Bill ties U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan's peace steps toward Armenia

What does this do?

HR 6840 requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to assess within 180 days, and annually after that, whether Azerbaijan has taken meaningful steps toward peace with Armenia. Those steps include withdrawing from Armenian territory, releasing prisoners, halting attacks, and allowing displaced ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh to return. If the Secretary cannot confirm progress, two automatic consequences follow: a Pentagon review of Armenia's defense gaps and a block on the presidential waiver that permits certain U.S. aid to Azerbaijan.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the U.S. Department of Defense, the President, and the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Members of the Armenian-American community, U.S. defense agencies, and contractors involved in foreign military assistance could also be affected depending on review outcomes.

Why does it matter?

Blocking the waiver would remove a legal tool the President currently uses to send certain aid to Azerbaijan, a power granted under a 2002 law. The mandatory defense review could reshape the volume and type of military support flowing to both countries.

Where does it stand?