Senate Unites to Pause Aid to Azerbaijan Amid Escalating Regional Concerns

In a rare moment of total unity, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to pass the Armenian Protection Act, halting military aid to Azerbaijan for the next two years. The 100-0 vote reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the humanitarian situation in the South Caucasus and the potential for renewed conflict in the region.

The legislation was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The act is a direct response to recent developments involving Azerbaijan and Armenia, particularly the mass displacement of ethnic Armenians from the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where tensions have steadily escalated.

Humanitarian Concerns Drive Action

Over 100,000 Armenians recently fled the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region following a prolonged blockade by Azerbaijani forces. The region, long disputed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan, has been at the center of multiple conflicts over the years. Lawmakers expressed concern over potential human rights violations, including accusations of ethnic cleansing made by Armenian officials.

“We must send a strong message and show our global partners that the United States stands by the conditions it attaches to military assistance,” Senator Peters said during remarks on the Senate floor. “If nations disregard the terms of our agreements without consequence, those agreements lose meaning.”

The unanimous vote signals bipartisan agreement that the U.S. must take a firm stance against any further aggression in the region, especially given recent statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev has advocated for the opening of a corridor through southern Armenia, aiming to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave bordering Turkey and Iran. He has warned that if negotiations fail, Azerbaijan may attempt to resolve the matter by force.

Domestic Political Debate on Government Spending Persists

While the Senate came together on foreign policy, domestic divisions remain evident, particularly regarding government funding. The passage of a Republican-led continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open has drawn criticism from some Democratic figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In a public statement, Pelosi expressed concern about what she described as a “false choice” between accepting the current funding bill or facing a government shutdown. She praised House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic appropriators for opposing the resolution, while urging Democratic senators to push for a short-term alternative that would allow further bipartisan negotiation.

“Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way,” Pelosi said, advocating for a four-week funding extension.

Party Tensions Surface

Tensions within the Democratic Party have surfaced publicly, with media figures and lawmakers voicing different opinions on Senate leadership strategy. During an appearance on CNN, former White House advisor Van Jones described the internal disagreement as unusually intense.

“There is a volcanic eruption of frustration,” Jones said, emphasizing that Democratic voters and lawmakers want more assertiveness in legislative negotiations. He cited previous examples of aggressive negotiation tactics used by Republican leadership and questioned whether current Democratic strategies were as effective.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also weighed in during a televised interview, expressing concern over the decision to support a measure that she believes reduces the party’s leverage in protecting key social programs.

“I believe that’s a tremendous mistake,” she said. “It’s almost unthinkable to give up our limited bargaining power when core protections like Social Security and Medicare are on the line.”

Broader Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

While domestic debates continue, the Senate’s vote on Azerbaijan has drawn significant attention as a symbolic and practical measure of U.S. commitment to international humanitarian norms. The Armenian Protection Act suspends all security assistance to Azerbaijan funded by the U.S. government and directs federal agencies to review any potential violations of human rights in the region.

The bill also signals to U.S. allies and partners that conditional aid agreements are being taken seriously. Analysts suggest this move could have ripple effects on other foreign aid programs, reinforcing accountability standards.

Although there is currently no formal military engagement by the U.S. in the South Caucasus, the Senate’s vote underscores a growing awareness in Washington of the geopolitical volatility in the region and the potential consequences for regional stability and humanitarian safety.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Armenia-Azerbaijan relationship remains uncertain, as diplomatic efforts continue to defuse tensions. In the meantime, the Senate’s unanimous vote sends a clear message: the United States is watching closely and expects its international partners to uphold the conditions of any support provided.