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APN maintains strong relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials. A non-partisan organization . with a non-partisan mission, APN supplies timely information, analysis, expertise and education, providing a pro-Israel, pro-peace, American Jewish perspective on issues and legislation related to Israel and the quest for Middle East peace and, security. APN also engages in advocacy, directly and through its nationwide Action Network, to promote pro-Israel/pro-peace legislation and policy

APN publishes the Legislative Round-Up -- the most comprehensive resource available anywhere on Middle East-related developments on Capitol Hill -- every Friday when Congress is in session. APN also hosts policy briefings on Capitol Hill and brings experts to meet with policy makers to maintain a steady flow of balanced information from the region.

It's Not Actually About the Iron Dome

by APN 10/01/21
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“House Democrats remove Iron Dome funding from upcoming budget”

“House Democrats strip funds for Iron Dome from bill to raise debt ceiling”

After reading some of the headlines from early last week you’d be forgiven for thinking that House Democrats had taken a drastic step away from supporting an additional $1 billion replenishment to this crucial Israeli missile defense system the US supports with $500 million annually. The reports on the events in Israel were even more alarmist. But what actually happened? The reality is that the headlines and events of last week were the result of a right-wing messaging campaign around what was in reality a reasonable procedural request.

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Legislative Round-Up: September 24, 2021

by APN 09/27/21
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 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. The Great 2021 Iron Dome Supplemental Debacle
3. FY22 NDAA – Update
4. Hearings & Markups
5. On the Record

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Legislative Round-Up: September 17, 2021

by APN 09/20/21
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 Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.

1. FY22 NDAA – House
2. Hearings & Markups
3. On the Record

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Legislative Round-Up: September 10, 2021

by APN 09/13/21
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 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. On the Record

More great FMEP programming:

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?) HR 5148: Introduced 9/3 by Auchincloss (D-MA) and 4 cosponsors (bipartisan), the “United States–Israel Artificial Intelligence Center Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This is the House version of S. 2120. Also see: Auchincloss press release; Bipartisan group to introduce bill promoting U.S.-Israel AI cooperation legislation (Jewish Insider); Tweet from Gonzalez (R-OH)

(FY22 NDAA) HR 4350: On 9/2, the House Armed Services Committee completed its mark-up of HR 4350, the FY22 NDAA (adopted by a vote of 57-2); press release is here. The text that was debated (and amended) by the full committee (aka, the Chairman’s Mark) is here; final text of the bill, as adopted by the committee, is here. On 9/7, the House Rules Committee announced that it is “likely to meet the week of September 20 to grant a rule that may provide a structured amendment process for floor consideration of H.R. 4350 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.” It set a deadline of 1pm on Sept. 14 for submission of amendments. Coming out of Committee, the bill includes a number of Israel/Middle East-related provisions, as follows.

Israel: While not mentioned in the bill text, the tables at the end of the bill include $500 million for Israel-related programs, as follows: Israeli Cooperative Programs – $300 million; Arrow 3 Upper Tier Systems – $62 million; Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense – $30 million; Iron Dome – $108 million. On 9/9 AIPAC tweeted – “Last week the House Armed Services Committee authorized $500 million for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation. Collaboration on lifesaving programs like Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow keeps Americans and Israelis safe, supports our economy and creates American jobs.”. In addition, Section 731 of the bill provides for a “Grant program for increased cooperation on post-traumatic stress disorder research between the United States and Israel.”

Other Middle East-related provisions

  • Section 1053. Reports and briefings regarding oversight of Afghanistan [including with respect to support from Iran]
  • Section 1221. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals.
  • Section 1222. Extension and modification of authority to support operations and activities of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq
  • Section 1223. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
  • Section 1224. Prohibition of transfers to Badr organization.
  • Section 1225. Prohibition on transfers to Iran.
  • Section 1226. Report on Iran-China military ties.
  • Section 1227. Report on Iranian military capabilities.
  • Section 1228. Report on Iranian terrorist proxies.
  • Section 6009. Expansion of scope of Department of Veterans Affairs open burn pit registry to include open burn pits in Egypt and Syria.

Israel/Middle East issues in the HASC Mark-Up

Letters

(HUMAN RIGHTS – EGYPT) Lieu-Padilla et al letter to Blinken: On 9/9/, Reps. Lieu (D-CA) l and Padilla (D-CA) led a letter to SecState Blinken highlighting serious concerns about the human rights violations of the Sisi government in Egypt, and requesting that the Biden Administration “use the full range of tools at your disposal to put meaningful pressure on President Sisi and his regime.” The letter was cosigned by Reps. Wild (D-PA), Allred (D-TX), Bass (D-CA), Beyer, (D-VA), Sherman (D-CA), Titus (D-NV), Costa (D-CA), Cicilline (D-RI) and Castro (D-TX).

2. On the Record

Iran

Risch (R-ID) 9/9 : Ranking Member Risch: IAEA Should Censure Iran

Cornyn (R-TX) 9/8: Tweet – “Iran is blocking United Nations atomic agency inspectors’ access to nuclear-related sites and continues to expand its nuclear activities, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in two confidential reports Tuesday”. Linked to article, Iran Blocking IAEA Access to Nuclear-Related Sites (Wall Street Journal)

Meeks (D-NY) & McCaul (R-TX) 8/31: Meeks, McCaul Urge Biden Administration to Prioritize Securing the Release of American Citizens Unjustly Imprisoned in Iran

Senate Codel to Middle East

Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/9: Van Hollen, Colleagues Release Statement Following CODEL to Lebanon, Israel

Murphy (D-CT) 9/9: Murphy CODEL Concludes Visit to Lebanon, Israel, West Bank, Tunisia, Greece

Ossoff (D-GA) 9/9: PHOTOS: Sen. Ossoff Meets With Key Leaders in Middle East, Greece Israel

Jewish Insider 9/9: Democratic senators pushed consulate reopening during Israel meetings [also see Twitter thread from Ossoff’s office summarizing the whole trip]

Israeli President Herzog 9/3: Tweet – “Bipartisanship is a sacred pillar of the U.S.-Israel alliance. Delighted to welcome a delegation of U.S. Democratic Senators to Jerusalem. Held an open discussion with Senators @ChrisMurphyCT, @SenBlumenthal, @ChrisVanHollen & @ossoff about our shared interests and values.”

Murphy (D-CT) 9/3: Tweet – “In our meetings today in Israel w Prime Minister Bennett and other officials we stressed the importance we place on reopening our consulate in Jerusalem to better serve Palestinians. This consulate was open for over 100 years before being cruelly shuttered by President Trump.”

Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/3: Tweet – “Yes, we had good meetings and raised this issue. It was also a commitment @POTUS made and important that he keep his word, follow through, and reverse Trump’s harmful decision.”

Jewish Insider 9/1: Senate delegation set to meet with Bennett, Lapid and Herzog while in Israel

Murphy (D-CT) 8/31: Tweet – “Wheels down in Beirut. Visiting Lebanon and Israel over the next few days w @ChrisVanHollen @SenBlumenthal and @ossoff to work on a solution to the political and economic crisis in Lebanon and to build bridges with the new Israeli coalition government.”

Murphy (D-CT) 8/30: Murphy, Blumenthal, Van Hollen, Ossoff Travel to Lebanon, Israel, West Bank to Discuss Regional Security and Democracy

Mr. Bennett Comes to Washington

Tlaib (D-MI) 8/29: Tweet – “.@POTUS: Did we get a commitment from the PM that the Israeli government* would uphold Palestinian human rights?” Linked to POTUS tweet – “It was an honor to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to the White House today. We strengthened the enduring partnership between our two nations and underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”

Green (R-GA) 8/28: Tweet – “Remove Joe Biden immediately! Our country is in danger being controlled by a man who can’t even stay awake in a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister. We have already seen his decisions as Commander in Chief! 13 dead & our military demoralized!” Linked to The Post Millennial tweet – “WATCH: Joe Biden appears to doze off in the middle of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett” [the story that Biden fell asleep during his meeting with Bennett was debunked almost immediately, including by Bush White House alum Ari Fleischer , but Green has not deleted her tweet]

Pallone (R-NJ) 8/28: Tweet – “I’m glad to see @POTUS uphold our country’s strong bond with Israel. I look forward to seeing our two countries work together in the future toward our mutual interest in a safe and secure world.” Linked to article, Biden, Bennett open new chapter in U.S.-Israel relations with White House visit (Washington Post)

Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 8/28: Tweet – “Great to see @POTUS and @IsraeliPM reaffirm their support for the US-Israel alliance and commit to Israel’s safety and security. I look forward to working to advance our shared interests.” Linked to POTUS tweet – “It was an honor to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to the White House today. We strengthened the enduring partnership between our two nations and underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”

Deutch (D-FL) 8/27: Tweet – “Today’s meeting between @POTUS Biden & @IsraeliPM Bennett was historic. I was pleased to hear them affirm support for the US-Israel relationship, advancing our shared interests and values, & long-standing, bipartisan US commitment to Israel’s safety & security. Read my statement” Linked to statement.

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/27: Tweet – “Welcome to Washington, Prime Minister Bennett! We look forward to continuing to strengthen the historic, bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship in the years to come.” Linked to POTUS tweet – “It was an honor to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to the White House today. We strengthened the enduring partnership between our two nations and underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”

Cassidy (R-LA) 8/27: Tweet – “.@IsraeliPM Bennett is meeting with the president today to ask the U.S. to not re-enter the Iran Nuclear deal. COMPLETELY AGREE WITH PM BENNETT.”

McConnell (R-KY) 8/24: Tweet – “Good conversation with @IsraeliPM Bennett last night. We discussed shared challenges: Global terrorism, Iran’s dangerous aspirations, anti-Semitism & BDS. Reaffirmed my support for deeper strategic partnership and preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge & freedom of action.”

Targeting Rep. Tlaib (D-MI) [yes, still]

NOTE: Most of these links are in response to Tlaib’s 8/28 Twitter thread: “Meet Mai Afana’s mother, Khuloud, who is fighting to be able to bury her daughter & begin her healing. Mai was a mother, loving daughter & successful PhD student. She was killed by the Israeli government last June. Israel won’t release her body to her family. I am sharing Mai’s story because I began to only learn last year of this inhumane practice by the Israeli govt. Without proof, they make claims, and all to just continue to dehumanize Palestinians even after they have died. We must stand against this form of collective violence. The Palestinian people deserve the same dignity as any other human being. To deny the right to see their loved ones for a modicum of closure is another form of painful violence from the U.S. sponsored, Israeli arsenal. Mai’s dead body is one of hundreds being held. I still remember the Erekat family’s plea last year to release their loving son, Ahmed’s body. Here is his story. @hrw and other human rights organizations have demanded an end to this disgusting practice, and the U.S. must join them in that demand. [link]” To learn more about Israel’s practice of holding hostage bodies of slain Palestinians, check out this new podcast & related resources from FMEP)

Jewish New Syndicate 9/1: Pro-Israel group urges ethics investigation of Tlaib for retweeting charity with terror ties

Jewish News Syndicate 8/30: Rashida Tlaib draws backlash over pressure on Israel to release body of slain terrorist

Fox News 8/30: Tlaib sparks backlash for tweet about woman reportedly killed attacking Israeli soldiers with knife

JTA 8/30: Rashida Tlaib demands Israel release body of woman who tried to kill troops

Breitbart 8/29: Rashida Tlaib Describes Palestinian Terrorists as ‘Loving’ and ‘Successful’

Washington Free Beacon 8/27: Rashida Tlaib Promoted a Fundraiser for Group Tied to Hamas, Taliban

Miscellaneous

Barr (R-KY) 9/7: Tweet – “The Abraham Accords proves that Israel—not Iran—is the center point for lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East. I congratulate both countries for taking this historic step forward that will strengthen the region for generations to come.” Linked to article, Eitan Na’eh tapped to be first ambassador to Bahrain (Times of Israel)

Jewish Insider 8/31: Ben Samuels returns to his roots [“On foreign policy matters, Samuels made clear that he was eager to take an active role in bolstering the U.S.-Israel relationship, maintaining that his voice would be a valuable addition to the conversation amid festering Democratic divisions over the Jewish state. ‘In many cases, a lot of younger Jews don’t always understand why Israel is important to our collective safety and to Americans and to the Jewish people,’ said Samuels, who has family in Israel and has visited twice. ‘I think a new generation of younger Jewish leadership is in a very good position to try to do something about that and help younger Americans and younger Jews understand the importance of the U.S. relationship with Israel.’”]

Legislative Round-Up: August 12, 2021

by APN 08/27/21
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 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. On the Record

Of special note: Americans Split on Military Aid to Israel, Say Political Status Quo Unacceptable (Chicago Council on Global Affairs)

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(HIZBALLAH SANCTIONS – LATAM EDITION) ​​HR 5039: Introduced 8/13 by Wilson (R-SC) and 2 cosponsors (bipartisan), the “Hizballah in Latin America Accountability Act of 2021,” aka, “To impose certain measures with respect to Hizballah-affected areas in Latin America and the Caribbean and to impose sanctions with respect to senior foreign political figures in Latin America who support Hizballah, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, and the Judiciary. Wilson press release is here.

Letters

(TARGETING BEN & JERRY’S) Scott letter to Secretary of Commerce: On 8/17, Sen. Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo requesting that the Commerce Department’s Office of Antiboycott Compliance launch an investigation into whether Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever are in violation of the Export Administration Act (EAA)  for Ben & Jerry’s decision to stop distributing its products in settlements. This letter is an act of shameless alt-fact grandstanding that brazenly misrepresents both the policy adopted by Ben & Jerry’s and US anti-boycott law:

  • The letter factually misrepresents the decision of Ben & Jerry’s to cease distribution in settlements as a boycott of Israel (Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever have both made clear they are not boycotting Israel).
  • The letter factually misrepresents US law, asserting that Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever are “in violation of statute” for Ben & Jerry’s principled, independent decision to cease distribution in settlements (they are not).
  • In point of fact, and irrespective of any debate around the use of the term “boycott” with respect to the Ben & Jerry’s policy, the EAA (the relevant section of which is here) has – literally – no bearing on the matter.
  • As a reminder, the EAA was adopted to prevent countries participating in the Arab League boycott of Israel from coercing US companies into also boycotting Israel (by making it a condition for doing business with said country). With this in mind, the EAA bars U.S. companies from complying with “any boycott fostered or imposed by a foreign country against a country which is friendly to the United States and which is not itself the object of any form of boycott pursuant to United States law or regulation,” or refusing to do business “pursuant to an agreement with, a requirement of, or a request from or on behalf of the boycotting country.”
  • To be clear: the EAA in no way prevents (or even addresses) a decision by a US company — acting as an expression of its own values/principles and acting independently of coercion from any outside country — to refrain from business with any territory or nation. And to be clear: this is the case with Ben & Jerry’s, which has made clear that its decision reflects, solely, its own values. Indeed, even opponents of the policy have not suggested that Ben & Jerry’s is acting to comply with another country’s boycott (of Israel or of settlements).
  • And to be clear: weaponizing the EAA by reinterpreting (or seeking to amend it) to target US companies for their independent, freely-taken expressions of values/principles would be a textbook violation of the 1st Amendment. This is precisely the reason past efforts in Congress to amend the EAA to target differentiation between Israel and settlements, in the form of the deceptively-named “Israel Anti-Boycott Act”, are opposed by the ACLU and have repeatedly failed.
  • Also see: Florida senator urges Commerce Department to investigate Ben & Jerry’s over Israel boycott (Jewish News Syndicate); Scott’s press release & Tweet

(HUMANITARIAN ACCESS FOR GAZA) Pocan-Dingell et al letter to Blinken: On 8/19, Reps. Pocan (D-WI) and Dingell (D-MI) led a letter, co-signed by a total of 53 House members, calling on SecState Blinken to take action to reopen border crossings in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials to reach those in need. Press release is here. Also see Tweets from: Pocan (D-WI), Pocan, Newman (D-IL), and Dingell (D-MI)

(HELP LEBANON/LEBANESE) Dingell et al letter to Blinken: On 8/19, Dingell (D-MI), Crist (D-FL), Issa (R-CA), and LaHood (R-IL) — Co-Chairs of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus — led a letter to SecState Blinken and USAID Administrator Power calling for action to address the deteriorating economic and political situation in Lebanon. Press release is here.

(DON’T DEPORT LEBANESE) On 8/23, Al Jazeera reported that Reps. Tlaibe (D-MI) and Dingell (D-MI) “are circulating a letter in Congress, urging the Biden administration “to shield Lebanese people in the United States from deportation on humanitarian grounds given the multifaceted crises unfolding in the Middle Eastern country.” According to the article, the letter “calls for designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).”

 

2. On the Record

Mr. Bennett Comes to Washington

McConnell (R-KY) 8/26: Tweet – “Good conversation with @IsraeliPM Bennett last night. We discussed shared challenges: Global terrorism, Iran’s dangerous aspirations, anti-Semitism & BDS. Reaffirmed my support for deeper strategic partnership and preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge & freedom of action.”

Middle East Monitor 8/26: We will work with the Congress to provide $1bn to Iron Dome , US official says

Times of Israel 8/25: Bennett to US congressmen: Preventing a nuclear Iran is America’s interest

i24 News 8/24: Bennett warns US lawmakers against return to JCPOA ahead of trip

Palestinian Authority Repression of Protest

Arutz Sheva 8/26: Squad Congresswoman persona non grata in Palestinian Authority

Middle East Eye 8/25: Progressive Democrats slam Palestinian Authority over crackdown on protesters

Times of Israel 8/25: Progressive Democrats tear into Palestinians over crackdown on critics

Haaretz 8/25: Progressive Democrats Slam Palestinian Authority for Human Rights Abuses After Protesters’ Arrests

Pocan (D-WI) 8/23: Tweet – “The Palestinian Authority must stop committing human rights abuses and respect the freedom of speech of all Palestinians. Arresting peaceful human rights defenders is never OK. Full stop.” Linked to article, The Palestinian Authority Is Quashing Legal Protests – Again (Haaretz); Re-tweeted by Rep. Garcia (D-IL)

[NOTE: all the tweets below are linked to a tweet from Avaaz – “BREAKING: Avaaz Campaign Director Fadi Quran is among 28 human rights defenders that have been arrested by the Palestinian Authority in a crackdown on peaceful protest. Read more: https://bit.ly/3gJ78iH”; also, note that some articles reference a statement by Murphy (D-CT) — which I can’t seem to find anywhere].

Tlaib (D-MI) 8/23: Tweet – “Palestinians face enough danger and oppression without their own government imprisoning them simply for peacefully protesting police brutality. I stand with @Avaaz and others calling for the #PalestinianAuthority to free @fadiquran and other #humanrights activists immediately.”

Bush (D-MO) 8/23: Tweet – “Shame on the Palestinian Authority. Suppressing dissent and criminalizing protest only deepens the violence of Israel’s apartheid system. We stand with Palestinians against the violence of the Palestinian Authority’s authoritarianism. Freedom for political prisoners now.”

Schakowsky (D-IL) 8/23: Tweet – “The #PalestinianAuthority must release human rights activist @Fadiquran and his colleagues immediately!”

Omar (D-MN) 8/23: Tweet – “Locking up peaceful protesters is a textbook human rights abuse and the hallmark of authoritarian regimes. I urge the Palestinian authority to release these political prisoners and conduct a thorough transparent investigation into Nizar Banat’s killing.”

Egypt

Pocan (D-WI) 8/22: Tweet – “Egypt should reverse this unproductive & ultimately harmful decision. Isolating Gaza won’t lead to lasting peace. I sent a letter w/ 52 of my colleagues urging @SecBlinken to work w/ his counterparts to ensure aid gets into Gaza through Israel & Egypt.” Linked to article, Egypt closes Rafah border crossing to Gaza after Israel-Hamas escalation (Jerusalem Post)

Gosar (R-AZ) 8/14: Tweet – “Gosar Minute For too long, Coptic Christians living in Egypt have been assaulted and even murdered solely for their Christian faith. This is unacceptable. Recently, I co-sponsored H. Res. 117, a bipartisan resolution supporting Coptic Christians in Egypt.”

Bilirakis (R-FL) 8/13: Tweets – “The strategic security relationship between the United States & Egypt plays a leading role in counterterrorism, regional security, and efforts to combat the spread of extremism. Next month, U.S. forces will participate with Egyptian armed forces in a joint training exercise.” And “Recently, Egypt helped negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, preventing a wider conflict in the Middle East.”

Issa (R-CA) 8/13: Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record – “Bringing Attention to the Israel-Gaza Ceasefire” [CNN op-ed by Egyptian Ambassador to the US, Let This Be the Last Israel-Gaza Ceasefire]

Barr (R-KY) 8/13: Tweet – “The United States and Egypt have a longstanding relationship going back over 40 years. Our partnership fosters peace and stability in the region, ranging from Red Sea to Suez Canal to Sinai security.” And “I am glad to see the United States and Egyptian navies working together in order to keep our international waters secure, especially at a time when shipping vessels face increasing security challenges.”

Iran

Tenney (R-NY) 8/23: Tweet – “I’m committed to holding the regime in #Iran accountable. I want to assure Iranians that while the Biden Administration may not be up to this challenge, Republicans in Congress are very much in the fight.” Linked to article, EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Claudia Tenney to Oppressed Iranians: GOP Won’t Allow Biden Administration to Sell You Out (Breitbart)

McClain (R-MI) 8/20: Tweet – “#China, #Iran and #Russia are wasting no time advancing their own interests by seizing on President Biden’s massive failures. America is worse off, not back!”

Blackburn (R-TN) 8/18: Tweet – “Back in May, I questioned Secretary David Helvey on China and Iran’s potential involvement in a post U.S.-occupied Afghanistan. Today, it’s clear: the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan is our loss and China and Iran’s gain.”

Deutch (D-FL) 8/18: Tweet – “Iran has blown through its JCPOA commitment and increased its level of uranium enrichment near weapons-grade. Iran’s new leader continues to refuse diplomatic negotiations. This is a dangerous escalation by Iran.” Linked to article, Iran accelerates enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade, IAEA says (Reuters)

Blackburn (R-TN) 8/17: Tweet – “Biden’s weak decisions have propelled China, Russia, and Iran to work directly with the Taliban while the U.S. practices strategic patience. Shameful.” Linked to article, Taliban Conquest of Afghanistan Scrambles the Diplomatic Map  (Wall Street Journal)

Cramer (R-ND) 8/16: Tweet – “Nord Stream 2. Inflation. Southern border crisis. Economic ruin for US oil & gas. Weak responses to Iran and China. Now the Taliban takes Afghanistan. So much for ‘the adults are back in charge’ under President Biden.” Linked to Cramer press release, Sen. Cramer Statement on Afghanistan: President Biden is Responsible

Tenney (R-NY) 8/15: Tweet – “Under President Biden, the United States is now basically arming the terrorist regime in Iran. This is just one of the many dangerous consequences of Biden’s disastrous #Afghanistan policy.”

Scott (R-FL) 8/15: Tweet – “Iran President Ebrahim Raisi has made clear he is not only anti-America and anti-freedom, but a strong supporter of terrorism. It’s shocking & dangerous that the Biden administration would even think to return to the failed Iran nuclear deal.” Linked to article, Iran’s Raisi taps minister wanted for role in Buenos Aires Jewish Center bombing (Times of Israel)

Steil (R-WI) 8/13: Tweet – “Sanctions are needed to end Iran’s ability to fund terrorism and develop a nuclear weapon. The Biden Administration is moving in the wrong direction. Read more from my Op-Ed in @Newsweek”. Linked to Steil op-ed in Newsweek – Biden is Giving Up Powerful U.S. Financial Sanctions on Iran

Murphy (D-CT) 8/13: Press release – US should rejoin Iran deal, decrease ‘militaristic footprint’ in Middle East, says senator

Abraham Accords

Roy (R-TX) 8/13: Tweets – “Today we celebrate the first anniversary of the Trump administration’s historic Abraham Accords. Signed by Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, they showed the world the possibility of a new era of peace — something once thought impossible. (1/2)” and “This historical advancement in Middle East peace was made possible by President Trump’s unequivocal pro-Israel policies, and it serves as an important reminder of the prosperity possible through robust U.S. support of our great friend & ally, the State of Israel. (2/2)”

Lamborn (R-CO) 8/13: Tweet – “One year ago, the historic Abraham Accords were announced, normalizing the relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. It is becoming increasingly clear, peace through strength works, and Donald Trump was the peace president. #AbrahamAccords”

Deutch (D-FL) 8/14: Tweet – “Yesterday marked one year since the historic announcement of normalization between Israel and the UAE! I am proud to see how ties have progressed this past year, and look forward to the forging of new relationships in the future.”

Tenney (R-NY) 8/13: Tweet – “One year ago today, the United States brokered an historic peace agreement between Israel and the UAE! Today that peace continues to flourish across the region, showing exactly what happens when America leads boldly. Congratulations to Israel and the UAE!”

Lamborn (R-CO) 8/13: Tweet – “One year ago, the historic Abraham Accords were announced, normalizing the relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. It is becoming increasingly clear, peace through strength works, and Donald Trump was the peace president. #AbrahamAccords”

Recess Meetings

Garbarino (R-NY) 8/26: Tweet – “Held a productive meeting with @AIPAC leadership and members of the pro-Israel community on Long Island this week. I promise to always stand with our friend and ally Israel and look forward to working together to continue to strengthen our partnership with the Jewish State.”

Latta (R-OH) 8/24: Tweet – “Recently, I sat down with members of @JewishToledo. We discussed security at places of worship and the rise of anti-Semitic violence. We also talked about rocket attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas in May. It’s critical we stand with Israel in the face of these threats.”

Katko (R-NY) 8/23: Tweet – “Great discussion with @AIPAC members in Syracuse. Israel continues to be our strongest ally in the Middle East. A strong US-Israeli partnership is vital to preserving our mutual defense & shared values.” Also see tweet from AIPAC official – “Deep dive into US-Israel policy with @RepJohnKatko and the @AIPAC leadership here in #Syracuse discussing security assistance, Iran and expanding the #AbrahamAccords.”

Thompson (D-CA) 8/21: Tweet – “Good to meet with San Francisco Bay Area representatives of @jstreetdotorg to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict and the importance of finding a diplomatic solution for a sustainable peace between the countries.”

Cheney (R-WY) 8/20: Tweet – “The need for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is always important — regardless of which party is in power. It was wonderful to be back with Joan Goldfarb & other local AIPAC members at the Jackson Hole Jewish Community Center last week. Thank you all for the work you do!”

Tunisia

Cardin (D-MD) 8/24: Tweet – “Alarmed by the news that Pres. Kais Saied of Tunisia today extended the suspension of parliament until further notice. I urge Mr. Saied to adhere to the principles of democracy and a swift return to Tunisia’s parliamentary democracy.” Linked to article, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied extends suspension of parliament (Al Jazeera)

Murphy (D-CT) 8/24: Murphy Statement on Tunisian President’s Extension of State of Emergency

Yemen

Espaillat (D-NY) 8/13: Tweet – “The people of Yemen desperately need humanitarian assistance and relief. In the face of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, ensuring access through the Sana’a airport will help to provide access to health care and food for thousands.” Linked to Norwegian Refugee Council analysis, Five reasons why Yemen’s Sana’a airport must reopen

Other stuff

Jewish Insider 8/27: Bernie Moreno’s sales pitch [“To me, somebody who’s a serious candidate for the United States Senate who has not visited Israel is a disqualifying factor for that person. I can’t even imagine you having the audacity to say, ‘Hey, I’m going to represent Ohio in the United States Senate, I haven’t even taken the time in my life to ever visit our most important ally in the Middle East.’ To me that’s totally disqualifying.”]

Haaretz 8/26: Why Israel’s Best Friend in Congress Doesn’t Think His Party Has an ‘Israel Problem’

Jewish Insider 8/26: Pro-Israel America announces new round of congressional endorsements

The MediaLine 8/24: Man Who Took Iron Dome Out of Dustbin Running for Congress

Jewish Insider 8/19:     Morgan Harper’s entry into Ohio Senate race shakes up Democratic primary

Mondoweiss 8/19: The dangerous targeting of Rashida Tlaib over an absurd accusation of antisemitic ‘dogwhistling’

Times of Israel 8/13: Ilhan Omar’s spokesman says AIPAC ‘putting her life at risk’ with latest ads

Al Monitor 8/13: AIPAC doubles down on ad about US Rep. Omar

Jewish News Syndicate (EMET) 8/13: Time for senators to pick a side [in support of treating settlements as part of Israel]

Legislative Round-Up: August 12, 2021

by APN 08/13/21
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 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. FY22 Senate Budget Resolution
3. Hearings & Markups
4. On the Record

More great FMEP programming:

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Legislative Round-Up: August 6, 2021

by APN 08/06/21
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 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 & Markups
3. On the Record

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Legislative Round-Up: July 30, 2021

by APN 07/30/21
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 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. FY22 SFOPS on the House Floor
3. Hearings & Markups
4. On the Record

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Legislative Round-Up: July 23, 2021

by APN 07/23/21
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 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 & Markups
3. On the Record

More great FMEP programming:

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APN Statement: Hearing on People-to-People Israeli-Palestinian Peacebuilding Programs

by APN 07/23/21
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Americans for Peace Now thanks Rep. Ted Deutch, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, for prioritizing a groundbreaking hearing on People-to-people Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding programs.

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