Congresswoman Jackie Speier and Congressman David Valadao have launched a bipartisan Congressional Caucus to support life-saving programs to remove ordnance, mines, and other explosive remnants of war left on battlefields around the world, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reports.

In his remarks, Rep Valadao explained that he first learned about the ravages of unexploded ordnance through The HALO Trust demining efforts in Artsakh, and, working with the ANCA, unanimously passed a Congressional amendment to secure $1.5 million in US assistance to help ensure a mine-free Artsakh by 2020. 

Referencing the vital role US aid in supporting Artsakh demining, Rep Speier cited her recent trip Laos as a wake-up call for the importance of Congressional leadership in supporting demining efforts. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Valadao and the other Caucus members to shine a light on this often overlooked but critically important human rights issue. The actions of war, including our own country’s actions, leave permanent wounds on a society and we need to ensure civilians aren’t harmed years and decades after a conflict ends,” Rep. Speier noted in a statement announcing the formation of the Congressional Caucus.