Washington, D.C., February 1, 2005 – The Croatian Caucus was established on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives, with the purpose of strengthening relations between the Republic of Croatia and the United States, as well as to promote their mutual interests.
At the ceremony on Capital Hill, Co-Chairs of the Friends of Croatia Caucus, Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA) and Peter Visclosky (D-IN) said that 41 members of the House of Representatives joined the club at the time of its formation, which represents roughly ten per cent of the 435 members.
With the launching of the Croatian Caucus, whose membership numbers exceeded expectations, Croatia has acquired a strong ally in the U.S. Congress that has much influence on U.S. foreign policy. Its members belong to both political parties, ensuring a bipartisan political influence in Congress.
Among the first goals of the Caucus will be providing support to Croatia’s process of integrating with NATO and the European Union, as well as stimulating greater interest among U.S. business leaders for doing business with Croatia, said Rep. George Radanovich, who is, along with his colleague Rep. Peter Visclosky of Croatian origin.
Rep. Visclosky said that the Croatian Caucus will work towards strengthening political, economic and cultural ties between Croatia and the United States.
“Now is the time for the Croatian and American people to be united in this endeavor,” said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, also a member of the Friends of Croatia Caucus.
Croatian Minister of Culture Božo Biškupić and Ambassador to the U.S. Neven Jurica also participated at the ceremony establishing the Caucus.
Ambassador Jurica congratulated the U.S. Congressmen for their role in helping to establish the Croatian Caucus, on behalf of President Stjepan Mesić and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.
Stressing that the newly-formed Caucus is “yet another important event in the Croatian-American partnership,” Ambassador Jurica said that the Caucus will serve as a “decision-making forum in the deepening and widening economic, political and cultural relations between our two countries.”
“Croatia considers NATO membership as a necessary and indivisible link between us and the United States,” said Ambassador Jurica, highlighting that membership in NATO is an interest of high priority to Croatia, in which the U.S. can provide decisive assistance.
The Ambassador said that Croatian-Americans, who, according to estimates, number about 2 million, are an important and integral component in the partnership between the United States and Croatia.
Representative Elton Gallegly (R-California), President of the Congressional Subcommittee of the influential International Relations Committee in the House of Representatives, is also a member of the Croatian Caucus, which speaks of his possible future influence in this body, in matters of concern to Croatia.
Committees of the U.S. Congress are said to have the most influence, more than lobbying groups and Congressional caucuses that pool friends of particular countries.
Before its launch, it was expected that the Croatian Caucus will at the time of its formation number about 15 members, but the fact that 41 members of Congress joined the Caucus pleasantly surprised its co-chairs and others present at the ceremony. Doors will remain open for other members of Congress who wish to join subsequently.