Los Angeles, CA – Representatives of the Armenian National Committee of San Gabriel Valley recently met with Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA-32) in her local office. Longtime community activists Vicken Pakradouni and Jack Hadjinian thanked her for her unwavering support over the years and discussed several current issues in regards to the Armenian American community. Congresswoman Solis reiterated that she will continue to offer her assistance to the Armenian Cause and help put an end to genocide denial.

Hadjinian and Pakradouni spoke with the Congresswoman at length about the recent events surrounding the nomination of Marie Yovanovitch as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia and the State Department’s continuous denial to use the term genocide to characterize the events of 1915. Cong. Solis also discussed her involvement with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) where she serves as a member on the Human Rights Committee.

“Congresswoman Hilda Solis has demonstrated her sincere support for the Armenian-American community over the years in Washington D.C. and continues to fight for our cause alongside Congressman Schiff and Congresswoman Napolitano,” said ANC activist Jack Hadjinian. “Our San Gabriel Valley Chapter has an exceptional relationship with the Congresswoman since her days as a State Assemblywoman, and we look forward to continuing our strong work together,” he added.

Since her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in November of 2000, Congresswoman Solis has been an active supporter of the Armenian American community. She is an active member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues and has been a leader in efforts to secure full and appropriate U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Congresswoman Solis represents California’s 32nd Congressional District, which includes portions of East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Prior to her election to Congress, Solis served eight years in the California state legislature. Solis is Vice Chair of the Democratic Steering & Policy Committee. She is also serving her third term as the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ Task Force on Health and the Environment.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo Caption: Congresswoman Hilda Solis (center) joined by ANC Activists Vicken Pakradouni (left) and Jack Hadjinian (right).