FY26 House NSRP (bill formerly known as SFOPS)

Resource

July 30, 2025

State-of-play: On 7/23/25, the House Appropriations Committee held a Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (NSRP), at which they marked up and passed (by a party-line vote of 35-27) the base text of the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (previously known as the State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) bill and its accompanying report. That hearing (video here) featured – predictably – lots of focus on Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East, including plenty of grandstanding in support of Israel and point-scoring against Palestinians, including via amendments (see all amendments). Also see the Committee (GOP) press release, Committee Approves FY26 National Security, Department of State Appropriations Act, which notes the adoption of an amendment offered by Diaz-Balart (R-FL), adopted by a vote of 34-27, that among other things “strengthens Iran sanctions and enforcement” and “confronts Muslim Brotherhood threats” and combats CCP-linked scam centers that target Americans.

Next up: On 7/25/25 the FY26 NSRP Appropriations bill was reported out of the Appropriations Committee , and formally introduced as HR 4779. Stay tuned for timing on debate/amendments on the House floor.

The Middle East in the House FY26 NSRP bill & accompanying report: As always, this bill is packed with provisions related to the Middle East in general, and related to Israel and the Palestinians in particular. Details are below.

TITLE I — DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

BILL TEXT

Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund: Perennial bill provision stating: “For necessary expenses of the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, as authorized by section 633 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (22 U.S.C. 2078), the total amount of the interest and earnings accruing to such Fund on or before September 30, 2026, to remain available until expended.”
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program: Perennial bill provision stating: “For necessary expenses of the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program, as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (22 U.S.C. 2452 note), all interest and earnings accruing to the Israeli Arab Scholarship Fund on or before September 30, 2026, to remain available until expended.”

REPORT TEXT

Earmarks in the report: The report earmarks funding for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords ($1,500,000) and the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism ($2,500,00)
Combating antisemitism: “The Committee recognizes the important work of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and directs not less than $2,500,000 be made available for the Office, as authorized by the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-332). The Committee remains concerned by the lack of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions within the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and its impact on the stability and continuity of operations of the Office. Further, the Committee encourages the Department of State to ensure that FTEs hired with this funding are adequately assigned across offices, including the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism which plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities around the world.”
Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords: “The Committee directs not less than $1,500,000 for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, as authorized by section 6407 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 (division F of Public Law 118-31).”
Foreign adversaries. “The Committee is concerned that foreign adversaries and affiliated non-state actors are conducting influence campaigns featuring antisemitic symbols graffitied in public places, antisemitic social media content, and threats made against Jewish entities. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on any known incidents of such activities taking place within the last calendar year, and whether, to what extent, and to what end, foreign adversaries and affiliated non-state actors may be using antisemitism and antisemitic symbols in this manner, including the specific narratives, techniques, and organizations targeted in these campaigns.”

TITLE III — BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Migration & Refugee Assistance (MRA): The bill stipulates that, “not less than $6,500,000 shall be made available for refugees resettling in Israel.” NOTE: The current earmark for MRA for Israel dates back to the 1990s and the influx of Jews to Israel from the former Soviet Union. As those refugee numbers decreased, the earmark has diminished, leveling off at $5 million a year since 2019 [which given the numbers of actual refugees Israel is absorbing these days is actually a huge amount per capita], but now raised by House Republicans — seeking to increase this hard earmark by (at least) a whopping 13% (under this provision $6.5 million would be the floor, not the ceiling, for funding available to Israel in the category). For more on the history of MRA for Israel, see this report from the Congressional Research Service. The Report accompanying the bill adds: “The Committee provides not less than $6,500,000 for refugees from the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other refugees resettling in Israel.”

NATIONAL SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS (formerly known as ESF): The REPORT TEXT includes a table laying out “National Security Investment Programs” allocations includes for the Middle East and North Africa as follows:

Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI): $50 million
Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC): $10 million
Near East Regional Democracy: $55 million
USAID-Israel Development Cooperation: $4 million

TITLE IV – INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

BILL TEXT

Non-proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR): This section of the bill includes a perennial stipulation that “…funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for the IAEA unless the Secretary of State determines that Israel is being denied its right to participate in the activities of that Agency”
Peacekeeping Operations (PKO): The bill earmarks not less than $30 million “for a United States contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai”

REPORT TEXT

Multinational Force and Observers Mission (MFO). “The Committee directs $30,000,000 for the Multinational Force and Observers Mission in the Sinai, including $6,000,000 for force protection requirements. The Committee notes the invaluable service provided by the MFO in preserving stability in a very volatile part of the world with relatively few personnel and a small budget. United States leadership and participation in the MFO is important to the national security interest of the United States.”
Foreign Military Financing (FMF): Most FMF for the Middle East is covered in Sec. 7041 (see below). In addition, the report accompanying the bill lays out FMF for the Middle East as follows: Bahrain – $4,000,000; Egypt – $1,375,000,000; Israel – $3,300,000,000; Jordan – $475,000,000; Morocco – $20,000,000

TITLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS

BILL TEXT

Section 7004: Diplomatic Facilities — Part (e) of this section stipulates that, “ (e) Facilities.–None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used–(1) to move the United States embassy to the State of Israel to a location other than Jerusalem; or (2) for a United States Embassy, Consulate General, or any other diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the United States Embassy to the State of Israel.”

Section 7007: Prohibition against direct funding for certain countries — This is a perennial provision banning aid to Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria, extending to loans, credits, insurance, and guarantees of the Export-Import Bank or its agents.

Section 7008: Coups d’état — This is a perennial provision stating that no US funding “shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup d’etat or decree or, after the date of enactment of this Act, a coup d’etat or decree in which the military plays a decisive role.” It also states that “assistance may be resumed to such government if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that subsequent to the termination of assistance a democratically elected government has taken office” and that the prohibition in this section “shall not apply to assistance to promote democratic elections or public participation in democratic processes, or to support a democratic transition.” It also includes a waiver. Reminder: this is the provision that caused problems for the Obama Administration in the context of Egypt.

Section 7013: Prohibition on taxation of assistance — This is a perennial provision barring taxation of U.S. assistance and imposing huge financial penalties on governments that do so. While this provision appears generic, the only recipient explicitly identified is the West Bank and Gaza. This singling out of the Palestinians reflects the genesis of the provision: long-ago allegations that the Palestinian Authority (PA) was taxing U.S. assistance provided to NGOs (recall that under existing law direct aid to the PA is prohibited), and thereby indirectly benefiting from US assistance designed specifically to bypass the PA. [Note: this is the section that was raised as a problem back when Israel was considering imposing massive taxes on foreign government donations to civil society organizations].

Section 7015: Notification Requirements — Part (f) of this provision states that no funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act (pretty much all funds in the bill) may be obligated or expended for assistance to a laundry list of countries, “except as provided through regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.” From the Middle East, the list includes (this year): Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Section 7021: Prohibition on assistance to governments supporting international terrorism — Perennial provision prohibiting funding to any country “which provides lethal military equipment to a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined supports international terrorism for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c))…” and prohibits bilateral assistance to any country that supports international terrorism, gives sanctuary to terrorists, or is controlled by a terrorist organization. The section includes national security waivers for both restrictions.

Section 7033: International Religious Freedom — Part (c) notes: “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’ may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law for assistance for ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria..”

Section 7034: Special Provisions: Part (f)(3) of this section extends existing U.S. loan guarantees for Israel (provided under Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108–11; 117 Stat. 576) until September 30, 2030 [NOTE: This is the emergency $9 billion that was provided for Israel in 2003, quietly extended over and over by Congress for going on 20 years. As noted in a recent CRS report on US aid to Israel, “Israeli officials may believe that although they have not used the loan guarantees in the last 18 years, maintaining the program boosts the country’s fiscal standing among international creditors in capital markets.“]

Section 7035: Law Enforcement and Security

Part (b)(3) of this section of the bill is a perennial provision providing for financing of commercial leasing of defense articles to Israel, Egypt, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and major non-NATO allies.
Part (b)(5) is entitled, “War Reserve Stockpile Authority.” It stipulates that “For fiscal year 2026, section 514(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not apply to defense articles to be set aside, earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as reserve stocks in stockpiles in the State of Israel.” What this means, in effect, is that for FY25, Israel can legally obtain unlimited amounts of defense articles from US war reserve stockpiles.
Part (c)(2) lays out limitations related to landmines and cluster munitions.

Section 7037: Palestinian statehood — Perennial provision barring (with extensive language) assistance to a Palestinian state that does not meet a series of conditions (includes perennial Presidential waiver authority). It also includes: “The restriction in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance intended to help reform the Palestinian Authority and affiliated institutions, or the governing entity, in order to help meet the requirements of subsection (a), consistent with the provisions of section 7040 of this Act (“Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian Authority”)”

Section 7038: Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corp — Perennial provision (dating back many many years) barring any U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.

Section 7039: Assistance for the West Bank and Gaza (perennial)

Part (a): OVERSIGHT – this sub-section stipulates that “For fiscal year 2026, 30 days prior to the initial obligation of funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, the Secretary of State shall certify to the Committees on Appropriations that procedures have been established to assure the Comptroller General of the United States will have access to appropriate United States financial information in order to review the uses of United States assistance for the Program funded under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund’ for the West Bank and Gaza.”
Part (b): VETTING – this sub-section stipulates that “Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Economic Support Fund” for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that such assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private or government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity nor, with respect to private entities or educational institutions, those that have as a principal officer of the entity’s governing board or governing board of trustees any individual that has been determined to be involved in, or advocating terrorist activity or determined to be a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, as appropriate, establish procedures specifying the steps to be taken in carrying out this subsection and shall terminate assistance to any individual, entity, or educational institution which the Secretary has determined to be involved in or advocating terrorist activity.”
Part (c): PROHIBITION – This subsection bars use of funds for the West Bank and Gaza being used for: “Recognizing or otherwise honoring individuals who commit, or have committed acts of terrorism” or for “any educational institution located in the West Bank or Gaza that is named after an individual who the Secretary of State determines has committed an act of terrorism.” It also bars funding for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza under the the Secretary of State report to Congress on “the benchmarks that have been established for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza and on the extent of Palestinian compliance with such benchmarks” and “the steps being taken by the Palestinian Authority to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees, including by bringing to justice members of Palestinian security forces who commit such crimes.”
Part (d): AUDIT – this sub-section lays out required oversight by USAID, including annual (at least) audits of “all contractors and grantees, and significant subcontractors and sub-grantees, under the West Bank and Gaza Program“, and allocating up to $1.4 million to USAID for “audits, investigations, and other activities in furtherance of the requirements of this subsection.”
Part (e): AUDIT – this subsection requires the Comptroller General of the United States to audit and investigate “the treatment, handling, and uses of all funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, including all funds provided as cash transfer assistance, in fiscal year 2025 under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund’”
Part (f): NOTIFICATION – this subsection states that “Funds made available in this Act for West Bank and Gaza shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”

Section 7040: Limitation on Assistance to the Palestinian Authority (perennial)

>Prohibiting aid to the PA: Part (a) bars any funds from this act being used to provide funding to the Palestinian Authority.

>Waiver of Prohibition on Aid to the PA (but not really): Part (b) enables the President to waive the ban in (a) if he certifies to Congress that doing so “is important to the national security interest of the United States.” [Note: Don’t let Part (b) fool you. Part (e), below, turns what otherwise looks like a clean national security waiver into an exercise in which the Executive’s ability to support/defend/promote US national security is made conditional on factors that are outside US control; as in, if the Secretary of State cannot make the certification required under part (e) of this section, the president cannot exercise the “waiver” provided under part (b) of this section, US national security be damned].

>Limitations on that supposed waiver: Part (c) stipulates that any waiver under (b) “shall be effective for no more than a period of 6 months at a time and shall not apply beyond 12 months after the enactment of this Act.” Part (d) requires a report to Congress from the President in conjunction with any use of the waiver in part (b), detailing “the justification for the waiver, the purposes for which the funds will be spent, and the accounting procedures in place to ensure that the funds are properly disbursed” and also detailing “the steps the Palestinian Authority has taken to arrest terrorists, confiscate weapons and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.” And Part (e) requires that in conjunction with any use of the waiver in part (b), the Secretary of State “must certify and report to the Committees on Appropriations prior to the obligation of funds that the Palestinian Authority has established a single treasury account for all Palestinian Authority financing and all financing mechanisms flow through this account, no parallel financing mechanisms exist outside of the Palestinian Authority treasury account, and there is a single comprehensive civil service roster and payroll, and the Palestinian Authority is acting to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and is supporting activities aimed at promoting peace, coexistence, and security cooperation with Israel.”

>Barring Aid to the PLO, Hamas, or any power-sharing govt: Part (f), is a long subsection entitled “Prohibition to Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization” (lumping together a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization with the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people that is NOT on the list of U.S.-designated FTO since that list was first published in 1997).

This subsection bars funding to the PLO and bars funding for salaries of PA personnel in Gaza or for Hamas or any for entity “or any entity effectively controlled by Hamas, any power-sharing government of which Hamas is a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises undue influence.” NOTE: The formulation in this legislation, which dates back to the Obama era, was explicitly designed to make it difficult for the U.S. engage any kind of Palestinian power-sharing government that could result from some future Fatah-Hamas reconciliation or from some other arrangements that lead to a national unity government or a mutually-agreed technocratic government (the text has evolved over the years in response to Palestinian efforts to achieve such governments).
The section includes language of past bills stipulating that the prohibition does not apply if the President “certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government, including all of its ministers or such equivalent, has publicly accepted and is complying with the principles contained in section 620K(b)(1) (A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.” It also includes the proviso that, “the President may exercise the authority in section 620K(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by the Palestine Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-446) with respect to this subsection.”
As a reminder, Section 620K(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, reads as follows: (b) Certification.–A certification described in subsection (a) is a certification transmitted by the President to Congress that contains a determination of the President that– (1) no ministry, agency, or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority is effectively controlled by Hamas, unless the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority has– (A) publicly acknowledged the Jewish state of Israel’s right to exist; and (B) committed itself and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States Government, with the Government of Israel, and with the international community, including agreements and understandings pursuant to the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (commonly referred to as the `Roadmap’).
And 620K(e) reads as follows: (e) National Security Waiver.– (1) In general.–Subject to paragraph (2), the President may waive subsection (a) with respect to-(A) the administrative and personal security costs of the Office of the President of the Palestinian Authority; (B) the activities of the President of the Palestinian Authority to fulfill his or her duties as President, including to maintain control of the management and security of border crossings, to foster the Middle East peace process, and to promote democracy and the rule of law; and (C) assistance for the judiciary branch of the Palestinian Authority and other entities. (2) Certification.–The President may only exercise the waiver authority under paragraph (1) after– (A) consulting with, and submitting a written policy justification to, the appropriate congressional committees; and (B) certifying to the appropriate congressional committees that– (i) it is in the national security interest of the United States to provide assistance otherwise prohibited under subsection (a); and (ii) the individual or entity for which assistance is proposed to be provided is not a member of, or effectively controlled by (as the case may be), Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization.

Section 7041: Middle East and North Africa

>>>BAHRAIN<<<

Not mentioned in the bill, but the Report notes: “The Committee notes the important role that the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) with Bahrain plays in facilitating cooperation between the United States and Bahrain on areas of shared interest. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to prioritize diplomatic efforts to increase membership in C-SIPA to benefit United States interests in the Middle East and the United States partnership with Bahrain.”

>>>EGYPT<<<

BILL TEXT

(1) Assistance.–Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $1,425,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Egypt, of which– (A) not less than $125,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading “National Security Investment Programs”; and (B) not less than $1,300,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’, to remain available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That such funds may be transferred to an interest bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

(2) Additional security assistance.–In addition to amounts made available pursuant to paragraph (1), not less than $75,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ shall be made available for assistance for Egypt.

(3) Certification and report.–Funds appropriated by this Act that are available for assistance for Egypt may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting assistance for Egypt, except for this subsection and section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and may only be made available for assistance for the Government of Egypt if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government is–(A) sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States; and (B) meeting its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.

REPORT TEXT

“The Committee notes that the United States and Egypt share a mutual interest in Middle East peace and stability, economic opportunity, and regional security. Since the Camp David Accords, United States assistance to Egypt has played an important role in the country’s economic and military development. The Committee recognizes the enduring Egypt-Israel peace agreement as well as Egypt’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and counter Iran’s malign influence in the region.
Supporting a stable, democratic, and prosperous Egypt continues to be a core objective of United States foreign policy.
Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations regarding different options, including a memorandum of understanding, to augment long-term planning in the mutually beneficial United States-Egypt partnership, particularly with respect to security assistance.
The Committee directs not less than $1,425,000,000 for assistance for Egypt. Pursuant to subsection (a)(2), an additional $75,000,000 under Foreign Military Financing Program is included to make up for prior year Foreign Military Financing Program funds that expired or were reprogrammed rather than being made available for the intended purpose. In addition to amounts provided in subsection (a), the Committee directs that $2,000,000 be made available from Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and $2,000,000 be made available from International Military Education and Training.
The Committee directs that $40,000,000 of the funds appropriated under National Security Investment Programs and made available for assistance for Egypt be allocated for higher education programs in Egypt, including $17,500,000 for scholarships for Egyptian students with high financial need to attend not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Egypt that are currently accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or meet standards equivalent to those required for United States institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting agency recognized by such Department. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on implementation of funds made available for scholarships in Egypt.”
Report required — “Religious freedom.–Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the report required under this heading in section 7041 of House Report 117-84 concerning the treatment of Christian communities in Egypt.”

>>>IRAN<<<

BILL TEXT

(b) Iran.– (1) Funding.–Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings ‘Diplomatic Programs’, ‘National Security Investment Programs’, and ‘Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs’ shall be made available–(A) to support the United States policy to prevent Iran from achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon; (B) to support an expeditious response to any violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions or to efforts that advance Iran’s nuclear program; (C) to support the implementation and enforcement of sanctions against Iran for support of nuclear weapons development, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile and weapons proliferation; and (D) for democracy programs in support of the aspirations of the Iranian people.

(2) Reports.– (A) Semi-annual report.–The Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations the semi-annual report required by section 135(d)(4) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2160e(d)(4)), as added by section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-17). (B) Sanctions report.–Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report– (i) describing the impact of United States sanctions, including secondary sanctions, on Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear program, destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missiles and weapons proliferation; And (ii) providing an assessment of Iran’s existing sources of revenue, and whether such revenue is derived from transactions with potentially sanctionable entities that have not yet been designated.

(3) Limitations.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be– (A) used to implement an agreement with the Government of Iran relating to the nuclear program of Iran, or a renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action adopted on October 18, 2015, in contravention of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 2160e); (B) made available to any foreign entity or person that is subject to United Nations or United States bilateral sanctions with respect to the Government of Iran; or (C) used to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).

REPORT TEXT

“The Committee directs that $2,000,000 above the prior year level be made available for the implementation, enforcement, and renewal of sanctions against Iran.”
“The Committee is gravely concerned by Iran’s escalatory nuclear activities, before and after the June 2025 conflict.
“The Committee notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency has found that Iran is not in compliance with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and has consistently failed to provide information about undeclared nuclear material and activities.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to work with partners and allies to address the threat of Iran’s nuclear program and any related further proliferation risks, including through the snapback of UN sanctions on Iran.
The Committee continues to emphasize that preventing Iran from achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon is vital to United States national security interests.
The Committee notes the significant loss of life and damage caused by Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs and support for terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East. Any sanctions relief provided to Iran could further Iran’s ability to fund these dangerous lines of effort. The Committee urges the Secretary of State to ensure that any agreement with Iran includes strict limitations on missiles, drones, and support for terrorist proxies to prevent Iran from being a threat to the United States, Israel, and our partners and allies in the Middle East.
The Committee remains concerned by Iran’s ongoing efforts to expand its regional influence and undermine United States and allied interests through Iran’s support for a network of terrorist groups including Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. Iran’s sustained backing of these groups–through arms transfers, training, and financial support–continues to threaten United States interests, regional stability, and international security.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, to prioritize efforts to disrupt Iranian malign influence, enhance the capabilities of partner forces, and strengthen deterrence through coordinated diplomatic, security, and intelligence initiatives.
The Committee continues to support the Iranian people’s desire for democracy and fundamental freedoms, including the right to elect the country’s leadership through free and fair elections. The proven ability of Iranian women to bravely lead the demands for rights and change is recognized and commended by this Committee and met with a commitment to continue support from the American people.”

>>>IRAQ<<<

Not mentioned in the bill, but the report text includes:

“The Committee continues to support assistance for Iraq in support of United States national security interests, particularly with respect to countering Iran’s malign activities and ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS. Funds should be made available for: bilateral economic assistance and international security assistance, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI); stabilization assistance; humanitarian assistance, including in the KRI; programs to protect and assist religious and ethnic minority populations; and programs to increase United States private sector investment. Funds appropriated by this Act under title III and made available for bilateral economic assistance for Iraq may not be made available to an organization or entity which the Secretary of State has credible information is controlled by the Badr Organization.
The Committee continues to support programming that assists in the creation of conditions for minorities in Iraq and Syria who were victims of genocide to safely return to, and remain in, their ancestral homeland.
The Committee directs the Department of State to ensure that assistance, including security assistance, intended for the KRI can be accessed and used in the KRI as planned.
Within the amount provided under National Security Investment Programs, the Committee directs $15,000,000 be made available to support American-style higher education institutions in Iraq, including in the KRI, on an open and competitive basis. Such funds should include support for non-degree and certificate granting programs at such institutions that equip graduates of universities, institutes, and secondary schools with the knowledge and skills required to obtain gainful employment in the private sector. The Secretary of State shall include funds to be allocated for this purpose in the spend plan submitted pursuant to section 7062(b) of this Act.”

>>>ISRAEL<<<

BILL TEXT: “Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’, not less than $3,300,000,000 shall be available for grants only for Israel: Provided, That any funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ and made available for assistance for Israel shall be disbursed within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act: Provided further, That to the extent that the Government of Israel requests that funds be used for such purposes, grants made available for Israel under this heading shall, as agreed by the United States and Israel, be available for advanced weapons systems, of which not less than $250,300,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services, including research and development.”

REPORT TEXT

The Committee recommendation includes steadfast support for Israel by providing $3,300,000,000 from funds made available under Foreign Military Financing Program, consistent with the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding. While Israel’s recent military success against Iran and its proxies, alongside American strategic kinetic action against key nuclear sites, has left Iran and its proxies weakened and vulnerable, the Committee remains deeply concerned about Tehran’s ballistic missile capability and nuclear program. The Committee recommendation continues to prohibit funding to implement or enforce any agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program, including renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, unless such agreement complies with the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. In addition, the Committee prohibits the use of funds to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Furthermore, the Committee encourages increased vigilance and support to our partners facing threats from the Iranian regime and its proxies in the region.”
“Subsection (c) directs not less than $3,300,000,000 in grants for military assistance under the Foreign Military Financing Program to Israel, which is the same as the budget request. Of the funds provided, not less than $250,300,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services to the extent that the Government of Israel requests that funds be used for such purposes, consistent with the 2016 United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding and the budget request.
The Committee expects the Secretary of State to prioritize additional funds appropriated by this Act for Israel, as necessary, to address urgent security requirements.
The Committee reaffirms its support of the 2016 United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, which demonstrates the United States’ unshakable commitment to the security of Israel and to ensuring that Israel’s qualitative military edge and defense capabilities are maintained.
The Committee strongly believes in the right and ability of Israel to defend itself against the wide range of threats it faces and believes that a close United States-Israel security partnership benefits the interests of both countries.
The Committee further believes that by contributing to a safe and secure Israel, United States assistance positively contributes to any progress towards peace achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Committee assesses that Hamas, even in a degraded state, continues to pose a significant threat to the security and interests of the United States, Israel, and regional partners.
The Committee reaffirms unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense and endorses continued United States-Israel security and diplomatic coordination to prevent the resurgence of violent extremism.
The Committee further supports efforts to fully dismantle Hamas’ military and political infrastructure and urges the Department of State to prioritize long-term strategies that promote regional stability and prevent future conflict.
The Committee notes that Congress previously provided emergency supplemental funds for Israel, including humanitarian assistance. The Committee directs funds to be made available to address humanitarian needs in Israel, such as safe medical transport, in light of continued attacks on the civilian population, including ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks from Iran and the Houthis in Yemen. [NOTE: This bill does not earmark a penny for humanitarian aid for Gaza]
The Committee supports historical, archaeological, and cultural initiatives, including in Jerusalem, that strengthen and deepen the United States-Israel special relationship. The Committee notes that the City of David in Biblical Jerusalem has been recognized by the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on plans to fund and implement such initiatives. The Committee directs not less than $5,000,000 be directed to such initiatives.” [NOTE: This appears to be a new initiative to harness US policy to normalize and solidy Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem and Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaponize archeology to take over the area of East Jerusalem adjacent to the Old City]

>>>JORDAN<<<

BILL TEXT: “Of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV, not less than $1,650,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, of which not less than $845,100,000 shall be made available for budget support for the Government of Jordan and not less than $425,000,000 shall be made available under the heading “Foreign Military Financing Program”. (2) In addition to amounts made available pursuant to paragraph (1), not less than $400,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading “National Security Investment Programs” shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, which shall be made available for budget support, and not less than $50,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ shall be made available for assistance for Jordan.”

REPORT TEXT

“Jordan.–Section 7041(d)(1) directs not less than $1,650,000,000 be made available for Jordan from funds under titles III and IV, including not less than $845,100,000 for budget support for the Government of Jordan from funds under this heading. Section 7041 (d)(2) provides an additional $400,000,000 of funds appropriated under this heading for Jordan to respond to extraordinary needs resulting from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Jordan is a key United States partner that provides indispensable support for United States interests in the Middle East. Ensuring Jordan’s stability, including through investments in water infrastructure, is important to United States national Security.”
“The Committee notes the importance of the United States relationship with the Kingdom of Jordan and the strong leadership role that Jordan continues to play in advancing peace and stability in the region. The Secretary of State shall continue to support economic reforms, including through budget support, to help ensure Jordan’s long-term stability and help mitigate the impact of hosting large numbers of refugees. Subsection (d)(1) directs not less than $1,650,000,000 for assistance for Jordan. Of the total amount provided, the Committee directs that not less than $2,500,000 be made available from International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, $10,400,000 be made available from Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs, and $3,800,000 be made available from International Military Education and Training.
Subsection (d)(2) provides an additional $450,000,000 from funds appropriated by this Act for assistance for Jordan to address urgent needs resulting from the malign activities of Iran and its proxies.
Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on humanitarian assistance for Jordan.
The Committee recognizes that Jordan continues to face economic and security challenges in the Middle East, including limited natural resources, regional conflict, and persistent humanitarian pressures, which impact United States interests in the region.
The Committee directs the Secretary of State to engage with Jordan on efforts to advance regional security and stability and to encourage private-sector investment that strengthens critical sectors such as water, energy, and infrastructure. The Committee also encourages such discussions to include continued protection and preservation of sites of religious significance including the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ and the surrounding region.”

>>>LEBANON<<<

BILL TEXT

“(1) Limitation.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) or the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) if the ISF or the LAF is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).

(2) Security assistance.– (A) Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings ‘International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement’ and ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may be made available for programs and equipment for the ISF and the LAF to address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. (B) Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Foreign Military Financing Program” that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may only be made available for programs to–(i) professionalize the LAF to mitigate internal and external threats from non-state actors, including Hizballah; (ii) strengthen the security of borders and combat terrorism, including training and equipping the LAF to secure the borders of Lebanon and address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, interdicting arms shipments, and preventing the use of Lebanon as a safe haven for terrorist groups; and (iii) implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701: Provided, That prior to obligating funds made available by this subparagraph for assistance for the LAF, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a spend plan, including actions to be taken to ensure equipment provided to the LAF is used only for the intended purposes, except such plan may not be considered as meeting the notification requirements under section 7015 of this Act or under section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That any notification submitted pursuant to such section shall include any funds specifically intended for lethal military equipment.”

REPORT TEXT

Subsection (e) is modified from the prior year by deleting language making non-security assistance for Lebanon available notwithstanding any other provision of law. The bill continues the requirement that certain conditions be met prior to the obligation of Foreign Military Financing Program funds for Lebanon.
The Committee intends that assistance provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) not be used against Israel and such assistance will not affect Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
The Committee notes that paragraph (1) of this subsection prohibits funds for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces or the LAF if either organization is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, and the Committee directs the Secretary of State to regularly consult with the Committees on Appropriations regarding the rigorous implementation of this provision, the activities of the LAF, and assistance provided by the United States…
The Committee directs that support be continued at not less than the prior year under National Security Investment Programs for the Lebanon scholarship program and the undergraduate and graduate scholarship program for refugees in Lebanon. The Secretary of State is directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on an ongoing basis regarding how the programs will be administered by not-for-profit educational institutions in Lebanon that meet the standards required for American accreditation and other matters related to implementation.
The Committee notes the important and enduring partnerships with institutions of higher education in Lebanon and directs the Secretary of State to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on funding for such institutions, including funding made available pursuant to section 7060(a)(2).
“Report required – Countering Hizballah and Iran in Lebanon.–Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing: (1) the presence or deployment south of the Litani River of any armed groups other than the LAF, including Hizballah and Palestinian terrorist groups, and efforts by the Government of Lebanon, including the LAF, to counter such presence; (2) any production, sales, or supply of arms and related materiel into Lebanon by Iran, Hizballah, Palestinian terrorist groups, or other designated terrorist entities, and efforts by the Government of Lebanon, including the LAF, to counter such activities; (3) the extent to which the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is fulfilling its mandate under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701 and contributing to implementing the November 26, 2024 Cessation of Hostilities agreement; (4) the extent of the LAF’s compliance with UNSCR 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement in Lebanon, and the LAF’s cooperation on implementing such agreement; (5) any capability gaps or other factors that hinder the LAF’s ability to effectively comply with UNSCR 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement and any plans for United States assistance to Lebanon to be used to address these gaps; (6) the extent of Hizballah’s influence within Lebanon, including the legislative, judicial, and financial institutions of Lebanon and the LAF; (7) the extent of Iranian influence in Lebanon; and (8) illegal money laundering or smuggling of cash into Lebanon by Iran or sanctioned persons. The report shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may contain a classified annex that is transmitted separately from the unclassified report.”

>>>MOROCCO<<<

REPORT TEXT:: “The Committee continues to support assistance for Morocco in support of United States national security interests and directs not less than $20,000,000 under National Security Investment Programs and $20,000,000 under Foreign Military Financing Program.”

>>>SYRIA<<<

BILL TEXT

“(1) Non-lethal assistance.–Funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for non-lethal stabilization assistance for Syria, including for emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons investigations.

(2) Limitations.–Funds made available pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection–(A) may not be made available for a project or activity that supports or otherwise legitimizes the Government of Iran, foreign terrorist organizations (as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189)), or a proxy of Iran in Syria; and (B) may not be made available for activities that further the strategic objectives of the governments of the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China that the Secretary of State determines may threaten or undermine United States national security interests.(3) Consultation.–Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs that are made available for any new program, project, or activity in Syria shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.”

REPORT TEXT

The Committee directs the Secretary of State to take all practicable steps to ensure that mechanisms are in place for monitoring, oversight, and control of any assistance provided inside Syria and notes that section 7015(j), which requires prompt notification of any assistance diverted or destroyed, applies to funds made available for such assistance for Syria. Pursuant to section 7015(f), funds may not be obligated or expended for assistance for Syria except as provided through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee notes significant changes with respect to Syria following the fall of the Assad regime and ongoing actions to lift United States sanctions and other restrictions on Syria pursuant to Executive Order 14312, relating to Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions. This Act contains a new requirement that any new program or activity in Syria initiated in fiscal year 2026 shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
Remnants of the Assad regime and associated forces remain in Syria and continue to have financial interests within parts of Syria. Any United States assistance made available for Syria should be programmed in a way that does not benefit such entities.
The Committee supports efforts to de-escalate tensions across Syria. The Committee opposes any actions that would inhibit efforts to address the security threat and humanitarian challenges posed by conditions at the al-Hol displacement camp and associated ISIS-detention sites administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces.
The Committee recognizes the longtime efforts of local Syrian and diaspora organizations, as well as relief organizations, to implement lifesaving interventions in Syria, including support for emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons investigations. The Committee urges the Secretary of State, within the requirements of this Act, to work to ensure continued delivery of humanitarian aid into and within Syria.

>>>WEST BANK & GAZA<<<

NOTE: The bill includes no earmark (hard or soft) for assistance for either the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. Instead, this section lays out (and expands) limitations, restrictions, etc, on aid to the West Bank and Gaza.

BILL TEXT

Barring Aid to the PA: Part 1(A) is perennial language (dating back to the Obama era) barring any National Security Investment Programs (formerly known as ESF) for the PA if, after the date this bill becomes law, “ the Palestinians obtain the same standing as member states or full membership as a state in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians”or if “the Palestinians initiate an International Criminal Court (ICC) judicially authorized investigation, or actively support such an investigation, that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians”. The bill includes no waiver of any kind for either of these restrictions, even if the President were to decide it was necessary for U.S. national security.

Preventing the PLO Office from Re-Opening in the U.S.: Part 1(B) limits the President’s ability to waive longstanding (and anachronistic) legislation barring the PLO from having any representation in the United States. Where for decades Congress granted the President a “clean” national security or national interests waiver of that prohibition (contained in section 1003 of Public Law 100-204), starting in the Obama era Congress moved to make such waiver contingent on the President certifying that the Palestinians have not, after the date of enactment of this Act, “obtained in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof the same standing as member states or full membership as a state outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians” or “initiated or actively supported an ICC investigation against Israeli nationals for alleged crimes against Palestinians” or “initiated any further action, whether directly or indirectly, based on an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice that undermines direct negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including matters related to final status and Israel’s longstanding security rights and responsibilities.” This section includes a Presidential waiver, under which the President can permit the office to open even if the conditions are not met, but only if he can certify that “the Palestinians have entered into direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel” [so there is not even a pretense that US national security would be a reason for a waiver…].

DE-FUNDING US DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT WITH PALESTINIANS — Part (1)(C) of this section states simply: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available for the Office of Palestinian Affairs, Department of State.” NOTE: The Office of Palestinian Affairs was the part of the US Embassy in Jerusalem responsible for dealing with Palestinian-related issues and engaging Palestinians – so in effect this provision ends US diplomatic outreach to and engagement with Palestinians [which is already the policy of the current Administration].

Taylor Force Act: Part 2 of this section states: “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “National Security Investment Programs” that are made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza shall be made available consistent with section 1004(a) of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115-141).”

Report Text adds: Compliance with the Taylor Force Act: “The Committee underscores the importance of full compliance with the restrictions of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115-141) and continued efforts to fully implement the law, including increasing diplomatic efforts to end the Palestinian Authority’s practice of paying salaries to terrorists in Israeli prisons and paying for acts of terrorism. As described in section 7040 of this Act, and in compliance with the Taylor Force Act, no funding made available by this Act shall be provided to the Palestinian Authority.”

Also in the Report Text: Prisoner payments.—”Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is directed to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of negotiating an end to the Palestinian Authority’s practice of paying salaries to terrorists and families of terrorists serving in prison and other forms of such support.”

Security report: Part 3 of this section states: “The reporting requirements in section 1404 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110–252) shall apply to funds made available by this Act, including a description of modifications, if any, to the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority..”

As a reminder, Section 1404 of PL 110-252 states: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report on assistance provided by the United States for the training of Palestinian security forces, including detailed descriptions of the training, curriculum, and equipment provided; an assessment of the training and the performance of forces after training has been completed; and a description of the assistance that has been pledged and provided to Palestinian security forces by other donors: Provided, That not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall report to the Committees on Appropriations, in classified form if necessary, on the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority.”

Incitement report: Part 4 of this section states: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and to promote peace and coexistence with Israel.” [The bill of course nowhere acknowledges, let alone calls for action to address, the non-stop genocidal, racist, violent, dehumanizing, hateful rhetoric and incitement that is being produced every by Israeli politicians, media figures, active-duty soldiers, and hasbara heroes – and disseminated by them, giddily, on media and social media pretty much every day since October 7th).

Bifurcating Palestine: Part 5 of this section states, “Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of State shall bifurcate the budget operating unit of “West Bank and Gaza” into separate units. NOTE: Under the Oslo Accords (which the US ostensibly still supports), the West Bank and Gaza Strip are to be treated as a single territorial unit. Efforts to bifurcate them into separate units align closely with longstanding efforts of Greater Israel advocates.

>>>MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES related to Section 7041<<<

REPORT TEXT

Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).–The Committee directs funding for MEPI to support programs consistent with prior fiscal years. The Committee further directs that, in an effort to streamline programming and reduce redundancy, funds previously provided for similar activities for Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon be made available through MEPI. Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds provided under this heading and funds made available pursuant to section 7060(a)(2) of this Act.

Abraham Accords: “The Committee notes the increased understanding, cooperation, and interfaith dialogue brought about by peace and normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, including the Abraham Accords, and encourages continued progress to expand these agreements, the Negev Forum, and other multilateral efforts. Following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, the urgent need for regional unity as well as economic and security cooperation has become more apparent than ever. The Committee further notes the need for dedicated resources to implement the Israel Relations Normalization Act (division Z of Public Law 117-103) to deepen ties between Israel and Arab and Muslim-majority countries. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to ensure resources are available to leverage, strengthen, and expand existing peace and normalization agreements and establish new ones. The Secretary shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on the availability of flexible resources and intended uses of such funds.”

Arab League boycott of Israel: “It is the sense of the Committee that: (1) the Arab League boycott of Israel, and the secondary boycott of American firms that have commercial ties with Israel, remain an impediment to trade and investment in the Middle East and should be terminated immediately, as should the Central Office for the Boycott of Israel; (2) several Arab states and Israel have made important progress toward peace through treaties and normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, which open a path toward a more stable and prosperous Middle East; (3) all Arab League states should join Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan in establishing and normalizing relations with Israel, in addition to promoting peace negotiations, economic cooperation, and security cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians; (4) the President and the Secretary of State should continue to vigorously oppose the Arab League boycott of Israel; and (5) the President should support broadening and deepening participation in the Abraham Accords, and other normalization agreements, and report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the United States strategy, including steps being taken by the United States to encourage additional Arab League and other Muslim-majority states to normalize relations with Israel, and the prospect of advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”

Boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) annual report: “The Committee remains concerned about international efforts to stigmatize and isolate Israel through the BDS movement. The Committee directs, as part of the report required under the heading “Arab League boycott of Israel”, that the President add information about the BDS campaign, which shall cover companies, international organizations, countries, and other organizations, including state investment vehicles, that are involved in promoting the movement and specific steps the Department of State has taken or expects to take to discourage or end politically-motivated efforts to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel and Israeli entities. Such reporting requirement shall not be considered met by the requirements of section 909 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-125).”

Monitoring, notification, and vetting:

The Committee directs the Secretary of State to promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of any alleged incident involving any United States assistance used in such a way that adversely affects or jeopardizes such assistance. This includes any incidents where United States assistance has directly or indirectly been provided to an individual or organization with ties to terrorism or incitement of violence.
The BDS movement has engaged in the spread of anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism. The Secretary of State shall expand vetting policies and practices to ensure that United States assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private entity, government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, the BDS movement. The Committee directs the Secretary to strengthen policies and procedures to ensure organizations supported through funding are not participants in the BDS movement, are not glorifying violence, and are not providing support for lawfare against the United States or Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) or International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The Committee notes allegations of assistance provided to individuals or entities engaging in political activities and directs the Secretary of State to expand vetting policies and practices to include an assessment of political neutrality and a review of sta tements by individuals or organizations that constitute engagement in political advocacy, incitement, or support for terrorism that would cause operational and reputational risks for the United States Government.

BDS vetting: “ Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the report required under this heading in section 7041 of House Report 118-146 on steps taken to expand vetting policies and procedures to ensure that organizations receiving United States assistance do not directly or indirectly participate in or promote the BDS movement.”

Combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance: “Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, Jewish communities around the world have been subject to significant increases in antisemitism and violent attacks. Countering antisemitism in all its forms is in the national security interests of the United States. The Committee supports educational and cultural exchange initiatives that strengthen United States-Israel partnerships through institutions dedicated to promoting tolerance, combating antisemitism, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Within the funds provided under the heading Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs, the Committee encourages support for programming that engages students and community leaders in immersive, technologically driven experiences focused on navigating conflict, understanding diverse perspectives, and building social cohesion. The Committee recommends that the Department prioritize partnerships with institutions that demonstrate a commitment to education, mutual respect, and citizen engagement between the United States and Israel.”

Efforts to release hostages: “The Committee remains deeply concerned that hostages continue to be held in Gaza by Hamas following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack. The Committee commends ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of those held captive and the return of the remains of those who were murdered. The Committee affirms that securing the freedom of the remaining hostages is a critical United States national security priority and urges regional partners and allies to intensify their efforts toward achieving this objective.”

Muslim Brotherhood: “The Committee is deeply concerned by the destabilizing role that the Muslim Brotherhood plays in the Middle East and actions by Muslim Brotherhood entities in various countries that threaten United States interests in the region. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees describing the policies, including visa restrictions, the Department of State is implementing to address the threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. For the purposes of this paragraph, the appropriate congressional committees shall also include the Committees on the Judiciary.”

Lowey Fund: “The Committee supports efforts that foster reconciliation and engagement and therefore recommends not less than the prior fiscal year level under National Security Investment Programs for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (title VIII of division K of Public Law 116-260).”

Section 7042 – Africa

REPORT TEXT

South Africa.–The Committee notes that the United States has provided significant financial support to the people of South Africa while the Government of South Africa has worked in direct opposition to United States and partner nation interests, including through military and economic cooperation with the Russian Federation, the PRC, and Iran, pursuing baseless charges of genocide against Israel, while not Hamas, at the International Court of Justice, and participating in the practice of human trafficking through the use of Cuban doctors. Therefore, subsection (b) prohibits funds to the Government of South Africa unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of South Africa has met the following conditions–

ceased cooperation with United States adversaries;
ceased participating in human trafficking, such as the exploitation of Cuban medical professionals; and
ceased the implementation of policies that undermine inherent property rights of the citizens of South Africa.

Section 7045 – Latin America and the Caribbean

REPORT TEXT: “ Countering antisemitism in Latin America.–The Committee is concerned by rising antisemitism targeting Jewish diaspora communities in Latin American nations, including historic United States partners and allies like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, particularly instances of elected leaders fueling prejudice against Jewish communities through social media and official government channels or otherwise neglecting their responsibility to protect Jewish communities and other marginalized groups. The Committee condemns antisemitism in all forms and urges the Secretary of State to encourage Latin American and Caribbean leaders to proactively condemn and counter antisemitism in their nations.”

Section 7046: Europe and Eurasia

BILL TEXT: Part (c) of this section of the bill states — “The limitations and other provisions of section 7046(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F of Public Law 118-47) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2026 and apply to funds appropriated by this Act.” That is reference to perennial language stating: “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to facilitate or support the sale of defense articles or defense services to the Turkish Presidential Protection Directorate (TPPD) under chapter 2 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.) unless the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that members of the TPPD who are named in the July 17, 2017, indictment by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and against whom there are pending charges, have returned to the United States to stand trial in connection with the offenses contained in such indictment or have otherwise been brought to justice: Provided, That the limitation in this paragraph shall not apply to the use of funds made available by this Act for border security purposes, for North Atlantic Treaty Organization or coalition operations, or to enhance the protection of United States officials and facilities in Turkey.”

REPORT TEXT: “The Committee is concerned about the longstanding ties between Turkey and Hamas, which includes Turkey hosting senior Hamas figures as well as providing political and other forms of assistance to the terrorist group. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Department of State to brief the appropriate congressional committees on the relationship between Turkey and Hamas.”

Section 7048: United Nations

BILL TEXT

Linking US Aid to how nations vote at the UN: (a) United Nations Voting Practices.–(1) In considering bilateral assistance for a foreign government, the Secretary of State shall review, among other factors, the voting practices of such government in the United Nations in relation to United States strategic interests. (2) The Secretary of State shall consult with the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations on the voting practices of foreign governments prior to the submission of the report required under section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2413(a)).

Withholding of 15% of US funding to the UN & UN Agencies unless they satisfy list of demands, including “taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias”: (b) Transparency and Accountability.–Of the funds appropriated by this Act that are available for contributions to the United Nations (including the Department of Peacekeeping Operations), international organizations, or any United Nations agency, 15 percent may not be obligated for such organization, department, or agency until the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the organization, department, or agency is–…(4) taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias… (6) implementing policies and procedures to effectively vet staff for any affiliation with a terrorist organization.”

REPORT TEXT: “ Accountability report.–In carrying out the requirement of subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall also consider and report on efforts to combat antisemitism. The report shall include a section on anti-Israel bias and antisemitism within the United Nations system, including specific instances across United Nations entities, such as those referenced in title I of House Report 116-444. It shall assess whether such bias arises from member state actions or systemic behavior within the United Nations, including that of staff, consultants, and appointed experts. The report shall also evaluate institutional practices that may compromise neutrality toward Israel, including, but not limited to: public statements by United Nations personnel, including on social media; the hiring or appointment of individuals with known prejudicial or hostile views toward Israel; and procedural mechanisms that disproportionately target or isolate Israel within United Nations bodies. Further, the report shall include an assessment of the United Nations Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. The report shall include recommendations on steps the United Nations should take to revise and strengthen its approach to combating antisemitism, including enforcing a clear and actionable definition of antisemitism and accountability mechanisms within its institutions, including for staff.”

Restrictions linked to support for international terror: (c) Restrictions on United Nations Delegations and Organizations.– (1) Restrictions on United States delegations.–None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay expenses for any United States delegation to any specialized agency, body, or commission of the United Nations if such agency, body, or commission is chaired or presided over by a country, the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), supports international terrorism. (2) Restrictions on contributions.–None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of State as a contribution to any organization, agency, commission, or program within the United Nations system if such organization, agency, commission, or program is chaired or presided over by a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), or any other provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. NOTE: For years this language included a Presidential national security waiver; this text does not.

No $$ for UN Human Rights Council: (d) United Nations Human Rights Council.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Human Rights Council, including the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, notwithstanding any other provision of law.

REPORT TEXT: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).–The Committee notes the continued lack of progress at UNHRC towards meaningful reforms to restore its credibility as a human rights body. UNHRC continues to elevate, legitimize, and shield the worst human rights offenders while simultaneously targeting Israel for unjustified scrutiny. Therefore, the Committee recommendation prohibits funds to UNHRC.

NO $$ for UNRWA [also see Sec. 7066 – United Nations Relief and Works Agency — Oversight and Justice for Victims]: (e) United Nations Relief and Works Agency .–None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be made available– (1) for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), notwithstanding any other provision of law; or (2) to solicit or otherwise encourage funds for UNRWA from other donors and sources, notwithstanding any other provision of law…

REPORT TEXT: …The Committee notes that UNRWA has been compromised by staff who have promoted incitement to violence, antisemitism, and the destruction of the State of Israel. The Committee is concerned by UNRWA’s relationship with Hamas and other terrorist organizations, including credible allegations that several UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023 massacre that killed over 1,200 people, including American citizens, and was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Further, the Committee is concerned by the use of UNRWA facilities to shield Hamas infrastructure, such as the Hamas data center under UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters. The Committee notes allegations that significant numbers of UNRWA staff celebrated the October 7, 2023, massacre on social media and that many UNRWA staff, including school principals and senior UNRWA management, are also members of terrorist organizations that violently oppress the Palestinian people, including by using them as human shields. The Committee further notes that the OIG has obtained evidence implicating UNRWA staff and resources in the October 7, 2023, attacks, which may have been implicated by a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services report the United Nations, including UNWRA, has refused to share unredacted. Any United Nations personnel who provided material support to terrorist entities must be held fully accountable, including through United States courts and administrative proceedings without claim to functional immunity.

PLAN FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF UNRWA: “Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing the total amount of United States assistance provided to UNRWA from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025. The report shall also include any known instances in which such assistance was diverted to, or used by, terrorist organizations, including Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or paid the salary of UNRWA staff who were members of such organizations. In addition, the report shall include a transition plan for providing assistance in the Middle East without direct or indirect funding to, or support from, UNRWA.”

Report on Withheld Funds: (g) Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing the amount of funds available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2026 for contributions to any organization, department, agency, or program within the United Nations system or any international program that are withheld from obligation or expenditure due to any provision of law: Provided, That the Secretary shall update such report each time additional funds are withheld by operation of any provision of law: Provided further, That the reprogramming of any withheld funds identified in such report, including updates thereof, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations…

Prohibition on Funding to ICJ and ICC: (l) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be—…(4) made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the International Court of Justice, notwithstanding any other provision of law; (5) made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the International Criminal Court, notwithstanding any other provision of law…

REPORT TEXT: “International courts.–The Committee strongly condemns and unequivocally rejects one-sided, politicized, anti-Israel activity at the ICC and the ICJ and prohibits funds provided in this Act and prior acts for such courts. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to prioritize diplomatic efforts to prevent any further efforts to weaponize the ICC and ICJ against Israel. The Committee further endorses the Secretary’s designation of four ICC judges under Executive Order 14203, relating to Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which imposed sanctions for their direct involvement in unauthorized investigations and prosecutions of United States and Israeli nationals.”

Other REPORT TEXT

De-funding the UN: “The Committee recommendation does not include funding for assessed contributions for certain United Nations agencies and other international organizations, including the United Nations regular budget.”
De-Funding UNRWA: “The Committee also prohibits funds to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and other organizations under section 7048 of this Act.”
UN “reform” including destruction of UNRWA: “The Committee remains concerned with the continued lack of progress toward meaningful reforms at the United Nations. Such reforms, at a minimum, should include …efforts to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias… Reforms must also address due process and accountability within the United States justice system for the mass atrocities carried out by staff of UNRWA and supported by UNRWA leadership over the past decade, including through the provision of material support and partnership with designated terrorist organizations that contributed to the October 7, 2023 attacks.”
Condemning UNGA on Israel/Palestine: “The Committee strongly condemns the United Nations General Assembly for undermining peace and security between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples by passing the ‘Status of Palestine in the United Nations’ resolution that provided the ‘State of Palestine’ almost all the rights and privileges of Member States.”
No $$ for the UN: “The Committee has concluded that further assessed contributions to the United Nations are not justified and increased scrutiny and oversight must predicate any consideration of a voluntary contribution to the United Nations or any United Nations agency…”
Targeting WHO, including over Israel: “…The Committee remains deeply concerned by the WHO’s reluctance to condemn the PRC’s actions, its shift away from core communicable disease functions, and adoption of deeply biased, anti-Israel resolutions that perpetuate harmful and historically antisemitic narratives.”
Pro-Israel US Veto at UNSC: “United Nations anti-Israel agenda.–The Committee urges the Secretary of State to declare it is the policy of the United States to veto one-sided, anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations Security Council.”
Sanctions on Francesca Albanese: “The Committee endorses the designation of the United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967, pursuant to Executive Order 14203, relating to Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court. The Committee notes the designation was triggered by attempts to abuse the mechanisms of the ICC in a manner that undermines United States national security.”

Section 7050 – Internet Freedom

REPORT TEXT: The Committee notes the internet restrictions, content censorship, and mobile network disruptions imposed by Cuba and Iran. The Committee supports continued partnership between the Department of State and other relevant Federal agencies on the use of innovative technologies and creative actions to increase access. Report required – Internet freedom in Iran.–The Committee directs the Secretary of State, not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the progress of programs promoting internet access and internet freedom in Iran, as part of the comprehensive strategy required by section 414 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-158). The report shall also include an update on the implementation of the Iran internet freedom grant program authorized in section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159).

Section 7060 – Sector Allocations

REPORT TEXT – Higher education – “ Subsection (a)(2) directs that $50,000,000 shall be used to support institutions of higher education in countries experiencing economic crisis. In implementing such directive, the term ‘countries impacted by economic crises’ shall include countries, such as Lebanon, whose economies are adversely affected by: political instability; conflict, including in neighboring countries; or catastrophic manmade disasters. The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds on the proposed use of such funds.”

Section 7065: Gaza Oversight & Other Matters

COMMENT: In the context of the ongoing/escalating Israel-made humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, and the urgent need for assistance to Gaza, House Republicans are (once again) (a) NOT earmarking significant funding for Gaza, (b) NOT including a clear directive for the State Department to provide funding/aid for Gaza; and (c) NOT including any language regarding Israel’s actions/obligations under US law (according to which US funding remains is contingent on Israel NOT blocking the flow of US humanitarian aid). Instead, they are doubling down on conditions/restrictions/oversight requirements related to any aid for Gaza — layered on top of the long, long list of conditions, restrictions, limitations, oversight, vetting, reporting, etc already required in various provisions already imposed on the West Bank and Gaza (in the various sections discussed above). Taken together, and added to the continued US assault on UNRWA (and now also on Francesca Albanese, the ICC and ICJ). the clear conclusion is that the policy under this bill is literally designed to enable continued Israeli ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza — with the additional demonstration of the fact that the-racist-cruelty-is-the-point of also blocking people who might try to flee Gaza from coming to the US.

BILL TEXT

(a) Certification.–The Secretary of State shall certify and report to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, that– (1) oversight policies, processes, and procedures have been established by the Department of State and are in use to prevent the diversion to Hamas, other terrorist and extremist entities, and criminal gangs in Gaza and the misuse or destruction by such entities of assistance, including through international organizations; and (2) such policies, processes, and procedures have been developed in coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors and the Government of Israel, as appropriate.

(b) Oversight Policy and Procedures.–The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, concurrent with the submission of the certification required in subsection (a), a written description of the oversight policies, processes, and procedures for funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, including specific actions to be taken should such assistance be diverted, misused, or destroyed, and the role of the Government of Israel in the oversight of such assistance.

(c) Requirement to Inform.–The Secretary of State shall promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of each instance in which funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza have been diverted, misused, or destroyed, to include the type of assistance, a description of the incident and parties involved, and an explanation of the response of the Department of State.

(d) Third Party Monitoring.–Funds appropriated by this Act shall be made available for third party monitoring of assistance for Gaza, including end use monitoring, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.

(e) Report.–Not later than 90 days after the initial obligation of funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, and every 90 days thereafter until all such funds are expended, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the amount and purpose of such assistance provided during each respective quarter, including a description of the specific entity implementing such assistance.

(f) Assessment.–Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 90 days thereafter until September 30, 2027, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and other heads of elements of the intelligence community that the Secretary considers relevant, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report assessing whether funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza have been diverted to or destroyed by Hamas, other terrorist and extremist entities, and criminal gangs in the West Bank and Gaza: Provided, That such report shall include details on the amount and how such funds were made available and used by such entities: Provided further, That such report may be submitted in classified form, if necessary.

(g) Consultation.–Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act but prior to the initial obligation of funds made available by this Act for humanitarian assistance for Gaza, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the amount and anticipated uses of such funds.

(h) Inspector General.–The Inspector General of the Department of State shall conduct investigations of implementing partners that receive funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs and made available for assistance in the West Bank and Gaza, including multilateral organizations, and entities that provide logistical support to implementing partners that receive such funds to determine if allegations or reports that such entities have employed staff or contractors that are members of, or affiliated with, a United States designated terrorist organization or have participated in any terrorist act, including before, on, or after October 7, 2023, are credible, and, as appropriate, refer investigative findings for potential criminal, civil, or administrative enforcement remedies.

(i) Limitation on Foreign Nationals From Gaza.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs under title III may be used to support the admission and resettlement into the United States of a foreign national from Gaza.

REPORT TEXT — “The Committee directs the Department of State OIG to leverage the expertise of personnel from the OIG funded under Title II in prior acts with respect to material support to terrorists, as the office integrates into the Department of State. The Committee notes such expertise is required to ensure sufficient oversight in high-risk environments, such as Gaza, including to detect the presence of designated terrorists within implementing organizations. The Committee expects that any individual employed by a United States-funded entity who is determined to be a member of a designated terrorist organization–or who knowingly employed such individuals–shall be referred expeditiously for appropriate administrative suspension and debarment proceedings, in accordance with applicable regulations.”

****NEW SECTION — ADDITIONAL TARGETING OF UNRWA*** Sec. 7066 – United Nations Relief and Works Agency — Oversight and Justice for Victims

BILL TEXT

None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or any prior Act making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be obligated or expended for the Secretariat of the United Nations or any of its affiliated offices or programs until the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that–

(a) the Department of State has received a fully unredacted copy of the report prepared by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services concerning individuals affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) who were implicated in the events of October 7, 2023, including the killing of United States citizens;

(b) the findings and associated evidence collected by the Office of Inspector General that implicates UNRWA staff involvement in the deaths of United States citizens have been referred to the United States Department of Justice for criminal, civil, or other enforcement action, as appropriate;

(c) appropriate proceedings for the suspension and debarment of individuals or entities implicated in such events by such findings have been initiated pursuant to applicable regulations and policies, and such proceedings are being expedited to the maximum extent practicable to prevent the rehiring of such individuals or entities by recipients of United States assistance; and

(d) the Secretary-General of the United Nations has provided written assurance to the Secretary that privileges, exemptions, and immunities will not be asserted for any staff, consultant, or contractor of UNRWA or any other United Nations entity in cases involving–

gross violations of human rights;
acts of terrorism;
material support to foreign terrorist organizations, individuals, or entities designated as such by the United States Government; or
other serious crimes under United States or international law, including corruption-related offenses, where such acts fall outside the scope of official duties.

REPORT TEXT

The Committee is gravely concerned by credible reports that UNRWA employed individuals linked to Hamas, has a long history of supporting terrorist groups, and employed staff who murdered American citizens on October 7, 2023. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to initiate urgent reforms to multilateral oversight and any relevant certification for its multilateral partners, with full accountability to American victims and their families. The Committee rejects the United Nations Secretary General’s claim of immunity for terrorism, atrocities, or corruption and supports the directives in subsections (a) through (c), regarding evidence preservation, Department of Justice referrals, and withholding funds until accountability is ensured. The Department of State shall regularly update the appropriate congressional committees of efforts to carry out justice on behalf of the American victims and their surviving families.
The Committee directs that, for the purposes of this section, the term “individuals or entities implicated in such events by such findings” shall include any United Nations official, contractor, or subcontractor who has materially supported, including through employment, members of a United States-designated terrorist organization, or who has mismanaged United States contributions in a manner that enabled such individuals to carry out any act in support of such terrorist organization, commit mass atrocities, or cause harm to United States citizens.