06/09/15 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Azerbaijan Republic Day - "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call to the attention of my colleagues the 97th Anniversary of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan.

Republic Day celebrates Azerbaijan's declaration of its independence from the Russian Empire on May 28, 1918, becoming the region's first Muslim democratic secular republic in Central Asia.

While that independence was short lived, from 1918-1920, the young Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan made tremendous strides, granting women the right to vote long before most Western democracies and laying the foundation for architecture and formal educational for future Azeris.
br> Two years after independence, Azerbaijan was occupied by the Soviet Union, losing the hard-won independence, and was forced to become a republic in the U.S.S.R. In 1990, as the U.S.S.R. crumbled, Azerbaijan regained its independence from the Soviets after seventy years. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament restored their nation's independence for the second time in a century, and weeks later, adopted their Constitution.

A valuable international ally, Azerbaijan was among the first nations offering unconditional support to the United States in the war against al Qaeda, having provided a safe transit route to resupply our troops in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan leads the Central Asian area in regional economic cooperation, and is a crucial in European energy security matters.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their friendship, and in congratulating Azerbaijanis around the world on the anniversary of Republic Day."

01/21/15 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Black January- "Mr. Speaker, I rise in remembrance of the over 130 innocent men, women, and children who were killed by the Red Army in the days following its invasion of Azerbaijan 23 years ago.

On January 20, 1990, the Soviet Union, in a brutal attempt to end the growing independence movement in Azerbaijan , sent in 26,000 troops under the pretext of restoring public order, while actually aiming to forcefully end peaceful demonstrations for independence.

The invasion and subsequent massacre, which resulted in over 130 killed, 611 injured, and 841 arrests, is remembered as ``Black January'' in the Republic of Azerbaijan today and has left an indelible mark on that nation's memory.

It was the overt oppression of innocent people by the Soviet government that further inspired the Azerbaijani people to regain its independence after 70 years of foreign rule.

Less than two years later, on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan gained its independence from the Soviet Union and was soon recognized by the international community.

Today, the United States and Azerbaijan enjoy a close and important relationship, built on trust, understanding, and mutual support. It is important on this day that America remembers the trials and tribulations our friends in Azerbaijan have had to endure for the cause of freedom and continue to support their vital role as a beacon of democracy and prosperity in the Caspian Region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to please join me in remembering the tragic events of Black January and honor those who gave their lives in order to give birth to their country."

05/27/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Rhonda Jackson from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

05/24/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Sergio Espinoza from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

02/23/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Rhonda Jackson from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

02/18/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Rhonda Jackson from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/20/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

04/14/2015 - Brian Forni of Brian Forni Inc. e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding an invitation for US-Turkish relations

04/07/2015 - Janice O'Connell of Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Rhonda Jackson from the office of Gene Green regarding vital voices Event

04/07/2015 - Janice O'Connell of Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Sharlettmena from the office of Gene Green regarding vital voices Event

03/19/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

03/19/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene green regarding US-Azercaflan relations

03/17/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

03/17/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

02/07/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Sergio Espinoza from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

02/07/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Sergio Espinoza from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/20/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/20/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Justin Ackley from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/15/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Sergio Espinoza from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/15/2015 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Sergio Espinoza from the office of Gene Green regarding US-Azerbaijan relations