Rockland Reporter

Mar 27, 2025

A bipartisan group of representatives, led by Mike Lawler (NY-17), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), and Gabe Amo (RI-01), has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to uphold the enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. This section pauses U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan due to its ongoing conflict with Armenia, territorial occupation, and human rights abuses including the treatment of Armenian prisoners of war.

The letter from the lawmakers points to Azerbaijan's 2023 military activity in Nagorno-Karabakh, which they describe as ethnic cleansing, displacing 120,000 Armenians. They also criticize Azerbaijan's destruction of Armenian cultural heritage and developing ties with Russia and Iran, which they view as opposing U.S. interests.

"Amid the persistent threat of authoritarian expansionism throughout the region and across the world, it is imperative that the Trump Administration makes clear to governments that undermine U.S. interests that their actions will not be met with impunity – much less material financial support," stated the letter.

The initiative has received support from the Armenian Assembly of America. Mariam Khaloyan, Congressional Relations Director, remarked, “The Assembly welcomes this bipartisan initiative spearheaded by Congressman Lawler."

Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America, also supported the move. He said, “The ANCA welcomes this bipartisan Congressional call on Secretary Rubio to enforce Section 907 – ending U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan."

The letter, which garnered support from 60 representatives, calls on the Secretary to avoid using waiver authority to provide military aid to Azerbaijan under the current circumstances. It is also a follow-up to the Armenian Protection Act of 2024, aiming to limit the executive branch’s ability to waive this restriction.

Congressman Mike Lawler, who was recognized as the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, is known for his bipartisan efforts. He represents New York's 17th Congressional District.

A full version of the letter is available upon request.