United States Accountability and Transparency in UNRWA Funding Act

[Avner]

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mrs. Avraham (for herself) submits the following

BILL

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "Accountability and Transparency in UNRWA Funding Act."

Section 2: Findings

Congress finds the following:

1. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) provides essential services to Palestinian refugees.
2. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential employment of individuals affiliated with or members of Hamas, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, within UNRWA.
3. U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be used to support organizations that may employ individuals with ties to terrorist groups.

Section 3: Prohibition on Funding to UNRWA

(a) Prohibition – No funds authorized or appropriated by any Act shall be made available for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) unless the conditions in Section 4 of this Act are satisfied.

Section 4: Certification and Investigation

(a) Certification – Before the disbursement of any U.S. funding to UNRWA, the Secretary of State shall certify in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that:

1. An independent, third-party organization or entity has conducted a comprehensive investigation.
2. The investigation has determined, with sufficient evidence, that no employees or contractors of UNRWA are members of, or have ties to, Hamas or any other U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

(b) Investigation Standards – The investigation required under this section must:

1. Review the employment records and vetting processes of UNRWA.
2. Include intelligence and law enforcement agencies where applicable.
3. Provide transparency to U.S. officials, including regular updates and reports on the vetting processes and outcomes.

Section 5: Reporting Requirements

(a) Annual Reports – The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and Director of National Intelligence, shall submit annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees regarding:

1. UNRWA's compliance with this Act.
2. Any new or ongoing investigations into the employment of individuals affiliated with Hamas or other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations.

(b) Public Transparency – The results of investigations and certifications under this Act shall be made available to the public, excluding sensitive or classified information.

Section 6: Waiver

(a) Presidential Waiver – The President may waive the requirements of this Act for a period not exceeding 180 days if:

1. The President determines and certifies in writing to Congress that such waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.
2. A detailed explanation is provided, justifying the necessity of the waiver.

(b) Extension of Waiver – The waiver may be extended for additional periods of 180 days upon re-certification by the President to Congress that such action continues to serve U.S. national security interests.

 

Quote

PES: This legislation ensures that U.S. funding to UNRWA is contingent on thorough vetting to eliminate the employment of individuals affiliated with Hamas, enhancing accountability and transparency in the use of American taxpayer dollars.

 

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