Legislative Round-Up: June 2, 2022

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

(USING CHINA AS HOOK TO OBSTRUCT IRAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT) S. 4290: On 5/31/22 Sen. Blackburn (R-TN) issued a press release announcing the introduction of the “Iran China Accountability Act” [actually introduced on 5/23/22 with 7 all-Republican cosponsors — and covered in last week’s Round-Up].  Also see:Press releases/statements/tweets: Blackburn (R-TN), Rubio (R-FL), Rubio (R-FL), Cassidy (R-LA), Blackburn (R-TN), Good (R-VA-5), Cramer (R-ND)

(NO MORE US MILITARY ENGAGEMENT IN YEMEN) H. J. Res. 87: Introduced 5/31/22 by DeFazio (D-OR) and 41 cosponsors (36 Democrats, 5 Republicans), “Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:

(SUPPORTING US-BAHRAIN SECURITY COOPERATION!) HR 7888: Introduced 5/27/22 by Jackson (R-TX) and no cosponsors, “To provide for United States security cooperation with Bahrain.” Referred to the Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Affairs.

(REMEMBER 1983 MARINE BARRACKS BOMBING) H. Res. 1146: Introduced 5/27 by Pence (R-IN) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors, “Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2022, as a national day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.” Referred to the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs.  Also see tweet from Pence (R-IN-6) 05/30/2022: “Today we honor the ultimate sacrifice our service members have made on behalf of our Freedom. This #MemorialDay, I remember my fellow Marines, who never made it home from the 1983 Beirut Bombing on @USMC Barracks. May God Bless our brave fallen heroes. May God Bless America.

LETTERS

(CONCERN THAT KUSHER IMPROPERLY TRADED ON HIS GOVERNMENT POSITION CARRYING OUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S FOREIGN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST TO BENEFIT HIS PERSONAL FINANCIAL INTERESTS AFTER LEAVING GOVERNMENT OFFICE) Maloney letter to Jared Kushner: On 6/2/22, Maloney (D-NY), chair of the House Oversight and Reform committee, sent an 8-page letter to Jared Kushner laying out in detail concerns that he improperly traded on his government position carrying out the Trump Administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East to benefit his own personal financial interests after leaving government office. Key excerpt:

For four years, you led the Trump Administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East, despite lacking any meaningful diplomatic experience, and despite significant conflicts of interest stemming from your family’s lucrative business dealings in the region. Your support for Saudi interests was unwavering, even as Congress and the rest of the world closely scrutinized the country’s human rights abuses in Yemen, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi assassins tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on political dissidents at home. After leaving your senior White House position, you formed an investment firm, A Fin Management, LLC (Affinity) and raised $2 billion from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which is controlled by the Crown Prince. PIF made this substantial investment despite other senior Saudi officials’ concerns over your lack of investment experience. The Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating whether you have improperly traded on your government position to obtain billions of dollars from the Saudi government and whether your personal financial interests improperly influenced U.S. foreign policy during the administration of your father-in-law, former President Trump. This investigation will inform the Committee about whether federal ethics laws should be strengthened to prevent senior public officials from taking advantage of their position within the federal government to reap a financial windfall—before, during, or after government employment.

(INTERVENE TO STOP ISRAELI ETHIC CLEANSING OF MASAFER YATTA) Bush et al letter to Blinken: On 5/31/22, Rep. Bush (D-MO) led a letter to SecState Blinken, cosigned by 14 fellow House Democrats, “to express our deepest concern about the imminent threat of forcible transfer faced by at least 1,000 Palestinian residents, including 500 children of the Masafer Yatta region of the occupied West Bank, an area in which Israel has declared a military firing zone–Firing Zone 918.” The letter calls on the State Department to “exert all available diplomatic pressure to ensure that Israel does not move forward with this devastating ruling.” Also see:

(CONCERN ABOUT NEW ISRAEL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS) Bowman et al letter to Biden Admin: On 5/27/22, Rep. Bowman (D-NY) led a letter, cosigned by 11 fellow House Democrats, to SecState Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, and Education Secretary Cadona, expressing “deep concerns with procedures released by the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) which severely restrict the ability of American academics and students to teach and study at Palestinian universities in Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) while no similar restrictions apply to American academics and students seeking to teach and study at Israeli universities nor to Israeli academics and students seeking to teach and study in the United States.” The letter states that the signers “find the policies outlined by the COGAT to formalize discriminatory treatment of Palestinian Americans and other citizens.” Also see: Israeli Limits on West Bank Travel Draw Scrutiny From U.S. Lawmakers (The Intercept 5/29/22). NOTE: The linked article references a prior letter on the same topic, sent by Rep. Wexton (D-VA), not previously reported in the Round-Up (text is not publicly available as of this writing).

($$ FOR ISRAEL) Rosen et al letter to appropriators: On 5/17/22 (not previously reported in the Round-Up), Sen. Rosen (D-NV) led a letter, cosigned by 14 Senate colleagues, to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security subcommittee. The letter’s ask:  “As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, we write to respectfully request that you provide $2 million for the U.S.-Israel Homeland Security Program and $6 million for the U.S.-Israel cybersecurity cooperation grant program.” [Note: this funding is in addition to the $3.8 billion in annual funding for Israel provided for under the MOU, and which has been the subject of different letters to appropriations leaders]. Also see: Rosen’s press release (issued 6/2/22).

 

2. Hearings

June 22, 2022: Per a 6/2 press release from HFAC Chairman Meeks (D-NY), HFAC’s Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism will hold a hearing entitled, Examining the U.S. Interest in Regional Security Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa: Opportunities, Obstacles, and Objectives.

June 22, 2022: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a mark-up of the FY23 Defense Authorization bill (following subcommittee markups June 8-9, 2022).

June 9, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a Business Meeting at which it will consider (among other things), Rep. McCaul’s (R-TX) HR 6089, aka, the “Stop Iranian Drones Act.”

June 8, 2022: The House Appropriations Committee’s SFOPS subcommittee will hold a hearing, Fiscal year 2023 Budget Request for the United Nations (UN).” The sole witness will be US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. [Note: any discussion in Congress of the UN can be counted on to be an occasion for extensive grandstanding in support of Israel and attacks on the Palestinians].

June 8, 2022: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact will hold a hearing, The FY23 Budget Request: United Nations and International Organizations.” The sole witness will be Michele J. Sison,  Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs [Note: any discussion in Congress of the UN can be counted on to be an occasion for extensive grandstanding in support of Israel and attacks on the Palestinians].

June 8, 2022: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a two-panel hearing entitled, The Path Forward On U.S.-Syria Policy: Strategy And Accountability. The sole witness on panel 1 will be newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf. Panel 2 witnesses will be Dr. Milena Sterio, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law; and witness who is given the name, “The Gravedigger”, described as “Witness to Mass Graves in Syria” [likely one of the most unusual names/titles to appear on a witness list for a Senate hearing in some time, or maybe ever].

 

3. On the Record

Media – General

Newsmax 6/2/22: Top Senate Democrat Bob Menendez: Time to End Diplomacy With Iran [“‘It is time to tell the Europeans – who[m] we have shown good faith with, that we were willing to enter into what was hopefully a stronger and longer deal – that the Iranians are not there,’ the senator said at the AIPAC New Jersey Spring Leadership Dinner on Tuesday….”]

Jerusalem Post 5/29/22: 81 members of Congress say US must stop Israeli eviction of Hebron Hills’ Palestinians

 

Media & Members re: Elections

General

Jewish Insider 6/1/22: DMFI PAC announces new slate of primary endorsements

Politico 5/31/22: The June primaries already ballooning with big money [“A pair of open Southern California seats are filling up with spending along increasingly common Democratic dividing lines. In the 42nd District, United Democracy Project (the AIPAC super PAC) has dropped some $515,000 so far on ads opposing state Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia and backing Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. DMFI PAC, another pro-Israel group, and crypto-focused Web3 Forward are also chiming in for Robert Garcia. That pair of groups, along with Protect Our Future, is also boosting state Sen. Sydney Kamlager in the open 42nd District with close to $1 million combined.”]

CNN 5/31/22: The 4 most interesting kinds of House primaries in 2022

Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) 05/30/2022: Retweet of @IfNotNowOrg – “Ever wondered how lobby groups like the @NRA and @AIPAC work? @AOC explains how lobbies work in DC, including how groups that support insurrectionists like @AIPAC use carrots and sticks to get members of Congress to support unpopular policy positions. Thank you @AOC  Link to video

The Nation 5/27/22: The DCCC and the DSCC Are Not On Our Side

Jewish Democratic Council of America 5/27/22: Senate Races Every Jewish Dem Should Watch

Michigan

Haaretz 6/2/22: LISTEN: AIPAC Wants to Defeat This Jewish Democrat. He’s Fighting Back

Levin (D-MI-9) 06/01/2022: Retweet of @IfNotNowOrg – “Rep @Andy_Levin on the Jewish imperative to reject money from @AIPAC: “It’s not about getting endorsed by AIPAC. It’s about taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. It’s not acceptable as a moral Jewish person to support people who are undermining our democracy.” Link to video

JTA 6/1/22: New super PAC aims to elect pro-Israel Black Democrats including challenger to Tlaib

Levin (D-MI-9) 05/31/2022: Retweet of @maxberger – “Andy Levin’s race is one of the most important progressive vs. moderate races for the rest of the cycle. AIPAC has decided to target him because he’s the most progressive Jew in the House on Israel. He’s a former union organizer and a champ on our issues. We’ll have his back. Link to quoted tweet

Metro Times – Detroit 5/31/22: Pro-Israel PAC spends big money in campaign to unseat Tlaib in congressional race

Mondoweiss 5/31/22: AIPAC’s new tactic to unseat Rashida Tlaib

Middle East Eye 5/30/22: Pro-Israel PAC looks to spend $1m to unseat Rashida Tlaib

Haaretz 5/29/22: Pro-Israel Group Spends Heavy in Attempt to Defeat Rashida Tlaib

Legal Insurrection 5/29/22: Dem Election-Year Infighting Escalates as Rashida Tlaib Faces Pro-Israel Primary Challenger

Politico 5/27/22: Scoop: PAC to spend $1M to oust ‘Squad’ member Tlaib [“The group is made up of a coalition of Black and Jewish business leaders.”]

FloridaJewish Insider 6/2/22: Former ADL Florida director looks to replace Ted Deutch [“‘Israel is incredibly important to me personally,’ Holzhauer, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors said, noting that some of her relatives were murdered in the Holocaust, while others found safe haven in Israel. ‘Israel’s existence is fundamental. To me there’s no question — I am a Zionist, and I support the safety and security and continued existence of the State of Israel.’ She added that she would ‘be pushing back in the same way’ on anti-Israel rhetoric in Congress that Deutch has, adding that ‘there isn’t a question anymore’ that anti-Israel politics are linked to antisemitism.”]

Texas

Jewish Currents 6/1/22: Balancing the Scales — How much did AIPAC affect a close Democratic primary in Texas?

Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 6/1/22: J.P. Leskovich: Irwin over Lee? Don’t stereotype Pittsburgh’s Jewish voters   

IllinoisNewman (D-IL-3) 05/28/2022: Retweet of @downwithtyranny – “Millions of Republican dollars laundered by AIPAC & Mellman’s DMFI just started flooding into Illinois to try to defeat Marie Newman and bolster New Dem corporate shill Sean Casten. Please consider giving Marie a hand here: Help progressives take Congress… | bit.ly   Link to image

Newman (D-IL-3) 05/27/2022: Retweet of @themayadecline – “I love organizing, but I love winning more. Now that progressives are being targeted by AIPAC & other super PACs, we need to get serious about organizing money as much as we organize people. I wrote about it in Salon: To keep winning, progressives can’t just organize: We need money too… | salon.com

Arizona

Jewish Insider 5/31/22: Arizona Senate GOP frontrunner lays out foreign policy views [‘Every foreign aid dollar spent must be in the interests of the American taxpayer, and American security,’ Jim Lamon told JI. ‘Anything that does not meet that standard should be eliminated, but Israel would likely be the last on the cut list.’”]

California

Haaretz 5/31/22: Nancy Pelosi, Years-long AIPAC Ally, Accepts J Street Endorsement

Mercury News 5/27/22: California GOP congressional candidate apologizes for comments Jewish leaders label ‘anti-Semitic pandering’       

New York Post 5/26/22: California GOP House candidate Greg Raths goes on anti-Semitic rant    [“A Republican candidate for the House of Representatives from California went on a shocking diatribe against Jews last week, accusing the ‘Israeli PAC’ of having ‘control of a lot of these politicians…I will work with the leaders of both the Israeli … and they’re strong. That’s the problem you just mentioned,’ Greg Raths said during a candidate forum May 20. ‘Israeli PAC in Washington – they got money and they control a lot of these politicians.’ Raths, the former mayor of Mission Viejo, went on to claim that Palestinian leaders ‘don’t have the clout.’ ‘So the money goes – these politicians go where the money is, unfortunately,’ Raths continued. He later doubled down on his stance, saying, ‘The Jewish community is very well organized in the United States and they control a lot of politicians. That’s why the foreign aid is so large going to Israel.’ ‘The Jewish community has never given me one, one dime, so I’m not beholden to them at all,’ Raths added. Raths made comments suggesting that people in the Jewish community control politicians. Despite Raths’ remarks, the Republican candidate states that “I’ll support Israel” in a section of his website dealing with national security issues…”]

Jackson (R-TX-13) 05/27/2022: Twitter thread – “This “Republican” Squad supporter has NO business being part of our party!! Support Israel and support @YoungKimCA! California Republican Goes Full Ilhan Omar in Anti-Semitic Rant… | freebeacon.com DONATE TO @YoungKimCA!! Young Kim for Congress… | winred.youngkimforcongress.com Retweeted by Kim (R-CA-39)

Members on the Record

Palestine

Pocan (D-WI-2) 05/30/2022: Tweet – “In less than 3 days, Israel is set to evict ~100 Palestinians from their apartment building in East Jerusalem, causing increased instability in the region. The Israeli government needs to immediately put a hold on this unnecessary eviction & save the homes of these families.

Tlaib (D-MI-13) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “We will outwork those who don’t want to see someone like me serving in the U.S. Congress. No one will bully me and get me to stop speaking truth. We are a people powered campaign centered on love and fighting for our most vulnerable. We aren’t going anywhere. Link to quoted tweet

Levin (D-MI-9) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “I joined @Rep_Stansbury and 81 colleagues in calling on @POTUS and @SecBlinken to engage with the Israeli government to prevent the inhumane eviction of 1,000 Palestinians from their homes. These evictions will push peace and a two-state solution further out of reach. Link to quoted tweet

McCollum (D-MN-4) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “I joined House & Senate colleagues in urging @POTUS to immediately engage with the Israeli government to stop the planned evictions of 1,000+ Palestinians in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, which only create more conflict & undermine any path to peace. Ahead of Biden Visit to Israel, Stansbury, Merkley, 19 Senators and 62 Representatives Urge Administration to Engage Israeli Government to Prevent Evictions in Masafer Yatta | U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon

Israel

Menendez (D-NJ) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “Honored to speak at @AIPAC’s NJ Spring Leadership Summit last night about our steadfast commitment to the US-Israel relationship & the interests & values we share. Whether on the Iran threat, or combatting anti-Semitism, our partnership has never been stronger or more necessary. Link to image

Nadler (D-NY-10) 06/01/2022: Twitter thread – “BDS movement is wrongheaded and undermines a lasting two-state solution. I strongly opposed the BDS resolutions at @Columbia and @nyuniversity and I oppose the recent endorsement of BDS by the @CUNYlaw faculty. As I wrote to @columbia students in 2016, ‘The global BDS movement, despite its well-crafted illusion as a progressive or pro-peace movement, is actually quite the opposite.’ Read my full letter to Columbia students below: Statement on Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign at Columbia University… | medium.com

Rosen (D-NV) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “Had a productive meeting with @UAEEmbassyUS Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba. We discussed the importance of the Abraham Accords and advancing cooperative and sustainable development in the Middle East, including in the areas of renewable energy and water. Link to image

Schneider (D-IL-10) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “I join the Administration’s deep concern about the decision of the Iraqi Parliament. The Abraham Accords represent a tremendous opportunity to improve the lives of the people of the Middle East and foster peace and security for the region. Link to quoted tweet

Jordan (R-OH-4) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “President Trump, Ambassador Friedman, and Jared Kushner achieved unbelievable successes for Israel and in the Middle East. These successes should be celebrated, but unfortunately, as always, Democrats are more focused on politics than results. WSJ News Exclusive | Jared Kushner’s New Fund Plans to Invest Saudi Money in Israel Also on GETTR

Risch (R-ID) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “I welcome the signing of the historic FTA between #Israel & #UAE. Building on the #AbrahamAccords, it has the potential to radically increase trade between the two. And, with the objective of reaching $1T over 10 years, it’s a clear demonstration of the benefits of normalization.”

Risch (R-ID) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “Iraq’s passage of an anti-Israeli normalization law, criminalizing all forms of bilateral engagement, is deeply disturbing. The #AbrahamAccords have shown normalization can yield huge benefits — which #Iraq and its people will now miss out on as a result of this troubling law.”

McClain (R-MI-10) 05/28/2022: Tweet – “I stand with Israel. Today on the 55th anniversary of #YomYerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, we as a country must reaffirm our strong support that Jerusalem is the undeniable capital of Israel. Link to image

Smith (R-MO-8) 05/28/2022: Tweet – “Today – #JerusalemDay – marks 55 years since the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem under Jewish sovereignty. We pray for peace for our friends in Jerusalem, and join in wishing Happy Yom Yerushalayim! Link to image

Stefanik (R-NY-21) 05/28/2022: Tweet – “Today marks the beginning of the 55th anniversary of Yom Yerushalayim in Israel, commemorating the reunification and liberation of their eternal capital Jerusalem during the Six Day War. I am proud to stand with our ally Israel in celebration today! #JerusalemDay Link to image

Stefanik (R-NY-21) 05/28/2022: Tweet – “Today, we join our ally Israel in celebrating  #JerusalemDay.  55 years ago, Israel defeated Arab states who vowed to annihilate the Jewish State during the Six Day War and paved the way for freedom.”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 05/29/2022: Tweet – “Happy Yom Yerushalayim! Today, we celebrate the reunification and liberation of Jerusalem during the Six Day War in 1967. Link to image

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/29/2022: Retweet of @JGreenblattADL – “Thanks @NYCParks @NYCFC @UAEEmbassyUS and @RitchieTorres for this amazing event. Let’s hope #AbrahamAccords will expand and benefit even more in the Middle East and around the world. The promise of peace can change so much. A new soccer field in the Bronx courtesy of the Abraham Accords… | jewishinsider.com   Link to quoted tweet

Cline (R-VA-6) 05/28/2022: Tweet – “Today we recognize the 55th anniversary of Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, in which Israel celebrates the reunification and liberation of Jerusalem during the Six Day War in 1967. I continue to stand with the people of Israel and one of our Nation’s closest allies. Link to image

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/27/2022: Twitter thread – “I am proud to partner with @UAEEmbassyUS, @NYCFC, and @NYCParks in building a new soccer field in Crotona Park in the Bronx. Soccer is the international pastime. The lowest-income communities deserve access to the highest-quality park spaces. Link to video My friendship with the UAE Ambassador arose in the aftermath of the Abraham Accords. Who would have thought a peace agreement in the Middle East (the Abraham Accords) would lead to a new soccer field in the Bronx? The back story: Link to quoted tweet

Wild (D-PA-7) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “The world urgently needs more dialogue — not more prejudice — between peoples. That includes Israelis and Palestinians. I’m deeply concerned by the impact of this law, which would impose life imprisonment and death sentences simply for building ties with another country. Link to quoted tweet

Syria

Long (R-MO-7) 06/01/2022: Retweet of @BreitbartNews – “A German woman who took her young daughter to Syria, joined the Islamic State group there and allegedly took advantage of an enslaved Yazidi woman was convicted Wednesday of membership in a terrorist organization and other offenses. Islamic State Woman Who Kept Slave, Took Daughter to Syria Convicted | trib.al

Iran

Blackburn (R-TN) 06/01/2022: Retweet of @IranIntl_En – “US Senator @MarshaBlackburn: “The UN reports Iran has stockpiled enough Uranium to produce a nuclear weapon and has refused to directly answer questions about it. This should be reason enough to kill negotiations for a new Obama-era deal.” #ViennaTalks”

Blackburn (R-TN) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “Iranian-backed hackers launched a cyber attack against Boston Children’s hospital. How can Joe Biden still be pushing for another failed nuclear deal with Tehran?”

Cotton (R-AR) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “Instead of giving sanctions relief to the world’s worst state sponsor of terrorism, Joe Biden should start holding Iran accountable. Link to quoted tweet

Fallon (R-TX-4) 06/02/2022: Retweet of @LibertyIranian – “Earlier this year, we hosted a Congressional Meet & Greet with @RepPatFallon. Thank you, Congressman Fallon, for sitting down with our ED @Bryan_E_Leib to discuss your positions on domestic and foreign policy issues. IAL Congressional Meet & Greet with Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)… | youtube.com

Jackson (R-TX-13) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “I’m sure the tyrants in China, Russia, and Iran are TERRIFIED after reading this post… Americans are SICK of this woke crap. The job of our military is to WIN WARS – that’s IT! Link to quoted tweet

Langevin (D-RI-2) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “It is unconscionable that the Iranian government would target sick children and the hard-working medical teams who care for them. I am grateful that the @FBI was able to thwart this attempt. FBI thwarted cyberattack against Boston Children’s Hospital… | thehill.com

Pfluger (R-TX-11) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “Attacks on US soil will NOT be tolerated. The House must pass my Cyber Deterrence and Response Act to fortify our systems and put our safety first. It will force the Biden Admin to respond to cyberattacks from foreign enemies with forceful sanctions. FBI Chief Blames Iran for Cyberattack on Boston Children’s Hospital… | wsj.com” Also on GETTR

Risch (R-ID) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “#Iran’s attempted cyber-attack on Boston Children’s Hospital is deeply disturbing. Unfortunately, it’s typical of a regime that’s synonymous with global terrorism. I’m thankful to the FBI and others that continue to keep America safe from Iran’s malign activity.

Risch (R-ID) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “The U.S. must press for a censure of the Iranian regime at the June #IAEA board of governors meeting. Recent revelations on the regime’s enriched uranium stockpiles, and Iran spying on @iaeaorg to avoid scrutiny, both reinforce the need for action. #Iran must be held accountable.”

Warner (D-VA) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “The number of cyberattacks against health care providers continues to grow year after year. Glad the FBI was able to work with the private sector to prevent this attack. We need more public-private collaboration like this to ensure patients are able to get the care they need. Link to quoted tweet

Banks (R-IN-3) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “Iran is on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon & Biden it trying to gift the #IRGC billions in sanctions relief. Shameful! Iran Hasn’t Provided Credible Explanations for Nuclear Material, U.N. Agency Says… | wsj.com

Blackburn (R-TN) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “The UN reports Iran has stockpiled enough Uranium to produce a nuclear weapon and has refused to directly answer questions about it. This should be reason enough to kill negotiations for a new Obama-era deal.

Blackburn (R-TN) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “Joe Biden would rather ask dictators in Iran and Venezuela for oil than letting American companies drill here at home.

McClain (R-MI-10) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “Iran has enough uranium to produce a nuclear weapon and won’t tell us why. There should be absolutely no new deal until we have answers.”

Risch (R-ID) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “The #IRGC’s seizure of 2 #Greek vessels & their crew is yet another appalling example of #Iran’s regional terrorism. The Biden Admin must prioritize efforts to address this egregious behavior, which continues to threaten the US, it’s partners, & freedom of navigation everywhere.

Schatz (D-HI) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “If only we had struck a deal that would have verifiably eliminated this program. Link to quoted tweet

Zeldin 5/31/22: Rep. Zeldin Statement on Iran Stockpiling Enriched Uranium

Lieu (D-CA-33) 05/31/2022: Twitter thread – “If Iran continues to stonewall @iaeaorg and fails to explain why it had nuclear material at multiple undeclared sites, then next week the IAEA Board of Governors should censure Iran. Link to quoted tweet   Link to reply @Davret1 @iaeaorg Iran has taken steps in the past to avoid censure. Let’s see what, if anything, Iran proposes next week. Iran Avoids IAEA Censure | Arms Control Association   Link to reply @Putin_Blyad @iaeaorg Israel would support an IAEA censure. In the past, Iran has taken steps to avoid IAEA censure. Let’s see what, if anything, Iran proposes next week. Iran Avoids IAEA Censure | Arms Control Association   Link to reply @Some_Iowan @iaeaorg Incorrect. Most of the world doesn’t want Iran to have nuclear weapons.”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/30/2022: Retweet of @IAC_NE – “On #MemorialDay, our community pays tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect freedom in our nation & worldwide. We honor victims of terrorism & their families. Honoring them should include holding the terrorist regime of Iran accountable. @RepDonBacon”

Rosen (D-NV) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “Deeply troubled by reports that Iran has stockpiled enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb. Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, and it must respond to the @IAEAOrg on its nuclear activities. U.N. Says Iran Has Enough Uranium to Produce Nuclear Weapon… | wsj.com

Scott (R-FL) 05/30/2022: Tweet – “Just like his former boss, Obama, Biden refuses to stand by the Iranian people who are demanding their freedom, and all for the sake of a flawed deal with regime thugs that will only empower them more. Link to quoted tweet

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/29/2022: Twitter thread – “For years I flew with Captain Tim Haun, who was later killed in the Khobar Tower bombings in Saudi Arabia by terrorists aligned with Iran. Tim was a wonderful patriot and is greatly missed by family and friends. We honor Captain Haun on Memorial Day. Let’s Talk Clovis: Gold Star Hero Captain Leland “Tim” Haun, USAF… | clovisroundup.com   Link to reply @BalticFreedom I’ll post more tomorrow. All friends or those I served with.”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/30/2022: Retweet of @IAC_NE – “@RepDonBacon Sorry for your loss, @RepDonBacon. Captain Haun is one of the countless victims of the Iranian regime’s terrorism. RIP @NCRIUS Evidence connecting Iran to the deadly 1996 Khobar Towers terror attack: THE HILL TV: IRAN UNTOLD STORY PART 1… | youtube.com

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/29/2022: Retweet of @NassrinSaifi – “@IAC_NE @RepDonBacon Many thanks to Congressman Bacon for standing with the Iranian people and supporting their aspirations for a democratic, nonnuclear, and secular republic republic! #IranProtests

Bacon (R-NE-2) 05/27/2022: Retweet of @PahlaviReza – “Security forces are currently opening fire on peaceful protesters in #Iran as they shout “don’t shoot!” As #IranProtests grow across the country, the international media can help protect protesters by sharing their stories and not allowing them to suffer in silence. Link to image

Cramer (R-ND) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “.@POTUS is destroying any chance for the U.S. to once again be energy independent. The open hostility toward fossil fuels sends the wrong message to the world. They need energy and we can provide it! If we don’t, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela will fill the void. Link to video

Kinzinger (R-IL-16) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “Time to tighten the sanctions on #Iran Link to quoted tweet

Saudi Arabia

Gaetz (R-FL-1) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “Enriching China and Saudi…. Idk about you, but I feel safer now. Link to quoted tweet

Gohmert (R-TX-1) 06/02/2022: Retweet of @RepChipRoy – “We suggest President Biden visit American oil and gas producers in the Permian Basin instead of pleading with foreign regimes. #EnergyFreedom As gas prices soar, Biden leans toward visiting Saudi Arabia… | apnews.com

Roy (R-TX-21) 06/02/2022: Tweet – “We suggest President Biden visit American oil and gas producers in the Permian Basin instead of pleading with foreign regimes. #EnergyFreedom As gas prices soar, Biden leans toward visiting Saudi Arabia… | apnews.com

Wyden (D-OR) 06/01/2022: Twitter thread – “This Saudi-backed golf tournament coming to Oregon is a cruel insult to the family of Fallon Smart, a 15-year-old Portlander killed in a hit-and-run by a Saudi national whose government has helped him escape U.S. justice. Despite growing backlash, controversial Saudi-backed golf tournament coming to Oregon… | kgw.com I’m not going to stop pressing for a halt to this disgraceful spectacle coming to Washington County — and for Greg Norman and any other supporters of this Saudi tour to quit “sportswashing” bloodstained Saudi hands.” Retweeted by Bonamici (D-OR-1)

Bilirakis (R-FL-12) 05/31/2022: Tweet – “The greatest country in the world should never be dependent on any other country to meet its energy needs. We need to flip the switch and restore energy independence by boosting domestic production. Saudis ‘think they have Biden over a barrel’ ahead of possible relations thaw… | washingtonexaminer.com

Egypt

Smith (R-MO-8) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “The National Endowment for the Humanities is spending American Rescue Plan $ on “Indigenous canoe-building” & an exhibit on Ancient Egypt. Unlike hieroglyphics, it’s clear what’s going on here. When you spend a boatload of cash, you get canoe-building. Link to PDF | republicans-budget.house.gov   Link to image

United Arab Emirates

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “I was proud to join @UAEEmbassyUS, @NYCParks, and @NYCFC last week to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated soccer field in Crotona Park. This partnership transformed a dream into reality, bringing much needed green space to residents of the Bronx. Link to quoted tweet

Torres (D-NY-15) 05/27/2022: Retweet of @RitchieTorres – “I am proud to partner with @UAEEmbassyUS, @NYCFC, and @NYCParks in building a new soccer field in Crotona Park in the Bronx. Soccer is the international pastime. The lowest-income communities deserve access to the highest-quality park spaces. Link to video

Yemen

Menendez (D-NJ) 05/27/2022: Tweet – “Very saddened by the death of former @USAID employee Abdulhameed Al-Ajami who died in Houthi detention this week. Against the backdrop of the Yemen conflict’s ongoing ceasefire, I urge the Houthis’ immediate release of all remaining US Embassy local employees unjustly imprisoned. Link to quoted tweet

Turkey

Pallone (D-NJ-6) 06/01/2022: Tweet – “Offering Erdogan this unchecked platform is a dangerous mistake that will only embolden him as he continues to destabilize the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean & South Caucasus.   We cannot continue to appease a rogue authoritarian who refuses to engage with NATO in good faith. Link to quoted tweet

Long (R-MO-7) 05/30/2022: Retweet of @BreitbartNews – “Turkey’s president has told journalists he still intends to block Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. Turkey to Block Finland, Sweden in NATO Becayse They ‘Support Terror’ | trib.al

Pallone (D-NJ-6) 05/30/2022: Tweet – “Turkey cannot and should not be seen as a key U.S. ally. We’ve seen Erdogan betray our NATO values time and time again. We should not hesitate to call out his flagrant human rights abuses and antidemocratic practices. For NATO, Turkey Is a Disruptive Ally… | nytimes.com