WASHINGTON – A recent bill introduced by Senate Republicans aims to reduce funding for the United Nations and other international bodies that afford special privileges to the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), based on the draft shared with the Post.
This legislation, known as the Official Palestinian Entry Act of 2025, reinforces existing U.S. laws that support organizations allowing Palestinian representatives to have a status comparable to UN member states.
It applies not only to the UN but also to international entities that offer the PLO privileges beyond mere observer status.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Riche (R-Idaho) commented, “The UN, intended to be a stronghold of global peace, has turned into a breeding ground for anti-Semitism and is in desperate need of reform.” He also emphasized that “Israel is one of America’s closest allies and should not be subjected to anti-Israel bias or financial support through the UN’s Palestinian Liberation Agency.”
The bill was introduced by the SFRC on Tuesday morning, following Riche’s recent measures that align with Israeli legislation aimed at cutting funds to UN agencies that diminish or limit participation for Jewish states.
“These efforts ensure that Israel will be recognized when America is at its most vital,” Riche stated.
The timing of this legislative move coincides with Israel’s announcement of an escalation in military actions against Hamas, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of the militant group.
Supporters of the bill include a range of prominent Republican senators like Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and others.
The bill is also gaining backing from members of the House of Representatives, including Jim Baird (R-Ind.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas), among others.
It notably specifies that restrictions preventing the PLO from gaining recognition beyond observer status will not apply to Taiwan.
