Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in introducing the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act. The bill aims to restrict U.S. financial assistance to international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), if they grant enhanced rights, status, or privileges to the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
The proposed legislation builds on existing U.S. law that already prohibits funding organizations that recognize the PLO as a full member or as a member state. The NOPE Act would expand this restriction to include any status or rights beyond “observer” status.
Supporters of the bill argue that international recognition of the PLO outside the framework of direct negotiations with Israel undermines longstanding U.S. foreign policy. They also cite concerns over what they describe as anti-Israel bias within UN bodies.
Senator Risch added that the United Nations, originally intended as a platform for global peace and cooperation, has increasingly become a forum for what he views as anti-Israel rhetoric. “Israel is one of America’s greatest allies, and we cannot tolerate or fund any anti-Israel bias or favoritism for the Palestinian Liberation Organization at the UN,” he stated.
In addition to the NOPE Act, Senator Britt also joined Senator Risch in reintroducing the Stand with Israel Act, another piece of legislation that would prohibit U.S. funding to UN agencies that restrict or downgrade Israel’s participation. The bill is positioned as a response to recent controversies involving the treatment of Israeli representatives at international forums.
“Not a single dime of taxpayer money should be used to support or fuel antisemitism,” Britt said regarding the bill’s reintroduction. “It is imperative we use every tool in our toolbox to stand firm with the Jewish people and our great ally, Israel.”
Senator Britt has also expressed ongoing support for related legislation, including the Antisemitism Awareness Act and the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act. In November 2024, she released an open letter to Jewish college students, condemning antisemitic incidents and expressing frustration with university responses to such events.
While the bills have support from several Senate Republicans, they may face scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups concerned about the broader implications for diplomacy and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Critics of such measures often argue that they could hinder efforts at multilateral dialogue or disproportionately impact humanitarian operations carried out by international bodies.
The full text of the NOPE Act is available through the office of Senator Risch.
