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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Senate Bill Would Sanction Foreign Officials Who Block Food and Medicine From Reaching Civilians

Also known as: AWARE Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Key Points

  • Congress is considering a new law to punish foreign government officials who stop food, water, and medicine from reaching civilians. The bill specifically points to current restrictions on aid entering Gaza that have led to widespread hunger and medical crises for over 2 million people.
  • The policy would require the President to create a list of specific leaders, military officers, and government workers who are found to be blocking or slowing down aid. These individuals would be banned from entering the United States, and any visas they currently hold would be canceled immediately.
  • Any property or money these officials have in the United States would be frozen. This means they would not be able to use their bank accounts or sell property located in the U.S. as long as they are on the restricted list.
  • The bill targets high-ranking officials, including heads of state, cabinet members, and military officers with the rank of lieutenant colonel or higher. It also covers private companies or foundations that help these officials block aid from reaching people in need.
  • While the President can pause these punishments for national security reasons, Congress would have the power to review and potentially block those pauses. This ensures that the government stays focused on making sure humanitarian groups can safely deliver essentials like infant formula and fuel.
Foreign PolicyNational SecurityImmigrationConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 14, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

90 days after the bill becomes law

President must submit first report identifying foreign officials who block humanitarian aid

The administration begins creating a public list of foreign government leaders and military officers who prevent food and medicine from reaching civilians in conflict zones.

120 days after the bill becomes law

Financial institutions must certify they've frozen assets of listed officials

U.S. banks and financial companies must confirm they've blocked any money or property belonging to foreign officials on the sanctions list.

Related News

4 articles
Jewish Insider·about 2 months ago

Ron Wyden introduces legislation that could sanction Israeli officials over withholding Gaza aid

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the AWARE Act to potentially impose U.S. financial and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign government officials found to be restricting or preventing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

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Hoodline·about 2 months ago

Senator Wyden Introduces AWARE Act to Sanction Global Leaders, Including Israeli PM Netanyahu, for Blocking Humanitarian Aid

The Accountability for Withholding Aid and Relief Essentials (AWARE) Act sets up potential U.S. diplomatic sanctions against officials found hindering humanitarian efforts, applicable globally, wherever this issue arises.

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WAFA·about 2 months ago

Campaign launched to endorse US congressional bill holding Israel accountable for obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza

Human rights organizations launched a campaign calling on U.S. senators to adopt the AWARE Act, which aims to impose tangible consequences on Israeli officials who deny civilians access to basic needs like food and medicine.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

AWARE Act of 2026

Bill NumberS 3634
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.