November 20, 2009 - 12:16 AMT
Armenian caucus membership grows to 148
The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed the official announcement that Representatives Chris Murphy and Zach Wamp have joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues - bringing the total Caucus membership to 148 Members to date.

Congressman Murphy is currently serving his second term representing Connecticut's Fifth District and is a cosponsor of H. Res. 252, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Health and Telecommunications Subcommittees. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and its National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.

Reelected to a seventh term in office, Congressman Wamp cosponsored H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution last Congress. A member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Representative Wamp is in a unique position to help ensure robust funding to Armenia to help offset the economic impact of Turkey's ongoing blockade.

"The Assembly advocacy efforts continue to yield results on Capitol Hill," said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We look forward to working with Representatives Murphy and Wamp to further strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship. With the bold steps Armenia has taken toward rapprochement with Turkey, America has an important role to play in ensuring that Turkey lifts its blockade and normalizes relations with Armenia without any preconditions," Ardouny added.