Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced a bi-partisan bill to seize Azerbaijani assets for transfer to an Artsakh Revenue Recovery Fund that would be established to compensate Armenians forcibly driven from Artsakh for lost revenue resulting from Azerbaijan’s genocidal ethnic cleansing, reports the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“Azerbaijan’s continued actions against the people of Artsakh have created a humanitarian disaster and amounted to ethnic cleansing,” said Rep. Schiff, upon introduction of the measure. “We must ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the innocent victims of Artsakh are compensated for their immense losses. My legislation will provide a mechanism for justice and financial restitution for those who have lost everything due to Azerbaijan’s aggression.”

The ANCA has issued a nationwide call to action to secure support for the bill, available at anca.org/recovery.

Joining Rep. Schiff as original cosponsors of the bipartisan measure are Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Jim Costa (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), James McGovern (D-MA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Lori Trahan (D-MA).

The Artsakh Revenue Recovery Act aims to hold Azerbaijan accountable by:

— Making the Azerbaijani government liable for compensating ethnically cleansed Armenians.

— Establishing the Artsakh Revenue Recovery Fund to compensate for lost property and business revenue. If Azerbaijan refuses, the bill authorizes the seizure of Azerbaijani sovereign assets in the U.S. to cover these payments.

Notably, the bill reaffirms the right of return for Artsakh’s Armenians by recognizing their property rights. Compensation through asset seizures will not transfer ownership of Armenian property, ensuring Armenians can reclaim their homes and businesses.

The full text of the measure is available here.

While presenting the bill, Schiff reflected also on the challenges of Artsakh's military-political leadership and the release of Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan and the protection of Artsakh's cultural heritage. The full text of Schiff's statement is available here.