DIAMOND BAR, CA — Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region representatives met with Congressman Gary Miller of California’s 41st Congressional District on February 19, 2002, continuing the ANCA-WR’s Congressional Outreach Campaign. ANCA-WR Executive Director Alex Sardar and Western Region Government Relations Director Ardashes Kassakhian outlined for the Congressman the collective concerns of the Armenian American community in regards to Armenian Genocide recognition in the U.S. Congress as well as the security concerns regarding President George Bush’s recent waiver of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act.

Rep. Miller acknowledged the importance of the ANCA’s efforts to work toward Genocide Recognition and referring to the 2000 Armenian Genocide Resolution expressed his disappointment at the Clinton Administration pressure campaign that resulted in Speaker Dennis Hastert’s decision to pull the Armenian Genocide Resolution from the floor of the House moment before the vote.

Rep. Miller spoke at length about his respect and admiration for the Armenian American community and his long relationship with fellow State Legislator Senator Chuck Poochigian when they served together in Sacramento. Rep. Miller pledged continued support to the ANCA’s activities in Washington, D.C. and the Western Region and agreed to cosponsor the ANCA’s Capitol Hill Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide scheduled to take place on April 17, 2002.

”Representative Miller understands our community’s issues and the importance of maintaining continuous dialogue between the ANCA and his office. We look forward to working with him and his staff on our legislative priorities,” commented Kassakhian.

Rep. Gay Miller was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998 and represents portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange Counties. Rep. Miller’s District Office is located in Diamond Bar California and may be reached by calling (909) 612-4677.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.