The Center for Hungarian American Congressional Relations (CHACR) adds its 21st member to the Hungarian Caucus in the US House of Representatives. A great achievement for the Hungarian-American community, this bipartisan group of distinguished House members seeks to represent interests of Hungarian American constituents; foster bilateral relations between Hungary and United States; and protect the rights of Hungarian minorities in Europe. 

On June 4, 2003, four members of the US House of Representatives signed a letter that signaled the establishment of the Hungarian American Caucus.[see Caucus Members] [go to CHACR] [< back to all AHF news]


Center Pours Hungarian Wine on Capitol Hill...
August 28, 2003 

Over eighty Congressional staffers filled the House Agricultural Committee Room on Thursday, August 28, for a C.H.A.C.R. wine tasting reception. The fine Hungarian wines were a major success on Capitol Hill. The wines were provided by Monarchia Wines, which sells top quality Hungarian wines in the United States.  

Egri Leanyka & Zengo, Tokaji Cuvee, Egri Cuvee, and Kekfrankos were among the wines showcased at the tasting. The ladies certainly enjoyed the Tokaji Cuvee, while the reds were popular with the gentlemen. The event started with some cheese and wine, then Dave Kroeger of the CLSA greeted the audience. 

CHACR's president Sandor Nagy also welcomed the staffers. "To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, Hungarians bring into American life the spirit of Hungary's heroes.  Today we bring you not only the spirit of Hungary's heroes, but the wine as well." Sandor Nagy reminded the audience of the contribution Hungarian Americans made to this country throughout history, then thanked the staffers for their hard work on capitol Hill.  The tasting provided a great opportunity to socialize with the staffers  and tell them about issues of concern to Hungarian American voters as well. [go to CHACR] [< back to all AHF news]



Hungarian-American Congressional Caucus Defends Human Rights...The U.S. Senate passed a resolution on October 27, on the occasion of president Iliescu’s visit to Washington. The Senate expressed its appreciation for the “strong and vibrant relations between the United States and Romania.” The resolution also recognized “ the steps the Government of Romania has taken and continues to take in economic, political, and social reforms, including reforms to improve protections of the rights of minorities.”

In the House of Representatives, however, members of the Hungarian American Congressional Caucus echoed the concerns of the Hungarian American community when submitting a letter to President Bush on the eve of his meeting with President Iliescu.

Two Co-Chairs and other Members of the Hungarian American Caucus -- Tom Lantos (D-CA), Ernest J. Istook (R-OK), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) -- urged President Bush to raise a number of concerns with President Iliescu. These concerns focused on corruption, freedom of the press, independent judiciary and the rule of law issues in Romania.

In addition, the Representatives urged the quick, fair and complete restitution of church properties, the safeguarding of the rights of Romania's large historic Hungarian community and education about the Holocaust. They concluded by expressing their "conviction that we in the United States consider treatment of religious and ethnic minorities an important measure of democracy."

The letter to President Bush underscores the significance of the Hungarian Caucus. In light of the Senate resolution, the letter of the caucus Members represents the only official statement from the U.S. government that expressed concerns and issues close to the heart of the Hungarian American community.

This was a great opportunity for Washington organizations to cooperate in their outreach efforts to the House. [go to CHACR] [< back to all AHF news]


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