Ohio Armenian advocates and supporters Ty Safaryan, David Krikorian, Dr. Gennaro LaBella, and Meduni’s Vaughn Martirosyan joined ANCA Policy Director Alex Galitsky in welcoming Ohio Republican freshman Dave Taylor to Congress. Taylor was endorsed by the ANCA and received enthusiastic support from Ohio’s Armenian community.
ANCA Welcomes 119th U.S. Congress on Eve of Trump’s Inauguration
Advances strategic initiatives with Congress and the incoming Administration to hold Azerbaijan accountable, strengthen Armenia’s security, and realize the right of Artsakh’s Armenians to a collective, protected return
January 8, 2025Washington, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is advancing an array of strategic initiatives with Congress and the incoming Trump-Vance Administration to put in place a just, dignified, and durable peace in the South Caucasus that respects Armenia’s sovereignty, ensures the safe return of Artsakh Armenians, and holds Azerbaijan accountable for its genocidal crimes.”
“Faced with radically new realities across our region of the world, we are aggressively advancing innovative new opportunities to build American support for Armenia and Artsakh – both broadening and deepening our base of pro-Armenian political leaders and policymakers in Washington, DC and across America,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Emerging from this election cycle stronger than ever – respected across the political aisle as a pivotal electoral force – we are powerfully positioned to shape U.S. policy on issues of concern to Americans of Armenian heritage and our many friends and faith-based allies.”
In addition to sharing a detailed inaugural memo with Congressional offices, ANCA has launched a grassroots letter-writing initiative – anca.org/NewCongress – and social media campaigns to amplify these critical issues, encouraging nationwide participation from Armenian Americans and their allies.
Advancing Armenian-American Priorities
During meetings January 3, the first day of the 119th Congress, ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan and Policy Director Alex Galitsky, joined by local advocates, outlined six key priorities for the Armenian-American community to newly elected and veteran members of Congress:
1) Enforcing Prohibitions on Military Assistance to Azerbaijan
The ANCA is calling for strict enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, halting U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan in response to its ongoing aggression against Armenia and Artsakh genocide.
2) Imposing Magnitsky Sanctions Against Azerbaijani War Criminals
The ANCA is urging the administration to sanction Azerbaijani officials responsible for war crimes and human rights abuses during and after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and the 2023 ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.
3) Ensuring the Release of Armenian POWs and Political Prisoners
The ANCA advocates for the immediate and unconditional release of at least 23 Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held by Azerbaijan under inhumane conditions.
4) Guaranteeing the Right of Return for Artsakh Armenians
The ANCA prioritizes international protections to facilitate the safe return of over 120,000 displaced Artsakh Armenians to their homes and to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its violations of this right.
5) Safeguarding the Rights of Vulnerable Minority Communities in Syria
The ANCA calls for efforts to protect Syria’s historic minority populations, including Armenians and Christians, from threats posed by extremist groups and Turkish-backed forces.
6) Delivering Robust Humanitarian Assistance to Armenian Refugees
The ANCA advocates for significant U.S. aid to address the urgent needs of over 120,000 displaced Artsakh Armenians now seeking refuge in Armenia.
The Trump Administration:
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, ANCA has launched an X campaign – go.anca.org/Trump – urging his Administration to act on his October 23, 2024 commitment to uphold the principles of justice and human rights. In a series of pre-written X-posts, the ANCA is urging the Trump Administration to enforce Section 907 restrictions on U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan, prioritize the security of Armenia, and work with international stakeholders to guarantee the collective and protected return of displaced Artsakh Armenians.
Grassroots Mobilization Nationwide
Through grassroots letter-writing and social media campaigns, the ANCA is mobilizing hundreds of thousands of Armenian Americans to engage with policymakers in support of these urgent priorities. With bipartisan Congressional support and a strong commitment to justice, the ANCA is ready to work with the Trump administration and Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to protect the interests and aspirations of the Armenian-American community.
