Rockland Reporter

Reps. Mike Lawler, Claudia Tenney, Jared Moskowitz, and Josh Gottheimer have reintroduced the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act in Washington, D.C. This legislation aims to sanction officials of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) involved in transactions that reward acts of terrorism in Israel.

The bill follows continued demands for an end to this program despite misleading comments from PA officials. Senator Tom Cotton introduced companion legislation last month.

Congressman Lawler stated, "Pay-to-slay terrorism is a disgraceful and inhumane practice, and it is well past time we put an end to it." He emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable through sanctions.

Senator Cotton added that the Palestinian Authority continues to support terrorism by providing significant funds through their 'pay-for-slay' program. He mentioned that thousands of terrorists tied to October 7 are eligible for these payments.

Congresswoman Tenney highlighted that payments are often proportional to the number of lives taken, stating there should be no reward for terrorism. She supports harsh penalties for those involved in such programs.

Congressman Moskowitz remarked on leading a bipartisan group against these martyr payments: "Their terror must stop, and this bill will hold accountable those who are involved in it."

Congressman Gottheimer expressed pride in leading this bipartisan effort: "We must hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for this decades-old policy."

The proposed act would impose sanctions on individuals associated with facilitating or supporting terrorist compensation systems linked to the PLO and PA. It targets entities like the Commission of Prisoners and Released Prisoners, financial institutions participating in related transactions, among others.

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