Armenian Caucus, ACA Make US Funding Request to Lawmakers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional lawmakers and the Armenian Council of America (ACA) sent letters to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs requesting assistance to Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), reported the Armenian Council of America.
Spearheaded by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), along with Co-Chair Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Vice-Chair Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Armenian Caucus letter highlights the requested funding goal to “strengthen the US-Armenia strategic partnership and bolster the incredible democratic gains Armenia has made since the nonviolent ‘Velvet Revolution’ in April 2018.”
The Armenian Caucus letter also requests $1.5 million in funding for demining and landmine risk education programs in Nagorno-Karabakh and $100 million for economic, governance, rule of law and security assistance to Armenia, as well as suspension of U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan, until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
ACA’s letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, also emphasizes the Armenian nation and people who “have risen to the challenge to take control of their destiny and have charted a new, more peaceful, more democratic, and more pluralistic path toward a stronger, Western-style democratic society…should be rewarded.”
“While Armenia and Artsakh continue in their path of progress, Azerbaijan responds to its failed elections, oil price plunge, bank panic and repression of domestic violence protests by ramping up anti-Armenian propaganda and violence towards its neighbors” stated ACA Board of Directors Chairman Sevak Khatchadorian. “ACA commends Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Rogers for their steadfast support, while this and past Administrations have sought to reduce aid to Armenia and Artsakh.”
