US House of Representatives adopted resolutions on providing 40 mln USD to Armenia and 1,5 mln USD to Artsakh in 2020

ArmInfo.Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Jackie Speier secured strong bipartisan support today for the adoption, by the full U.S. House, of her amendment appropriating $40 million in democracy aid to Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Last week, during House floor debate on her amendment, Rep. Speier spoke passionately about Armenia's "Velvet Revolution" during House consideration of the Fiscal Year 2020 Foreign Aid Bill, noting that "it is very important at this point in time that we do everything in our power to support this new democracy." Citing an earlier U.S. commitment of $60 million to assist Armenia's democratic transformation, Rep. Speier argued more is needed. "Armenia has a rare and potentially fleeting window of opportunity to consolidate and build upon its democratic gains. [:] Armenia has earned a clear signal that the United States supports its democratic transformation and resources will be brought to them to carry out that transformation." Congressman TJ Cox in turn spearheaded the successful passage today of an amendment appropriating Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) U.S. assistance for life-saving de-mining programs and expanded rehabilitation services in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reports. "We want to thank Congressman Cox for his leadership in ensuring continued U.S. aid for Artsakh. This assistance represents both a principled American investment in peace and also practical support for the safety and well-being of families and farmers across this independent republic," said ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian. "From his first day in Congress, TJ Cox has been a champion for his constituents of Armenian heritage, fighting for aid to Artsakh and the full range of policy priorities of special concern to the vibrant Armenian American community in California's Central Valley." "Children and families in Nagorno Karabakh shouldn't have to live under the constant threat of a crippling injury or death from exploding mines," Congressman Cox told the ANCA. "My amendment will ensure continued funding for demining and rehabilitation projects in Nagorno Karabakh. I'm committed to working with my colleagues on the Armenian Caucus, the Armenian National Committee of America and the HALO Trust to restore communities in Nagorno Karabakh and ensure the region is landmine free in the very near future.