To repeal a restriction on assistance to Azerbaijan.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 9, 2025
Bottom line
H.R. 6534 seeks to remove a key legislative barrier to U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, aiming to enhance foreign policy flexibility and recognize Azerbaijan's strategic importance and peace efforts.
What it actually does
This bill proposes to repeal Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, a long-standing provision that restricts direct U.S. government assistance to Azerbaijan. The repeal would eliminate the legislative prohibition on providing aid, thereby allowing the President to waive the restriction without specific conditions, based on Azerbaijan's role as an ally and its commitment to peace in the South Caucasus.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that Section 907 is an outdated and counterproductive restriction that hinders U.S. foreign policy flexibility and punishes a strategic ally. They contend that Azerbaijan has demonstrated a clear commitment to peace in the South Caucasus and provides critical cooperation to the United States, making the repeal essential for strengthening bilateral ties and advancing U.S. interests in the region.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that Section 907 serves as a crucial tool to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions, particularly regarding human rights and its conflict with Armenia. They might contend that repealing it would remove significant U.S. leverage, potentially emboldening Azerbaijan and further destabilizing the region, while undermining U.S. values.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making its core purpose immediately accessible to any reader.
Section 1(b)
Repeal of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act
This provision directly eliminates Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5812 note). Section 907 generally prohibits U.S. government assistance to Azerbaijan until the President certifies that Azerbaijan has taken demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Its repeal would remove this legislative barrier, allowing the U.S. to provide direct aid to Azerbaijan without these specific conditions, thereby increasing executive branch flexibility in foreign policy.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that repealing Section 907 would normalize relations with a key regional partner, enabling more effective diplomatic engagement and security cooperation. They cite Azerbaijan's stated commitment to peace and its strategic importance for energy security and counter-terrorism efforts, asserting that the restriction is an outdated impediment.
Critics contend
Critics contend that repealing Section 907 would remove a critical human rights and peace-keeping tool, potentially undermining stability in the South Caucasus and signaling U.S. indifference to the plight of Armenians. They argue it would eliminate a key lever for accountability and could embolden Azerbaijan's actions in the region.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between the desire for greater U.S. foreign policy flexibility and strengthening strategic partnerships with Azerbaijan, versus concerns about human rights, regional stability, and the protection of Armenian populations in the South Caucasus.