Ann Wagner

01/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/05/2024 18:02

Wagner, Golden Introduce Bill to Pressure Qatar, Evaluate Status as Major Non-NATO Ally

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after she, along with Representative Jared Golden (D-ME), introduced the Reviewing Qatar's Major Non-NATO Ally Status Act, legislation that forces the Administration to evaluate, under strict guidelines, the State of Qatar's designation as a major non-NATO ally. This is companion legislation to Senator Ted Budd's S. 4093 in the Senate.Congresswoman Wagner:"I have been to Qatar and spoken directly with the Qatari Prime Minister to deliver the message they must stop protecting the architects of the brutal October 7th terror attack on Israel. For too long Qatar has sheltered Hamas terrorists, while Hamas leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Israel's good faith attempts to reach a deal and secure the release of hostages. Israel recently offered an exceedingly responsible and reasonable deal for both sides that could bring us closer to an end to this war. It's simple: if Qatar can't pressure Hamas to make a deal with Israel, they must expel these terrorists so they can be brought to justice and punished for their horrific crimes against humanity. If they won't do either, then the United States should seriously examine whether Qatar still deserves the privileges of its status as a major non-NATO ally."Congressman Golden:"No nation that provides aid or comfort to Hamas - a terrorist organization that has murdered and kidnapped American citizens and is dedicated to the destruction of Israel - should receive any privileged status from the United States government."

The legislation would require the Secretary of State to conduct a thorough review of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship, Qatar's relationship with Hamas, and Qatar's designation as a major non-NATO ally. The legislation would also direct the State Department to terminate Qatar's major non-NATO ally status, unless the Secretary certifies that:

  1. Qatar's major non-NATO ally designation remains in the national interest of the United States.
  2. Qatar has exerted any and all leverage it has over Hamas to security the release of U.S. hostages from Gaza.
  3. Qatar does not support international terrorism or foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas, directly or indirectly, financially or otherwise.
  4. Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the UnitedStates any individuals determined to be members of Hamas, including Ismail Haniyeh, Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Mashal, and any other individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023.