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

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(BILL TOTALLY UNRELATED TO ISRAEL/MIDDLE EAST, BUT….) HR 4521: Introduced 7/19/21 by Johnson (D-TX), and having 101 cosponsors, the “Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021,” but re-purposed as the “America COMPETES Act of 2022.”   See last week’s Round-Up (and previous) for background on the bill and why it has been covered in the Round-Up for months. So what happened this week? As foreshadowed in last week’s Round-Up, the Senate this week took up a series of “Motions to Instruct” (MTI) — measures that in effect give marching orders to conferees on Senate red lines with respect to what the final (House-Senate compromise version) bill must say (these are legally non-binding, have more the weight of a “sense of the Senate”).  On 5/4, after completing votes on a series of these MTI’s, the Senate appointed conferees and informed the House it was ready to go to conference to iron out differences between the House and Senate version of the bills. Two of these MTIs were related to Iran, and proved once again that when it comes to some issues (like extra funding for Israel or challenging/delegitimizing Iran diplomacy), bipartisanship is by no means dead on the Hill. Details:

>First up is the Lankford (R-OK) MTI on Iran: requiring that the final conference report include provisions under which any Iran deal must (a) address “the full range of Iran’s destabilizing activities, including development of the means of delivery for such weapons (such as ballistic missiles), support for terrorism, and evasion of sanctions by individuals, entities, and vessels in the trade of petroleum products with the People’s Republic of China”, (b) not lift sanctions on the IRGC, and (c) not take the IRGC off the FTO list. This MTI (which required a 2/3 majority to pass), passed 5/4/22 by a  vote of 62-33. Voting “yes” were all Republicans except for Paul (R-KY), joined by 14 Democrats and 1 Independent [Blumenthal (D-CT), Booker (D-NJ), Cardin (D-MD), Coons (D-DE), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hassan (D-NH), Kelly (D-AZ), King (I-ME), Manchin (D-WV), Peters (D-MI), Schumer (D-NY), Sinema (D-AZ), Tester (D-MT), Wyden (D-OR)]. Not voting: Bennet (D-CO), Blunt (R-MO), Menendez (D-NJ – who wasn’t present for the vote but reportedly would have voted “yes”), Risch (R-ID), Shelby (R-AL). More you need to know to understand all of this:

• What was the purpose of this MTI? Lankford’s MTI is explicitly intended to kill (or lay the groundwork for killing) any Iran nuclear deal the Biden Administration could plausibly hope to achieve, by requiring that any such deal address not just nuclear issues but all issues of concern with Iran. Don’t believe me? See: Lankford’s press release; Lankford (R-OK)’s re-tweet of @Heritage_Action: “.@SenatorLankford’s Motion To Instruct would signal support for blocking the Biden admin from completing an Iran deal. We encourage conferees on the committee to support this MTI.” Also see: Lankford (R-OK) 05/04/2022: Twitter thread – “The Senate sent a clear message tonight that we do not want the United States to make a nuclear deal with Iran that ignores their past behavior and their present intentions. Link to video This is a moment for Congress to push the Administration to demonstrate strength through decisive action, not weakness through negotiating with terrorist regimes.” Also on LGETTR. Retweeted by Bacon (R-NE-2). Also see: Lankford (R-OK) 05/06/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “Thank you @SenatorLankford for leading this important bipartisan effort! 62 senators insist that any new Iran nuclear deal address Iran’s: -Ballistic missiles -Support for terror-Illicit oil sales to China And also keep Iran’s terror-sponsoring IRGC on the terrorist list. Link to quoted tweet”
• What does this passage of this MTI actually mean?: To be clear: the MTI vote is not legally binding. Nonetheless, its passage leaves the (intended) impression that there is strong bipartisan opposition to any Iran nuclear deal the Biden Administration could plausibly hope to achieve (and is being framed that way in the public discourse, for example, see Politico 5/5/22 – Congress fires its first warning shot on Biden’s Iran deal). Of course, Democrats who in the current politically high stakes pre-midterms environment voted for the MTI could still decide to support an Iran deal if such a deal ever materialized. Adopting this glass-potentially-still-half-full perspective, Durbin (D-IL) commented to Politico: “It was a non-binding vote. It’s a political year. If we get down to a serious negotiation and the potential for reining in nuclear weapons in the Middle East, I think people will look at it differently.” And, in fact, at least one of the Democrats who voted “yes”, Sen. Coons (D-DE) has already gone on the record making clear that this “yes” is not equal to opposition to an Iran nuclear deal: “...I supported this motion in order to encourage the Biden administration’s negotiations to push for the strongest possible deal that addresses Iran’s nuclear weapons program and many other malign activities. My vote on this provision does not undermine my continuing support for the administration’s efforts to negotiate an agreement, and I maintain an open mind towards any potential outcomes from negotiations in Vienna.”
• What about the Biden Admin? Lots of groups weighed in on the Lankford MTI, both lobbying senators for/against before the vote, and then seeking to spin the vote in the way most favorable to their own position (or in other words, politics as usual). That said, the post-vote statement from NIAC [which presumably opposed the MTI] stands out as especially sober and cogent in its analysis: “This was a non-binding vote, but it should be a wake-up call for the Biden administration that the deal won’t save itself. If President Biden wants to save the agreement, roll back Iran’s nuclear program and prevent a war, then he has to fight for it. Regrettably, we have not seen that fight from the President. Instead, he has let the agreement twist in the wind for opponents in Washington and Tehran to mobilize against. That is a recipe for failure. Unless and until he steps up, he is on the same disastrous course that Trump set, and he is likely to pay the disastrous consequences if he allows the diplomatic window to close on his watch.”
• What about debate around the MTI? Ah yes, the democratic process where lawmakers engage in transparent debate and carry out serious/responsible scrutiny of high stakes, contentious national security policy matters before voting on them. It’s adorable that people think this is how things happen in Congress. In fact, this Lankford MTI was a gambit to force a vote on highly contentious, high stakes national security policy matters via a procedural motion that was never discussed/debated in any committee, or subject to any normal debate/amendment process. Indeed, here is the entirety of the Senate floor discussion of Lankford’s “Let’s We All Agree in Advance to Kill Any Iran Deal” motion:

Lankford (R-OK): “Mr. President, we are about to go into conference on what we are basically calling the China bill, but this bill does not address China’s practice of purchasing and stockpiling sanctioned Iranian oil on the black market.  This procurement spike by China is directly correlated with the spike in terrorist activities by Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. Iran is laundering these petroleum products and illicitly transferring the oil at sea to Iranian tankers and foreign-flagged vessels. Three-quarters of this oil is ultimately exported to China, which purchased 310 million barrels of oil from Iran last year. All of this is happening while China is actually negotiating directly with Iran on our behalf in Vienna.  This particular motion to instruct goes straight at this illicit activity from Iran that is facilitating the terror activities and also addresses the designation that Iran is asking if they are going to negotiate with the Biden administration on the Iran nuclear deal. Iran is specifically asking that they get a lift of the `foreign terrorist organization’’ on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. That is the group that was attacking our troops in Iraq and facilitating their death.  We need to address this and take it off the table so that Iran does not get by with this and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps does not.  I urge a “yes” vote on my motion to instruct.”

Murphy (D-CT): “Mr. President, I would urge opposition to this motion. This motion asks the Senate to endorse President Trump’s Iran policy–a policy that, if you didn’t notice, was a complete, total failure. The motion calls for a provision in the underlying bill to prohibit a return to the JCPOA and to keep Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign intact until a mythical comprehensive agreement is achieved with Iran, inclusive of all their malevolent behavior. This policy just hasn’t worked. To apply it prospectively would be ruinous. Friends, Iran is weeks away from having enough nuclear material for a weapon. To deny this administration the ability to enter into a nuclear agreement isn’t just folly; it is downright dangerous. I wish a comprehensive agreement with Iran was possible, but 4 years of failure by President Trump was proof that, for the time being, it is not. We should not endorse 4 more years of this failed Iran policy. I urge opposition.”

Seriously folks – that is the entire consideration the Senate gave to the matter before voting.

> Next up is the Cruz MTI on Iran: requiring a report identifying links between China and Iran, and limiting cooperation via terrorism-related sanctions imposed on the Central Bank of Iran and the IRGC. That MTI passed 5/4/22 by a vote of 86-12. Voting “yes” were all Republicans except for Paul (R-KY), joined by 38 Democrats and 1 Independent [Baldwin (D-WI), Blumenthal (D-CT), Booker (D-NJ), Cantwell (D-WA), Capito (R-WV), Cardin (D-MD), Casey (D-PA), Coons (D-DE), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Feinstein (D-CA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hassan (D-NH), Heinrich (D-NM), Hickenlooper (D-CO), Kaine (D-VA), Kelly (D-AZ), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Leahy (D-VT), Lujan (D-NM), Manchin (D-WV), Menendez (D-NJ), Murray (D-WA), Ossoff (D-GA), Peters (D-MI), Rosen (D-NV), Schumer (D-NY), Shaheen (D-NH), Sinema (D-AZ), Smith (D-MN), Stabenow (D-MI), Tester (D-MT), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warner (D-VA), Warnock (D-GA), Whitehouse (D-RI), Wyden (D-OR)]. Not voting: Bennet (D-CO), Shelby (R-AL).

And like the Lankford MTI, the Senate’s discussion/consideration of the measure was limited to the following exchange:

Cruz (R-TX): Madam President, China and Iran are two of the most dangerous enemies of the United States. China is our most significant geopolitical foe for the next 100 years. Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. The Biden administration, unfortunately, has been dealing with both from a position of weakness. Specifically, the Biden administration has refused to enforce oil sanctions against Iran, allowing Iran to sell more than a million barrels a day of oil primarily to China. At the same time, the Biden administration is negotiating to lift terrorism sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Central Bank of Iran. The IRGC is responsible for murdering over 600 service men and women. The IRGC, right now, is actively trying to murder the former Secretary of State of the United States and the former National Security Advisor. If you support terrorism sanctions on the IRGC, you should vote yes, and if you want to lift those sanctions, you should vote no.

Murphy (D-CT): Madam President, the provision in the underlying bill that Senator Cruz’s motion argues for is a good one in that we should care about cooperation between China and Iran, but I would encourage my colleagues to oppose this MTI because of another extraneous provision in the motion. The motion argues that the United States should tie our Iran terrorism sanctions to our China policy, and that, frankly, is a bad idea. Terrorism-related sanctions are about punishing and deterring support for terrorism. If we want to use sanctions to deter cooperation between Iran and China, then we should craft those tailored sanctions; but to tie our Iran terrorism sanctions to our China policy would have the effect, really, of muddying the waters about the purpose of terrorism sanctions. Terrorism sanctions should be about stopping terrorism–period, stop. If we start applying terrorism sanctions for other purposes, it weakens our entire anti-terror strategy. For that reason, I would urge opposition to the motion.”

More Tweets/media on the MTIs:

US Senate passes non-binding motion against return to original Iran nuclear deal (Times of Israel 5/5/22)

Cruz (R-TX) 05/04/2022: Tweet – “My speech on the Senate floor just now: If you support terrorism sanctions on Iran, you should vote yes. If you want to lift those sanctions on Iran, you should vote no. My motion passed 86-12. Link to video”

Cotton (R-AR) 05/04/2022: Tweet – “The Senate just passed an amendment rejecting President Biden’s disastrous Iran policy with overwhelming support. All negotiations in Vienna should be called off and the Iranian regime should be made to pay for its state sanctioned terrorism.”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/04/2022: Retweet of @Heritage_Action – “.@SenTedCruz’s MTI requires a report identifying links between China & Iran in order to limit cooperation through terrorism-related sanctions imposed on the Central Bank of Iran and the IRGC.”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/04/2022: Twitter thread – “Today’s vote represents an overwhelming and bipartisan rebuke of the administration’s policies that are ignoring and weakening sanctions against Iran. 1/x Cruz Motion On ‘Necessary’ Iran Terrorism Sanctions Overwhelmingly Passes Senate 87-13 | U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas The Senate made absolutely clear that it will reject any attempt to dismantle terrorism sanctions on the CBI and the IRGC. 2/x”

Meijer (R-MI-3) 05/04/2022: Retweet of @omriceren – “!!! Between Cruz and Lankford motions tonight, Senate – Endorsed: terrorism sanctions vs CBI, terrorism sanctions vs IRGC, blocking Iran-China oil trade. Senate rejected: Iran deal that leaves out missiles or lifts sanctions vs IRGC. Total rejection of Biden Iran policy. Link to quoted tweet” 

(FREEDOM OF PRESS/PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS) S. Res. 609: Introduced 5/3/22 by Menendez (D-NJ) and 9 bipartisan cosponsors, “A resolution recognizing widening threats to press freedom and free expression around the world, and reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threat of authoritarianism, countering misinformation and disinformation, documenting human rights abuses, informing local and international audiences about public health crises. and furthering discourse and debate to advance healthy democracies, in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2022.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. NOTE: This resolution criticizes – with details of specific cases – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, and Iran.

LETTERS

(GRANDSTANDING IN SUPPORT OF $$$ FOR ISRAEL THAT ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO BE PROVIDED REGARDLESS OF YOUR INPUT) Meng/Zeldin et al letter to Defense Approps leaders: On 5/3/22, Reps. Meng (D-NY) and Zeldin (R-NY) led a bipartisan letter, co-signed by 121 House colleagues, to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, urging them to include in the FY23 Defense Appropriations bill $500 million for Israel for missile programs. What makes this letter a ridiculously brazen exercise in grandstanding is that the $500 million for Israel missile programs is explicitly provided under the current US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (negotiated by the Obama Administration), and funded every year by Congress, like clockwork. As a reminder, the MOU states: “Further reflecting the unshakable commitment of the United States to Israel’s security, and recognizing the importance to Israel’s security of effective missile, rocket, and projectile defense, the United States supports funding for.cooperative programs to develop, produce, and procure missile, rocket, and projectile defense capabilities to help Israel meet its security needs and to help develop and enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities. Such funding should, over a ten-year period beginning in FY 2019 and ending in FY 2028, be provided at the level of $500 million per year. Total funding over the course of this understanding would equal $5 billion.”

(DEFENDING CHRISTIANS’ RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN JERUSALEM) Castro et al letter to Biden: On 4/29/22, Reps. Castro (D-TX) and Bilirakis (R-FL) led a letter to President Biden — cosigned by McGovern (D-MA), Eshoo (D-CA), Hill (R-AR), Harris (R-MD), Malliotakis (R-NY) and Speier (D-CA) — noting that they are “deeply concerned by the rise in attacks against the Christian community in Jerusalem.” The letter asks the Biden Administration “to work with the Israeli government to uphold its stated commitment to the freedom of religion and worship for all religions and to hold accountable the radical groups who are engaging in sustained attacks against Christian clergy and destruction of church properties” and “to work closely with counterparts in the Israeli government to ensure Jerusalem is a place where Christians, Jews, and Muslims can worship freely, without fear of attack.” Notably, while the letter was reported in some media as being “critical of Israel,” the actual text of the letter suggests that the authors pulled their punches, to say the least. Specifically, the letter includes:

• NO mentions of “Palestinians” (there is a single reference to “the Palestinian territories”;
• NO use of the words “occupation” or “occupied,”;
• NO specific mention/denunciation of Jewish extremism and the Israeli government’s inability/unwillingness to curb it (while the letter cites examples of attacks on Christians by Israeli Jewish extremists, it avoids calling out Jewish extremists as the problem and instead repeatedly and obliquely talks about unspecified “radical groups” threatening Christian rights/equities in Jerusalem, seemingly suggesting that the attacks by extremist Jews are part of a broader pattern of attacks on Christians in Jerusalem that includes attacks by Palestinian Muslims, which is not the case);
• Despite talking repeatedly about “religious freedom” in general, the letter includes: NO mention of the problem of Israel impeding freedom of access to Jerusalem and its holy sites for Palestinians (Christians and Muslims); and NO mention of Israeli policies vis-a-vis Muslim holy sites (like events of the past month, which included Israeli security operations inside the mosques on the Haram al-Sharif, Israeli violence against unarmed civilians/bystanders – caught on video – on the Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces deliberately damaging structures on the Haram al-Sharif, most notably smashing stained-glass windows, apparently in order to shoot projectiles into the mosque from above)

Also see: Castro press release, Castro tweet, tweet, tweet;:  US lawmakers say radical groups in Israel attack Christians ‘with impunity’ (Middle East Eye 3/3/22)

 

2. Hearings

May 18, 2022: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism will hold a hearing entitled, “The Impact of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine in the Middle East and North Africa.” No witnesses have been announced as of this writing (1pm EST, 5/6/22).

May 17, 2022: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “The FY23 Budget Request: USAID’s Foreign Policy and International Development Priorities.” No witnesses have been announced as of this writing (1pm EST, 5/6/22) but it is a safe bet USAID Administrator Samantha Power will be there.

May 11, 2022: The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs will hold a hearing entitled, “Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for the United States Agency for International Development.” The sole scheduled witness is USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

May 11, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Review of the FY 2023 USAID Budget Request.” The sole scheduled witness is USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

May 11, 2022: The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense will hold a hearing entitled, “Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Defense.” The scheduled witnesses are: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer  Michael J. McCord, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley

May 3, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing entitled, “State Department Authorization: Strengthening U.S. Diplomacy for the 21st Century (hearing video).” The sole witness was Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian McKeon (statement).

 

3. On the Record

Media – General

Foundation for Defense of Democracies 5/4/22: Andy Levin’s ‘Two-State Bill’ Won’t Support Middle East Peace — Levin’s bill, were it enacted, would never achieve its ostensible goal.

Jewish Insider 5/3/22: Abraham Accords show Iran what it’s missing, says Meijer (R-MI)

Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs 5/3/22: The Cynical Manipulation and Misleading of Congress by Rep. Ilhan Omar

Jewish Currents/Peter Beinart 5/2/22: How a Defender of Palestinian Rights Lost His Way

 

Media & Members re: Elections

Michigan

Levin (D-MI-9) 05/06/2022: Retweet of @jstreetdotorg – “.@Andy_Levin is the real deal and we’re proud to support him for reelection in #MI11. Learn more at The political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans – JStreetPAC. Link to quoted tweet”

Levin (D-MI-9) 05/04/2022: Retweet of @jstreetdotorg – ““.J Street, which supports a more proactive U.S. role in brokering I/P peace, has also escalated its investment in Dem primaries. JStreetPAC, has endorsed 146 candidates this cycle, including Summer Lee, Jessica Cisneros, Erica Smith & Rep. Andy Levin.” Top Pro-Israel Group Reshapes Democratic Primaries With Multimillion-Dollar Barrage… | huffpost.com”

The Forward 5/4/22: Jewish Dems back non-Jewish candidate over Jewish rival in rare House primary

Tweet from IfNotNow 5/4/22: “The @USJewishDems choice to support an AIPAC-aligned candidate over a respected Jewish incumbent — who dares to speak up for the dignity and rights of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation — is a slap in the face.” (full statement)

The JTA 5/3/22: A Michigan primary battle becomes a bellwether of American Jewish politics

 

Ohio

Jewish News Syndicate 5/5/22: Ohio Rep. Shontel Brown repeats victory over Nina Turner in gain for pro-Israel Democrats

Brown (D-OH-11) 05/04/2022: Retweet of @AIPAC – “.@RitchieTorres in @J_Insider: “Shontel is a national symbol of a central truth that you can be both progressive & pro-Israel. The notion that you cannot be both is a vicious lie that should & must be finally put to rest.” Thank you @RepRitchie! Congratulations @ShontelMBrown! Link to image”

Democratic Majority for Israel tweet 5/3/22, 10:31pm: “Congratulations to Rep. @ShontelMBrown on her victory tonight in #OH11! She has proven to be a tenacious advocate for her district & a fierce fighter for Democratic party values. We were proud to support her campaign again, & look forward to seeing all she will accomplish!”

Free Beacon 5/3/22: Too Little, Too Late: ‘Squad’ Acolyte Loses (Again) After Trying To Airbrush Anti-Israel Past – Nina Turner loses second congressional race to pro-Israel Dem Shontel Brown

Jewish Insider 5/4/22: Shontel Brown notches primary win: ‘This was a faith fight’ [“Brown also received repeat endorsements from pro-Israel groups including the Jewish Democratic Council of America, Pro-Israel America and Democratic Majority for Israel, which spent more than $1 million in the race.”]

Jewish Insider 5/3/22: Inside Nina Turner’s last-ditch efforts to salvage the Jewish vote

The Forward 5/1/22: Jewish groups step up spending in Ohio congressional race

Jewish Insider 5/1/22: Hakeem Jeffries, stumping for Shontel Brown, highlights Jewish community support [“Speaking at a Cleveland synagogue, the Democratic leader compared Brown and challenger Nina Turner to David and Goliath”]

Jewish Insider 5/2/22: Jim Clyburn rouses troops for Shontel Brown in Cleveland primary rematch [“Members of Cleveland’s sizable Jewish community — along with a range of national pro-Israel groups — are also working to help Brown get reelected.”]

Torres (D-NY-15) 04/30/2022: Tweet – “I enjoyed campaigning with ⁦@ShontelMBrown⁩ and meeting with members of the Black, Jewish, & LGBTQ communities. Shontel is as beloved in Ohio as she is in Congress. The Highlight: Listening to @WhipClyburn, who poignantly said he sees his own daughter in Shontel Brown. Link to image”

 

Nevada

Jewish Insider 5/2/22: “A group of prominent pro-Israel Republicans is hosting a virtual fundraiser tomorrow for Nevada congressional candidate David Brog, the former executive director of Christians United for Israel. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman will headline the event alongside Jay Sekulow, who was one of the lead attorneys during former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial.”

 

Pennsylvania

Levin (D-MI-9) 05/05/2022: Retweet of @CPotterPgh – “Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey tops a list of local and state Dems calling on Steve Irwin to disavow ads attacking Summer Lee. Ads were placed by a superPAC tied to pro-Israel advocacy group AIPAC, which has spent into the 7-digits on this race. Link to image”

Justice Democrats tweet 5/3/22: “The first image is a six-figure attack mailer that AIPAC’s Super PAC against @SummerForPA in #PA12 saying she’s not a Democrat — after AIPAC endorsed over 100 insurrectionist Republicans. The second image is reality.” [pic of @SummerForPA speaking from the podium at Biden/Harris campaign event]

David Dayen (the Prospect) 5/3/22: “This mailer from AIPAC’s Super PAC is going around Pittsburgh. Summer Lee campaigned for Biden in 2020 while AIPAC endorsed 109 Republicans who refused to certify the election. Lee’s opponent, a union-busting lawyer, has donated to Pat Toomey & worked for a GOP state Senator. [image]”

 

General

Schatz (D-HI) 05/04/2022: Retweet of @wsteaks – “NEW: A photograph of Oz casting a ballot in Turkey’s 2018 presidential election is rankling national security experts — particularly after recently saying he has “never been politically involved in Turkey in any capacity.” Dr. Oz’s vote in 2018 Turkish election renews criticism… | abcnews.go.com”

Punchbowl News from 5/2/22: quoting Jayapal (D-WA) saying, re: endorsements by the Progressive Caucus,  “the other thing we’re really looking at is do we need to have some kind of a change in endorsement based on whether somebody accepts this kind of giant PAC money, whether it’s from the crypto billionaires or whether it’s from DMFI [Democratic Majority for Israel].”] Also:

• Jewish Insider 5/4/22: DMFI responds to Jayapal’s idea to make pro-Israel dollars treif
• tweet from the ADL’s Johnathan Greenblatt “There are many pro-Israel and progressive Members of Congress; those commitments are no way in conflict. @RepJayapal needs to clarify her remarks here, because singling out pro-Israel groups would be deeply problematic.”
• Tweet from FMEP’s Lara Friedman in response to Greenblatt, “Greenblatt appears to have adopted a policy of attacking ANY critical mention of Israel on the Hill as illegitimate/anti-Israel/antisemitic [singling out=antisemitism for the ADL]. Even if he has to misrepresent what was said. Jayapal quite literally didn’t single out any group.”
• Tweet from Matt Duss (office of Sen. Sanders) in response to Greenblatt: “Nice caucus you got there. It would be a shame if someone smeared you as a bunch of antisemites.”
• Twitter thread from Max Berger (former JusticeDems, former staff of Senator Warren, etc) in response to Greenblatt: “As far as I can tell, the ADL had no comment when AIPAC PAC endorsed 109 insurrectionary Republicans. It seems to me that violent white nationalists pose a more significant threat to American Jews than progressive, working class women of color. The American Jewish establishment’s decision to spend millions of dollars defeating candidates like Jessica Cisernos and Summer Lee is morally and politically wrong. The vast majority of Jewish Americans believe in multiracial democracy in the US and Israel. Do you? Do not dare to lecture us about antisemitism. My aunt is a conservative Jew from Pittsburgh. The day of the shooting at the Tree of Life, I thought it may have been her synagogue. We need our institutions fighting fascism with all our might – not working class women of color. It’s bad enough that DMFI and AIPAC PAC are spending millions of dollars defeating working class women of color in a time of rising white nationalism. Why is the ADL commenting upon the refusal of progressive Democrats to take money from dark money, pro-corporate PACs?”

Huffington Post 5/3/22: Top Pro-Israel Group Reshapes Democratic Primaries With Multimillion-Dollar Barrage – AIPAC and its allies aim to combat rising pro-Palestinian sympathy among Democrats.

Sanders (I-VT) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “How pathetic! AIPAC and their billionaire friends are spending some $10 million to defeat @ninaturner, @SummerForPA, @NidaAllam and @JCisnerosTX. Why are they so afraid of strong, progressive women of color fighting for the working class?” Retweeted by Omar (D-MN-5)

JTA 4/30/22: AIPAC’s political action committee to back Liz Cheney, who criticized the group’s endorsements

Haaretz 4/30/22: After Haaretz Report, AIPAC Changes Course and Endorses Rep. Liz Cheney

 

Members on the Record

Israel – general 

[there were many statements/tweets marking Israel’s independence day. If only ones included here are ones that refer to other policy matters.]

Allred (D-TX-32) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “I’m saddened to hear of this attack, especially as Israelis and Jewish communities across the globe celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s independence day. I’m praying for more peaceful days ahead. These terror attacks must end. At least three killed in suspected terror attack in Israel | CNN”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “A day after Israel’s Remembrance Day, a terror attack claimed 3 more lives, with 4 more wounded. In less than seven weeks, terrorists have struck in Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Hadera, Be’er Sheva & now Elad. America has stood w/ with Israel for 74 years. Today more than ever. Link to quoted tweet”

Ernst (R-IA) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “I’m praying for the victims of today’s terrorist attack on Israel’s Independence Day. Iowa stands with the people of Israel and their fight against such vicious and cowardly terrorist attacks.”

Franklin (R-FL-15) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “Great meeting with the Consul General of Israel to Florida, Mr. Maor Elbaz-Starinsky. We discussed my recent trip to Israel & the importance of a mutually strong relationship that reinforces our shared moral values, strategic interests, & desire for stability in the Middle East. Link to image”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “.@FrischSchool continues to show why New Jersey is known for the best schools in the nation. It was great to visit and speak with students & educators on the importance of bridging divides, standing up to antisemitism, & importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Link to image”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “My prayers are with Israel after at least three people were killed in a suspected terror attack. May their memory be a blessing. The attack occurred as Israelis celebrated independence day. The U.S. must continue to stand strong with Israel. 5 injured in attack reported in Elad in central Israel… | m.jpost.com”

Kim (R-CA-39) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “I enjoyed meeting with @IsraelinLA Deputy Consul General Amit Mekel to discuss the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel partnership as the State of Israel celebrates their 74th Independence Day. Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach! Link to image”

Long (R-MO-7) 05/05/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Gaza celebrates the terrorist attack in which 3 people were murdered in Elad, Israel. What a sick radical ideology. They celebrate death and terror. Link to image”

McCaul (R-TX-10) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack tonight in Israel. This is a horrible tragedy after a day of celebrating Israel’s Independence. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.” Israeli medics say 3 killed in stabbing attack near Tel Aviv… | apnews.com”

Meng (D-NY-6) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “It is devastating to see yet another attack on the Israeli people, especially on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. I condemn this heinous violence and the U.S. continues to stand with our ally during these difficult times.”

Rice (D-NY-4) 05/06/2022: Tweet – “I strongly condemn last night’s brutal terror attack in Israel that killed 3 people as Independence Day came to a close. I send my deepest condolences to the families. The US stands with Israel against this barbaric terrorism. 5 injured in attack reported in Elad in central Israel… | m.jpost.com”

Risch (R-ID) 05/06/2022: Tweet – “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in #Elad, #Israel that killed three & injured many during its Independence Day celebrations. We send our deepest condolences to the victims & their loved ones. The U.S. continues to support our Israeli partners & friends during this time. Link to quoted tweet”

Rosen (D-NV) 05/05/2022: Twitter thread – “Today we celebrate 74 years since the modern State of Israel – our closest ally in the Middle East – was established. During my last visit, I met with leaders & reaffirmed our nation’s ironclad support for the Jewish State, which is rooted in shared interests & values. Israel’s founding will always represent a beacon of hope for the Jewish people following centuries of persecution. Yom Ha’Atzmaut Sameach!”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 05/05/2022: Twitter thread – “I am deeply saddened and outraged over this horrendous terrorist attack, purposely committed on the day the people of Israel celebrate #YomHaatzmaut, their Independence Day. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the State of Israel. (1/2) At least three killed in suspected terror attack in Israel | CNN Today we celebrate 74 years of Israel’s inspiring strength & commitment towards democratic values — & are reminded of the evils they’ve faced. May today’s anniversary & horrendous tragedy reaffirm our need to continue to support our ally & the only democracy in the region. (2/2)”

Sherman (D-CA-30) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “From indiscriminate rocket attacks to the use of axes and knives, #Hamas continues to display their evil and their dedication towards killing Israeli civilians, including children. We must always stand against and defeat such vessels of terrorism and hatred. Link to quoted tweet”

Stevens (D-MI-11) 05/06/2022: Tweet – “Heartbreaking to see another terrorist attack in Israel, especially on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. I’m praying for those impacted and I’m praying for peace. This senseless violence must end. Live Updates: 3 People Reported Killed in Attack in Israel… | nytimes.com”

Carter (D-LA-2) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “Great to meet with Israeli Counsel General for the SW Livia Link-Raviv today on the occasion of Yom Ha’aztmaut — Israeli Independence Day! In Congress, I will continue working for an enduring U.S.-Israel partnership that advances democratic values for generations to come. Link to image”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 05/05/2022: Twitter thread – “This week we mark Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s 74th Independence Day. Over its history, the state of Israel has flourished and grown into to a modern, thriving democracy. Israel’s contributions in the fields of science, technology & innovation, & biomedicine are world-renowned (1/4) During humanitarian crises, Israel is often the first country on the ground responding to help those in need, as we’ve seen from Haiti to Ukraine, and providing emergency response in our own South Florida community during the Surfside tragedy last year. (2/4) Despite continued threats on its borders, Iran’s terror proxies and nuclear pursuits, & constant efforts to delegitimize the world’s sole Jewish State, Israel continues to deepen its relations with friends and allies & expand the circle of peace through the Abraham Accords. (3/4) The US relationship with our strong and secure ally continues to grow and deepen each day. I am proud to stand with friends and supporters of Israel in Congress and around the world in celebrating 74 years of Israel’s Independence! (4/4)”

Payne (D-NJ-10) 05/04/2022: Tweet – “Today is Israeli Independence Day! I am proud to support the strong relationship between the U.S. and Israel with continued funding for Israeli defense, such as $1 billion for the Iron Dome system. We must protect the sovereignty of Israel and all democracies worldwide. Link to image”

Pelosi (D-CA-12) 05/04/2022: Twitter thread – “Today, Americans join in celebrating one of the greatest political achievements of the 20th Century.  Seventy-four years ago, the establishment of Israel in the Jewish people’s biblical homeland lit a beacon of hope for millions following the horrors of World War II. In the decades since its founding, Israel’s rich culture & thriving economy have flourished amid existential challenges. The United States takes great pride in our ironclad bond with Israel, cemented minutes after its founding and rooted in both mutual security and shared values. In February, I had the privilege of leading a Congressional Delegation to Jerusalem, where we met with Israeli leaders and made clear our commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Unwavering and bipartisan in our support, the House has proudly renewed funding for Israel’s self-defense.  And by securing an additional $1 billion for the Iron Dome system, the House strengthened Israel’s ability to protect civilians from missile attacks. As the world celebrates all that Israel has achieved, we must also continue paving the path to justice, peace and stability in the region.  This year’s historic Negev Summit marked a promising step toward building on the Abraham Accords. As the House restated in our 2019 resolution, we remain committed to a just and lasting two-state solution to ‘both ensure the state of Israel’s survival as a Jewish and democratic state and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.’ House Democrats will continue working alongside the Biden Administration to preserve an enduring U.S.-Israel partnership that advances democratic values for generations to come. Pelosi Statement Celebrating Israeli Independence Day… | speaker.gov”

Portman (R-OH) 05/04/2022: Twitter thread – “I want to wish my friends in #Israel a happy Independence Day. Since its founding 74 years ago, #Israel has been one of America’s strongest and most important allies. I am proud to be a firm supporter of the bonds between our nations. Thanks to the Abraham Accords, countries around the Middle East have recognized the benefits of partnering with Israel. My Israel Relations Normalization Act will build upon this progress and encourage more countries to embrace Israel as a friend and partner.”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/03/2022: Retweet of @JGreenblattADL – “Despicable. Russia continues to dig itself into a deeper hole in attempting to “explain” antisemitism to Israel. Its unspeakable treatment of Ukrainian civilians, and its manipulation of reality and history, must be rejected. Russia lectures Israel about Holocaust, defends saying Hitler was Jewish… | newsweek.com”

Cardin (D-MD) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “Wise people say the first rule of diplomacy is ‘when you are deep in a hole, stop digging.’ Yet Putin & Lavrov are doubling down on their lies about Nazis in Ukraine. #StandWithUkraine “Unforgivable and outrageous”: Israel condemns Russian foreign minister’s Hitler remarks… | axios.com”

Escobar (D-TX-16) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “It was a pleasure to meet with Israeli Consul General to the Southwest Livia Link-Ravia. We discussed areas of shared interest including immigration, investments in a green energy future, and how we can continue to #StandWithUkraine. Link to image”

Graham (R-SC) 05/02/2022: Twitter thread – “The continued unraveling of Putin’s narrative about his invasion of Ukraine is apparent for all to see. Foreign Minister Lavrov made a fool of himself trying to justify the invasion as an attempt to de-Nazify Ukraine. Lavrov’s antisemitism means Israel no longer neutral on Ukraine-Russia… | jpost.com His statements about the Jewish people and President Zelensky, a Ukrainian Jew, were rightly condemned by Israel. They should also be condemned by the world. What needs to happen next is for the Russian people to de-Stalinize Russia by removing Putin and his cronies. The Russian people can restore honor and dignity to their proud nation by ending this barbaric war in Ukraine.”

Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 05/03/2022: Tweet – “Certainly hope so. If not there needs to be some ‘splainin Link to quoted tweet”

Cohen (D-TN-9) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “Israel demands apology after Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots | Reuters AS the Ukrainian sailor replied,”Russian …..go f—k yourself.” Israel denounces Lavrov’s Hitler comments, summons Russian ambassador… | reuters.com”

Herrell (R-NM-2) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “Great to meet you, Livia! I am proud to be a strong supporter of Israel and her people. Link to quoted tweet”

Long (R-MO-7) 05/01/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “This is not the Europe of 1939. This is Jerusalem 2022. A Jewish man is attacked in the streets of the old city – for being Jewish. #Antisemitism Link to video”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 04/30/2022: Tweet – “My prayers are with the family of Vyacheslav Golev, whose life was taken in a Shabbat terror attack. May his memory be a blessing. The U.S. must continue to stand strong with Israel in the fight against extremism and for peace in the region. Guard killed in W. Bank terror attack shielded girlfriend with his body, saving her… | timesofisrael.com”

Long (R-MO-7) 04/30/2022: Retweet of @HananyaNaftali – “Jewish and Muslim soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Same mission – different faith. #Israel Link to image”

 

Palestine

McCollum (D-MN-4) 05/02/2022: Twitter thread – “Millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are subject to repressive conditions under military occupation that systematically violates human rights. Faith leaders join McCollum in calling for end to child incarceration… | mondoweiss.net My bill would not have been written had it not been for the support of human rights groups, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other people of great faith here in the United States. It is a work that we do here at home and with Palestinians and also Israelis.”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/01/2022: Twitter thread – “Is it any surprise that the next generation of NYT “journalists” made the “brave” decision to attack Israel? Harvard has a long & sorry tradition of anti-Semitism: from its anti-Jewish quotas in the 50s to this shameful embrace of #BDS Link to quoted tweet 2/x The Senate UNANIMOUSLY condemned #BDS as anti-Semitism, when it passed the Cruz-Kaine resolution: Link to PDF | cruz.senate.gov 3/x “Whereas antisemitism has included attacks on the livelihood of Jews including prohibitions on land ownership, campaigns to boycott, confiscate or destroy Jewish businesses, and denial of the ability of Jews to practice certain professions….” 4/x Cruz-Kaine Anti-Semitism Resolution Unanimously Passes Senate | Senator Ted Cruz”

Tlaib (D-MI-13) 04/29/2022: Retweet of @AJPaction – “Join us, alongside @RepRashida and several other orgs, in a joint petition that demands @instagram stop its censorship of Palestinian voices. @instagram STOP censoring Palestinians’ voices. Sign this petition now Sign now to demand Instagram stop censoring Palestinian voices… | bit.ly   Link to image”

 

Syria

Cornyn (R-TX) 05/04/2022: Tweet – “Good news Link to quoted tweet” [“Inside Biden’s meeting with Austin Tice’s parents: A new commitment to engage directly with the Assad regime to bring home the American journalist abducted in Syria in 2012. More on how the meeting came together from my interview with Marc and Debra Tice. article”

Menendez (D-NJ) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “11+ years into the brutal conflict & the Assad regime’s barbarism only continues to shock & sicken the world. We must continue to support those who bravely risk & sacrifice their own safety to document these atrocities. Assad’s depravity demands accountability, plain & simple. Link to quoted tweet”

Risch (R-ID) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “I’m unsettled by evidence of additional atrocities in #Syria & displeased that Biden is tacitly supporting energy deals with the #Assad regime. The #TadamonMassacre is only a snapshot of Assad’s systemic & inhumane brutality. We must continue to pursue accountability. #Caesar Link to quoted tweet”

Fallon (R-TX-4) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “This Administration’s decision to issue such a sloppy report is unacceptable. I urge them to immediately issue a full and robust disclosure. Link to quoted tweet”

Hassan (D-NH) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “America will always work to bring those who commit acts of terror to justice. While this sentencing cannot take away the pain faced by the families of James Foley, Peter Kassig, Steven Sotloff, and Kayla Mueller, it is important that we are holding their killers accountable. Link to quoted tweet”

Kuster (D-NH-2) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “We will never forget the shocking, horrific murder of James Foley. While nothing can take away the unimaginable pain felt by the loved ones of James Foley, Peter Kassig, Steven Sotloff, & Kayla Mueller, the terrorists responsible for their brutal deaths must be held to account. Link to quoted tweet”

Shaheen (D-NH) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “Today marks another milestone on the long road to justice for James Foley, Peter Kassig, Steven Sotloff & Kayla Mueller. I’ve long worked w/ the Foleys & will keep supporting them & all impacted families so the terrorists culpable face the full weight of the U.S. justice system. Link to quoted tweet”

Wilson (R-SC-2) 04/29/2022: Retweet of @james_t_quinn – “New: The State Dept released a report detailing the corruption and net worth of the Assad family. Some suspect that State only started working on it under pressure after the deadline passed—and that the final product is full of potential errors. @NRO State Department’s Delayed Assad Report Riddled with Possible Errors | National Review”

Wilson (R-SC-2) 04/29/2022: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “JUST IN: Biden Admin Sheltering Syria’s Assad from Fresh Sanctions — State Dept withheld from Congress legally mandated report on Assad family’ss empire before releasing a version that is ‘late, lackadaisical, riddled with errors’ Biden Protecting Syrian President From Sanctions, Lawmakers Say… | freebeacon.com”

 

Iran

González-Colón (R-PR-0) 05/06/2022: Tweet – “#ICYMI I support @RepMariaSalazar’s INVESTIGAR Act that will give us visibility into the dangers that can be caused by any Iran-Venezuela nuclear & energy deal & how it could benefit terrorists groups, circumvent US law & promote anti-democratic practices. González Colón joins Salazar in introducing INVESTIGAR Act to investigate Venezuela’s profits from Iran nuclear deal… | gonzalez-colon.house.gov”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/04/2022: Retweet of @mdubowitz – “This is stunning. Congress immediately needs to get to the bottom of this and release this assessment. The Biden administration’s Iran policy is a total failure. Time for major policy and personnel changes. Link to quoted tweet”. Also Cruz (R-TX) [exact same tweet]

Cruz (R-TX) 05/04/2022: Tweet – “It’s breathtakingly brazen and outrageous for the Biden administration to continue hiding this crucial information from the American public. Link to quoted tweet”

Cruz (R-TX) 05/03/2022: Tweet – “The Biden admin reportedly has a secret assessment that says the benefits from their new Iran deal are now zero, because they’ve allowed Iran to make so much progress. But they’re so ideologically committed to doing their deal they’re refusing to make the assessment public. Link to video”

Menendez (D-NJ) 05/02/2022: Retweet of @wcbs880 – “880 INTERVIEW: @SteveScottNEWS speaks with NJ Sen. and Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems chair @SenatorMenendez about the latest on the war in Ukraine and nuclear developments in Iran NJ Senator Menendez On Ukraine And Iran… | bit.ly   Link to image” & Menendez (D-NJ) 05/02/2022: Retweet of @SteveScottNEWS – “My thanks to @SFRCdems Chair @SenatorMenendez for joining me on @wcbs880 today to talk about #Ukraine and #Iran. Link to quoted tweet”

Banks (R-IN-3) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “.@JoeBiden gave a Soleimani associate & Iranian terror apologist Parviz Parastui a visa. And if Biden delists the #IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Org, thousands of terrorists will be able to cross our border. Insanity! Iranian Actors’ US Tour Sparks Political Controversy… | iranintl.com”

Cornyn (R-TX) 05/01/2022: Retweet of @ChadPergram – “Foreign Affairs Cmte Chair Menendez to colleague Bret Baier on potential Iran deal: “No deal is better than a bad deal.” Says removing Iran’s status as a terrorist nation could “be a stumbling block””

Fallon (R-TX-4) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “Just another example of why we must stop the nuclear negotiations with Iran IMMEDIATELY! Link to quoted tweet”

Steube (R-FL-17) 05/02/2022: Tweet – “Last week, I questioned @SecBlinken during a House Foreign Affairs hearing about his mishandling of the Afghanistan withdrawal & the admin’s dangerous negotiations with Iran. Their inability to make informed foreign policy decisions makes America appear weak on the world stage. Link to video” Also on GETTR

Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) 04/30/2022: Tweet – “Why is the Biden Administration considering removing the IRGC’s terrorist designation and capitulating to Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism?”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “We should NOT empower terrorists for the sake of a weak Iran nuclear deal. Removing IRGC from the FTO list does just that AND dishonors the 600+ US troops killed by IRGC in Iraq, Gold Star families, & Americans being targeted today by IRGC-trained proxies. IRGC-Designation-Letter-to-President-Biden–FINAL–w-Signatures.pdf… | ow.ly”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 04/29/2022: Retweet of @IAC_NE – “Indeed, #IRGC should not be removed from the FTO list. The IRGC supports terrorism around the world and is the main apparatus of repression of the Iranian people. Our hearts and prayers are with all the IRGC’s terror victims, including the fallen Americans. Thanks @RepDonBacon Link to quoted tweet”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 04/29/2022: Retweet of @IACMN – “You are absolutely correct @RepDonBacon Thank you for your vigilance in countering #Iran’ian regime’s threats Link to quoted tweet”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 04/29/2022: Twitter thread – “Important @HouseForeign hearing w/ @SecBlinken yesterday. The US has led the world in support of Ukraine and against Russian aggression. We have known Putin’s intentions for years. Just like we have known Iran’s intentions since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Link to video Iran threatens our allies/partners & IRGC funds proxies across the region while pursuing nuclear weapons. The JCPOA is not an Iran policy. Deal or not, we need a comprehensive strategy to lead in combating threats & to ensure Iran never has nukes. Glad @SecBlinken affirmed that.”

Murphy (D-CT) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “I’m still waiting for all the Iran nuclear deal opponents to explain the better path to stop a Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. We tried crippling unilateral sanctions. We tried assassinations and sabotage. All that did was expedite their research program.”

Rice (R-SC-7) 04/30/2022: Tweet – “Folks – When President Obama tried to use his pen and phone to ram through the Iran Nuclear Deal, I led the legal effort to stop it. I have & will always stand for a STRONG America!”

Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “Very proud to have helped pass bipartisan legislation in the House this week, which I backed to counter the Iranian drones threat to the U.S. and our key ally and the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel. US House of Representatives passes the Stop Iranian Drones Act… | m.jpost.com”

 

Saudi Arabia

Malinowski (D-NJ-7) 05/05/2022: Tweet – “The main reason gas prices are sky high is that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are deliberately helping Russia, and undercutting our sanctions, by refusing to increase oil production. As this piece argues, the time has come to tell them to choose sides. Opinion | America’s Gulf ‘allies’ are now Putin’s enablers”

 

Egypt

Omar (D-MN-5) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “China is hunting Uyghurs down abroad — with help from countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. If human rights are truly the center of our foreign policy, we cannot partner with countries that are complicit in China’s human rights abuses. China is hunting down Uyghurs with help from some surprising countries… | nbcnews.com”

 

Turkey

Long (R-MO-7) 05/06/2022: Retweet of @andrewnuity – “Inflation in Turkey is at almost 70%. Yes, you read that correctly.”

Scott (R-FL) 05/03/2022: Twitter thread – “Even as the evil dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro coordinates with Turkey to steal from the Venezuelan people & evade US sanctions, @JoeBiden still thinks the U.S. should do business with the regime. (1/2) Turkey warned over Venezuela gold trade – BBC News Biden’s appeasement is dangerous & foolish. We must put U.S. national security FIRST, continue to stand firm against the dictators & criminals across LATAM & give our full support to the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom. (2/2)”

McGovern (D-MA-2) 04/30/2022: Retweet of @ARAMAC_DC – “Armenian Caucus Member, @RepMcGovern (D-MA), commemorates the 107th year of the Armenian Genocide by remembering the 1.5 million lives that were killed by Ottoman Turkey. ⁠ ⁠ Armenian Americans are grateful for your solidarity with the Armenian people. Link to image”

Meeks (D-NY-5) 04/29/2022: Tweet – “CM ⁦@RepGregoryMeeks⁩: The life sentence handed to Osman Kavala by Turkish courts is another black mark on the rule of law in Turkey. I urge President ⁦@RTErdogan⁩ to stop politicizing the courts and respect fundamental freedoms. Osman Kavala: Turkish activist sentenced to life in prison… | bbc.com”

 

Qatar

Whitehouse (D-RI) 04/29/2022: Twitter thread – “It was an honor to meet members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard serving at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last week. One of those members was Staff Sergeant Morin. Staff Sergeant Morin brings his son’s beloved stuffed animal, Charlie, everywhere he goes on his deployment. Link to image So when @SenBooker and I met Charlie, we were very happy to take a photo to send home to his family in Rhode Island.”

 

Libya

Deutch (D-FL-22) 05/03/2022: Tweet – “Pleased that the UNSC extended the mandate for UNSMIL, which will continue to contribute to stability in Libya & pave the way for free & fair elections. However, I am disappointed that Russia continues to prevent the inclusion of key reforms necessary strengthen UNSMIL’s mandate.”