Congressman Mike Lawler Introduces KOTEL Act to Repeal Outdated Restrictions on Diplomatic Security Funding in Israel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East and North Africa, has introduced the Keeping Official Territories Eligible for Land-use (KOTEL) Act to repeal outdated restrictions on the use of Diplomatic Security funds for the acquisition, development, or construction of facilities in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank. These restrictions, enacted in 1986, have since become obsolete due to the expiration of the funds they applied to. The KOTEL Act aims to eliminate this barrier and ensure the State Department is in line with U.S. policy on Israel. The bill is named after the Western Wall of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, one of Israel's most sacred structures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The KOTEL Act aims to repeal outdated restrictions on Diplomatic Security funding for facilities in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank, enacted in 1986.
  • These restrictions have become obsolete due to the expiration of the funds they applied to.
  • The bill eliminates an unnecessary barrier and ensures the State Department is in line with U.S. policy on Israel.
  • The KOTEL Act is named after the Western Wall of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, a sacred structure 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 bill has been submitted for consideration in the House Foreign Affairs Committee's State Department reauthorization.
  • Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District and was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.

Statistics:

  • 40 years: The duration of the outdated restrictions on Diplomatic Security funding for facilities in Israel, Jerusalem, or the West Bank.
  • 1986: The year these restrictions were enacted.
  • 118th Congress: The congressional term where Congressman Lawler was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
  • 8th overall: Congressman Lawler's ranking as the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.

Sources:

  • "Congressman Mike Lawler Introduces KOTEL Act to Repeal Outdated Restrictions on Diplomatic Security Funding in Israel." Office of Congressman Mike Lawler, no date.