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H.R. 9680: Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act

This bill would require the Secretary of State to develop a plan to end, over time, the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) across the Middle East and replace its functions with other humanitarian providers.

What the bill would require

Within 180 days after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of State would have to submit to Congress a detailed strategy for dismantling UNRWA operations.
The strategy would need to include a step-by-step timeline for phasing UNRWA out.
It would have to review UNRWA’s work in areas such as education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure.
The plan would need to identify who would take over those services, such as:
- host country governments, or
- qualified international or non-governmental organizations.
It would also have to identify who would provide funding for those successor programs.
The strategy would need to explain how services would continue during the transition so that people do not lose access to essential aid.
It would have to include safeguards for neutrality, accountability, transparency, and oversight in any replacement programs.
The plan would need to consider humanitarian, political, and security risks and benefits.
It would also need a diplomatic plan for working with host countries and international partners, along with estimated costs, savings, and funding recommendations.

How implementation would work

After the strategy is submitted, the Secretary of State would have to begin carrying it out within one year. The work would be done with relevant U.S. agencies, host governments, international organizations, and other partners as needed.

Service protections

During the transition, the bill says the government must make sure there is no interruption in critical humanitarian services. It also says any replacement organizations must meet minimum standards for transparency and accountability.