Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) have introduced the Stand with Israel Act, legislation aimed at preventing U.S. funding for United Nations (UN) agencies that take actions to expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise limit Israel’s participation. The move comes amid concerns over perceived anti-Israel sentiments within the UN and its associated bodies.
“The UN should be pressuring Hamas to release every single hostage, not punishing Israel for defending her people and her very existence,” Senator Britt said in a statement. She emphasized that no taxpayer funds should support actions she views as fueling antisemitism and reaffirmed her commitment to standing with Israel.
Senator Risch echoed these concerns, stating, “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly antisemitic. If UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority or the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status, the United States must stop supporting the UN system.”
The proposed legislation has gained significant backing from 35 Republican senators, including Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine). This initiative complements a bipartisan House bill, HR 9374, spearheaded by U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).
The legislation follows heightened tensions after the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. Senator Britt, who traveled to Israel with a bipartisan Senate delegation shortly after the attacks, has been a vocal advocate for Israel. She has co-sponsored multiple resolutions condemning Hamas’ actions, including its use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Britt also signed a bipartisan letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, criticizing the UN’s handling of Hamas-related issues.
The Stand with Israel Act reflects ongoing concerns within the Senate regarding Israel’s treatment at the UN, as well as a broader commitment to ensuring U.S. foreign aid aligns with national interests and values.
