119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 6840
This bill links U.S. military aid to Armenia with progress by Azerbaijan on several key issues, including withdrawing forces from Armenian territory, releasing Armenian prisoners, stopping hostilities, and protecting Armenian cultural sites in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Within 180 days of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense must certify to Congress whether Azerbaijan has taken meaningful steps on these matters. If the Secretary cannot make this certification, the Defense Department must review U.S. security assistance to Armenia and submit a report identifying gaps in Armenia's defense capabilities and recommending ways to strengthen military cooperation. Additionally, if certification cannot be made, the President loses authority to waive certain restrictions on aid to former Soviet republics under existing law. The bill effectively uses security assistance and aid restrictions as leverage to encourage Azerbaijan to resolve longstanding disputes with Armenia over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region.