CUFI Members to Press Members of Congress on Pro-Israel Legislation

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, introduced the legislative agenda associated with the group’s annual Washington Summit, as more than 5,000 attendees prepare to advocate for bi-partisan, pro-Israel legislation on Capitol Hill. CUFI members will be meeting with more than 98 percent of all congressional offices.

Pastor John Hagee, founder and chairman of CUFI, said in advance of his meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that he was grateful for the opportunity to meet with him again and to “advocate for the strong and unwavering support of Israel” alongside CUFI members.

“Nearly 13 years ago I sought to create an organization that would awaken the sleeping giant of Christian Zionism. From advancing the Taylor Force Act to seeing the US Embassy moved to Jerusalem, that vision is being realized,” said Hagee.

CUFI members will urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass three urgent pieces of legislation, including:

• H.R. 6451, the “UNRWA Reform and Refugee Support Act,” which would consistently apply the definition of “refugee” under the Immigration and Nationality Act so that the current UNHCR definition became the only standard under U.S. law. It would also express the Sense of the Congress that the bulk of U.S. aid for the Palestinian people should shift from UNRWA to USAID. CUFI Action Fund believes that maintaining U.S. aid to Palestinians who do not meet the UNHCR definition of “refugee” is essential at this time to maintain stability in the region.
• S. 720, the “Israel Anti-Boycott Act,” which would expand existing law to prohibit U.S. companies from participating in boycotts organized by international organizations such as the UN and the European Union. Similar legislation, H.R. 1697, is under consideration in the House.
• The “STOP Using Human Shields Act,” a bi-partisan bill filed today by Senators Cruz and Donnelly. This bill condemns the use of human shields – a tactic often used by Hamas and Hezbollah – and requires the president to list and sanction terrorists and other individuals involved in building the relevant infrastructure and otherwise attempting to use human shields.

This effort comes on the heels of the successful passage of the Taylor Force Act, sponsored by Rep. Doug Lamborn, last year.

“I am grateful to CUFI for their support and advocacy in passing the Taylor Force Act last year in Congress and appreciate CUFI’s support for my new bill, the UNRWA Reform and Refugee Act. This legislation is the path forward to correct UNRWA’s inflated refugee problem. Descendants of refugees are simply not refugees. This bill will ensure that U.S. tax dollars only go to helping true refugees. Thank you to Pastor Hagee and the CUFI team for helping and supporting this important legislation,” said Lamborn.

“Throughout the year, the CUFI Action Fund works closely with Members of Congress to ensure CUFI’s 4.3 million members are heard in our nation’s capital. We look forward to continuing our work with strong pro-Israel leaders like Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Doug Lamborn, and Rep. Peter Roskam, to introduce and support legislation that strengthens the Jewish state’s security and the unshakable bond between the U.S. and Israel,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandy Parker.

With more than 4.3 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its message. Each year CUFI holds hundreds of pro-Israel events in cities around the country. And each July, thousands of pro-Israel Christians gather in Washington, D.C. to participate in the CUFI Washington Summit and make their voices heard in support of Israel and the Jewish people.