AWARE Act of 2026
Senate Bill Would Sanction Foreign Officials Who Block Food and Medicine From Reaching Civilians
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
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.
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.
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
AWARE Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.