. It also recognizes the recent free and fair parliamentary elections and transfer of power that took place in Armenia in December 2018. The Members serve as the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.
"Over the past year, Armenia has been transformed through the organic, grassroots movement that led to the nonviolent 'Velvet Revolution' and free and open national elections in December. These momentous events are a testament to the Armenian people's commitment to democracy and show why it is so important for the United States to elevate our engagement with the Pashinyan government," Congressman Pallone said. "Armenia is at a critical moment where U.S. support can help foster the growth of pro-democratic and civil society institutions. I am hopeful that this resolution is the beginning of a broad-based strategic upgrade of the U.S.-Armenia partnership based upon our shared interests and common values. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and with House Leadership to pass this important bipartisan legislation. Additionally, I will continue to work with my colleagues toward official U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide."
"I want to express my sincere gratitude to Congressman Frank Pallone – a longtime friend of the Armenian American community and a strong advocate of the U.S.-Armenia relations in the U.S. Congress. The introduction of this resolution is yet another significant moment to mark the centennial of the United States-Armenia relations, partnership based on shared democratic values," said Armenian Ambassador Varuzhan Nersesyan. "We greatly appreciate the steadfast leadership and continued support of Congressman Pallone and his colleagues in the Congressional Armenian Caucus for strengthening the friendship between our countries and nations."
"As co-Chairman of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I am proud to co-sponsor a resolution celebrating the strategic alliance between Armenia and the United States. The two nation's continued friendship and cooperation promotes regional stability and is mutually beneficial for both parties," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.
"Armenia's recent free and fair parliamentary elections provide an opening to strengthen U.S. ties to Armenia and support democratic institutions and economic growth, and Congress and the Administration should take the initiative to do so," said Congressman Adam Schiff. "I am pleased to support this resolution along with my colleagues on the Congressional Armenia Caucus to recognize the progress Armenia has made and to support continued engagement to empower the Armenian people and deepen our bilateral relationship."
"I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating a century of U.S.-Armenian friendship," said Congresswoman Jackie Speier. "As one of only two Armenian-American Members of Congress, I have been proud to play my part safeguarding U.S. aid to Armenia and enacting programs to bring our countries and peoples closer together. I believe that the best days of our relationship are still ahead as we work together to build Armenia's blossoming democracy."
A copy of the resolution is available here https://edit-pallone.house.gov/sites/pallone.house.gov/files/PALLON_010_xml.pdf.