Bill > S898

This bill seeks to restore U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was previously suspended. The bill recognizes the critical humanitarian role UNRWA plays in providing services to Palestinian refugees across multiple countries, including Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It supports UNRWA's efforts to address urgent humanitarian needs, particularly in preventing famine and disease in Gaza. The legislation calls for the U.S. President to rejoin allies in restoring funding to UNRWA, contingent on the agency's accountability and transparency measures, including implementing recommendations from an Independent Review Group led by Catherine Colonna. Specifically, the bill repeals previous legislation that cut UNRWA funding, directs the Secretary of State to resume funding through existing authorities, and requires quarterly reports to Congress detailing UNRWA's progress on implementing the review group's recommendations. The bill also urges the Israeli government to assist UNRWA in maintaining its neutrality by providing information about potential staff violations. Overall, the legislation aims to reinstate critical humanitarian support while emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the organization's operations.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/898/all-info