U.S. Senators Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, have introduced the Stand with Israel Act, a bill aimed at restricting U.S. funds from supporting United Nations, UN, agencies that take punitive actions against Israel, such as expelling, downgrading, suspending, or otherwise limiting the nation’s participation within the organization.
“The UN should be pressuring Hamas to release every single hostage, not punishing Israel for defending her people and her very existence,” Senator Britt stated. “There has been a troubling pattern of anti-Israel sentiment across the UN and its affiliated bodies that has undoubtedly undermined their credibility. Not a single dime of taxpayer money should be used to support or fuel antisemitism. It is imperative we use every tool in our toolbox to stand firm with the Jewish people and our great ally, Israel. This includes rooting out and condemning antisemitism in every corner of our own nation.”
Echoing her sentiments, Ranking Member Risch emphasized, “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly antisemitic. If UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the United States must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.”
The legislation has gathered substantial support, with backing from 37 other Senators, including Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., among others. This Senate bill complements bipartisan House legislation, HR 9374, spearheaded by U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.
Senator Britt has consistently demonstrated strong support for Israel. In response to the October 7 attack, she joined a bipartisan group of senators in visiting Israel, reinforcing the United States’ unwavering support. Britt has also endorsed resolutions condemning Hamas and its reported use of sexual and gender-based violence as weapons of war against Israelis during the October 7 assault. She further signed a bipartisan letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, denouncing the UN’s perceived inaction regarding these human rights violations.
For those interested, the full text of the Stand with Israel Act can be accessed online.
