ARMENIA Security Partnership Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 18, 2025
Bottom line
The bill links U.S. security assistance policy to Azerbaijan's actions towards Armenia, aiming to hold Azerbaijan accountable and bolster Armenia's defense capabilities.
What it actually does
This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to annually certify that Azerbaijan has taken specific 'meaningful steps' regarding Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including withdrawing forces, releasing prisoners, ceasing hostilities, and recognizing the right of return for ethnic Armenians. If this certification cannot be made, the bill mandates an immediate review of U.S. security assistance to Armenia to assess its defense gaps and disqualifies the President from waiving Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, which restricts U.S. aid to Azerbaijan.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its aggression and human rights violations against Armenia and the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. They contend it will ensure U.S. foreign policy aligns with democratic values and supports a key democratic partner in the region, while also providing Armenia with the means to defend itself against future threats.
Opponents contend
Opponents, likely including the Executive Branch and Azerbaijani government representatives, might argue that the bill unduly restricts the President's diplomatic flexibility and could jeopardize U.S. strategic interests with Azerbaijan, such as energy security or counter-terrorism cooperation. They may contend it could destabilize the region further by alienating Azerbaijan and potentially pushing it closer to rival powers.
The bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for informed evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Annual Certification Requirement for Azerbaijan
This provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with other national security agencies, to certify to Congress annually that the Government of Azerbaijan has taken specific 'meaningful steps.' These steps include upholding commitments under the Joint Declaration, completely withdrawing military forces from Armenian sovereign territory, unconditionally releasing all Armenian prisoners, ceasing hostilities towards Armenia, and recognizing the right of return for ethnic Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh, along with committing to preserve Armenian cultural and religious sites there.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this certification is crucial for ensuring Azerbaijan adheres to international norms and commitments, providing a clear benchmark for its conduct. It creates a mechanism for accountability that is currently lacking.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that such a rigid certification process could be counterproductive, limiting diplomatic flexibility and potentially escalating tensions rather than de-escalating them. They may also contend that defining 'meaningful steps' is subjective and could lead to political disputes.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for accountability and human rights protection with the potential for diplomatic friction and the need for flexibility in foreign policy.
Section 2(b) and 2(c)
Security Assistance Review and Report for Armenia
If the Secretary of Defense cannot make the certification regarding Azerbaijan, this provision triggers an immediate review of U.S. security assistance for Armenia within 14 days. Following this review, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress. This report must assess threats to Armenia, evaluate current U.S. security assistance, identify gaps in Armenia's defense needs (including articles, services, and training), summarize immediate steps the Department of Defense is taking to increase cooperation, and recommend further increases in security assistance to deter aggression.
Section 2(d)
Disqualification of FREEDOM Support Act Waiver for Azerbaijan
This provision states that if the Secretary of Defense cannot make the required certification regarding Azerbaijan's actions, the President may not, 14 days after the certification is due, exercise the waiver authority provided under Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. Section 907 generally prohibits U.S. assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan until the President certifies that Azerbaijan has taken steps to cease blockades and other offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The waiver authority has historically allowed presidents to bypass this prohibition.
The bill's restriction on the President's ability to waive Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act directly impacts U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan. This waiver has historically been used by successive administrations to provide aid despite the statutory prohibition.
Section 2(d)
Why it matters:The reference to 'title II of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and related Programs Appropriations Act, 2002 (Public Law 107-115; 22 U.S.C. 5812 note) under subsection (g) under the heading "Assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union"' is standard legislative drafting practice for referencing existing law, but it requires external legal knowledge to fully grasp its impact.
Case for: Supporters argue that this provision is the core of the bill's accountability mechanism, ensuring that U.S. aid to Azerbaijan is genuinely conditional on its behavior, rather than being circumvented by executive waivers.
Case against: Critics might argue that this restriction removes a vital tool for the Executive Branch to manage complex geopolitical relationships, potentially harming broader U.S. strategic interests by forcing a cessation of aid to Azerbaijan regardless of other considerations.
Estimated impact: Could lead to a significant reduction or cessation of certain U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, impacting bilateral relations and potentially shifting regional dynamics.