Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, along with several colleagues, has introduced the LIABLE Act. This proposed legislation would remove immunity and allow lawsuits against international organizations that provide material support to designated terror groups committing acts of terrorism against Americans.

Sen. Cruz addressed the introduction of the bill, stating, “The United Nations Relief and Works Agency officials have for decades knowingly provided support to Hamas terrorists, including salaries and materials. That support facilitated Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7th, which was the worst one-day massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and included the murder and kidnapping of dozens of Americans. Those victims and their families deserve the ability to hold UNRWA accountable, and the LIABLE Act would give them that opportunity.”

The bill is sponsored by additional Senators including Kevin Cramer, Ted Budd, Pete Ricketts, Steve Daines, Bill Hagerty, John Barrasso, Rick Scott, and Eric Schmitt.

Sen. Cramer commented, “International organizations who knowingly support foreign terrorist organizations should be held legally responsible for their complicity in terrorism. The LIABLE Act ensures those who provide material support to terrorism—whether through direct involvement or by aiding and abetting—can no longer hide behind legal immunity.”

Sen. Budd expressed his support, saying, “I’m proud to stand with Senator Cruz and my colleagues to introduce the LIABLE Act, which would ensure that victims of terrorism, along with their families, can seek justice and hold international organizations accountable for aiding and abetting terrorist acts. There is no better example of this than UNRWA, an organization with longstanding ties to Hamas, whose staff members participated in the horrific October 7th attacks. America must send a clear message: supporting terrorism will never be tolerated or ignored.”

Sen. Ricketts emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “UNRWA employees provided material support for Hamas terrorists and contributed to the barbaric October 7th attacks. They need to be held accountable for aiding and abetting terrorism. This bill will enable American victims of terrorism to get justice.”

Sen. Hagerty reinforced this stance, noting, “UNRWA has provided material support to the terrorist organization Hamas and has cultivated anti-Israel extremism and terrorism. UNRWA employees directly participated in the terrorist attacks of October 7th that killed dozens of Americans and UNRWA schools produced over 100 graduates who participated in the atrocities of that terrible day. I am proud to cosponsor this necessary legislation that makes it possible to hold UNRWA accountable for its complicity in terrorism.”

Sen. Barrasso added, “Any international organization aiding terrorist groups must be investigated and held accountable. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has a lot to answer for after providing resources to Hamas terrorists. The blood of innocent Americans and Israelis who were kidnapped or killed on October 7 is on their hands. I am proud to join Senator Cruz and my colleagues on this important legislation to give victims and their families an opportunity for much-deserved justice.”

Sen. Scott articulated the need for justice, saying, “For years, UNRWA has been aiding Iran-backed Hamas in their spread of hateful antisemitism. UNRWA has supported Hamas in enabling these terrorists to commit the horrific massacre and mass kidnapping of Israelis and Jewish Americans over 550 days ago, on October 7th, and the sick individuals responsible for this terrorism must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I’m proud to join my colleague, Senator Ted Cruz, to introduce the LIABLE Act and ensure the victims and their families can finally bring UNRWA to justice.”

Sen. Schmitt remarked, “International organization like UNWRA are deeply tied with Hamas and must be held accountable for playing a role in kidnapping, murdering, and maiming countless innocent lives on October 7th. I am proud to stand with Senator Cruz as a cosponsor of the LIABLE Act to hold these organizations accountable.”

The primary objective of the Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism (LIABLE) Act is to enable American victims of terrorist groups to sue international organizations that supply resources to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Normally immune under the International Organization Immunity Act, these groups would be made accountable under the new legislation. The UNRWA, receiving funds channeled into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip during the current U.S. administration, has been highlighted as a key concern regarding these immunities.