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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) welcomed the introduction on Monday of bipartisan U.S. congressional legislation — the Stand with Israel Act — that would require the withholding of U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.
The bill — modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state — is being led by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23).
In addition to CAM, the Stand with Israel Act has been endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), FDD Action, Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and Heritage Action.
“CAM is proud to endorse the Stand with Israel Act introduced by Representative Mike Lawler,” CAM stated. “This bipartisan legislation sends a clear message that the American people stand firmly with Israel in its fight to defend itself in the aftermath of October 7th. By ensuring that U.S. funding to UN agencies is contingent on the fair treatment of Israel, this act reinforces America’s commitment to combating bias and discrimination on the global stage. We commend Representative Lawler and his colleagues in the House of Representatives for their strong leadership in taking action to safeguard Israel’s rightful place in international organizations, and encourage the swift passage of this critical legislation.”
Congressman Lawler said, “With anti-Israel bias running rampant at the UN, it is more crucial than ever that we stand up to this disgusting hypocrisy and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our closest ally. We should not be giving a single cent to any UN agency that diminishes the status of Israel — and the Stand with Israel Act will ensure that we don’t should this happen in the future. I’m grateful for the broad support for this legislation from so many organizations and from colleagues in both parties. I look forward to getting this important legislation passed and I will always stand with our friend Israel.”
Congressman Moskowitz added, “The United Nations has been biased and almost useless after Hamas murdered over a thousand innocent Israelis, but has held Israel to a ridiculous, antisemitic double standard when it has exercised its right to defend itself. The UN should be using its power to pressure Hamas every day to accept a ceasefire and return the hostages. Any UN agency that is seeking to punish Israel for this war should not be funded with Americans’ tax dollars.”
Original co-sponsors of the legislation include: Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07), Brandon Williams (R-NY-22), Neal Dunn (R-FL-02), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Lance Gooden (R-TX-05), French Hill (R-AR-02), Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), and Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23).
We should not be giving a single cent to any UN agency that undermines Israel’s status as a state. I just introduced the Stand with Israel Act with @RepMoskowitz and over 20 co-sponsors to ensure that’s the case. pic.twitter.com/mOhTCC3Urs
— Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) August 19, 2024
