Jackie Speier: “I rise with great enthusiasm this morning to support an amendment that would designate $40 million from the assistance…”

“I rise with great enthusiasm this morning to support an amendment that would designate $40 million from the assistance for Europe and Eurasia fund to Armenian democracy assistance. This amendment is cosponsored by the other Democratic chairs of the Caucus on Armenian Issues here in Congress. In the last year, Armenia has undergone a breathtaking transformation from a stagnant autocracy to a very vibrant democracy. The images of Armenia's Velvet Revolution bring a smile to my face every time I think of it, having people dancing in the streets, having a blockade, but a blockade of small toys by children in the town square. The amazing part of all of this is that this democracy occurred with not one drop of blood being shed. So it is very important, at this point in time, that we do everything in our power to support this new democracy. Since the revolution, Armenia has held fair and free democratic elections that swept Nikol Pashinyan to power. Recently, his government signed an agreement with the United States providing up to $60 million, over 2 to 3 years, to promote economic growth and good governance in Armenia. Although these efforts are welcome, they are not enough. Armenia has a rare and potentially fleeting window of opportunity to consolidate and build upon its democratic gains. Fundamental changes to its constitution, electoral code, and governance institutions cannot be achieved by repackaging existing aid under a new header.…”