Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Armenia Security Partnership Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of Members of Congress today introduced the Armenia Security Partnership Act, legislation aimed at reinforcing U.S. policy toward Armenia while holding Azerbaijan accountable for continued aggression and serious human rights abuses.

The bill was introduced by Representatives Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), joined by Representatives Dave Min (CA-47), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Gabe Amo (RI-01), David Valadao (CA-22), and Chris Smith (NJ-04).

The legislation requires the President of the United States to certify to Congress that Azerbaijan has taken meaningful and verifiable steps to:

Completely withdraw all military forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia;

Unconditionally release all Armenian prisoners;

Cease engaging in hostilities toward Armenia; and

Recognize the right of return for ethnic Armenians to their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and commit to the preservation of Armenian cultural and religious sites in the region.

If the President is unable to make such a certification, the bill mandates a comprehensive review of U.S. security assistance to Armenia to assess long-term defense needs and the ongoing threat posed by Azerbaijan. It would also prohibit the reauthorization of the waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, thereby enforcing existing restrictions on U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan.

“Armenia is a key partner in a volatile region and deserves meaningful support as it faces continued threats to its sovereignty and security,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “This legislation sends a clear message that the United States will not turn a blind eye to aggression, human rights abuses, or the forced displacement of ethnic Armenians. Accountability must be at the center of our foreign policy.”

Rep. Pallone emphasized that Azerbaijan’s actions have gone unchecked for too long, noting; “Azerbaijan has been allowed to act with impunity to destabilize the South Caucasus, commit horrific human rights abuses, and threaten the Armenian people. Our bill is a great step in the right direction to finally hold the Aliyev regime accountable for ongoing crimes against humanity and threats to lasting peace in the region. I look forward to working with Congressman Bilirakis and the rest of my colleagues to pass it into law.”

Rep. Brad Sherman, Democratic Vice Chair of the Congressional Armenia Caucus, underscored that lasting peace must be grounded in respect for sovereignty, human rights, and international law—not coercion or force. “Azerbaijan’s continued aggression against Armenia, the detention of Armenian prisoners, and the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious sites demands a serious response. This bipartisan legislation makes clear that the United States will not reward violations of international law and that Armenia deserves a reliable partner as it works to secure its borders and pursue a just and lasting peace.”

“As co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Armenia Security Partnership Act,” said Rep. Valadao. “Azerbaijan’s aggression in the South Caucasus has gone on for far too long, and this bipartisan bill takes meaningful steps to hold them accountable for ongoing human rights abuses and hostilities against the sovereign territory of Armenia.”

Members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus have long championed policies that uphold international law, protect vulnerable populations, and promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus.