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HR 9680

Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 28 co-sponsors

The bill would require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to dismantle UNRWA’s operations in the Near East.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9680

Overview

HR 9680, introduced in the 119th Congress, seeks to require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a strategy to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operations, and for other purposes. The bill has multiple co-sponsors from both parties and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on July 14, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Primary objective: Mandate a formal strategy from the Secretary of State aimed at dismantling UNRWA’s operations.
  • Rationale implied by the title: The bill seeks to restructuring, reducing, or terminating UNRWA activities and influence in the Near East, potentially shifting refugee support responsibilities to other UN bodies, host nations, or bilateral programs.
  • “For other purposes” suggests additional related provisions or authorities could accompany the core requirement.

Key Provisions (as implied from the bill’s title and structure)

  • Requirement for a strategy: The Secretary of State must prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to dismantle UNRWA’s operations.
  • Strategy scope likely includes:
    • Steps to reduce or end UNRWA programs in the Near East.
    • Alternative mechanisms for Palestinian refugee assistance (e.g., redirecting roles to UNHCR, host-country programs, or other international/national mechanisms).
    • Timelines, milestones, and performance metrics.
    • Resource and personnel implications for U.S. policy, funding, and diplomacy.
  • Potential accompanying authorities: The “for other purposes” clause may authorize related actions or studies, potential legislative recommendations, oversight measures, or reporting requirements.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • United States government entities:
    • Department of State (primary implementer of the strategy).
    • Congressional offices receiving mandated reports and strategic plans.
  • UNRWA and its operations:
    • Direct impact would depend on the strategy’s specifics (e.g., gradual or immediate withdrawal of U.S. support, reassignment of funding, or restructuring of programs).
  • Palestinian refugees and host countries:
    • Could experience changes in dependency on UNRWA services (education, health, social services) depending on how the strategy redirects or replaces support.
  • Other international actors:
    • Possible realignment of international aid and diplomatic initiatives in the Palestinian refugee context.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (July 14, 2026).
  • Introduction: The bill was introduced in the House on July 14, 2026.
  • Potential next steps (typical for this type of bill):
    • Committee consideration, hearings, and markup to refine the strategy requirements.
    • Amendments to define scope, timelines, and reporting formats.
    • Floor consideration and potential passage in the House, followed by Senate action and negotiation if advanced.

Additional Context

  • Public policy context: The bill aligns with a set of U.S. policy positions that advocate reform or redefinition of UNRWA’s mandate and funding structure, often linked to broader debates about refugee relief governance, accountability, and regional stability.
  • fiscal and diplomatic considerations: A strategy to dismantle UNRWA would have budgetary implications (future funding shifts) and diplomatic consequences with partners in the region and within UNRWA’s constituency.

If you’d like, I can add a section comparing this bill to prior or related proposals, or draft a concise one-page briefing tailored for a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocacy groups, or the public).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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