ANCA backs congressional measures on Armenian security, Azerbaijan accountability

(Horizon Media / WASHINGTON) — The Armenian National Committee of America is backing six pro-Armenian amendments to key FY2027 national security legislation that seek to strengthen Armenia’s security, restrict U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan, and hold Baku accountable for the continued detention of Armenian prisoners and the destruction of Armenian heritage in Artsakh.

The amendments were introduced by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Gus Bilirakis, Caucus Vice-Chair Brad Sherman, and Representatives Gabe Amo and Jim Costa. The measures come as Artsakh’s former leaders and other Armenian detainees approach their 1,000th day in Azerbaijani captivity on June 23.

Four of the amendments have been introduced to the National Defence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, while two others target the National Security Department of State, and the Related Programs Appropriations Act.

Together, the amendments call for the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian prisoners of war, civilian captives, and political prisoners held by Azerbaijan. They also demand the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from Armenia’s sovereign territory, the protection of Armenian Christian cultural and religious heritage in Artsakh, and recognition of the right of forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians to return to their homes.

One amendment introduced by Rep. Pallone would place strict conditions on the president’s authority to waive Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, which restricts U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan. Under the proposed measure, any future waiver would require certification that Azerbaijan has taken verifiable steps to release Armenian detainees, withdraw from Armenian territory, protect Armenian heritage in Artsakh, and stop the destruction of Armenian property in formerly Armenian-populated areas.

Rep. Bilirakis’s amendment reflects the provisions of the ARMENIA Security Partnership Act. It would require the Secretary of Defence to certify each year that Azerbaijan is upholding its commitments, ending threats and hostilities against Armenia, releasing Armenian prisoners, withdrawing from Armenian territory, and recognizing the right of return for displaced Artsakh Armenians. If those conditions are not met, the measure would trigger a review of U.S. security assistance to Armenia and prevent the president from waiving Section 907.

Rep. Amo’s amendment would bar the use of funds under the defence bill to provide security assistance to Azerbaijan through Section 333 of Title 10 unless the Pentagon, in coordination with the State Department, certifies that Azerbaijan has met similar benchmarks, including the release of Armenian prisoners, the end of threats against Armenia, and the protection of Armenian cultural and religious sites in Artsakh.

Rep. Sherman’s amendment expresses the sense of Congress that Azerbaijan must immediately release all Armenian prisoners of war and political prisoners. It also calls on the United States to use diplomatic, economic, and legal tools to secure their release, including full enforcement of Section 907 and consideration of Global Magnitsky sanctions.

Rep. Costa has introduced two amendments focused on Azerbaijan’s human rights record and the destruction of Armenian heritage. The first would block U.S. military or security assistance to Azerbaijan unless the president certifies that Baku has taken concrete steps to release Armenian detainees, withdraw from Armenian territory, protect Armenian cultural and civilian property in Artsakh, and recognize the right of return for displaced Armenians.

Costa’s second amendment would require the Secretary of Defence, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to submit a report to Congress within 180 days assessing the destruction of Armenian Christian religious, cultural, and historical heritage sites in Artsakh. The report would examine damage to churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and cultural landmarks, as well as Azerbaijani efforts to alter or erase the Armenian identity of those sites.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian said the measures send a clear message that Congress should not allow U.S. taxpayer dollars to support Azerbaijan’s aggression, occupation, and human rights abuses.

The House Rules Committee is expected to begin reviewing the amendments in the coming weeks. Amendments ruled in order may then be considered by the full House, either individually or as part of larger amendment packages. The ANCA is urging members of Congress to support and cosponsor the measures ahead of committee consideration.