Mandating US Government Use of 'Judea and Samaria' Instead of 'West Bank'.
This Act mandates that all United States Government agencies and officials cease using the term 'West Bank' in official documents, communications, and policies. They must instead use the historical names 'Judea and Samaria'. While this change does not directly impact the daily lives of US citizens, it signifies a shift in foreign policy regarding how the US government refers to the disputed territory, potentially affecting international relations and foreign aid programs.
Key points
All official US Government materials, press releases, and regulations must replace the term 'West Bank' with 'Judea and Samaria'.
The prohibition applies to the expenditure of public funds for creating documents that use the forbidden term.
Conforming changes are made to several existing federal laws, including those related to foreign assistance and diplomatic security, to standardize the nomenclature.
The Secretary of State can waive this prohibition if deemed in the interests of the United States, provided an explanation is submitted to Congress.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_5431
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Process start date: 2024-12-05