Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today applauded House passage of the Omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2022 that strengthens aid to Armenia and holds Azerbaijan accountable. The bill includes $45 million to bolster Armenia’s democratic, economic, energy, and security reforms and allows Armenia to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh triggered by last year’s 44-day war. It also includes $2 million in dedicated funding for humanitarian demining in Artsakh.
The funding bill creates new oversight over U.S. international security assistance by requiring the Secretary of State to consult with Congress before obligating aid to Azerbaijan or Armenia. This is directly related to the over $100 million in security aid that was given to Azerbaijan by the previous Administration under the Section 333 Building Partner Capacity Program. It also reflects the recent damning Government Accountability Office report that concluded the State Department and Department of Defense ignored statutory requirements that restrict aid to Azerbaijan and require consultation with Congress before a waiver can be considered.
Additionally, the bill requires a report by the Director of National Intelligence on the “Likelihood of Military Action by Countries of the South Caucasus” and the balance of military power in the region. This report will likely demonstrate Azerbaijan’s ongoing illegal aggressions against Armenia and Artsakh, including an attack on March 7 that killed one member of the Armenian Armed Forces and wounded another.
“The unprecedented funding for Armenia in the Omnibus spending bill is a testament to the hard work of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. This funding demonstrates strong support for Armenia and sends a clear signal to Azerbaijan that the United States will not tolerate authoritarian regimes,” said Pallone. “I was also pleased to that the bill directs the State Department and USAID to fund life-saving demining efforts in Artsakh. I applaud this important step that will help bolster Armenia’s democracy, improve economic development, and help alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s unprovoked attack on Armenia. I will continue to work with my colleagues to build on this progress, so we can continue to invest in Armenia and strengthen our strategic partnership.”
Pallone spoke on the House floor in favor of the House-passed bill that included these provisions. Video is available HERE.
A copy of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee bill report is available HERE.
A copy of a letter sent by the Caucus Co-Chairs to the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee on April 28 is available HERE.
Original source can be found here.
