IAPAC Co-hosts Reception for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
By PAAIA Staff
October 18, 2011, New York, NY – On September 23, 2011, PAAIA members and friends gathered to support the reelection of New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-14th). The event was co-sponsored by the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA, and held at the home of Mr. Akbar Lari.
Carolyn B. Maloney is recognized as a national leader with extensive accomplishments in financial services, national security, the economy, and women’s issues. She is a senior member of both the House Financial Services Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Vice-Chair of the House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee, and immediate past Chair of the Joint Economic Committee.
During her tenure, Congresswoman Maloney has worked to modernize financial services laws and regulations, strengthen consumer protections, and institute more vigilant oversight of the safety and soundness of our nation’s banking industry. Her legislative initiatives have saved hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.
A strong advocate for the Iranian American community, Congresswoman Maloney was an original cosponsor of House Resolution 267 honoring Nowruz in the 111th Congress. The resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz and expresses appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to American society. In addition, in 2007, she was an original cosponsor of House Resolution 476, condemning discrimination and bigotry against Iranian Americans. The resolution called upon local and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate and vigorously prosecute crimes committed against Iranian Americans that are based on actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, or ethnicity.
In the speech she gave at the reception, Congresswoman Maloney highlighted the important role that groups such as PAAIA play in ensuring an influential voice on Capitol Hill and reinforced the belief that Iranian Americans should be engaged in the American civic and electoral processes. She encouraged those who reside in her district to contact her office if they cannot obtain an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion or if they feel they have been treated unfairly. “My office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need,” Maloney explained.
Following her speech, Congresswoman Maloney spent time speaking to the guests and was introduced to PAAIA’s New York Chapter NexGen members Shaheen Ensanyat, Siavash Dejgosha, and Sahar Mahli. She learned about NexGen’s initiatives to create a vehicle for the next generation of Iranian Americans enabling them to serve their communities and participate in the American civic process. She also agreed to participate in the NexGen Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) by considering qualified Iranian American candidates for internships at her Congressional office.
