The House of Representatives today voted to help ensure that U.S. regional cooperation and economic integration is maintained by making certain that no Export-Import funding is used for a railroad project sponsored by the Turkish and Azeri governments that seeks to exclude Armenia from economic and regional transportation opportunities, reported the Armenian Assembly of America.
Lawmakers approved H.R. 5068, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006, which included an amendment by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), along with Congressmen Edward Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), ensuring that taxpayer dollars will not be spent on efforts that would isolate Armenia – which is already facing dual blockades by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
In a statement submitted for the House record, Crowley said “This language will assist in promoting stability in the Caucasus region, help in ending long standing conflicts, and save U.S. taxpayers the responsibility of funding a project that goes against U.S. interests.”
“Passage of H.R. 5068 with the Crowley-Royce-Sherman provision, which was modeled after H.R. 3361 helps ensure that the U.S. will not be party to the flawed policies of Armenia’s neighbors,” said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
“This time we must ensure that Armenia is not bypassed,” Ardouny said.
