Costa calls for U.S. Congressional Delegation to Armenia
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, organized a letter calling on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee to conduct a bipartisan congressional delegation to Armenia, and for the Committee to hold a hearing amidst rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
As Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor continues and Azerbaijan launches new attacks on Artsakh, Costa continues to advocate for and stand with the Armenian community in the United States and abroad. The purpose of this congressional delegation would be to educate Members of Congress on the conflict as well as reaffirm congressional support for peace in the region.
“Congressional Delegation trips provide an invaluable opportunity for Members of Congress to meet with world leaders, diplomats, and advocates directly on issues of concern and of national security.
In the case of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, these opportunities could not be more timely. In a time of dire human rights conditions, the House Foreign Affairs Committee must exercise its role in diplomatic relations.
It is in this vein that I request not only that I, and our colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, conduct a bipartisan CODEL, but also hold a hearing on the latest developments within the Armenian and Azerbaijani conflict. To give this issue the attention that it deserves, the House Foreign Affairs Committee should utilize its oversight powers to discuss means by which Congress can provide support for humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution.”
This letter was signed by Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Brad Sherman (CA-32). This trio of members are original cosponsors of H.Res.108 - Condemning Azerbaijan's blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and ongoing human rights violations.
A full copy of the letter is available HERE.
In addition, Costa joined the Congressional Armenian Caucus in a letter urging the Biden Administration to lead efforts at the United Nations Security Council to establish a mandate and peacekeeping mission that secures and protects the vulnerable Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).