Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
This bill mandates the U.S. government to devise and execute a plan to end UNRWA's role in humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, shifting responsibilities to other organizations while aiming to ensure service continuity and accountability.
What it actually does
This bill requires the Secretary of State to develop and submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) throughout the Middle East. The strategy must include a detailed plan for phasing out UNRWA, identifying successor entities and funding, ensuring continuity of services, and establishing accountability mechanisms. The Secretary is mandated to begin implementing this strategy within one year of its submission.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue UNRWA is a flawed organization that perpetuates refugee status, has ties to terrorism, and fails to meet standards of neutrality and accountability, making its dismantling essential for effective and unbiased humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. They contend that a new approach is needed to ensure aid reaches those in need without contributing to political instability or extremist narratives.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that UNRWA provides essential, life-saving services to millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and social support. They contend that dismantling UNRWA without robust, proven, and fully funded alternatives would create an immediate humanitarian catastrophe, destabilize an already volatile region, and potentially exacerbate existing conflicts.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for detailed consideration of its significant policy implications.
Section 2(a)
Mandate for UNRWA Dismantlement Strategy
This provision requires the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive strategy to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This strategy must outline how to dismantle the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) across the Middle East. The development of this strategy must be coordinated with international partners and allies.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for initiating a necessary overhaul of humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, moving away from an agency perceived as problematic towards more effective and accountable mechanisms. They believe it sets a clear directive for addressing long-standing concerns about UNRWA.
Critics contend
Critics would contend that mandating the dismantling of UNRWA without clear, immediate, and fully funded alternatives risks creating a severe humanitarian crisis and destabilizing an already volatile region. They may also argue that such a directive is politically charged and could undermine international cooperation.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to reform or replace UNRWA with the imperative to maintain humanitarian services and regional stability during a complex transition, creating a tension between policy goals and practical implementation.
Section 2(b)
Required Components of the Dismantlement Strategy
This section outlines nine specific elements that the Secretary of State's strategy must include. These range from a detailed plan and timeline for phasing out UNRWA operations and assessing its programs (education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure) to identifying successor entities (such as host governments or qualified international/non-governmental organizations) and their funding sources. It also requires a plan for service continuity, mechanisms for neutrality and accountability in successor programs, a risk-reward assessment, a diplomatic engagement plan, and estimated costs and savings associated with the transition.
Section 2(c), (d), (e)
Implementation Timeline and Safeguards
This provision mandates that the Secretary of State begin implementing the strategy to dismantle UNRWA within one year of its submission to Congress. It requires this implementation to be coordinated with relevant Federal departments, host country governments, international organizations, and other appropriate implementing partners. Crucially, it stipulates that during implementation, the Secretary must ensure that no interruption of critical humanitarian services occurs and that all successor entities meet minimum standards for transparency and accountability.