At the urging of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), Congressman Rick Renzi (R-AZ) joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and signed on as a cosponsor of H. R. 3361, a bill that would prohibit funding for a rail link connecting Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan while bypassing Armenia, reports the AAA. "The Armenian Assembly appreciates Congressman Renzi's support of the rail legislation and welcomes him to the Armenian Caucus," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We look forward to working with him to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship."

The South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, introduced by Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), along with Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Caucus Member George Radanovich (R-CA), is supported by nearly 100 lawmakers to date. Last month, the House approved the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006, which included an amendment which was strongly supported by the Assembly and sponsored by Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY), together with Congressmen Edward Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA). The provision ensures that no Export-Import funding is used for a costly and unnecessary rail line that would exclude Armenia from economic and regional transportation opportunities.

Renzi is the second member from the state of Arizona to join the Armenian Caucus. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Resources Committee.