Key Legislation

On March 22, 2017, Representatives David Trott (R-MI) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), with the support of their Armenian Caucus colleagues, introduced H.Res.220, a bipartisan genocide prevention measure that draws upon the lessons of the Armenian Genocide to inform and inspire present-day U.S. leadership in averting new atrocities across the Middle East and around the world.

On April 24, 2017, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), along with Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Tom Udall (D-NM), introduced S.Res.136, a bipartisan Armenian Genocide Resolution encouraging the U.S. President to work toward improved Armenian-Turkish relations based upon Ankara’s full acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide.

A key element of the ANCA’s legislative agenda is active engagement with U.S. House and Senate appropriators on a range of provisions in the FY18 State-Foreign Operations bill, including continued support for Artsakh de-mining, expanded economic aid to Armenia, and assistance for Yerevan’s transition support for refugees from Syria.

The ANCA also supports a range of other regionally focused legislation impacting U.S. policy on the Caucasus, including H.Res.537, a sanctions bill introduced on September 26, 2017 by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), that aims to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by challenging Azerbaijan’s worsening record on the rule of law and human rights.

Congressional Initiatives

• Congressional Letter Urging President Trump to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide: In March, 2017, the Congressional Armenian Caucus began circulating a A Congressional letter was sent to President Trump in April of 2017, asking him to properly reaffirm and condemn the Armenian Genocide in the annual April 24th commemorative statement regarding that crime.
• Congressional Letter to Appropriations Committee Leaders Outlining Pro-Armenia/Artsakh Foreign Aid Priorities: In March, 2017, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) collected Congressional signatures on a letter addressed to House Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations leaders outlining key Fiscal Year 2018 foreign aid priorities.
• Congressional Letter encouraging Armenian Caucus Membership:  In January, 2017, the Congressional Armenian Caucus leadership circulated a letter to their colleagues encouraging them to join the Congressional Armenian Caucus. The Caucus continually seeks to add to its bipartisan membership.