WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing on legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), The Taylor Force Act, that would cut off funding to the Palestinian Authority if they continue their policy of paying monetary rewards to terrorists and their surviving family members.

Taylor Force was a former U.S. Army officer who was part of a Vanderbilt University tour group visiting Israel when he was brutally stabbed and killed by a Palestinian terrorist. Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction praised the terrorist as a “heroic martyr” and the Palestinian Authority has yet to condemn the terrorist attack.

Taylor’s parents and South Carolina residents, Stuart and Robbi Force, have been strong advocates for ending the practice of “pay to slay” and have urged Congress to pass Graham’s legislation.

Graham is set to deliver opening remarks before the committee on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.  The hearing will also be streamed on the committee website.

Graham said:

“This bill shines a light on a very real problem. Taylor was an American hero who was brutally murdered at the hands of terrorists. Yet instead of condemning this horrific attack – and so many others like it – the Palestinian Authority rewards terrorists.

“These rewards for terrorist attacks are inconsistent with American values. They are inconsistent with decency. And they are certainly inconsistent with peace. Simply put, you can’t be a partner in peace when you are paying people to commit acts of terror.

“It is long past time to let the Palestinian Authority know that these practices are wholly unacceptable.

“I want to thank Chairman Corker for bringing the Taylor Force Act up for consideration.  I urge my colleagues to swiftly approve this bill so we can get it passed and signed into law.”

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Background: Graham Press Conference on the Taylor Force Act (VIDEO)