House Republicans say they’re concerned that taxpayer money being sent to Gaza and the West Bank for humanitarian needs might end up in the wrong hands.
In a letter sent to Samantha Power, the U.S. administrator for the International Development Agency, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee and other Oversight Republicans are calling on Ms. Power to provide documents to show how the agency assesses the risk of funding the humanitarian needs of the West Bank and Gaza.
“In the years prior to President Biden assuming office, funding administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development to Gaza and the West Bank waned due in part to a recognition of the difficulties ensuring that U.S. aid did not end up in the hands of (Foreign Terrorist Organizations) or affiliated individuals,” the letter said.
“If U.S. taxpayer dollars are financing terrorist activity, the Biden administration must cease such aid in order to protect Americans and our allies,” the lawmakers wrote.
In an Oval Office speech last week, Mr. Biden requested a $105 billion aid package that would help Israel, along with Ukraine and Taiwan, plus domestic issues. The package also included an allotted amount of money for humanitarian aid for Israel, Gaza and Ukraine.
This proposal comes after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7. More than 4,000 people have died in total, including at least 30 U.S. citizens, according to officials. Civilians in Gaza are running out of clean water, food and fuel.
The lawmakers requested any documents showing that U.S. funding in the past has gotten diverted from aid to the hands of terrorist groups such as Hamas, or any concerns that it may happen.
They cited records from the State Department that showed concerns in 2021 that U.S. aid was falling into the hands of Hamas.
“The most recent atrocities committed by Hamas have resulted in significant and rising numbers of deaths and injuries, including dozens of American casualties and hostages,” the letter said. “This episode underscores the critical importance of ensuring aid funds do not inadvertently increase financial support for terrorist activity.”
Among the other lawmakers signing the letter was Rep. Glenn Grothman, chairman for the National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs subcommittee.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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