July 14, 2026
Mr. Lawler (for himself, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. McCaul, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Fine, Mr. Stauber, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. LaLota, Mr. Pfluger, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr. Van Drew, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Fedorchak, Mr. Miller of Ohio, Mr. Smith of Nebraska, Mr. Ciscomani, Mr. Loudermilk, Mr. Langworthy, Mrs. Kim, Mr. Huizenga, Mr. Hill of Arkansas, Mr. Issa, and Mr. Goldman of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
To require the Secretary State to submit to Congress a strategy to dismantle United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East operations, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act
.
Sec. 2. Strategy to dismantle United National Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East operations
(a) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy, coordinated with international partners and allies, to dismantle United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (in this section UNRWA
) operations throughout the Middle East.
(b) Elements
The strategy shall include—
(1)
a detailed plan and timeline for the phased wind-down of UNRWA operations;
(2)
an assessment of all UNRWA programs, including education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure;
(3)
identification of appropriate entities to assume responsibility for such programs, including—
(A)
host country governments; or
(B)
qualified international or non-governmental organizations;
(4)
identification of entities to assume responsibility for funding such programs;
(5)
a plan to ensure continuity of services during the transition period;
(6)
mechanisms to ensure neutrality, accountability, transparency, and oversight in successor programs;
(7)
a risk-reward assessment addressing humanitarian, political, and security implications;
(8)
a diplomatic engagement plan with host countries and international partners; and
(9)
estimated costs and savings associated with the transition and recommendations for funding structures.
(c) Implementation
Not later than 1 year after submission of the strategy, the Secretary of State shall begin implementation of such strategy.
(d) Coordination
The strategy shall be implemented in coordination with—
(1)
relevant Federal departments and agencies;
(2)
host country governments;
(3)
international organizations; and
(4)
any other implementing partners the Secretary of State determines appropriate.
(e) Continuation of services; minimum standards
In carrying out the implementation of the strategy, the Secretary of State shall ensure that—
(1)
no interruption of critical humanitarian services occurs; and
(2)
all successor entities meet minimum standards for transparency and accountability.