[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E578-E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON U.S.-TURKEY RELATIONS 
                         AND TURKISH AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th Anniversary 
of the founding of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations 
and Turkish Americans of which I am proud to serve as Co-Chair with 
Congressmen Ed Whitfield, Steve Cohen and Gerry Connolly.
  The Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish 
Americans, otherwise known as the Turkish Caucus, was established 
nearly a decade ago by Representatives Whitfield, Kay Granger, and 
Robert Wexler to provide a platform for members of Congress to foster 
dialogue with our staunch ally, the Republic of Turkey, and in 
recognition of the valuable contributions made by Americans of Turkish 
descent to our society.
  The Turkish Caucus and the Turkish Coalition of America, an 
educational organization serving to advance understanding on U.S.-
Turkish issues, will be celebrating this important milestone today with 
a ``Turkish Caucus Day.''
  The Turkish Caucus, established by two dozen members a decade ago, 
has grown into a formidable bipartisan caucus. In the last Congress, 
over a quarter of the total membership of the House had joined the 
Turkish Caucus. Today, in the 112th Congress, it has 106 members.
  The important friendship between the United States and Turkey has 
proven enormously important since the beginning of the Cold War

[[Page E579]]

and has only grown in importance since its end. Time and time again, 
the Republic of Turkey has stood firmly with the United States as we 
have pursued our shared goals in a region where we have few steady 
allies. Turkey, a fellow NATO country, is a vital partner and an 
example of a vibrant democracy in a region burdened with inequality. 
The country's importance has further increased over the past few months 
as the region is undergoing revolutionary changes.
  The Turkish Caucus has become an effective platform to foster 
increased contacts and activities between different groups of Americans 
and Turkish citizens. These include meetings with our counterparts in 
the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which established a corresponding 
Turkish-U.S. Friendship Group as well as substantially increased 
meetings of both public and private representatives of Turkey with 
their American counterparts as well as with Turkish Americans. Members 
of the Turkish Caucus have played a leadership role in adding the voice 
of Congress to crucial matters related to U.S.-Turkey relations and our 
vital interests in the region.
  Turkish Americans deserve a special thank-you for their role in 
expanding the membership as well as the vibrancy of the Turkish Caucus 
over the years. The recognition of the Caucus as a symbol of Congress' 
appreciation of our alliance and partnership with the Turkish nation by 
Turkish Americans has contributed to the rapid growth of the Caucus. On 
the occasion of Turkish Caucus Day, I salute Turkish Americans across 
the nation and thank them for their outstanding contributions to 
America and to strengthening the U.S.-Turkey partnership.
  Our world is facing formerly unseen, monumental challenges. There is 
no doubt that now, more than ever, we need a strong U.S.-Turkey 
relationship that embodies democratic values, pluralism, secularism and 
respect for human rights. This kind of transnational relationship 
carries peace and prosperity dividends not only for the American and 
Turkish people, but also for the entire world.
  With these thoughts, I invite my fellow members to join the Turkish 
Caucus on the occasion of ``Turkish Caucus Day'' and join us in this 
celebration.

                          ____________________