CHICAGO, IL — The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Illinois hosted a community reception for Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY-11), Republican Co-Chairman of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, at the Union League Club in downtown Chicago on Monday, June 24, 2013. The event was attended by members from the broad cross-section of the Chicago Armenian-American community.

ANC of Illinois Chairman Claude Ohanesian hosted the event, which was an opportunity for the local community to get to know the new Co-Chair, now in his second term. When Grimm first ran for Congress, he defeated, with the assistance of the ANC of NY, one of the strongest friends of Turkey in the U.S. House of Representatives, Michael McMahon.

At the reception, Rep. Grimm spoke about issues important to the Armenian American community, including a truthful and just resolution of the Armenian Genocide, Turkey’s return of Church properties stolen during and after the Genocide, the economic well being of Armenia, including increasing trade between the US and Armenia, and self-determination for the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

“I look forward to continuing my service as the Co-Chairman of the Armenian Congressional Caucus and to the opportunity of being appointed to the House Foreign Affairs Committee if a vacancy occurs. If considered, I would then be in an even better position to advance Armenian issues, which includes working with Committee Chair Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA-39) on House Resolution 227,” Rep. Grimm shared with the crowd.

Rep. Grimm is an original co-sponsor of the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act (H.Res.227), and he has proven himself as a vocal and effective advocate of Armenian issues.

“Congressman Grimm has a proven track record of success among Armenian Americans. He is a defender of justice and works hard to make our community’s views and values a priority for the United States. We look forward to continued collaboration with him as he pursues new and increasingly influential roles in Congress,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.

Photo Caption: Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY-11), Republican Co-Chairman of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, with ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.