Sponsor
Michael Lawler
Representative · R-NY
Representative · R-NY
The bill enables faster establishment and improvement of U.S. diplomatic/security facilities in Israel and the West Bank to strengthen American presence, at the cost of added federal spending and potential diplomatic controversy over contested locations.
U.S. diplomatic and security personnel can establish, expand, or improve embassies, consulates, and other facilities in Israel (including Jerusalem) and the West Bank because agencies may now use authorized funds to acquire/build them, improving U.S. diplomatic and security presence and operational capability.
Taxpayers may bear higher federal costs because the government can spend money to buy or build overseas facilities, increasing U.S. expenditures.
Authorizing facility purchases/builds in Jerusalem and the West Bank could provoke political controversy or diplomatic sensitivity given contested status of those areas, potentially complicating U.S. foreign relations and regional stability.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Removes the 1986 statutory ban on using funds authorized by that Act for site acquisition, development, or construction in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank.
Official title: To repeal a prohibition against the use of funds for site acquisition, development, or construction of any facility in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank.
Introduced August 15, 2025 by Michael Lawler · Last progress August 15, 2025
Repeals a longstanding statutory prohibition that barred funds authorized under the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 from being used to acquire land, develop, or construct facilities in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank. In short, it removes the legal ban so authorized diplomatic security/antiterrorism funds may be obligated or spent for site acquisition, development, or construction in those locations.