Three additional US lawmakers have recently joined the Congressional Caucus for Bangladesh. Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, along with New York Congressmen Mike McMahon and Scott Murphy, made this announcement during a meeting of a new alliance called the 'New Democratic Coalition Pact' on Monday. These congressmen have committed to advocating for Bangladesh's interests on issues such as climate change, the environment, and the proposed construction of the Tipai Dam by India. Representatives from the Bangladeshi-American Public Affairs Front and US-based BNP leader Gias Ahmed were also present at the meeting. Congressman Joseph Crowley, who serves as co-chairman of the Bangladesh Caucus, emphasized his efforts to secure duty-free access for Bangladeshi ready-made garments in the US market. He also had an interest in providing expatriate Bangladeshis with a legal status to reside and work in the United States. Currently, there are around 39 congressmen who are part of the Bangladesh Caucus. Recently, Patrick Kennedy, the son of the late Senator Edward Kennedy who was a strong supporter of Bangladesh, also joined the Bangladeshi Caucus in America.