Cardenas-Schiff-Sherman Amendment on Release of Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan Passes House

Washington, D.C. – The House voted to adopt an amendment offered by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) as part of the annual defense authorization bill. The amendment calls for Azerbaijan's immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and for an investigation into the actions by Turkey and Azerbaijan during their 2020 attacks against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

"This amendment is critical in our efforts to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its heinous acts of aggression last year against the people of Armenia and Artsakh," said Congressman Sherman. "I was pleased to work with Congressmen Cardenas and Schiff on this amendment that aims to uncover the full extent of Azerbaijan's actions, and sends a strong message calling on Azerbaijan to honor its obligation for the unconditional and safe return to Armenia of any remaining Armenian prisoners of war."

The amendment states it is the sense of Congress that "Azerbaijan must immediately and unconditionally return all Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians." The amendment also requires a report from the Secretary of Defense on the use of U.S. technology in Turkish drones used by Azerbaijan to attack Armenia and Artsakh during the 2020 war.

The bi-partisan amendment was also cosponsored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andy Levin (D-MI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Katie Porter (D-CA), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), and David Valadao (R-CA).

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