Freedom Support Act

The FREEDOM Support Act of 1992 (Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act, FSA, HR 282) is an act passed by the United States Congress. It is not to be confused with the Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2005 (S 333).

Formation of the Act
The bill H.R.4548 was sponsored by Rep Dante B. Fascell and introduced March 24, 1992. It was passed by the House on August 6, 1992.

The bill was introduced as S.2532 into the Senate on April 7, 1992, and sponsored by Sen Claiborne Pell. It passed the Senate on July 2, 1992.

The FSA was signed into law on October 24, 1992, by President George H. W. Bush and assigned Public Law No. 102 - 511

Provisions of the Act
Created through the act are the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation, the Armenia School Connectivity Program and other organizations founded to foster growth in the former Soviet Union.

Section 102 of the FREEDOM Support Act creates the position of a Coordinator within the Department of State.

In 1992, funding from the FREEDOM Support Act and USAID helped create American Business Centers (ABCs) under the United States Commercial Service, designed to operate in the developing markets of Russia and the Newly Independent States to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the United States.

Section 907 specifically prohibits Azerbaijan from participating in programs created by the act.