Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and Jim Risch have introduced the Stand with Israel Act, aimed at countering what they describe as the United Nations' persecution of Israel. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent U.S. financial contributions to the U.N. if it alters Israel's status, such as limiting its voting rights or committee access.

Kennedy expressed concerns about the U.N.'s actions, stating, "The U.N. has failed to pass any resolution to condemn the October 7 terrorists, yet the Palestinian delegation has tried to delegitimize Israel by introducing radical resolutions." He emphasized that American tax dollars should not support organizations that undermine a key democratic ally in the Middle East.

Risch also voiced his disapproval of potential changes to Israel's status within the U.N., labeling such attempts as antisemitic. He remarked, "If UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the United States must stop supporting the UN system."

This Senate bill complements a bipartisan House measure, H.R. 9394, introduced by Representative Mike Lawler.

A group of senators including Tom Cotton, Chuck Grassley, Bill Cassidy, Dan Sullivan, Steve Daines, Mike Lee, Kevin Cramer, John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, Mike Crapo, Roger Wicker, Shelley Moore Capito, Marco Rubio Joni Ernst Ron Johnson Markwayne Mullin Thom Tillis Ted Budd Susan Collins Tim Scott Josh Hawley James Lankford John Thune Deb Fischer Marsha Blackburn Katie Britt John Hoeven Jerry Moran John Boozman and Roger Marshall have co-sponsored this legislation.