Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, representing New York's 24th District, has reintroduced the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act. This legislative proposal aims to sanction officials of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) who are involved in transactions rewarding acts of terrorism in Israel. The initiative is supported by Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).

The Senate saw a similar bill introduced last month by Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas. The proposed legislation targets foreign individuals employed by the PLO and PA who facilitate or directly provide payments, as well as those offering significant financial or material support to these entities. Organizations identified as facilitating this system include the Commission of Prisoners and Released Prisoners, the Institute for the Care of the Families of Martyrs and Wounded, the Palestine National Fund, and the National Association of Families of Martyrs of Palestine.

Congresswoman Tenney stated, "The PLO and PA continue to incentivize terrorist attacks on innocent Israeli civilians with payments that reward terrorists and their families for murdering innocent people." She emphasized that those participating in this program should face severe penalties.

Congressman Lawler echoed these sentiments: "Pay-to-slay terrorism is a disgraceful and inhumane practice, and it is well past time we put an end to it." He underscored the importance of imposing strict sanctions on those responsible for such payments.

Congressman Moskowitz remarked on leading a bipartisan effort to curb these payments: "Through our PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, Congress will send a clear, bipartisan message that the United States will not stand idly by."

Congressman Gottheimer also voiced his support for holding accountable those behind what he described as "disgusting payments" that encourage further violence. He mentioned Sara Duker from Teaneck as one victim whose family was affected by such policies.