Mark Kirk elected Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) echoed Representatives Frank Pallone's (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg's (R-MI) welcome of the selection of Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) as the incoming Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Congressman Kirk succeeds Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), who will be retiring at the end of the 110th Congress, the Assembly told PanARMENIAN.Net



"After 20 years of working with the Armenian-American community to advance U.S.-Armenia issues, I am honored and excited to serve alongside Congressman Pallone as co-chair of the Caucus on Armenia Issues," Kirk said. "The Caucus on Armenian Issues is well-known for its work to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship and recognize the Armenian Genocide. I look forward to working with Congressman Pallone and all members of the Caucus to advance the U.S.-Armenia relationship in the 111th Congress."



First elected to the House of Representatives in 2000, Congressman Kirk succeeded John Porter (R-IL), who served as the first Republican Co-Chair of the Caucus. Rep. Kirk represents the 10th district of Illinois, which is located north of Chicago, along Lake Michigan and is home to St. George Armenian Apostolic Church. Congressman Kirk serves on the Appropriations Committee and sits on the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, responsible for determining crucial funding to Armenia, and Financial Services.



During his tenure in Congress, Rep. Kirk has co-sponsored numerous Armenian Genocide resolutions and made several statements in support of reaffirmation. In addition, he has supported resolutions calling for Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Armenia, and was a cosponsor of H.Res. 3361, which prevented tax-payer funding of a rail bypass of Armenia.



Jim Keledjian, ARAMAC Illinois State Chair said, "We are extremely happy to have Rep. Kirk Co-Chair the Armenian Caucus. He has been a strong advocate of Armenian interests throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives and even prior as staff of former Caucus Co-chair, Rep. Porter."



"The Assembly congratulates Congressman Kirk on this new role and extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing Caucus Co-Chair Knollenberg," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Nearly 90 percent of the Caucus is returning in the 111th Congress and we look forward to working with Representative Kirk and the entire Caucus. The Assembly's 2009 Advocacy Conference and Banquet in Washington, DC next March will help ensure continued success in the 111th Congress."



An Illinois native, Representative Kirk attended the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico before graduating cum laude in History from Cornell. He holds a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown.