Stop Support for UNRWA Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 9893 aims to completely cut off U.S. financial support to UNRWA, redirecting potential humanitarian aid through alternative, vetted organizations.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the United States from making any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It includes a rule of construction that allows for the provision of humanitarian assistance to individuals or entities that currently receive aid from UNRWA, but only if delivered through other agencies that the Secretary of State certifies do not promote violence, terrorism, or antisemitism, or employ individuals who do.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that UNRWA has a documented history of issues, including alleged ties to terrorism, promotion of antisemitism in its educational materials, and a failure to adequately vet its employees, making it an unreliable and problematic recipient of U.S. taxpayer funds. They contend that this bill ensures U.S. aid does not inadvertently support harmful activities while still allowing for humanitarian assistance to reach those in need through more accountable channels.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that defunding UNRWA would severely disrupt critical humanitarian services to millions of Palestinian refugees, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. They might contend that UNRWA is the primary, and often only, provider of essential services like education, healthcare, and food aid, and that alternative mechanisms cannot quickly or effectively fill the void, potentially leading to instability and further suffering.
The bill text is very short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its direct provisions.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition Against United States Contributions to UNRWA
This section explicitly forbids the United States government from providing any financial contributions, whether voluntary or assessed, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This means all direct U.S. funding to UNRWA would cease upon enactment.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is necessary to ensure U.S. taxpayer money does not fund an organization with alleged ties to terrorism or antisemitism, or one that has failed to adequately vet its staff and educational materials. They believe it aligns U.S. foreign aid with American values and national security interests.
Critics contend
Critics would contend that this prohibition would immediately jeopardize the humanitarian lifeline for millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, potentially leading to a humanitarian catastrophe and further destabilization of the region. They argue that UNRWA, despite its flaws, is indispensable for providing basic services.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances concerns about the integrity and accountability of U.S. foreign aid with the immediate humanitarian needs of a large refugee population. It creates a tension between ensuring aid is not misused and ensuring aid reaches those who depend on it.
Section 2(b)
Provision for Alternative Humanitarian Assistance
This section clarifies that the prohibition on funding UNRWA does not prevent the U.S. from providing humanitarian assistance to individuals or entities who would otherwise receive aid from UNRWA. However, this assistance must be channeled through other agencies or entities. Crucially, the Secretary of State must certify to Congress that these alternative agencies do not promote violence, terrorism, or antisemitism (as defined by the IHRA Working Definition), nor employ individuals who do.