On July 29 the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

The Committee recommended $40 million in assistance for Armenia , which is $1 million below last year's level of $41 million, and equal to the Administration's request of $40 million.

"In light of Turkey 's ongoing blockade of Armenia , and its refusal to normalize relations without preconditions, the importance of U.S. assistance to Armenia cannot be understated," said Congressional Relations Associate Bianka Kadian-Dodov.

The Senate Committee action comes after the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs adopted its version of the bill last month, which included $44 million for Armenia and $10 million in assistance to Nagorno Karabakh.

"The Assembly will continue to work with both the Senate and House to ensure the best possible outcome for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

The Senate Bill also called for "confidence-building measures and other activities in furtherance of the peaceful resolution of conflicts" for the " Southern Caucasus region."

In addition, the Bill provided $25.5 million "to support people to people reconciliation programs, which bring together individuals of different ethnic, religious and political backgrounds from areas of civil strife and war."

Further action on the Senate and House bills will continue in September when Members of Congress return from the August recess.