Issue Position

I am also fighting for increased aid to Nagorno-Karabakh. This year, I have requested along with my colleagues that the Foreign Operations subcommittee include language requiring that not less than $10 million be expended in 2012 for Nagorno-Karabakh. The State Department has failed to follow Congressional direction to deliver funds to Nagorno Karabakh. From 2004 to 2010, the State Department expended less than $13 million, while Congressional intent expressed through reports and public law called for $46 million for humanitarian and, as of 2010, development assistance. I joined with Congressman Frank Pallone and others in urging the Foreign Operations subcommittee to include language requiring that not less than $10 million be expended in Fiscal Year 2012 for Nagorno Karabakh. We must make sure that Artsakh receives the aid that Congress appropriates for it, and I will continue to press the Appropriations Committee and the State Department on this important issue.