HR 9680: Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act

Congress: 119 · Status: active · Israel/Palestine classification: pro-Israel

Data (JSON) — machine-readable record of this bill (identifiers, sponsor, classification, actions, and the member-by-member vote breakdown).

Sponsor: Lawler, Michael (R-New York)

Editorial Explainer

The bill requires the Secretary of State to develop and submit a comprehensive plan within 180 days for dismantling UNRWA (the UN agency providing education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinian refugees) across the Middle East. The strategy must identify replacement organizations, funding sources, timelines, and diplomatic steps to transfer UNRWA's programs to host governments or other entities while maintaining service continuity and oversight standards. Implementation must begin within one year of the strategy's submission.

Why it matters

UNRWA is the primary UN humanitarian agency serving Palestinian refugees. Requiring its dismantlement is a core pro-Israel policy position, as opponents argue UNRWA perpetuates refugee status and supports Palestinian institutions. The bill mandates a complete operational wind-down rather than reform, making it a significant structural challenge to Palestinian refugee service delivery and international humanitarian operations.

Cosponsors (30)