Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived
1. Bills,
Resolutions, Letters
2. Hearings
3. On the Record
New from FMEP this week:
- UPCOMING Webinar 4/26/22: Legalized Discrimination: How Israel’s “Citizenship & Entry” law harms Palestinian families by design, ft. featuring Member of Knesset Aida Touma-Sliman (Hadash/Joint List), Dr. Morad El Sana (American University) and Dr. Hassan Jabareen (Adalah) in conversation with Lara Friedman (FMEP)
- Podcast 4/22/22: Not a “Cycle of Violence” but a Cycle of Impunity, ft. Saleh Hijazi (Amnesty International) in conversation with Lara Friedman (FMEP) about the root causes of the violence currently in the headlines
- Podcast 4/19/22: (Another) Crisis in Jerusalem – an Israeli Perspective, ft. Aviv Tatarsky (Ir Amim) in conversation with Lara Friedman (FMEP)
1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters
(ARMENIAN GENOCIDE) HR XXX (pdf): On 4/21, Reps. Maloney (D-NY) and Bilirakis (R-FL) announced the introduction of the the “Armenian Genocide Education Act.” Per the press releases, the bill has 49 original cosponsors (bipartisan).
Letters
(OPPOSING IRAN NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS) Manchin letter to Blinken: On 4/19/22, Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to SecState Blinken opposing taking the IRGC off the FTO list (and any related sanctions relief); pushing for a shift in US energy policy to more domestic US production; and in effect arguing against a deal that stops Iran’s nuclear program but fails to address (to his satisfaction) all other major issues of concern. Money quote from the letter: “Sanctions are our primary leverage to facilitate agreements on halting malign Iranian actions and should not be used to achieve non-strategic objectives. Instead, we should continue to invest in an all-of-the-above domestic energy policy to bolster our national security and our ability to help our allies and partners abroad. Congress has the opportunity to pass additional bipartisan energy legislation to further expand our ability to deliver the energy our allies and partners need. We cannot and should not look to Iran to solve our energy problems.” Also see:
- Press release: Manchin Urges State Department To Keep Iran Sanctions in Place, Consult Congress on Negotiations
- Tweet from Manchin (D-WV) 04/19/2022: “As Putin wages war against Ukraine and threatens democracy in Europe, the U.S. cannot allow the IMF to be its piggy bank and finance these attacks. The Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act would stop these funds from reaching Russia or Belarus. Manchin Urges State Department To Keep Iran Sanctions in Place, Consult Congress on Negotiations… | sen.gov” [it is not clear why Manchin referenced that bill, HR 6899, in this tweet, given that (a) it is unrelated to his letter to Blinken, and (b) he is not a cosponsor of HR 6899….]
- Article in the Washington Examiner 4/19/22, “Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin sounds alarm on new Iran nuclear agreement” – Tweeted by Waltz (R-FL-6)
April 28, 2022: The House Appropriations Committee’s SFOPS Subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled, “Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for the Department of State”. The sole witness will be SecState Blinken.
April 27, 2022: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing, “The State Department’s Foreign Policy Priorities and the FY23 Budget Request.” No further information is available as of this writing.
April 26, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Review of the FY 2023 State Department Budget Request.” The sole witness will be SecState Blinken.
Media – General
Retired generals say GOP senators’ opposition to Biden on Iran endangers US and its allies (American Independent 4/21/22)
Israel has a KC-46 problem. Here’s the solution. (FDD op-ed in Defense News 4/21/22)
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin sounds alarm on new Iran nuclear agreement (Washington Examiner 4/19/22)
Israel Wants Biden to Improve Ties With the Saudis. His Party Isn’t on Board (Haaretz 4/19/22 – and reported in last week’s Round-Up)
Sisi, US congressional delegation discuss Palestinian-Israeli conflict (Egypt Today 4/16/22)
Media – Elections
[NOTE: Over at Twitter, on April 20 AIPAC PAC tweeted – “The AIPAC PAC is now the largest bipartisan, pro-Israel PAC in the country—and it is quickly emerging as a leading force in American politics. Since Dec., AIPAC and its members have delivered more than $6 million in contributions to pro-Israel Democratic & Republican candidates.” In response, the JTA’s Ron Kampeas offered an interesting observation: “Still no @Liz_Cheney, for years one of the most consistently @aipac-aligned political figures. In March she blasted AIPAC for backing insurrection-adjacent Republicans like @Jim_Jordan”]
Michigan Reps. Haley Stevens and Andy Levin Clash Over Climate, Pharma, Israel in First Debate (The Intercept 4/22/22)
Democratic allies now rivals, Levin, Stevens spar in first campaign debate (Detroit Free Press 4/21/22)
AIPAC’s new PAC is now the country’s biggest pro-Israel PAC, and endorses 3/4 of Republicans who embraced election falsehoods (JTA/The Forward 4/21/22)
Labeled anti-Israel, Nina Turner aims to win Jewish voters’ trust in Ohio rematch (The Forward 4/20/22)
Israel emerges as issue in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District race (WESA 4/20/22)
A nasty primary highlights split over Israel and direction of the Democratic Party [Michigan] (NBC News 4/19/22)
AIPAC Fully Embraces Anti-Democratic Candidates, Endorses Vast Majority of Reps That Voted to Overturn Election on Jan 6 (J Street 4/20/22)
This Michigan Democratic Primary Is AIPAC Versus J Street (the New Republic 4/19/22)
Money from a pro-Israel PAC stirs passion, protest in Durham congressional race (News & Observer 4/18/22)
Edwards, Ivey vie for funding after shake-up in Md.’s tightest primary (Washington Post 4/18/22) [“Another boost for Ivey came from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, long one of the most influential pro-Israel lobbies in Washington. AIPAC’s political action committee facilitated more than $158,000 in donations to him — an early indication that Israel policy may be a factor in the race. AIPAC did not itself donate to Ivey but acted as a conduit for donors. Marshall Wittmann, a spokesman for AIPAC, said in an email that ‘our activists are strongly supporting Glenn Ivey and clearly appreciate his support for the US-Israel relationship.’”]
Progressives rescinding endorsement of NC congressional candidate over AIPAC donations (The Hill 4/18/22)
Rep. Shontel Brown argues accomplishments, Israel in reelection pitch (Cleveland Jewish News 4/18/22) [Also see letter to the editor published in the same outlet, bashing Turner/praising Brown re: Israel]
Janice Winfrey taps into pro-Israel funding in race against Rep. Rashida Tlaib (Detroit Free Press 4/15/22)
Members
Israel – Palestine
Frankel (D-FL-21) 04/21/2022: Tweet – “Great conversation with @Hadassah members today on Congress’ work to combat antisemitism, stand with Israel, protect women’s health, and more. Link to image”
Khanna (D-CA-17) 04/21/2022: Twitter thread – “Team Khanna recently celebrated the opening of the SJSU exhibit “Beyond Duty: Diplomats Recognized as Righteous Among the Nations.” Link to image The stories of both courage by diplomats who helped thousands escape the Holocaust and resilience of the survivors should inspire us all. Thanks to Hillel of Silicon Valley and Israeli Consul General Shlomi Kofman for sponsoring.”
McCollum (D-MN-4) 04/21/2022: Retweet of @nwttac – “A special congratulations to @VoteBetty, who introduced #HR2407 and #HR8050 in the House, and is a true champion for Palestinian children’s rights. Link to image”
Long (R-MO-7) 04/21/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Palestinians launching fireworks at Israeli security forces from the Al Aqsa mosque. They have zero respect for their own mosque and prevent peaceful worshipers from praying there. Link to video”
Feenstra (R-IA-4) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “Great to meet with Iowans Supporting Israel in Des Moines today with my House colleagues. Israel is one of our closest allies and a beacon of democracy in the Middle East. The United States must always stand with Israel. #IA04 Link to image”
Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) 04/20/2022: Tweet – “Brian Fitzpatrick demonstrates his commitment to Israel, day-in and day-out Link to video”
Hinson (R-IA-1) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “We don’t stand with Israel as Democrats or Republicans—we stand with Israel as Americans. Great to join @RepMMM, @RepFeenstra, and @RepCindyAxne for a Congressional panel on the U.S.-Israel relationship to discuss our unwavering support for Israel. Link to image”. Re-tweeted by Miller-Meeks (R-IA-2)
Scott (R-FL) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “I was honored to join @USAmbPoland today for a Holocaust remembrance wreath-laying ceremony in Warsaw, Poland. We will never forget the victims of the Holocaust and always support the survivors, their families, the entire Jewish community & our great ally Israel. Link to image”
Billy Long 04/18/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “The Iron Dome has intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza into Israel this evening as the Jewish nation celebrates the holiday of Passover. What a lovely neighbor we have. Link to video”
Billy Long 04/19/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – ““Jews storming into al-Aqsa mosque” Wow. what a storming. Link to video”
Cassidy (R-LA) 04/18/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Iron Dome saves lives. Link to quoted tweet”
Jayapal (D-WA-7) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “Violence in any form is wholly unacceptable. Palestinians deserve to worship in peace. Actions like this perpetrated by the Israeli government are unacceptable and push us further away from peace. We must all stand together and condemn this attack. Link to quoted tweet”
Pocan (D-WI-2) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “Missiles after 2021 Israeli mosque attacks made things worse. Violence begets violence. Israel should take missiles out, NOT disproportionately respond. Palestinians need better humanitarian conditions w/o a few firing missiles. People on both sides stuck. Israel strikes Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian rocket as tensions soar in Jerusalem… | cbsnews.com”
Gaetz (R-FL-1) 04/18/2022: Tweet –[Googly eyes image] “Link to quoted tweet” [thread from Citizen Lab’s John Scott-Railton, starting with: “BREAKING: we @citizenlab found signs of a #Pegasus spyware infection at the Prime Minister’s office, 10 Downing St. We notified . We’d found other infections within the Gov.. THREAD…”
Moore (R-UT-1) 04/17/2022: Tweet – “He is not here. He is risen! Happy Easter! I hope you all have a special day with loved ones. I don’t know the first thing about photography, but I captured my favorite photo ever a couple months ago while on my trip to Israel. #utpol Link to image”
Newman (D-IL-3) 04/17/2022: Twitter thread – “During the holiest time for Muslims, Jews, and Christians around the world, we must pray for peace and understanding. I wholly condemn the violence perpetrated against more than 150 Palestinians worshiping at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. Israeli forces enter Jerusalem mosque during Ramadan prayers; more than 150 Palestinians injured… | usatoday.com The Israeli government must deescalate growing tensions and allow peaceful Palestinians the freedom to worship as they choose. Violence against Palestinians must not be met with more violence against Israelis. I implore the Biden administration to use every diplomatic avenue at its disposal to prevent further escalation in the region, ensure U.S. weapons were not used to carry out this or any other attack, and work to maintain enduring peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Ramadan Mubarak, Chag Sameach, and Happy Easter and God Bless to all who celebrate. I am praying for peace and harmony for all of my neighbors in Illinois’ 3rd District and across the globe.”
Omar (D-MN-5) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @mehdirhasan – ““‘Clashes’ implies two equal sides [but] one side is the occupier, the other side is occupied; one side is throwing stones, the other side is firing stun grenades & rubber bullets.” Me & @AymanM discussed Jerusalem media coverage live on @MSNBC tonight: Link to video”
Hinson (R-IA-1) 04/16/2022: Tweet – “Ahead of Easter tomorrow, I’m reflecting on my recent trip to Israel where I was able to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and pray at the site of Jesus’s empty tomb. Link to image”
Jeffries (D-NY-8) 04/16/2022: Retweet of @POTUS – “Happy Passover to all who celebrate in America, Israel, and around the world. May God bless you all during this season of renewal, this festival of freedom. From our family to yours: Chag sameach.”
Long (R-MO-7) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “The Palestinians blocked the paths on Temple Mount that are used by Jewish visitors. They call it “stopping invaders”. I think they need a quick history lesson as to who is the real invader. Jews existed in this land before the name “Palestine” even existed. Link to image”
Long (R-MO-7) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @netanyahu Hebrew-language tweet, which translates to: “It is forbidden to put on on the agenda that dozens of buses were stoned in the heart of Jerusalem today. I pray for the healing of the wounded. We must act harshly against terrorism and immediately restore peace and security to Israel’s capital.”
Long (R-MO-7) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Jewish worshipers walking in the old city of Jerusalem while accompanied by heavy security. Israel. 2022. Unthinkable that in our very own capital we will be under attack. Link to video”
Long (R-MO-7) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Jewish worshipers being attacked by Palestinians in the old city of Jerusalem in 2022. This is unbelievable. Where is the global outrage and condemnations? Link to video”
Pressley (D-MA-7) 04/16/2022: Tweet – “Passover, Ramadan, and Resurrection Sunday sharing this weekend is a beautiful reminder that our destinies are tied. The violence by Israeli forces against Palestinian families gathered peacefully in worship is unacceptable and we must condemn it. Israeli forces raid Al-Aqsa Mosque, over 50 Palestinians injured… | aje.io”
Roy (R-TX-21) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @ShannonBream – “This will always be one of my most treasured memories, at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. He is Risen. Link to image”
Carson (D-IN-7) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “With Easter, Passover, and Ramadan occurring at the same time this year, the opportunity to celebrate peacefully and de-escalate tensions should be a top priority. Israeli authorities’ force of entry into the al-Aqsa Mosque is exceedingly harmful – particularly during Ramadan.”
McCollum (D-MN-4) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “It’s imperative that the Biden admin use America’s diplomatic leverage to work with Israelis & Palestinians to prevent further violence while assuring the American people that US military weapons are not being used against peaceful Palestinian worshipers: McCollum Statement on Recent Violence in Israel… | mccollum.house.gov”
Omar (D-MN-5) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “Horrific. Ramadan is meant to be a time of peace and reflection. It is simply cruel and wrong to attack a people in their place of worship, a place that is meant to be sacred. We must denounce this brutality and end the hypocrisy. Link to quoted tweet”
Pocan (D-WI-2) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “It is unconscionable that Israeli police would attack a Palestinian mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, but even worse on the eve of Passover, where Jews leave a seat open for Elijah, a symbol of peace. Clashes erupt at Jerusalem holy site, 20 Palestinians hurt… | apnews.com”
Schweikert (R-AZ-6) 04/16/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – ““If I had told you that we were going to be doing this five years ago, you would’ve thought this was absurd. But the reality of it is, it’s a miraculous coming together.” – @RepDavid at an interfaith Iftar dinner hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain #ANewEra Link to video”
Scott (R-FL) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “Ann and I wish all in our Jewish communities in Florida, Israel and around the world a #Passover full of peace, health and happiness. Chag sameach! Link to image”
Tlaib (D-MI-13) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “It is simply wrong + cruel to attack a people in their sacred place of worship. I am tired of our country enabling violence & violations of int’l human rights w/ silence & unconditional aid. The hypocrisy shows + our credibility in the world is falling deeper as we remain silent. Link to quoted tweet”
Webster (R-FL-11) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “Thank you @faithandfreedom for recognizing my voting record and continued commitment to defending the family, protecting religious liberty, and standing with Israel. Dan Webster Honored by Social Conservative Group… | floridadaily.com”
Israel-Iran
Boozman (R-AR) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “A nuclear-armed Iran would have major negative regional implications and put the existence of the State of Israel at risk. The Biden administration should take immediate action to provide Israel with the military capabilities it needs to defend itself. Boozman, Cotton Call on Biden to Provide Israel with Support to Defend Itself from Iran… | boozman.senate.gov”
Syria
Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 04/21/2022: Retweet of @ANCA_DC – “Major thanks to @RepJoshG for backing the #ArmenianGenocideEducationAct, a bipartisan bill funding education about Turkey’s #genocide of #Armenian #Greek #Assyrian #Chaldean #Syriac #Aramean #Maronite & other #Christian nations. Take action: Call on Congress to Pass the Armenian Genocide Education Act… | anca.org Link to image”
Lieu (D-CA-33) 04/20/2022: Retweet of @ANCA_DC – “Major thanks to @tedlieu for backing the #ArmenianGenocideEducationAct, a bipartisan bill funding education about Turkey’s #genocide of #Armenian #Greek #Assyrian #Chaldean #Syriac #Aramean #Maronite & other #Christian nations. Learn more and take action: Call on Congress to Pass the Armenian Genocide Education Act… | anca.org Link to image”
Cornyn (R-TX) 04/17/2022: Tweet – “The ‘Butcher of Syria’ Now Leads Russia’s Troops in Ukraine… | thedispatch.com”
Murphy (D-CT) 04/16/2022: Tweet – “This piece is fine but it’s wild how the foreign policy consensus can’t quit certain fallacies – like the existence of something called a “no fly zone” over Ukraine; or that more U.S. military intervention was what Syria was missing. This Is the War’s Decisive Moment… | theatlantic.com”
Lieu (D-CA-33) 04/15/2022: Twitter thread – “Based on the assessment by @SecBlinken that this could be a long war, the @DeptofDefense must broaden its myopic thinking and provide advanced weapons platforms to Ukraine that can be used with training. We get Putin to the peace table by helping Ukraine defeat Russian forces. Link to quoted tweet Link to reply @yojb513 @SecBlinken @DeptofDefense You should do some research on what I said about Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen. Then I’m happy to discuss. Link to reply @yojb513 @SecBlinken @DeptofDefense If Russia wins in Ukraine, the U.S./NATO will end up spending even more money to protect NATO countries, and the risks of further Russian aggression increases. Link to reply @TrollColors @SecBlinken @DeptofDefense If that was the case they would have done it by now. The Russians are having trouble handling a smaller, less well equipped Ukrainian military. Highly unlikely they would attack a NATO country and risk being decimated by superior NATO forces. Simple extrapolation.”
Iran
Cruz (R-TX) 04/21/2022: Tweet – “no. Link to quoted tweet”
Rubio (R-FL) 04/22/2022: Tweet – “Tomorrow marks four years since U.S. citizen Emad Shargi was unjustly detained in #Iran. Emad remains in the notorious Evin Prison under false charges. Sen. Rubio calls for his immediate release and safe reunification with his family. #FreeEmad #ExpressionNOToppression Link to image”
Fallon (R-TX-4) 04/21/2022: Tweet – “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again — Beijing is watching our every move. They saw the debacle in Afghanistan. Now they’re watching our actions in Eastern Europe and at the negotiating table with Iran.”
Mast (R-FL-18) 04/21/2022: Tweet – “The Biden Doctrine is “negotiate with terrorists.” Sanctions on 80,000 Iranian Militants Could Vanish Overnight… | freebeacon.com”
Banks (R-IN-3) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “Joe Biden believes that people who murder Americans, chant ‘death to America,’ and threaten to assassinate former Trump officials on U.S. soil somehow aren’t terrorists… Sanctions on 80,000 Iranian Militants Could Vanish Overnight… | freebeacon.com”
Cassidy (R-LA) 04/20/2022: Tweet – “Delisting Iran’s #IRGC from the State Department’s terrorist organization list goes against U.S. interests and should not be under consideration. @POTUS must walk away from the Iran Deal.”
Tenney (R-NY-22) 04/18/2022: Tweet – “Biden is relying on Russia to broker a new nuclear deal with Iran. And yet, Biden’s Special Envoy for Iran still refuses to testify in public about negotiations. ICYMI, read my op-ed on this Admin’s failed attempt at peace in the Middle East. What is Biden’s Iran envoy hiding? | Opinion”
Mast (R-FL-18) 04/16/2022: Tweet – “Biden’s insistence on cozying up to terrorists in Iran is deeply troubling. Why does Biden keep giving Iran a free pass?… | washex.am”
Banks (R-IN-3) 04/15/2022: Retweet of @mikepompeo – “.@Jim_Banks is right. We must oppose – Engaging Russia for reviving the JCPOA – Removing terrorism sanctions on Iran while Iran’s support of terrorist activities remains unchanged – Restoring any form of the JCPOA while Iran’s undeclared nuclear activities remain unresolved.”
Ernst (R-IA) 04/16/2022: Tweet – “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard—an Iranian terrorist group—is responsible for the deaths of countless American troops and is actively trying to kill U.S. politicians and public servants. President Biden should not remove them as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Link to image” Re-tweeted by Bacon (R-NE-2)
Escobar (D-TX-16) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “Withdrawing from the JCPOA was a foreign policy disaster that set us back. I support @POTUS’s diplomatic efforts to ensure our global security by reentering this joint agreement. What’s the deal with the Iran nuclear deal?… | vox.com”
Egypt
Malinowski (D-NJ-7) 04/18/2022: Tweet – “We provide far more sophisticated weapons (Patriots, F-16s) to dictatorships that face no existential threat, like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, than to a democratic Ukraine that is fighting for everything we believe in. Ukraine would need time to train up, but we should start now. Link to quoted tweet”
Marshall (R-KS) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “Russia is actively blockading wheat purchases by Egypt. I can’t stress this enough: Russia’s war in Ukraine has global ramifications – their chokehold on Ukrainian wheat will result in a global food shortage. Ukraine says grain on ships in blocked Black Sea ports may deteriorate… | reuters.com”
Saudi Arabia & Yemen
Kelly (R-PA-16) 04/21/2022: Retweet of @MarcellusGas – “Congressman @MikeKellyPA on @ButlerRadio “Pennsylvania the Saudi Arabia of natural gas. We have a wonderful opportunity with Marcellus Shale. Let’s not put policies in place to make it cost more to take it out of the ground then to sell it. Rep. Kelly Visits WISR To Discuss Range Of Issues – ButlerRadio.com – Butler, PA”
DeFazio (D-OR-4) 04/20/2022: Tweet – “It’s clear: Congress must pass a Yemen War Powers Resolution to end unauthorized U.S. involvement in this horrific conflict. Thank you to the nearly 70 organizations supporting our efforts. Cc: @RepJayapal Link to quoted tweet”. Retweeted by Jayapal (D-WA-7)
DeFazio (D-OR-4) 04/20/2022: Retweet of @FCNL – “Today, 60+ national organizations released a letter calling on Congress to support @RepJayapal and @RepPeterDeFazio’s efforts to end US military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen through a War Powers Resolution! Read the letter here. National Coalition Demands End to Military Support of War on Yemen | Friends Committee On National Legislation Link to image”
Swalwell (D-CA-15) 04/20/2022: Retweet of @TVietor08 – ““If people actually cared about corruption by the president’s family members, Saudi Arabia giving Jared Kushner $2 billion would be the biggest story in America right now” Jared Kushner’s Saudi Side-Hustle Merits a Full-On Criminal Inquiry | The Nation”
Pocan (D-WI-2) 04/19/2022: Retweet of @RepMcGovern – “The Saudi monarchy ruthlessly represses its citizens, targets critics worldwide, conducts a brutal war in Yemen & bolsters authoritarian regimes. America’s unqualified support runs counter to our values & interests. It’s just plain wrong. We’re calling on @StateDept to act Link to image”. Also re-tweeted by Welch (D-VT-0)
Risch (R-ID) 04/19/2022: Tweet – “Support from #Iran & #Hezbollah has helped fuel #Houthi military advances & given rise to an aggressive police state w/ a known record of #humanrights abuses. The international community must focus attention on the long-term threat de-facto Houthi rule poses to regional security. Link to quoted tweet”
Castro (D-TX-20) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @AymanMSNBC – “This week, The New York Times reported Jared Kushner secured a $2 billion investment from a fund led by the Saudi Crown Prince six months after leaving the White House. @jonathanalter tells @AymanM sources told him the original number was actually $10 billion. WATCH: Link to video”
Levin (D-MI-9) 04/18/2022: Tweet – “It is long past time that @POTUS share his review with Congress on U.S.-Saudi policy. The status quo is no longer tenable with the Kingdom’s atrocities in Yemen and human rights violations & repression at home and abroad. Link to quoted tweet”
Omar (D-MN-5) 04/17/2022: Retweet of @DAWNmenaorg – “What happened to the Democratic Party holding Saudi Arabia to account? “Unfortunately, I don’t think the Biden administration has shown any commitment to the promises it made to the American people,” @sarahleah1 tells @MehdiRHasan. Link to video”
Omar (D-MN-5) 04/16/2022: Tweet – “Yemen’s devastating humaniterian crisis isn’t because of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. It’s because of the Saudi led coalition’s brutal war and blockade that is starving millions of Yemenis, which the U.S still supports. Let’s not put the blame where it doesn’t belong. Link to quoted tweet”
Cruz (R-TX) 04/15/2022: Retweet of @MattWalshBlog – “I am very worried about Elon Musk owning Twitter. We must keep Twitter in the hands of people we can trust. People like Blackrock, Morgan Stanley, and the Saudi royal family. At least we know that they always have our best interests at heart.”
Cruz (R-TX) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “ Link to quoted tweet”
Gosar (R-AZ-4) 04/15/2022: Tweet – “Chinese CCP and Saudis buying AZ farm land and water rights also concerning. Link to quoted tweet”
UAE
Kelly (D-AZ) 4/21/22: Press release – Sen. Kelly and Congressional Delegation to Visit Poland, UAE, India, Nepal, and Germany
Bahrain
Billy Long 04/19/2022: Retweet of @RNCResearch – “Kamala Harris says she has met with the leaders of “Beh-ran.” “Behran” is not a country. Bahrain is. Link to video”
Morocco
Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 04/22/2022: Tweet – “Nicole joined Moroccan American House in #Brooklyn for an Iftar dinner last night. The US-Morocco relationship is a strong one and we celebrate the growing Moroccan-American community in our district. #RamadanMubarak Link to image”
Malliotakis (R-NY-11) 04/22/2022: Tweet – “I appreciate the Moroccan-American community inviting me to their Iftar dinner in #Brooklyn last night. #RamadanKareem Link to image”
Turkey
Connolly (D-VA-11) 04/21/2022: Tweet – “Thank you to the American Turkish Friendship Association for having me as your guest tonight for Iftar. Breaking today’s fast together as brothers and sisters. Link to image”
Cramer (R-ND) 04/20/2022: Retweet of @EnesFreedom – “I wanted to share this very special moment with everyone. I was giving a speech with @SenKevinCramer in North Dakota & after the conversation everyone stood up & put their hands on me, started to pray for me, my family & innocent people in Turkey. This really touched my heart. Link to video”