Detroit–MI (ANCA)–Newly elected Rep. John "Joe" Schwarz has become the newest member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Schwarz’s entrance into the Caucus brings its membership to over 140.
During Schwarz’s campaign for Congress last year–the ANC of Michigan played a key role in supporting the candidate by introducing him to members of the local Armenian-American community–as well as co-sponsoring a fundraiser with Armen-PAC and AAPAC of Michigan last June before Michigan’s August primary election. Schwarz’s 7th Congressional District stretches from Western Washtenaw County near Ann Arbor to Coldwater–near the Indiana border.
With Schwarz’s Caucus membership–Michigan’s 15-member Congressional delegation will now have 13 Caucus members. "I am very appreciative for the superb support given to my candidacy for Congress by the Michigan Armenian-American Community–and I look forward to being an active Member on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues," said Schwarz. "As a student of history–I have always been fascinated by the history–the great trials and tribulations–and the pride in heritage of the Armenian People."
"We welcome Joe’s membership in the Armenian Issues Caucus and look forward to working with him on a number of issues of special concern to his Armenian-American constituents," said Georgi-Ann Oshagan–ANC of Michigan chairwoman. "Joe promised us here in southeastern Michigan that he would immediately join the Caucus if elected–and he kept that promise."
Schwarz is a practicing physician and served in Vietnam in the US Navy. He also worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. Schwarz was most recently a state senator from Battle Creek–and is a former city commissioner and mayor of Battle Creek.
Founded in 1995–the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues is a bipartisan forum for the discussion of policies to foster increased cooperation between the United States and Armenian governmen’s and to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian peoples. It was founded by Congressmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Porter (R-IL) and is currently co-chaired by Rep. Pallone and Michigan Republican Joe Knollenberg.