Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Repeal Outdated Restrictions on Building U.S. Facilities in Israel

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Mike Lawler, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, has introduced the Keeping Official Territories Eligible for Land-use (KOTEL) Act to repeal outdated restrictions on the use of specific Diplomatic Security funds for the acquisition, development, or construction of any facility in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank. The KOTEL Act aims to eliminate an obsolete barrier and prevent any attempt to restrict construction again. This law must be updated to ensure the State Department is in line with U.S. policy on Israel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The KOTEL Act seeks to repeal outdated restrictions on the use of Diplomatic Security funds for building facilities in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank.
  • The provision to be repealed was enacted in 1986, and the funds it applies to have already expired.
  • The law must be updated to ensure the State Department is in line with U.S. policy on Israel, such as the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem under President Trump.
  • The bill is named after the Western Wall of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, one of the most sacred structures in Israel.
  • Congressman Lawler is leveraging his role as Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee to advance reforms that support a more agile and effective foreign policy.
  • The KOTEL Act is part of a series of bills submitted for consideration in the House Foreign Affairs Committee's State Department reauthorization.
  • Congressman Lawler was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

Statistics:

  • The provision to be repealed was enacted in 1986.
  • The funds to be repealed have already expired.
  • The KOTEL Act is named after the Western Wall of the Second Temple, one of the most sacred structures in Israel.
  • Congressman Lawler is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.
  • The bill is part of a series of bills submitted for consideration in the House Foreign Affairs Committee's State Department reauthorization.
  • Congressman Lawler was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.

Sources:

  • Rep. Mike Lawler, R-New York, news release, August 15.
  • Congressman Mike Lawler's official website.
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee.