Bill Proposes Restoring UNRWA Aid, Ties Funds to Reforms and Requires Quarterly Reports

This bill, the "UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025," seeks to turn the tap back on for U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It directly repeals specific funding prohibitions found in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Title III of division G) and the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (section 308). The core goal stated in the bill is to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly famine and disease, and support Palestinian refugees across the region, while ensuring UNRWA operates according to specific recommendations.

Flipping the Switch, With Strings Attached

The legislation doesn't just reopen the funding pipeline; it makes it conditional. The Secretary of State is directed to resume funding "as soon as possible," but this hinges on UNRWA implementing recommendations from an Independent Review Group (IRG), led by Catherine Colonna. Essentially, the money flows once reforms addressing neutrality and operational concerns, as outlined by the IRG, are underway. The bill also pushes the President to cancel a February 4, 2025, Executive Order that had previously cut ties and funding with certain UN bodies. It explicitly states that funding should resume under existing State Department authorities, overriding other conflicting laws, specifically mentioning a waiver for lifesaving humanitarian aid.

Keeping Tabs: Oversight Through Reporting

Accountability is a key theme here. To track progress, the bill mandates the Secretary of State to submit quarterly reports to Congress, starting 90 days after the bill becomes law and continuing through December 31, 2028. These reports must detail how UNRWA is doing in putting the IRG's recommendations into practice. This reporting structure acts as the primary oversight mechanism, ensuring Congress stays informed about whether the conditions tied to the funding are being met. The bill also includes language urging the U.S. and Israel to assist UNRWA in making these changes, acknowledging that reform requires cooperation.

The Balancing Act: Aid vs. Accountability

Ultimately, this legislation attempts a balancing act. It recognizes the urgent need for humanitarian aid delivered through UNRWA – which serves Palestinian refugees not just in Gaza but also in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank – while simultaneously responding to concerns about the agency's operations. By tying renewed funding directly to the implementation of independent review recommendations and establishing a regular reporting requirement, the bill aims to support critical relief efforts while demanding tangible reforms and ongoing oversight. The effectiveness hinges on UNRWA's ability to implement the IRG's findings and the robustness of the reporting process.