On August 19, 2013, over 200 community members gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Grigor and Natalie Grigoryan in appreciation of Congressman Adam Schiff’s (CA-28D) long standing commitment and dedication to issues of importance to the Armenian-American community.  Organized by the Friends of Adam Schiff Auxiliary Group, the event provided an opportunity for the congressman to spend a night with his constituents discussing issues in his district and Washington politics.

“From his first campaign to now his 7^th term in office, Congressman Schiff has time and again proved his steadfast commitment on issues of importance to the Armenian community.  His strong record has made him one of the most respected and admired elected officials within the Armenian-American community,” commented ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “The ANCA-WR appreciates the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful event and looks forward to continuing its work with the congressman on critical issues that impact our communities,” Asatryan continued.

The event also included a short program led by Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian, who in his opening remarks noted the need for more representatives in the U.S. Congress emulating the work and dedication of Congressman Schiff.   After Mr. Kassakhian’s remarks, representatives of the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce presented Schiff a certificate of appreciation, noting their dynamic relationship with the Congressman as they developed a strong and vibrant Armenian-American entrepreneurial base.

This was all topped off with remarks by ANCA Western Region Board Member Karo Khanjian who thanked Schiff for his unwavering commitment to recognition of the Armenian Genocide, aid to Artsakh and support on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community as he and ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan presented the Congressman with a unique art piece by Shahe Harutunian.  The program concluded with brief remarks by Congressman Schiff who thanked the attendees and gave an overview of issues in Washington.

Congressman Schiff has been in office since 2001 and represents the communities of Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, and parts of West Hollywood and Pasadena.  He has continually led the effort in introducing Armenian Genocide legislation and ensuring proper U.S. aid is allocated to the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. In May of 2013 Congressman Schiff, along with his Republican colleague Congressman Michael Grimm, introduced H.Res 227, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution.  This resolution is a new measure calling on the President to build upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide by working toward improved Armenian-Turkish relations based upon Turkey’s full acknowledgement of the facts.  The resolution also calls for Turkey’s recognition of the ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime.  To find out more about this legislation to confirm whether your representative is a co-sponsor, please visit anca.org/justice.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.