Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has introduced new legislation aimed at repealing a 34-year-old federal law that restricts direct U.S. assistance to the government of Azerbaijan. The 1992 statute, known as Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, was originally enacted following the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Proponents of the repeal argue that the current restriction hinders U.S. strategic interests in the South Caucasus. Specifically, the legislation is being framed as a necessary step to bolster the 'Middle Corridor,' a trade and energy route that bypasses Russia and Iran. Supporters suggest that deepening ties with Azerbaijan is essential for energy security, particularly as geopolitical instability increases in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit point.

While the legislative push focuses on energy and regional security, the 1992 ban has historically been a point of contention in U.S. foreign policy, often balancing human rights concerns and regional stability against strategic partnerships. The proposed repeal would effectively remove the legal barrier that has prevented direct government-to-government aid for over three decades, allowing for a potential shift in how the United States engages with the Azerbaijani government.