UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration

Full Title:
UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill directs the United States to restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It repeals two prior U.S. provisions that limited support (title III of division G of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, and section 308 of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024). The Secretary of State must resume funding to UNRWA under current Department of State authorities and provide funding consistent with the Secretary's waiver for lifesaving humanitarian aid. The President must rescind the February 4, 2025, executive order about withdrawing from and ending funding to certain U.N. organizations. The bill also requires reports to Congress on UNRWA's implementation of recommendations from an independent review led by Catherine Colonna: the first report within 90 days of enactment and then quarterly through December 31, 2028.

What it means for you#

  • The U.S. would resume providing assistance to UNRWA for humanitarian and development services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
  • The bill asks the U.S. and Israel to help UNRWA implement recommendations from an independent review and urges Israel to share information to help UNRWA investigate staff neutrality concerns.
  • Congress will receive regular public reports on how UNRWA is carrying out those review recommendations through the end of 2028.

Expenses#

The bill directs the restoration of funding for UNRWA and supports appropriating funds for fiscal year 2025 and beyond. No publicly available information in the bill text provides specific dollar amounts, budgetary estimates, or detailed cost effects.

Proponents' View#

Supporters say preventing worsening civilian conditions in Gaza is a strategic and moral interest and that UNRWA plays an indispensable role addressing urgent humanitarian needs, including preventing famine and disease. The bill ties restoration of funding to UNRWA carrying out recommendations from an independent outside review and urges allied cooperation and additional funding where needed.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.