TCA Hosts Reception Honoring Incoming U.S. Consul General in Istanbul
Left to right: Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, Congressman Ed Whitfield, Delegate Kris Valderrama, incoming U.S. Consul General Jennifer Davis, TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy, Turkish Embassy Spokesman Aydan Karamanoglu |
On July 29, 2016, TCA hosted a reception in honor of incoming U.S. Consul General in Istanbul Jennifer Davis and her husband, Nick Davis. The reception served to introduce them to members of the Turkish American community and officials working on Turkish issues in Washington, DC. In attendance were Turkey Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY/1st), former Member of Congress Jim Moran (D-VA/8th), former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone, members of the Maryland House of Delegates Dan Morhaim (D/11th) and Kris Valderrama (D/26th), former U.S. diplomats who had served in Turkey, representatives from think tanks and Turkish American organizations, and members and friends of the Turkish American community. Earlier in the week, Davis visited the TCA office in Washington, DC and received a briefing on TCA and TCF.
read moreU.S. Congress Passes Resolution Condemning Istanbul Airport Attack
July 13, 2016: The U.S. House of Representatives passed HouseResolution 823, condemning in the strongest terms the June 28 terroristattack at the Istanbul airport, which resulted in the loss of at least 44 lives.
The resolution was co-sponsored by the four co-chairs of theCongressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans:Representatives Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th), Ed Whitfield (R-KY/1st),Gerry Connolly (D-VA/11th), and Steve Cohen (D-TN/9th).
Please click here for the full text of the resolution.
read moreTurkey Caucus Co-Chairs’ Statement of Condolences
June 30, 2016
Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S. - Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans
Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY/1st) - Co-Chair
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN/9th) - Co-Chair
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th) - Co-Chair
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA/11th) - Co-Chair
Statement of Condolences following the Terrorist Attack in Istanbul, Turkey
On behalf of the Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans, and as friends of the people of Turkey, we extend our heartfelt condolences in the wake of yesterday’s attacks at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. This heartbreaking tragedy reiterates the reality that terrorism makes no distinctions between nationalities or religions, as this horrific tragedy took place during the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred time of reflection and prayer for the Muslim faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 41 who died and the more than 200 who were injured during yesterday’s attacks. We stand together with Turkey, a longstanding friend and ally of the United States, during this time of national mourning.
read moreCongresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Recognizes Turkish American Nobel Prize
February 23, 2016
In a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX/30th) recognized Turkish American scientist Dr. Aziz Sancar for winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Congresswoman Johnson is a member of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations & Turkish Americans. The transcript of her speech is available below.
read moreTurkey Caucus Co-Chairs’ Statement on February 17th Terror Attack in Anka
February 19, 2016
Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans
Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY/1st) – Co-Chair
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN/9th) – Co-Chair
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th) – Co-Chair
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA/11th) – Co-Chair
Statement on Terror Attack in Ankara, Turkey
“As the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans we wish to express our deepest sympathies to the victims of the senseless attack Wednesday in Ankara that killed twenty-eight people and injured over sixty others.”
“We strongly condemn the cowardly acts of those who resort to such violence, and we stand firm with the people of Turkey to end such brutal acts of terrorism.”
read moreCongressional Statements on the February 17th Terrorist Attack in Turkey
February 19, 2016
The following statements and tweets were issued by members of Congress after the deadly terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey that killed at least 28 people and wounded over 60 others on February 17, 2016.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI/1st): “On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I want to offer my sincere condolences to the victims and loved ones of those killed in today’s attack. There is simply no justification for this vicious act. Today - and every day - the United States stands in solidarity with the Turkish people, who are on the front lines of the war against violent extremism."
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA/23rd): “This terrorist attack at the heart of Turkey’s capital is a reminder that terrorists won’t stop until we stop them. America reaffirms its support for our Turkish allies during this terrible time. Only constant vigilance and a strong response to global terrorism can put an end to these senseless murders.”
Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH/1st), member of Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish-Americans: “Today’s attacks in Turkey, claiming innocent lives, underscore the widening scope of the Syrian War. Last October, over 100 Turks died in a another attack in Ankara. In the United States, where we recently experienced the deadliest attack since 9/11, we know how Turkish citizens must be feeling. We must work together to prevent more atrocities.”
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA/1st), member of Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish-Americans: “We stand together with the Turkish people against terrorism. Please pray for the victims of the attack in #Ankara”
Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM/2nd), member of Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish-Americans: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and loved ones killed in today’s tragic attack in Turkey.”
Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL/13th): “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Turkey. We stand with out ally against any act of terrorism.”
Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH/16th): “My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives today – and their loved ones – in the senseless attack in Turkey.”
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA/5th): “My heart aches for all who were victimized by today’s brutal and senseless terrorist attack in Turkey."
read moreTurkey Caucus Co-Chairs' Statement on Russia’s Violation of Turkish Airsp
February 3, 2016
Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the
Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans
Rep. Ed Whitfield – Co-Chair
Rep. Steve Cohen – Co-Chair
Rep. Virginia Foxx – Co-Chair
Rep. Gerry Connolly – Co-Chair
Statement on Russia’s Violation of Turkish Airspace
“As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans, we strongly condemn Russia’s repeated violations of Turkish airspace, and we join NATO in demanding that Russia respect alliance airspace.
“We have already witnessed a previous Russian incursion into Turkish airspace result in tragedy. Turkey is to be commended for its restraint in the most recent violation of Turkish airspace by a Russian combat aircraft.
“Russia’s actions constitute unnecessary provocations that risk escalated conflict at a time when the international community should be taking coordinated action to defeat ISIL and end the Syrian civil war.
read moreTurkey Caucus Co-Chairs’ Condolence Statement on Terror Attacks in Istanb
January 13, 2016
Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the
Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans
Rep. Ed Whitfield – Co-Chair
Rep. Steve Cohen – Co-Chair
Rep. Virginia Foxx – Co-Chair
Rep. Gerry Connolly – Co-Chair
Statement on Terror Attack in Istanbul, Turkey
“As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans, we are profoundly troubled and saddened by the terrorist attack carried out on Tuesday in Istanbul.
“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of the attack, their families, and the people of Turkey.
“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. Terrorism is our common enemy, and we are firmly resolved to eliminating the threat it poses to the security of Turkey, the United States, and our close allies.
read moreCongressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL/11th) Statement on the Attack in Istanbul,
January 12, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to reports of an ISIS-led attack on a main tourist area in Istanbul today, which killed at least 10 civilians and injured a dozen others, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:
“The recent suicide attack on Istanbul’s main tourist area is another reminder that the United States needs to do more to lead the fight against ISIS. It is vital for the United States to employ a strategy that destroys ISIS’ ability to maintain a permanent foothold in Syria and Iraq where they continue to launch attacks against our friends and allies.
“Turkey is one of our most important NATO allies and we will remain committed to working with them to combat terrorist groups in the region. I offer my condolences to the innocent lives lost and I stand ready to assist Turkey in its response to this reprehensible attack.”
Note: Congressman Kinzinger introduced H.Res. 509 in November 2015. The resolution expressed support for countries like Turkey that provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Syria.
read moreCongresswoman Virginia Foxx Congratulates Dr. Aziz Sancar on House Floor
October 27, 2015
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th) made a speech on the House floor congratulating Turkish American Dr. Aziz Sancar and his co-recipients for winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
read moreRep. Steve Chabot Introduces Republic Day Resolution
On October 21, 2015, Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH/1st) introduced a resolution to the U.S. House of Representatives congratulating the government and people of the Republic of Turkey as they celebrate Republic Day, and for other purposes. The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and its text is available below. The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) has an action alert urging Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey to contact their member of Congress to urge him/her to cosponsor H.Res. 484.
read more17th TCA Congressional Delegation Concludes
June 1, 2015
The Turkish Coalition of America's 17th Congressional Delegation visited Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina from May 25-31, 2015. Since 2009, TCA has taken more than 170 members of Congress and senior staffers to Turkey and surrounding countries and has become one of the leading organizations sponsoring foreign congressional travel.
The delegation first visited Istanbul, where participants held high level meetings with U.S. and Turkish officials. "The visit to Istanbul provided the unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the current political landscape in Turkey from multiple perspectives and to understand the scope and importance of the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Turkey in the region," said TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy.
read moreTCA Congratulates Congressional Turkey Caucus Members
January 7, 2015
TCA congratulates the members of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans who were sworn in January 6, 2015 to the 114th Congress, and recognizes those members who will not be returning to Congress for their lasting contributions to the Caucus. read more16th TCA Congressional Delegation Trip Concludes
February 25, 2013
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