S 1128119th CongressIn Committee

Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act

Introduced: Mar 25, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act would block all United States government funds from being obligated or spent in the territory of Gaza until the President certifies to Congress that such funds will not benefit Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or any other foreign terrorist organization designated by the Secretary of State, or groups that are controlled or influenced by those organizations. Additionally, funds disbursed through United Nations entities or offices in Gaza would also be blocked unless the President certifies that those entities are not encouraging or propagating anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas. In short, the bill sets up a funding bar for Gaza tied to certifications about beneficiaries and UN actors, with the aim of ensuring U.S. aid does not support terrorist groups or propaganda. The bill is introduced in the 119th Congress and is titled the Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act. It would require presidential certification to specific foreign-relations committees before any U.S. funding could flow to Gaza or through UN channels, tying aid to compliance with anti-terrorist and anti-propaganda conditions.

Key Points

1Prohibition on funding: No U.S. government funds may be obligated or expended in Gaza until the President certifies that such funds will not benefit Hamas, PIJ, or any other organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) or groups controlled or influenced by those entities.
2FTO designation reference: The bill uses the standard list of foreign terrorist organizations designated under 8 U.S.C. 1189 (Immigration and Nationality Act), including Hamas and PIJ.
3UN funding condition: Funds to Gaza via United Nations entities or offices may not be obligated or expended unless the President certifies that the UN actor is not encouraging or teaching anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas or propaganda.
4Certification requirement: The President must certify to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee before funding can proceed, creating a direct congressional oversight trigger.
5Short title: The bill is officially titled the “Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act.”

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Civilians in Gaza who might rely on international aid and humanitarian programs funded by U.S. dollars, as well as NGOs and aid organizations operating in Gaza.Secondary group/area affected- U.S. government agencies and contractors involved in delivering aid to Gaza, and international bodies (UN) that administer or channel funds there.Additional impacts- Potential delays or reductions in humanitarian aid to Gaza until the required certifications are obtained, with possible diplomatic implications and negotiations over what constitutes “benefit” to designated terrorist organizations or their affiliates.- Ambiguity around terms like “controlled or influenced by” Hamas/PIJ and what counts as “anti-Israel or anti-Semitic propaganda,” which could affect a wide range of non-governmental groups and activities.- Increased congressional oversight and administrative requirements for funding decisions related to Gaza and UN activities in that territory.

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