US-Armenia Relations and the Role of AUA

The American University of Armenia is proud to host a public lecture by Congressman Jim Costa, who represents California’s 16th Congressional District. Also present will be Mr. Berj Apkarian, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Fresno, and several visiting guests from California State University, Fresno.
The lecture will focus on US-Armenia relations, the significant role that AUA plays in that relationship, and the importance of AUA for Armenia and the region. In addition, Mr. Costa will also shed light on the Fresno Armenian Community, the CSU Fresno-AUA relationship, along with a special announcement.
Jim Costa is the Congressman representing California’s 16th Congressional District which includes all of Merced County and parts of both Fresno and Madera Counties. Costa’s grandparents immigrated to the United States from the Azores, and he is very proud of his Portuguese roots. Raised on a dairy farm in Fresno’s Kearney Park area, Congressman Costa is a third-generation family farmer. As a Member of Congress, Costa has applied his farming background to fighting for Valley water, agriculture, and the economy.
Costa still grows almonds on his family farm and knows that where water flows, food grows. From fighting to fix California’s broken water system in the short- and long-term to investing in additional water storage, he has worked to bring the Valley its fair share of water and improve water reliability. As a farmer, Costa knows the challenges farmers and ranchers face firsthand. Serving as the highest ranking Californian on the House Agriculture Committee, Costa pushed for cooler heads and bipartisanship to prevail with the passage of the long overdue 2014 Farm Bill. Costa also serves on the House Natural Resources Committee that oversees water issues such as water resources planning, research and development and irrigation programs, as well as mining, oil, and gas. His efforts include securing funding for dams, working to overturn unfair federal water regulations, and increasing Valley water allocations.
In addition to his committee assignments, Costa is a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition and has worked with his colleagues to support more responsible budgeting practices.
Costa is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and during his time in Congress, Costa has continually urged the Administration and Congress to appropriately recognize the Armenian Genocide. Costa has a close working relationship with Armenians throughout California’s Central Valley and the nation, and he works regularly with the Armenian National Committee of America.
Organizer: Office of the President
Venue: Alex and Marie Manoogian Hall