WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) alongside Representatives Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) yesterday introduced H.R. 7223 The COI Elimination Act to abolish a United Nations’ anti-Israel commission of inquiry and restrict U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding the commission.
“The ongoing anti-Israel commission formed by the UN’s discredited Human Rights Council directly obstructs peace in the Middle East and intentionally targets the only democracy in the region. Our U.S. tax dollars have no place funding an anti-Israel commission. This legislation will abolish the commission while addressing the UN Human Rights Council’s anti-Israel bias. The U.S. must always stand strongly with our ally, Israel,” said Congressman Greg Steube.
“Israel is a longstanding ally of the United States and it is imperative that we continue to speak out against the Commission of Inquiry’s unfair and one-sided bias,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “By abolishing the Commission of Inquiry, we will take a stand to prevent anti-Israel rhetoric in international forums and support Israel and its people.”
“Once again, the UN Human Rights Council continues its practice of singling out democratic ally Israel in its unfair and indefinite Commission of Inquiry. This one-sided “investigation” impedes progress toward peace and prosperity in the region, and costs US taxpayers money. I am grateful to join my colleagues in calling for its abolishment,” said Congressman Joe Wilson.
The bipartisan legislation abolishes the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel and combats systemic anti-Israel bias at the UN Human Rights Council.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) supports this legislation.