In a rare show of complete agreement, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed legislation halting aid to Azerbaijan for the next two years. The move comes as tensions rise between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia, particularly following mass displacement from the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region.
The bill, titled the Armenian Protection Act, was introduced by Senator Gary Peters and swiftly passed with a 100-0 vote. It aims to reinforce U.S. conditions on foreign military assistance, particularly in cases where regional stability may be at risk.
Senator Peters emphasized the importance of upholding conditions tied to U.S. aid. “We must show our global partners that the U.S. takes its agreements seriously. If those agreements are ignored without consequence, they lose meaning,” he said on the Senate floor.
The legislation follows a recent humanitarian crisis in which over 100,000 people fled the Nagorno-Karabakh region after a months-long blockade. Armenia has expressed concern over potential future military action from Azerbaijan, especially regarding disputed territories and transit corridors.
Azerbaijani leadership has voiced intentions to connect mainland Azerbaijan to its exclave through southern Armenia, with its president stating that force could be used if necessary.
While the aid decision has received widespread support, it comes at a time of internal debate among U.S. lawmakers over broader budget and legislative priorities. Recent tensions among members of Congress have highlighted differing views on how to handle government funding and foreign policy, with some calling for stronger negotiating stances.
Despite unrelated political disagreements, the Senate’s unanimous vote on the Armenian Protection Act stands out as a rare example of bipartisan cooperation in response to international developments.
The law now awaits further consideration and implementation, with observers watching closely to see how it may impact future U.S. foreign assistance and its approach to conflict prevention in the region.