Caucus Co-Founder Rep. Anna Eshoo Makes Bipartisan Appointment
Washington — Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) named Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) as Co-Chair of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members in the House of Representatives that works to support Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. Both Reps. Eshoo and Fortenberry spoke last September at the In Defense of Christians (IDC) Inaugural Summit in Washington, D.C.
IDC Executive Director Andrew Doran said, “IDC congratulates Congressman Fortenberry on his appointment as Co-Chair of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus. Congressman Fortenberry is a great friend to the Christians of the Middle East, and he remains a leading advocate for the region’s religious minorities. IDC applauds Congresswoman Eshoo for her choice and for her tireless efforts to support innocent and vulnerable communities. Together, Congresswoman Eshoo and Congressman Fortenberry form a strong, bipartisan leadership team at a time when the region’s minorities need unified American support. IDC encourages all members of congress interested in this issue to join the caucus.”
Doran continued: “The work of this Caucus is more important than ever. Christians and other groups in the Middle East are enduring discrimination, persecution, and religious cleansing. As the Islamic State continues its genocidal campaign against minorities in Iraq and Syria, including targeted Muslims, the United States Congress has a responsibility to raise awareness about these suffering communities and advance policy that prevents humanitarian catastrophe. The Middle East’s Christians are vital to regional stability, and their ability to flourish in their countries of origin has national security implications for the United States. The time for action is now.”
IDC exists to empower the Middle Eastern Christian Diaspora and energize the American people to stand in solidarity with the Christian communities in the region. Last September, at IDC’s Inaugural Summit, “Protecting and Preserving Christianity — Where It All Began,” Members of Congress, members of the Diaspora, and religious leaders from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C. to champion the cause of Middle Eastern Christians through awareness, advocacy, and unity.