Bill · S. 4095· Senate(119-S-4095)
Justice for Hind Rajab Act
- Introduced
- 3/12/2026
- Last activity
- 3/12/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1049)
- Sponsored by
- Peter Welch
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Justice for Hind Rajab Act calls for accountability regarding the January 29, 2024, attack in Gaza City that killed Hind Rajab, her family, and two paramedics. The bill requires the Secretary of State to certify and potentially refer findings regarding the use of U.S.-origin weapons or personnel to the Attorney General. It mandates that the Department of Justice review such referrals and initiate investigations or prosecutions for war crimes where jurisdiction allows. Additionally, the Secretary of State must submit a detailed report to Congress concerning the attack, including information on the units involved and any actions taken by the U.S. government. The Act also expresses the sense of Congress that compensation should be provided to the victims' families. Finally, it establishes a policy of collecting and analyzing evidence of possible war crimes during the current conflict.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires the Secretary of State to submit a detailed report to Congress regarding the attack.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
The bill establishes a process for investigating and prosecuting potential war crimes through the Department of Justice.
Would children be better off under this?+4
The bill specifically highlights and seeks justice for the death of a 5-year-old child.
The opposite
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?-2
The bill introduces rigorous accountability measures regarding U.S. assistance to Israel, which may tension the diplomatic relationship.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Accountability for potential war crimes: The bill establishes a process where the Secretary of State can refer findings to the Attorney General for the prosecution of those responsible for attacks involving U.S.-origin weapons or personnel (Section 3(a)).
-
Investigation of specific incidents: The Attorney General is required to review referrals and initiate investigations and prosecutions for war crimes that fall within U.S. court jurisdiction (Section 3(b)).
-
Transparency through Congressional reporting: The Secretary of State must submit a report providing information on the identity of involved units, operational motivations, and whether U.S. weapons or training were involved (Section 4(b)).
-
Potential financial relief for victims: It is the sense of Congress that the Department of State should provide compensation to the families if it is determined that United States-origin weapons or munitions were involved in the attacks (Section 5(2)).
-
Protection of international standards: The bill sets a policy to uphold the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick, which protects civilians and medical personnel (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Due Process+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Policing Reform+2Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances-2
- 4/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/12/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1049)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland