05/28/14 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Azerbaijan Republic Day - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan and congratulate them on the 96th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

A country of historic proportions - Azerbaijan became the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world on May 28, 1918. Despite a time and region that posed many barriers to elements of democracy, on this Republic Day, all Azerbaijani's were given the right to vote regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or race, revolutionizing the country and region.

On May 28, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson met with the Azerbaijan delegation to recognize their dedication and commitment to principles of liberty, justice, and equality. And at the Paris Peace Talks, as a sign of respect and admiration between our two countries, President Wilson was given a copy of the memorandum containing the boundaries, economic and financial conditions, and ethnic composition of the newly constructed Republic.

Even today, the U.S. and Azerbaijan continue to maintain strong international and economic relations with one another. Azerbaijan has been actively involved in operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq and a committed partner to energy development in the Caspian region. One such example, The Istanbul Protocol, led to the construction of the 1,040-mile long Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline that is owned and operated by American firms. In 2006 the BTC pipeline began its first oil deliveries and has become a vital part of delivering Caspian Sea resources to global markets.

While Azerbaijan's independence was tragically interrupted during the Russian Red Army invasion in 1920, the people of Azerbaijan persisted. Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan restored their democracy and has enjoyed a fruitful 23 years of stability and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment and recognize the important bilateral relationship and valued connections between our two countries. It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan during their celebration of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day.

05/13 - Member of Congress traveled to Azerbaijan on Turquoise foundation trip. Reportedly spent more than $10K to travel there. https://twitter.com/chrondigger/status/494141662206361600

05/28-29, 2013 - Member attended the mega conference in Baku that got critical press in POLITICO and the Washington Post because it was an obvious influence peddling junket.