Armenia-Related Amendments Failed to Advance in NDAA

Armenian Council of America (ACA) is deeply disappointed that three vital amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which directly addressed Armenia’s security and sought accountability for Azerbaijan’s aggression, failed to advance in Congress.

Representative Gus Bilirakis’ Amendment 311 would have required the Pentagon to certify Azerbaijan’s recognition of Armenia’s sovereignty or provide Congress with a defense plan for Armenia. Representative Frank Pallone’s Amendment 1097 would have strengthened Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act by conditioning U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan on the release of Armenian prisoners of war, the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from Armenia, and the protection of Armenia’s cultural heritage. In the Senate, Senator Adam Schiff’s Amendment SA.3333 mirrored these efforts by reinforcing restrictions on U.S. assistance and urging stronger diplomatic and sanctions measures against Azerbaijani officials responsible for abuses.

None of these amendments reached a vote. Amendments 311 and 1097 were rejected by House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), while Amendment SA.3333 was set aside in the Senate. Their exclusion from the NDAA represents a missed opportunity for the United States to align its defense policy with the goals of deterring renewed conflict and upholding Armenia’s sovereignty.

ACA remains committed to working with Members of Congress to ensure Armenia’s sovereignty is protected, Section 907 is fully enforced, Armenian prisoners of war are released, Azerbaijani forces fully withdraw from sovereign Armenian territory, and enforceable guarantees safeguard Armenia’s religious and cultural heritage, while holding Azerbaijan accountable for its ongoing violations of international law and human rights.