The SAFE Act waives the usual requirement that U.S. citizens and permanent residents reimburse the government for evacuation travel arranged by the State Department, specifically for those fleeing Israel following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent conflict. This exemption applies to evacuations organized during fiscal year 2024, meaning affected Americans and green card holders would not have to pay back the cost of their government-facilitated flights or transportation out of the country. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to study, within 185 days of enactment, whether this fee waiver policy should be expanded to apply to future U.S. evacuations anywhere in the world, examining costs, administrative burdens, needed legal authorities, and potential downsides such as reduced incentive for citizens to leave dangerous areas early. Congress authorizes $2 million in fiscal year 2024 funding for the State Department to carry out the bill's provisions. The legislation primarily benefits Americans and permanent residents who needed emergency evacuation from Israel during the current crisis.
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