ACTION ITEM

Following several months of planning and organizing, the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives has been established. The official co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus are Reps. Sander M. Levin (D-Mich.), Jon D. Fox (R-Pa.), Louise McIntosh-Slaughter (D-N.Y.), and Bob Schaffer (R-Colo.).

The primary purpose of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus has been identified as follows: to organize an association of members of Congress who share a common concern for building stronger bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States. The Congressional Ukrainian Caucus will serve as a conduit to lend support for Ukraine in its continuing process of democratization and market-oriented reforms.

A "Dear Colleague" letter has been issued by the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus to members of the House of Representatives to seek their membership in the caucus. Ukrainian American community members are encouraged to contact their representatives and request them to become members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. A sample letter is provided for reference.

Should you need further information, please contact the Ukrainian National Information Service at (202) 547-0018.

SAMPLE LETTER

The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative (Name):

As a Ukrainian American, I was pleased to learn of the formation of a Congressional Ukrainian Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of Congress are now afforded the opportunity to address issues of concern regarding the enhancement of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States. It is my understanding that the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus will welcome guidance from the Ukrainian American community on how best to support Ukraine in its progress toward democratization, market-oriented reforms and restructuring of Ukraine's business environment.

Your support of Ukrainian American relations in the past reflects your appreciation of the geo-strategic importance of Ukraine as a free and independent state. At this time, therefore, I am requesting your support of and membership in the newly formed Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. The Ukrainian American community in your district appreciates your advocacy and looks forward to continued cooperation in the future under the auspices of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

- submitted by the Ukrainian National Information Service, Washington.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 27, 1997, No. 30, Vol. LXV

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