The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has reported out favorably the Taylor Force Act, legislation that would suspend American aid to the Palestinian Authority as long as it continues to provide financial stipends to the families of Palestinians who commit acts of terror against American and Israeli citizens. Agudath Israel of America, a national Orthodox Jewish organization, is applauding the Committee’s approval of the bill.

“The Committee’s vote is a tangible expression that when the US says it will combat terrorism it means what it says, ” stated Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director. “It is unacceptable and unconscionable that American aid be provided to a regime which rewards and glorifies — in word and deed — bloodshed and violence against innocents. ”

The Taylor Force Act is named after an American graduate student, a West Point graduate and armed forces combat veteran who was murdered in 2016 by a Palestinian terrorist while visiting Israel in a study abroad program.

The bill is being championed by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-TN). Rabbi Cohen noted with appreciation the significance of several prominent Democratic members joining the Republican majority in making it a truly bipartisan measure and increasing its chances for full Senate passage.

“The Senate Committee has made clear that this support is intolerable to our nation and to those who hope for peace. American aid must stop at terrorism’s door,” Rabbi Cohen asserted.

The full Senate is expected to take up the measure in the fall.

(AP)