Washington, DC - In an historic election night, which brought about a dramatic shift in power to Congress, members of the Armenian Caucus and supporters of the House and Senate Armenian Genocide resolutions, H. Res. 252 and S. Res. 316, respectively, faired well, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). An overwhelming majority (over 95 percent) of the members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues won their election, including Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). Rep. Kirk, a leading sponsor of the Armenian Genocide resolution, won his election bid to the United States Senate in Illinois, filling the seat once held by President Barack Obama. Rep. Pallone meanwhile fought back a challenge from a Tea Party candidate, who had criticized the Obama Administration for not honoring its promise to squarely acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. With a victory for the Republicans in the House, it is anticipated that more scrutiny will be given to Obama's policies. The Armenian Assembly continues to strongly advocate for Presidential affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and urges President Obama to unequivocally affirm this historical fact. "We congratulate the Armenian Caucus members who were re-elected to serve another term in Congress and look forward to expanding the Caucus. We also extend our appreciation to those members who are not returning or are retiring," stated Congressional Relations Associate Bianka Dodov.. In addition, Armenian-Americans Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) secured solid election victories, as did Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res. 252) sponsor Adam Schiff (D-CA). Also, H.Res. 252 cosponsors Edward Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) will be returning to Congress while long-time supporter George Radanovich (R-CA) had previously announced his intention to retire at the end of the 111th Congress. In terms of Republican leadership, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, who announced his intention to run as Majority Leader, presumptive House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and House Republican Policy Committee Chair Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) won their re-election bids and are all cosponsors of H.Res. 252. In a hotly-contested race, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), an Armenian Genocide resolution cosponsor, won re-election, as did S. Res. 316 cosponsors Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY). In addition, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), also a cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide resolution, won his bid for Governor. A member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Brownback has a "hold" in place on the Obama nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Francis J. Ricciardone, Jr., since July. "With the new changes in store for the 112th Congress, now more than ever, our grassroots outreach will be critical. In the coming weeks and months ahead, the Assembly encourages all Armenians to contact their elected officials and urge support of the Armenian Genocide resolution," stated Grassroots Director Taniel Koushakjian. Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization. As such, the Assembly does not endorse any candidate for elected office.

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