PEACE Act

This legislation aims to assert congressional authority over the funding and participation of the United States in international organizations, specifically targeting an entity known as the "Board of Peace." It explicitly prohibits any federal funds from being appropriated or made available to the Board of Peace unless specifically authorized by an Act of Congress. Furthermore, the bill prevents the United States from granting, recognizing, or extending any privileges, exemptions, or immunities to the Board of Peace or its personnel, effectively nullifying benefits from an executive order designation. The bill's findings highlight that the President designated the Board of Peace as a public international organization via executive order, but without the required congressional authorization, treaty participation, or appropriation of funds. To ensure oversight, the legislation mandates that federal departments and agencies report on any funds previously obligated to the Board of Peace. It also requires the President to submit a strategy detailing how any such obligated funds will be used to advance sustainable peace, and the Secretary of State must report on the Board's contributions to peace in Gaza. A "sense of Congress" provision emphasizes that Congress retains ultimate authority over the obligation and expenditure of federal funds for international organizations, advocating for explicit statutory authorization for such participation. It further states that Congress should not fund organizations whose charters grant unilateral authority to a chairman regarding membership, dissolution, or provide for an indefinite or self-perpetuating chairmanship. These provisions underscore Congress's intent to ensure accountability and proper governance structures in any international body receiving U.S. support.