Chairwoman Lee Secures Provision that Assists in Addressing Humanitarian and Recovery Needs Arising from the Artsakh Conflict
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, led an effort to include a provision in the final Fiscal Year 2023 spending bill that directs the Department of State and US Agency for International Development to provide Congress with an assistance strategy for addressing humanitarian and recovery needs arising from the Artsakh conflict and identifies the US “resources and programs,” available for this purpose.
Artsakh is enduring a growing humanitarian crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor – Artsakh’s only humanitarian lifeline to Armenia, and the only route by which food, medical supplies, food, and other vital humanitarian goods enter the country.
“I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s blockage of the vital corridor connecting Armenia & Artsakh, and call for its immediate opening,” said Congresswoman Lee. “With extreme fuel, food, & medical shortages, this is now a dire humanitarian crisis. I’m pleased we were able to successfully secure language in the FY23 funding bill to ensure we have a comprehensive strategy to address the humanitarian needs of the Armenian people, and look forward to continuing to work with the administration to get it done.”
Also included as part of the FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act was language providing $60 million for Armenia to support economic development, energy independence, and democracy and a requirement that, prior to the provision of security assistance for Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Secretary of State must consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the proposed use of such funds.