Baird's Bill Could Pull United Nations Funding Over Palestinian Status

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WASHINGTON — Legislation that would essentially place sanctions on UN member nations that support the Palestinian Authority or the Palestinian Liberation Organization was discussed in a House committee hearing on Wednesday.

The No Official Palestinian Entry (NOPE) Act was introduced by Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN-4th) back in May. It’s a way for the U.S. to push back at UN countries who funnel money to these organizations as they push for more recognition in the eyes of the United Nations.

“This bill updates existing U.S. funding prohibitions to include any UN organizations that give any status, right, or privilege beyond ‘observer status’ to the Palestinian Authority or Palestinian Liberation Organization,” Baird said in a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The U.S. already has a law that states funding for the United Nations would be cut off if the PA or PLO were granted full membership as a state if no negotiated solution between Israel and Palestinians has been agreed to.

Baird’s bill would lower that threshold so that even if these organizations are granted anything above ‘observer status’ funding would be cut off. The bill is a reaction to some UN organizations voting to give the PA and PLO ‘enhanced status.’

“Although the term ‘enhanced status’ does not guarantee full membership status, it would still give the PLO numerous rights and privileges that have previously been given to full-status members,” Baird said. “Unfortunately, this vote passed even with the United States voting against it.”

Baird called the further recognition of the PA and PLO “shameful”, accusing both organizations of engaging in terrorism over the last several years. He further urged the U.S. to stand behind Israel.

The committee did not vote on the bill on Wednesday. A vote on the measure is expected sometime today.