House Appropriations Bill Includes Armenia Security Assistance Language, Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act

Washington, D.C. – The Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill, approved by the House Appropriations Committee earlier this week, and its accompanying Committee report include important language regarding Armenia, the South Caucasus, and Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

The Committee report language states that funds for countries in the South Caucasus should “promote the strategic interests of the United States through efforts to enhance regional peace, stability, integration, and connectivity,” as well as “continue robust support for active bilateral charters of strategic partnership.” The report further directs that funds under International Military Education and Training and the Foreign Military Financing Program “be made available above the prior year levels for Armenia.”

The Committee-approved bill also includes language on Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, which restricts U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan until the President determines and reports to Congress that Azerbaijan is taking demonstrable steps to cease blockades and other offensive uses of force as set forth in the statute.

Armenian Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee supporting the Congressional Armenian Caucus Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations request

The inclusion of Armenia-related security assistance language follows testimony submitted by Armenian Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, urging Congress to strengthen U.S. support for Armenia, enforce Section 907, assist Artsakh refugees, secure the immediate release of Armenian hostages held by Azerbaijan, and advance accountability for Azerbaijan’s aggression.

“We appreciate the Committee’s recognition of the importance of strengthening Armenia’s security and advancing U.S. interests in the South Caucasus,” said Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. “We also appreciate the efforts of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and its leadership. At a time when Armenia continues to face aggression from Azerbaijan, increased support through International Military Education and Training and Foreign Military Financing is an important step toward bolstering Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term security.”

The Assembly has consistently urged full enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and has made clear that U.S. military or security assistance should not be provided to Azerbaijan, particularly in light of Azerbaijan’s 2020 war, the 2023 ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s indigenous Armenian population, the continued holding of Armenian hostages, and the ongoing destruction of Armenian Christian cultural and religious heritage.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR# 2026-10