Washington, DC - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomes San Francisco Bay Area Congresswoman Jackie Speier as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, noting that her addition, as an American of Armenian heritage, will expand its bipartisan leadership, build upon its past accomplishments, and help chart an assertive, pro-active legislative course for the future.

Among the key public policy matters set to be advanced by Congresswoman Speier are priorities, supported by the ANCA, to secure a U.S.-Armenia Double Tax Treaty - an initiative being actively pursued by House Financial Services Committee member Congressman Brad Sherman

She is also exploring prospects for a second Millenium Challenge Account (MCA) compact with Armenia.  Among her other priorities is backing the continuation of direct U.S. aid to Artsakh, initiated in 1997 with the ANCA's support. She is also working to put in place the legislative and regulatory framework for direct flights from airports in the United States to Zvartnotz airport in Yerevan, Armenia.

“We are deeply gratified that Congresswoman Speier is bringing her can-do track record to the table as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. She is, as our ANCA community in California has long known, a pro-active and relentless legislative leader,” said ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian.

She joins current Co-Chairs Robert Dold (R-IL) and Frank Pallone, and new Co-Chairman David Valadao (R-CA) in the leadership of the Caucus. The new Vice Co-Chairs are Reps. David Trott (R-MI) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).