One of the important missions of the Turkish Coalition of America is to enhance understanding in Congress about the importance of US-Turkey relations. In pursuit of this mission, TCA provides year-around informational bulletins to members of Congress, organizes and sponsors congressional delegations to Turkey, as well as events on Capitol Hill and provides a platform for Turkish American activism and advocacy on issues that concern Turkish Americans. Through these efforts and with a view to augment the voice of citizens in support of mutually beneficial and friendly ties between nations, TCA aims to strengthen a balanced dialogue in Washington, DC on issues relating to US-Turkey relations and US policies in the region.
16th TCA Congressional Delegation Trip Concludes
The Turkish Coalition of America’s 16th Congressional Delegation completed its visit to Turkey on February 24th. Since 2009 TCA has taken more than 155 members of Congress and senior staffers to Turkey and surrounding countries. read more
TCA Congratulates Congressional Turkey Caucus Members
TCA congratulates the members of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans (Turkey Caucus) who won re-election last week and recognizes the lasting contributions of those members who will not be returning. We are especially proud that all four co-chairs of the Turkey Caucus, Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) were re-elected with large margins. read more
45 out of 50 States Now Represented in the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Tur
July 11, 2012, Washington D.C. – This week the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans (Turkey Caucus) welcomed its 155th member. With this newest addition, the Turkey Caucus now includes Members of Congress from all six territories and 45 of the 50 states, encompassing every major region in the country. read more
Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans Reaches
June 26, 2012, Washington D.C. - The Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans (Turkey Caucus) reached a major milestone today with the addition of its 150th member. This critical achievement signifies the growing activism on the part of the Turkish American community and the strength of the U.S.-Turkey relationship. read more
TCA Hosts 14th Congressional Delegation to Turkey
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) on May 27 concluded its 14th Congressional delegation to Turkey. Since 2009, TCA has taken 133 members of Congress and senior staff to Turkey and its neighboring countries. The delegation, comprised of four senior staffers from the offices of Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.), Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), had the opportunity to meet with business executives, read more
TCA, ATAA and Members of Congress Mark 60th Anniversary of Turkey's NATO Me
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) and the Assembly of Turkish American Associations hosted twelve Members of Congress, Turkey's Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Namik Tan, and dozens of congressional staffers at a breakfast reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Turkey's NATO membership. read more
TCA-Sponsored Congressional Delegation Concludes Visit to Turkey and Macedo
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) on March 18th wrapped up its thirteenth Congressional delegation to Turkey. Since 2009, TCA has taken 124 Members of Congress and their staffers to Turkey and its neighboring countries to educate Members on the importance of a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship. read more
TCA Hosts 12th Congressional Delegation to Turkey
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) on Feb. 14th wrapped up its twelfth Congressional Delegation to Turkey in its continuing quest to educate Members of Congress and their staff about Turkey by providing first-hand exposure to country and its people.Since May 2009, TCA has taken 119 Members of Congress and senior staffers to Turkey and surrounding countries. read more
TCA Denounces Passage of H.Res.306
The Turkish Coalition of America strongly denounces the passage of H.Res. 306, which unfairly and hypocritically targets Turkey for alleged religious discrimination against Christian communities within its borders. H.Res. 306 ignores the significant steps Turkey has taken, particularly in the last decade, to enhance the rights and freedoms of its religious minorities. read more
Turkish-Native American Trade Bill One Vote From Passing House
On November 17 the House Committee on Natural Resources voted 27-15 to pass the Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Act, H.R. 2362, which will now be reported favorably to the House for a final vote. G. Lincoln McCurdy, President of the Turkish Coalition of America, called the bipartisan vote amajor step forward in enacting the first positive legislation toward Turkey in recent memory. read more
11 Members of Congress Attend Turkish Republic Day Events
Turkish Americans in communities spanning the nation gathered together to mark the 88th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Following in the aftermath of the tragic earthquakes and terror attacks in Turkey, the somber commemorative events were attended by several Members of Congress. read more
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Bill to Promote Trade and Investment Be
November 4, 2011, Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs met to discuss H.R. 2362, the Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Act, and to hear testimony from witnesses including Turkish Coalition of America president G. Lincoln McCurdy. read more
11th TCA Congressional Delegation Trip Concludes
The Turkish Coalition of America’s 11th Congressional Delegation completed its visit to Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on October 1st. TCA has taken 116 Members of Congress and senior staffers to Turkey and surrounding countries since May 2009. read more
TCA Hosts Congressional Delegation
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) hosted a dinner on September 29 for a congressional delegation led by Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommitee on Europe in Istanbul. read more
Senate Committee Supports U.S. Ambassador to Turkey
The Turkish Coalition of America applauds the vote by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support the continued service of Ambassador Francis Ricciardone as the United States Ambassador to Turkey. Ambassador Ricciardone has worked to strengthen one of America’s most important bilateral partnerships," said G.Lincoln McCurdy, TCA president. read more
TCA Calls on Senate to Support U.S. Ambassador to Turkey
August 2, 2011 - The Turkish Coalition of America called on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support the continued service of Ambassador Francis Ricciardone as the United States' representative in Ankara. The Committee meets at 2:30 p.m. ET today to debate the nomination of Ricciardone, who was recess-appointed in December by President Barack Obama after then-Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) unwisely blocked Ricciardone's appointment to work with an important NATO ally. read more
TCA Congressional Delegation Completes Visit to Turkey
The 10th Congressional Delegation of the Turkish Coalition of America completed its visit to Turkey. Commencing with an inaugural trip in May 2009, TCA has since taken more than 100 Representatives and senior staffers to Turkey to help strengthen the US-Turkey political relationship. read more
TCA Condemns Inaccurate and Misguided Congressional Attack on Turkey
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) today condemned the House Foreign Affairs Committee's July 20 vote in favor of an amendment singling out Turkey for alleged religious discrimination.The amendment, inserted into the Fiscal Year 2012 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, calls on the Secretary of State to urge Turkey to end religious discrimination against Christians. The amendment was introduced after the grossly offensive resolution it was based on, H.Res.306, failed to gain traction in the House. read more
TCA Lauds Legislation Promoting Trade Between Indian Country and Turkey
July 8, 2011 -- The Turkish Coalition of America commends Representative Tom Cole (R-OK) on the introduction of the Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Act of 2011, H.R. 2362, which will facilitate Native American economic development by encouraging trade and investment relationships between Native American tribes and Turkish companies. read more
Turkey: Emerging power, valuable friend
I recently visited Turkey, where I learned much about our increasingly powerful partner. A deeper and more candid friendship with Turkey will help the United States pursue its interests and support its values around the world. read more
TCA Calls On House To Reject H.Res.304
“The Turkish Coalition of America and the entire Turkish American community observe with concern the introduction of yet another Armenian resolution and urge Members of Congress to distance themselves from this resolution. H.Res.304 is based on a selective, one-sided, and religiously bigoted historical narrative that utterly ignores the tragic suffering, death and exile of millions of Ottoman Muslims who are the ancestors of contemporary Turks and Turkish Americans. New scholarship emerges every year, published by leading American historians and experts, which challenges the propagandist narrative that H.Res.304 embodies, and which is being ignored by the authors of this regurgitated resolution. read more
Correcting the Record on H.Res. 252 (Armenian Resolution)
FACT: The resolution presents a one-sided selection of the U.S. record. The complete U.S. record on events in eastern Anatolia during the closing years of the Ottoman Empire contains reports depicting a tragedy, but offers no proof of genocide. The U.S. record also includes reports of respected envoys, who documented the Armenian Revolt and questioned accounts of massacres. H.Res.252 willfully omits this record. read more
TCA Introduces Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Turkey
June 1, 2011, Washington, DC – A Congressional delegation led by Representative Brad Miller (D-NC) returned Tuesday from Turkey after spending four days meeting with the country's political, academic, business, and cultural leaders to develop a better understanding of U.S.-Turkey relations. read more
Congressman Conyers Honors Embassy of Turkey and Ertegun Family
Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) in his remarks to Congress on February 28, honored the contributions of Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, sons of the second Ambassador of Turkey to the United States, in breaking down racial barriers and raising the profile of African American music and jazz around the world. read more
TCA Ranks Third in Groups Sponsoring International Congressional Travel
According to a report by U.S. News and World Report, Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) ranks third in the list of American organizations sponsoring trips for members of Congress and staff in 2009-2010. The list is headed by the American Israel Education Foundation... read more
TCA Congressional Delegation Completes Macedonia Visit
A delegation of 18 senior Congressional staffers sponsored by the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) has completed its visit to the Republic of Macedonia and is currently visiting Turkey. The delegation visit to Macedonia was organized with the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) with a view to educate senior advisors about the current state of political, economic and social affairs of Macedonia and the country’s relationship with the United States and Turkey. read more
TCA Sponsors Congressional Delegation to Macedonia and the Republic of Turk
August 13, 2010, Washington, DC – This week, the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) is sponsoring a delegation of 18 senior Congressional staffers to Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey. TCA and the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) are working together to educate the senior advisors about the primary issues of importance facing both nations and the status of their relationships with the United States. read more
TCA Congressional Delegation Visits Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey
July 13, 2010, Washington, DC - A delegation of 24 staff members from the US House of Representatives organized and sponsored by the Turkish Coalition of America visited Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey last week. During the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) portion of the visit, the TCA delegation included a select gr-up of Turkish experts and scholars on the Balkans.
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TCA leads Congressional Delegation to Bosnia Herzegovina and Turkey
July 9, 2010, Washington, DC - This week, a delegation sponsored by the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) met with Haris Silajdžić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The delegation included 24 senior Congressional staff members from the US House of Representatives, as well as Turkish scholars and representatives from the Bosniak American community.
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TCA Mourns Senator Byrd - Champion of US-Turkey Relations
The Turkish Coalition of America joins all Americans in mourning the passing of legendary West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd. Senator Byrd was one of Turkey’s most enthusiastic supporters in Congress, and a friend to Turkish Americans. read more
Congressional Delegation Bolsters US-Turkey Ties Amidst International T
Washington, DC – On June 7th, the Turkish Coalition of America’s fifth Congressional delegation trip to Turkey returned home after a week-long visit that included cultural, business, and political events.
Joining TCA staff on the trip to Ankara, Istanbul and Patara were Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC-5th) and senior Congressional advisors from the House Democratic Caucus; read more
Rep. Edwards Pays Tribute to Turkey's First Jazz Department
Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD,4th) submitted a statement into the Congressional Record on May 3, 2010, commemorating the founding of Turkey’s first Jazz Department at Hacettepe University State Conservatory. Congresswoman Edwards was a guest of honor at the inauguration of the Department on April 2nd, along with Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY 1st) and Congressman James P. Moran (D-VA 8th), during a TCA-sponsored congressional delegation visit to Turkey. read more
Congressional Delegation Conducts Constructive Meeting with Turkish Foreign
On April 1, members of a Congressional Delegation to Turkey met with H.E. Ahmet Davutoğlu, the Foreign Minister of Turkey. Members of Congress participating in the meeting were Rep. Ed Whitfield, Chair of the Congressional Turkish Caucus; Rep. Jim Moran, a member of the Turkish Caucus; and Rep. Donna Edwards. The delegation was sponsored by the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) and is the first of its kind since the recent vote in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. read more
Congress Celebrates Turkish Caucus Day
28 Members of Congress and nearly 300 congressional staffers attended the events, which were co-hosted by TCA with Caucus co-chairs Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN/9th), Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA/11th), Rep.Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th) and Rep.Ed Whitfield (R-KY/1st). TCA was particularly honored to host Rep.Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL/18th), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the event. read more
TCA Sponsors US Congressional Delegation to Turkey
Washington, DC, March 31, 2010 – On Sunday, March 28, three members of Congress, their spouses and several senior Congressional staffers arrived in Turkey. Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY), the Chair of the Congressional Turkish Caucus, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), and Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD), and members of staff from Congressional leadership offices will participate in this trip to Turkey. read more
Inaugural TCA-sponsored Congressional Trip to Turkey
June 01, 2009 - Sunday, May 24th marked the launch of the first Congressional delegation trip organized and sponsored by the Turkish Coalition of America. The TCA congressional delegation to Turkey included Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH/2nd), as well as senior staff members from the offices of Congresswoman Schmidt, the House Democratic Caucus, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI/13th), and Congressman Christopher Murphy (D-CT/5th). Senior TCA staff led the delegation. read more
TCA Welcomes 100th Member of the Turkish Caucus
October 16, 2009 - The Congressional Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans has reached a milestone in membership this week with the additions of Representative John B. Shadegg (R-AZ/2nd) and Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN/5th) bringing the total number of members to 100. read more
Turkish Caucus in US Congress Reaches a New Record
June 16, 2009 - With the newest additions of Robert Latta (R-Ohio/5th District), Brian Baird (D-Washington/3rd District), and Rodney Alexander (R-Louisiana/5th District), Vic Snyder (D-Arkansas/2nd District) and Russ Carnahan (D-Missouri/3rd District) the Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish Amerians... read more
Congresswoman Foxx Commemorates Atatürk
"Madam Speaker, I rise today, May 19, to commemorate the 128th anniversary of the birth of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Atatürk was a unique and inspirational figure who laid the foundation for the Republic of Turkey. He was a post World War I revolutionary leader who understood that Islam and modernity are not inconsistent--an important factor to reinforce today with democratic leaders throughout the Muslim world. read more
Members of Congress Voice Support for US-Turkish Alliance
April 3, 2009 - 29 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Barack Obama in the advent of his first official visit to Turkey . Led by the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans, Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL), Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), the letter stated the “unequivocal support” of the Members for the President’s upcoming trip to Turkey and hailed it as a “historic opportunity to enhance one of our nation’s most important strategic partnerships.” read more
Congressman McMahon Joins Turkish Caucus
May 10, 2009 - On the occasion of joining the Turkish Caucus, New York Congressman Michael McMahon (D-NY 17th) issued the following statement: read more
TCA takes on Sen. Robert Menendez over "ethnic politics"
By Guler Koknar *, NJ Voices, January 28, 2009 - While America is currently engaged in two wars, faces the continued threat of international terrorism and the possible advent of nuclear-armed rogue nations, and struggles with an economic crisis of historical proportions, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) chose to use his valuable time at the confirmation hearing of newly confirmed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to pander to the Armenian and Greek lobbies. read more
Armenian Issue: Moving Forward
By Bruce Fein*, Journal of Turkish Weekly, Jan. 27, 2009 - During the Senate confirmation hearings of the newly confirmed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator Robert Menendez (D. N.J.) lobbied the Obama administration to characterize the tragic events of World War I as a “universally recognized” Armenian “genocide”. read more
Senator Menendez: Serving Ethnic Politics in Washington
January 27, 2009 - While America is currently engaged in two wars, faces the continued threat of international terrorism and the possible advent of nuclear-armed rogue nations, and struggles with an economic crisis of historical proportions, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) chose to use his valuable time at the confirmation hearing of newly confirmed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to pander to the Armenian and Greek lobbies. read more
TCA Congratulates Rep. Jean Schmidt on Victory in Ohio Congresswoman Prevai
November 6, 2008 - The Turkish American community is celebrating the reelection of Jean Schmidt to represent the 2nd district of Ohio in the House of Representatives. Jean Schmidt faced a difficult campaign and personal attacks by the Armenian American independent candidate, David Krikorian. In the weeks prior to the election, David Krikorian posted malicious lies on his website, falsely accusing Representative Schmidt of bribery. Accusations stated that Turkish Americans who had contributed to Rep. Schmidt’s campaign were offering bribes to ensure the Congresswoman... read more
Wexler Expresses Support for Start of Cyprus Reunification Negotiations Urg
July 25, 2008 - Today, Congressman Robert Wexler, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement in support of the decision by Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to start formal negotiations on September 3 to resolve the over three decades long division on Cyprus. read more
Turkish Coalition of America Demands Armenian Community to Denounce Death T
August 8, 2008 - Today the Turkish Coalition of America denounced the death threats made by a radical Armenian American against a member of Congress, and their continued campaign of harassment and intimidation of public officials. Congressman Cohen (D-TN) was the latest target of such intimidation when an Armenian American made a death threat against him. read more
Congressman Hastings Congressional Record Statement on Bombings in Turkey
Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe and the former President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I condemn in
the strongest possible terms the bombings that shook the Gungoren neighborhood of
Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday. read more
William Shuster [R-PA] introduced H.Res. 1187
Mr. SHUSTER (for himself and Mr. ORTIZ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. read more
Remarks by Steve Cohen of Tennessee
Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, as the State of Israel commemorates its 60th anniversary, I take this opportunity to recognize the longstanding friendship between the State of Israel and the Republic of Turkey. read more
Remarks by Congressman Ed Whitfield
Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a strong friendship that has proven enormously important since the beginning of the Cold War. 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 in our fight against extremism and an example of a vibrant democracy in a region burdened with inequality. read more
Remarks by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx on April 23
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, April 23rd of every year is celebrated in Turkey as National Sovereignty and Children's Day. The genesis of these celebrations is this date in 1920. On April 23, 1920 during Turkey 's War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly met in Ankara to lay the foundation for modern parliamentary democracy in the form of
an emerging liberal and secular Republic. read more
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren honored Khojaly Massacre victims
Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam
Speaker, I rise today to honor those killed during the Khojaly Massacre on the 16th anniversary of that terrible event. On February 26, 1992, 613 Azerbaijanis lost their lives. I ask
that this Congress remember those who were killed that tragic day. read more
Remarks by Congressman Christopher Shays
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. SHAYS)is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. SHAYS. Earlier this month, I returned from a congressional delegation trip to Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait. read more
Former Secretaries of State and Defense Object to H.Res.106
The following are letters sent to the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives by former US Secretaries of State and former US Secretaries of Defense voicing their objection to House Resolution 106 that asks for US recognition of Armenian
allegations of genocide. read more
A Close Friend of Turkey
August 12, 2008 - There is still not one representative of Turkish origin among the 435 members of the US House of Representatives. For decisions concerning Turkey, efforts of Representative and Senators sympathetic to Turkey are needed. Democratic Representative Robert Wexler of Florida is among the Congressmen friendly to Turkey. read more
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to Young Turks
August 8, 2007 - Republican Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina is among the Congress members friendly to Turkey. Even more, she has blood ties with Turks because her son-in-law is a Turkish businessman, Mustafa Özdemir. She is the third woman in North Carolina history to serve in the U.S. House. She is known for her conservative values and she was also... read more
Congressman Bill Shuster's Remarks on Tragedy in Khojaly Azerbaijan
February 15, 2007 - "Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, one of our greatest strengths as elected officials is the opportunity to bring to light truths that are little known and command recognition. read more
Bob Livingston: HR 106: "Armenian Genocide?"
Former Congressman Bob Livingston discusses the Turkish position on HR 106 and its implications upon Turkish American relations. All Members of Congress should be aware that there is more than one side to this issue, and that passage can bear harmful consequences to US stategic policy in the Middle East. read more
"Indiana Dan" for Turkey
Dan Burton (R, IN): “If I lived in Turkey and if I were a Turk, I would want to get those terrorists who cross the border to blow up my family, kill my kids.” When Congressman Dan Burton, (R, IN) was preparing to go to Turkey for the first time 12 years ago, he learned that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer. He canceled the trip and did not have an opportunity to see Turkey again until last May. read more
Congressman Burton gives "history lesson" to Congress
July 24, 2007 - "Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, over the last week or so I have listened to a number of my colleagues come to the floor of this Chamber to lament the 1974 "invasion'' of Cyprus . For many years the United States, the European Union and other members of the international community have worked together for a just and lasting solution to the vexing problem of Cyprus. read more
United States Helsinki Commission on Turkish Elections
Helsinki Commission Holds Briefing on Turkish Elections. read more
Congressional Tribute to Ahmet Ertegun
The Turkish Coalition of America leads an effort with members of the Congressional Black Caucus to pay tribute to the contributions by the late Ahmet Ertegun to breaking down racial barriers and for his life-long dedication to promoting African American music. TCA would like to thank Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) for paying tribute to this great Turkish American... read more
