Rockland Reporter

Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) released a statement today after introducing the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act of 2024, co-led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23). The legislation has over 30 cosponsors, with Senator Tom Cotton (AR) sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate.

The proposed act aims to address martyr payments—financial rewards given to terrorists and their families following attacks in Israel. These "pay-to-slay" policies are seen as incentivizing terrorism, with rewards often linked to the number of casualties caused. While the Taylor Force Act of 2018 prohibited economic aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) due to these policies, proponents argue that further measures are necessary.

The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act includes several key provisions:

- Sanctions on foreign individuals facilitating terrorist martyr payments.

- Sanctions on those providing significant support to facilitators of such payments.

- Additional sanctions on foreign financial institutions processing these payments or engaging in significant transactions with sanctioned individuals.

- A requirement for the President to implement these sanctions within 90 days.

- A sunset clause if the PLO and PA cease their martyr payment policies.

"The Taylor Force Act was a noble effort to end 'pay-to-slay' terrorism in the Middle East," said Rep. Mike Lawler. "Unfortunately, years after its enactment, we still find ourselves in the vicious, ongoing cycle of 'pay-to-slay' terrorism. It must end."

Lawler emphasized bipartisan support for the new legislation: "That's why I've joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce this act, which will impose additional sanctions on individuals and entities that enable this horrific practice."

Rep. Josh Gottheimer highlighted personal connections to victims: "Twenty-eight years ago, terrorists murdered Sara Duker from my district along with 25 other innocent civilians... Instead of condemning the despicable terrorist who killed Sara, the Palestinian Authority has compensated him."

Rep. Doug Lamborn noted continuity with previous efforts: "I am pleased to co-lead this act... which builds upon our commitment to curbing policies that incentivize terrorism by imposing sanctions on those who facilitate or support martyr payments."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz added: "The Pay to Slay program is unconscionable and incentivizes the murder of Israeli civilians... Congress needs to send a clear message that these atrocious martyr payments will not go unpunished."

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.