Columbia Standard

Washington D.C. - Senators Tim Scott and Ted Cruz have introduced a bill that seeks to cut off all U.S. funding to the United Nations until the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is permanently shut down. The senators argue that the agency has faced credible accusations of corruption, antisemitism, and support for terrorism, particularly in Gaza.

Senator Tim Scott emphasized the need for policies that combat terrorism rather than promote it. He stated, "Not a single cent of American tax dollars should go toward the beheading of innocent babies, rape of women, or murder of civilians."

UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance to those displaced in the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. Over the years, the United States has become the agency's largest individual donor. However, in 2018, President Trump suspended U.S. contributions to UNRWA due to concerns over its activities. President Biden later reinstated U.S. funding to the agency in 2021.

Recent reports have surfaced alleging that UNRWA staff participated in Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 35 Americans. In response, the Biden administration moved to suspend future U.S. contributions to UNRWA, but funds already obligated to the agency continue to flow.

Senator Scott has been a staunch supporter of Israel, particularly in light of the October 7th attack by Hamas. He has taken multiple steps in the 118th Congress to address the issue, including:

It is worth noting that UNRWA still receives some funding through the UN regular budget, with nearly a quarter of it provided by U.S. taxpayers.

The introduction of this bill by Senators Scott and Cruz reflects growing concerns about the alleged misconduct and support for terrorism within UNRWA. The senators aim to cut off funding to the agency until it can be permanently shuttered and the Secretary of State can certify that no UN employees within UNRWA's jurisdiction support terrorism.

The bill is expected to face significant debate and scrutiny in Congress as lawmakers grapple with the implications of cutting off funding to the United Nations. However, Senator Scott and Senator Cruz remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that American tax dollars do not support organizations that are accused of promoting terrorism and engaging in corrupt practices.