Rep. Paul Cook Votes to Cut Funding for Palestinian Terrorists

Press Release

Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today voted for HR 1164, the Taylor Force Act. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously, would restrict US assistance to the Palestinian Authority until it stops subsidizing terrorists through "pay to slay" policies.

This legislation is in response to the Palestinian practice of rewarding terrorists with payments for committing violent acts of terror. The measure is named for U.S. Army veteran Taylor Force, who was brutally murdered by a Palestinian terrorist during an educational tour in Israel in March of 2016. Taylor was an Eagle Scout, West Point graduate, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, and American citizen.

Specifically H.R. 1164 would withhold nearly all economic aid to the West Bank and Gaza that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority (PA), unless the Secretary of State certifies that the PA: (1) is taking steps to end acts of violence against Israelis and Americans; (2) terminates payments for acts of terrorism against Israelis and Americans; (3) revokes or invalidates the laws authorizing or implementing compensation for acts of violence; and (4) is publicly condemning acts of violence and taking steps to investigate these acts. The legislation will not affect humanitarian aid to the region.

Rep. Cook said, "We must stop providing funding to the Palestinian Authority when they're financing and rewarding terrorism on a daily basis. Taylor Force is one of many innocent victims murdered as a result of this horrific practice. This critical legislation sends a clear message to the Palestinian Authority that it's time to stop subsidizing terrorists and murderers."

A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

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