Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has called for an "immediate and permanent prohibition" on U.S. contributions to the United States National Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). In a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Tuberville urged that any supplemental spending package brought to the Senate floor include this provision.

The call for a prohibition on funding UNRWA comes in response to the disturbing revelation that UNRWA staff members participated in the Hamas attacks on October 7th, 2023. UNRWA has also been known for its support of antisemitism. While the State Department has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA pending a review of these allegations, Senator Tuberville believes that this action does not go far enough.

Coach Tuberville joined a letter led by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and signed by several other senators, including Tim Scott (R-SC), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), among others. The letter emphasizes the need for a permanent prohibition on U.S. contributions to UNRWA.

Senator Tuberville has consistently shown his support for Israel and his condemnation of antisemitism. As a former educator and coach, he believes in the responsibility of teachers and professors to provide moral clarity to their students. In the wake of the Hamas-backed terror attacks on innocent Israeli and American citizens, Senator Tuberville delivered a floor speech expressing his support for Israel.

Furthermore, Senator Tuberville has taken concrete actions to support Israel. He joined legislation to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel and has advocated for the separation of aid to Israel from aid to Ukraine. He has also raised concerns about growing antisemitism toward Jewish children in K-12 schools and the resurgence of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses.

In addition to these efforts, Senator Tuberville has cosponsored legislation to freeze the $6 billion in funding released to Iran by the Biden Administration, ensuring that these funds are not used to promote terrorism against Israel or any other nation. He has also supported the Emergency Resupply for IRON DOME Act of 2023, which aims to redirect U.S. foreign assistance away from Hamas-controlled Gaza and towards helping Israel replenish its Iron Dome defense system.

Furthermore, Senator Tuberville has joined his colleagues in calling on President Joe Biden to enforce existing laws and revoke the visas of foreign nationals who endorse or espouse activity in support of Hamas or other Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). He has also urged President Biden to prioritize the rescue of American hostages taken by Hamas during its attacks on Israel and to support Israel's efforts to eradicate Hamas.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, and HELP Committees. His support for Israel and his firm stance against antisemitism demonstrate his commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.