Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) got an “A+” rating from the ANCA for introducing legislation earlier this year – with strong support from the ANCA – which would help double Armenia’s forests from 6% to 12% in ten years.
“Forests play a crucial role in a country’s fiscal and environment health by providing shelter, food, water and jobs,” said Representative Clark, when spearheading the Haiti and Armenia Reforestation Act (H.R. 6503). “This legislation will help rejuvenate Haiti and Armenia’s natural resources and in turn, support their long-term economic vitality.”
Similar legislation has been introduced by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).
The ANCA’s Lilit Bazikyan discusses the importance of the Armenia reforestation legislation in this short video below.
California Congressman David Valadao (R-CA) spearheaded U.S. House efforts to secure – with strong ANCA support – continued U.S. assistance for Artsakh demining and is working toward the expansion of regional, Artsakh-based rehabilition services for the physically and developmentally challenged.
In 2017, Rep. Valadao led an amendment to the House Foreign Aid Bill, securing $1.5 million in assistance to Artsakh. “It is a grave reality that families in Nagorno Karabakh live under the very real threat of landmine accidents each and every day,” stated Rep. Valadao. “However, with the funding secured in my amendment today, I am optimistic significant strides will be made to ensure the region is landmine free by 2020.” He followed up the legislative action with a visit to Artsakh to view the demining efforts of The HALO Trust first hand.
Watch as Rep. Valadao celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Artsakh liberation movement.