S. 898: UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025 aims to restore and enhance funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Here are the key provisions and features of the bill:

Statement of Policy

• Recognizes that maintaining civilian conditions in Gaza aligns with U.S. interests.
• Supports UNRWA's role in addressing immediate humanitarian needs, particularly to prevent famine and disease.
• Affirms the necessity of UNRWA’s services for Palestinian refugees across its operational regions, which include Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank (East Jerusalem included).
• Encourages Israel to aid UNRWA in its neutrality by providing relevant information regarding any staff violations.
• Advises the President to collaborate with allies to restore funding to UNRWA, contingent on the agency's commitment to accountability and transparency.
• Stipulates that future funding should be based on UNRWA's execution of recommendations from an Independent Review Group.
• Highlights that implementing these recommendations may require additional resources from UN member states.
• Calls for U.S. support in assisting UNRWA to follow through on these recommendations.

Restoration of Funding

Upon the bill's enactment, the following actions are to take place:

• Repeal certain sections of previous appropriations acts that affected funding for UNRWA.
• The Secretary of State is required to:
• Resume funding to UNRWA as authorized under existing laws.
• Provide funding that complies with established waivers for humanitarian aid.
• The President will revoke an executive order made on February 4, 2025, that withdrew U.S. support from some United Nations organizations.

Reporting Requirements

Within 90 days after the bill's enactment, and quarterly until the end of 2028, the Secretary of State must provide reports to relevant congressional committees outlining the steps UNRWA is taking to implement the Independent Review Group's recommendations.

Funding Urgency

The bill emphasizes the need for immediate funding to support UNRWA's ongoing humanitarian efforts, as it operates under significant pressure due to the humanitarian crises in its areas of operation.

Relevant Companies

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