This week, as part of the Armenian Assembly's Terjenian-Thomas Summer Internship Program, participants had the opportunity to meet with Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Robert Dold (R-IL), the lead sponsors of the Armenian Genocide resolution, H. Res 304, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). 2011 Interns with Congressman Schiff (D-CA) Congressman Schiff spoke with this year's intern class about the efforts and challenges involved in moving the bill through Congress, and reaffirmed his commitment to passage of this important human rights legislation. Schiff also spoke with the group regarding the importance of safeguarding the rights of minorities in Turkey and discussed H. Res. 306, introduced by his colleagues, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Edward Royce (C-RA) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA). H.Res. 306 urges "the Republic of Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties." "The preservation of history and culture is deeply rooted value among Armenians, and so I was very encouraged to hear-first hand how Members of Congress are seeking to protect what remains of the little Christian heritage in Turkey" said Araksya Mikaelyan, who hails from Armenia and is pursing a business degree at Hope College in Michigan. 2011 Interns with Congressman Dold (R-IL) Congressman Dold also addressed the group, stressing his commitment to U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Dold provided the class with a behind the scenes view of inter-party politics on the issues of the day, including the current budget negotiations process. "Congressman Dold provided revealing perspective on the politics involved in and hurdles to passing hot-button legislation, like the current debt ceiling fight" stated Michael Daniell, intern with Blue Star Strategies, a local lobbying firm. As part of the "Capital Ideas" lecture series, throughout the summer Assembly interns have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with elected officials to hear their views on the issues facing the nation. "As we advance both H. Res. 304 and H. Res. 306 through Congress, the Armenian Assembly will continue to train the next generation of community leaders to ensure that Armenian-American issues remain at the forefront of future policy discussions," stated Assembly 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 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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