PRESS RELEASE
Date: March 27, 2007
Armenian National Committee of Illinois
1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, IL 60026
Contact: Nairee Hagopian
Tel: 312-615-7698
ILLINOIS CONGRESSMAN PETER ROSKAM JOINS ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Chicago, IL-Armenian activists in the Sixth Congressional District
of Illinois, and around the nation, welcome the newest addition to
the Armenian Caucus, Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL). The news came
prior to a meeting held with the Congressman by the Armenian
National Committee of Illinois this past month, reported the ANC of
Illinois
On March 19th, members of the ANC of Illinois met with Congressman
Roskam in the district to discuss issues of importance to the
Armenian community, including current legislation H. Res 106, in
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Ari Killian, Chairman of the
ANC of Illinois thanked the Congressman for joining the Caucus. "We
welcome Congressman Roskam’s membership in the Armenian Caucus and
looking forward to working with him on issues relevant to our
community."
"Armenians have a rich heritage in America," said Congressman
Roskam. "I look forward to working with my constituents of Armenian
descent."
Beginning his political career in 1993 by serving in the Illinois
House of Representatives, and later serving in the Illinois Senate
as Republican Whip and Floor Leader, Roskam was elected to Congress
in 2006. While serving as a State Senator, Roskam, along with 46
Senate members voted to enact HB0312. This legislation mandates
that the study of Genocide including the atrocities in Armenia,
Ukraine, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Sudan. Governor Blagojevich
signed the bill into law in August 2005, joining Illinois to a
dozen states, including the teaching of the tragic history of
genocide
Founded in 1995, the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues is a
bipartisan forum for the discussion of policies to foster increased
cooperation between the United States and Armenian governments and
to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian
peoples. It was founded by Congressmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and
John Porter (R-IL) and is currently co-chaired by Rep. Pallone and
Michigan Republican Joe Knollenberg. The bipartisan committee has
over 145 members of Congress, including 9 out of the 19 Illinois
Congressmen.
The Armenian National Committee of Illinois is part of the largest
and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Peter Roskam meeting with
ANC of IL Chairman, Ari Killian, and ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian.