U.S. Senate
Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) – ANCA Rating: A
Rep. Loretta Sanchez is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Rep. Sanchez is a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. She is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2015 and 2016, she co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Sanchez also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In April 2016, Rep. Sanchez called for a “Leahy Law” investigation into reports that the Azerbaijan armed forces, which annually receive millions of dollars in U.S. military aid, committed gross violations of human rights during Baku’s April 2nd offensive against Nagorno Karabakh.
Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) – ANCA Rating: A-
Rep. Heck is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). He is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution and attended the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on Capitol Hill in April 2015. In November 2015, he attended the unveiling of the Armenian Genocide monument in Las Vegas. Rep. Heck co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh.
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) – ANCA Rating: C+
Seeking a sixth term, Sen. McCain serves as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he voted in favor of S. Res. 410, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, during committee consideration of the measure on April 10, 2014.
U.S. House
Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18) – ANCA Rating: A+
Hailing from Armenian and Assyrian ancestry, Rep. Eshoo knows of the devastating effects of the Armenian Genocide and Turkey’s denial of that crime and has spoken eloquently about the importance of U.S. reaffirmation at the annual Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide Observance. Rep. Eshoo is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2015 and 2016, she co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Eshoo also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. On April 24, 2015, Rep. Eshoo was in Armenia for the centennial commemorative events as part of the official U.S. delegation.
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) – ANCA Rating: A+
Rep. Speier, who along with Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) is of Armenian ancestry, has been outspoken in her support for Armenian Genocide affirmation. Rep. Speier serves as a democratic co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. Rep. Speier is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2015 and 2016, she co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Speier also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. On April 24, 2015, Rep. Speier was in Armenia for the Armenian Genocide centennial commemorative events as part of the official U.S. delegation.
Danny Tarkanian (R-NV-3)
The election of Danny Tarkanian would increase the number of Armenian Americans in Congress from two to three. Seeking to claim the seat currently held by Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) who is running for the open Senate seat, Tarkanian would be the first Republican Armenian American in Congress since the mid-1990s. Danny, son of legendary basketball coach Jerry “Tark the Shark” Tarkanian, takes pride in his Armenian heritage, is actively supportive of Armenian causes, participates in Armenian Genocide remembrances, and has traveled to Armenia with his family to support charitable programs for under-served children. He enjoys support from Armenian American communities in Las Vegas, his family’s native Fresno, and across the United States.
Rep. David Valadao (R-CA-21) – ANCA Rating: A+
Rep. Valadao serves as a Republican Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus and, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has assumed a leadership role on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. In a joint statement with Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), he paid tribute to the people of Nagorno Karabakh in their struggle for freedom against Azerbaijani aggression. Rep. Valadao is a lead sponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Valadao co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In June 2016, Rep. Valadao issued statements welcoming Germany’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Pope Francis’ trip to Armenia.
Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA-39) – ANCA Rating: A+
As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Royce has been a perennial champion of Armenian American concerns. Along with Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Rep. Royce in October, 2015, spearheaded the Royce-Engel letter proposing three pro-peace initiatives for Nagorno Karabakh. In March, 2016, Rep. Royce joined with Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) to lead the Royce-Sherman letter to the president asking for the implementation of those proposals. He is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In April 2015, Rep. Royce spoke on the House floor in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In May 2015, he tweeted “I’m pleased the US and #Armenia have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.”
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-1) – ANCA Rating: A
Rep. Titus is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in ApJim CoDvril 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2015 and 2016, she co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Titus also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In April, 2015, and April, 2016, she spoke at the Capitol Hill Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. In November 2015, she attended the unveiling of the Armenian Genocide monument in Las Vegas.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA-28) – ANCA Rating: A+
As the lead Democrat on the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, H. Res. 154, Rep. Schiff has been a forceful proponent of U.S. reaffirmation of that crime. He has consistently received an A+ rating from the ANCA since his election in 2000, and represents more Armenian Americans than any other member of the House of Representatives. Rep. Schiff has consistently attended the annual Capitol Hill Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, has spoken on the House floor (in English and Armenian) on the Armenian Genocide, and has issued statements on the pogroms against Armenians in Baku, Sumgait, and Kirovabad. In April, 2015, on the House floor, he read the names of hundreds of Armenians killed during the genocide and subsequently submitted many more into the Congressional Record. In April, 2015, he co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2016, he co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Schiff also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals.
Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA-16) – ANCA Rating: A+
Hailing from the land of William Saroyan, Rep. Costa has done the Central Valley Armenian American community proud, receiving an A+ rating from the ANCA throughout his terms in office. His support extends to ongoing efforts to broaden U.S.-Armenia relations and the fight to ensure self-determination for the people of Karabakh. Rep. Costa has attended the annual flag raising ceremony in Fresno, and has spoken eloquently, calling for justice for the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Costa is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2015 and 2016, he co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Costa also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In July 2016, Rep. Costa travelled to Armenia, offered remarks at the American University of Armenia and meeting with top officials.
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Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA-22) – ANCA Rating: A
Rep. Nunes, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Nunes co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In a joint statement with Rep. David Valadao (R-CA), he paid tribute to the people of Nagorno Karabakh in their struggle for freedom against Azerbaijani aggression. In April 2016, he issued the following statement on Azerbaijan’s egregious violation of the ceasefire, “The clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh risk escalating into a dangerous, wider war. The ceasefire must be scrupulously observed, while Azerbaijan needs to implement widely-supported peacekeeping measures along the line of contact, including a withdrawal of snipers and an expanded role for the OSCE.”
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA-30) – ANCA Rating: A+
Representing California’s San Fernando Valley region, Rep. Sherman has been a vocal advocate of Armenian American concerns, questioning Obama Administration officials on a range of community issues, including U.S. assistance to Artsakh and Javakhk. Rep. Sherman is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Sherman also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh, and in March, 2016, Rep. Sherman joined with Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) to lead the Royce-Sherman letter to the President asking for the implementation of the proposals. In April 2015 and April 2016, he spoke at the Capitol Hill Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. As a legislative leader of Armenia’s aid to trade transition, Representative Sherman was a driving force behind the 2015 signing of a U.S.-Armenia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. He is currently the leading Congressional voice in support of a U.S.-Armenia Tax Treaty, having twice questioned Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew during hearings about the urgent necessity of removing the threat of double taxation as an obstacle to the growth of bilateral commercial relations.
Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27) – ANCA Rating: A+
Rep. Chu is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2015 and 2016, she co-signed letters to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Rep. Chu also co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In February 2015, she offered remarks for the Congressional Record on the Sumgait and Baku pogroms. In February 2016, she formally called upon Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to begin negotiations with Armenia on a modern Double Tax Treaty. In April 2016, she called for the suspension of military aid to Azerbaijan in response to the breach of the fragile cease fire in Nagorno Karabakh.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA-33) – ANCA Rating: A-
Rep. Lieu is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Lieu co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals. In September, 2015, he called upon Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to begin negotiations with Armenia on a Double Tax Treaty.
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE-1) – ANCA Rating: B+
Rep. Fortenberry is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and has been a leading voice, along with Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), of securing congressional approval of measures calling the massacre of Christians and other minorities in the Middle East genocide.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA-9) – ANCA Rating: B+
Rep. Smith serves as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Smith co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter asking for the implementation of the proposals.
Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO-6) – ANCA Rating: A
Rep. Coffman is a cosponsor of H. Res. 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and in April 2015, co-signed a letter to President Obama asking him to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Coffman co-signed the Royce-Engel letter regarding pro-peace initiatives in Nagorno Karabakh and the Royce-Sherman letter calling for the implementation of the proposals. In 2016, he co-signed a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs of the calling for increased aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Morgan Carroll (D-CO-6)
Morgan Carroll has a consistent record of strong support for Armenian and other human rights issues, including her critical role, while serving as State Senate President, in authorizing the place of America’s first State House khatchkar, which serves as the Colorado State Capitol Armenian Genocide Memorial.
The ANCA’s decision to offer an open endorsement in this competitive race is a testament to the qualifications of both candidates and a tribute to the diversity, dedication, and vibrancy of District 6’s large Armenian American constituency, which has worked tirelessly to educate elected officials on our community’s public policy priorities.
It’s amazing that in this day in age, Armenians, even the supposedly “educated” ones in the group, still believe that their vote counts when it comes to serious political matters. Wake up folks, US politicians DO NOT make political policy. This is especially true of foreign policy. The nation’s special interest groups (AIPAC, Pentagon, military industrial complex, big pharma, mega corporations, Wall Street, etc.) and think tanks (Heritage Foundation, CFR, Chatham House, Jamestown Foundation, etc.) are the ones tasked with formulating/crafting political policy. For their part, similar to what salesmen do, US officials are tasked with selling political policies to the sheeple. The American people’s gross lack of understand of how the political system works in the American empire is actually the strenght of the American political system.
As one of “sheeple” I might as well use their support of our heritage as a tipping point among others that are roughly on the bubble. I do not need the sarcastic and political elitist view of someone who does not offer a better way to achieve one’s goals.