Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Curt Clawson (R-FL), and Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) joined the Congressional Macedonia Caucus.
The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is pleased to announce that Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Curt Clawson (R-FL), and Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) have joined the Congressional Caucus on Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans, increasing the number from 20 to 24 members. The Macedonia Caucus has members from 14 out of 50 U.S. States, and one U.S. Territory, and composes 13 Republicans, 11 Democrats.
“This achievement is a result of the rising activism of Macedonian-Americans and the growing support of members of Congress who understand the importance of the U.S.-Macedonia relationship. This increase in membership will help ensure balanced dialogue on issues of importance for Macedonian-Americans” said UMD President Metodija A. Koloski. (Click HERE to see Macedonian TV interview with Koloski on the new Caucus members)
Congressman Cook represents California’s 8th District and previously served in the military for twenty-six years, earning numerous awards including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal with a V for valor. In Congress, he is a member of the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Natural Resources committees. He supports Macedonia’s NATO accession as a co-sponsor of H. Res. 56, and is a signatory of the February 2014 Turner-Engel letter to Secretary Kerry in support of Macedonia’s NATO membership.
Congressman Beyer is serving his first term as Representative from Virginia’s 8th District after serving as Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein under President Obama, and as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1990 to 1998. As Ambassador, he advocated for stricter sanctions to compel Iran to begin nuclear disarmament discussion, and was integral to the U.S. Department of Justice efforts to halt the abuses of Swiss bank secrecy by wealthy Americans.
Left to right: UMD International Policy Director Gorgi Popstefanov, UMD Member David Turkaleski, Congressman Don Beyer, UMD Member Jessica Bowser, UMD President Metodija A. Koloski
Congressman Clawson represents Florida’s 19th District and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees. He also supports Macedonia’s NATO accession as a co-sponsor of H. Res. 56. He is a former collegiate basketball player for Purdue and CEO of Hayes Lemmerz, a Michigan-based automobile wheel and brake supplier.
Congressman Boyle is serving his first term as Representative from Pennsylvania’s 13th District. The son of an Irish immigrant, Boyle was born and raised in Philadelphia before going on to be the first in his family to attend college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Government from Notre Dame, and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard. Before taking office in Congress, he served in the Pennsylvania state House along with his brother Kevin Boyle. Congressman Boyle is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a co-sponsor of H. Res. 56.
Left to right: Ambassador Vasko Naumovski, Congressman Brendan Boyle, UMD President Metodija A. Koloski, UMD International Policy Director Gorgi Popstefanov
UMD is excited to work with all of the Macedonia Caucus members to enhance U.S.-Macedonia relations, and encourages all those who are friends of Macedonia to contact their members of Congress to urge them to join the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans.
ACT NOW! Please click HERE to send your letter.