Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Jim Risch, and 26 other Republican colleagues have announced their plan to introduce the Stand with Israel Act in November. The proposed legislation aims to cut off U.S. funding to United Nations agencies that restrict the participation of Israel by expelling, downgrading, or suspending its status.

Dr. Cassidy stated, "The United States will not stand for antisemitism at home or on the world stage," emphasizing that any attempts to diminish Israel's standing at the UN should incur significant consequences.

Senator Risch expressed strong disapproval of discussions around altering Israel's status at the UN, labeling such efforts as anti-Semitic. He added, "If the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system."

Recent reports suggest that the Palestinian Authority intends to pursue a downgrade of Israel's status following a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on May 10, 2024, which enhanced the PA's position within the organization.

The Stand with Israel Act is designed similarly to existing prohibitions against funding UN entities that elevate the Palestinian Authority's status to a member state.

Joining Cassidy and Risch in this legislative effort are Senators Tom Cotton, Chuck Grassley, Dan Sullivan, Steve Daines, Mike Lee, Kevin Cramer, John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, John Kennedy, Mike Crapo, Roger Wicker, Shelley Moore Capito, Marco Rubio, Joni Ernst, Ron Johnson Markwayne Mullin Ted Budd Susan Collins Tim Scott Josh Hawley James Lankford Thom Tillis John Thune and Deb Fischer.

This Senate initiative accompanies bipartisan House bill HR 9394 led by Representative Mike Lawler.