FMEP Legislative Round-Up February 13, 2026

Resource

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

  • 2/9/26: Forced Displacement & Ethnic Cleansing in the Service of Jewish Supremacy, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Myssana Morany, a lawyer and coordinator of the Land and Planning Rights Unit of Adalah, the legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel, and Sarit Michaeli, the International Advocacy Director at the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDITIONS ON US ASSISTANCE TO ISRAEL) HR 7545 [bill text]: Introduced 2/12/26 by McCollum (D-MN) and 14 Democratic cosponsors, “To prohibit funds made available for assistance to the Government of Israel to be used to support certain violations of international law, and for other purposes” aka the “The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Congresswoman Betty McCollum Re-introduces The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.

  • Per McCollum’s press release, “The legislation would prohibit Israel’s government from using U.S. taxpayer dollars in the Occupied West Bank for the military detention, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention; the seizure and destruction of Palestinian property and homes in violation of international humanitarian law; or any assistance or support for unilateral annexation of Palestinian lands in violation of international humanitarian law.”
  • Previous versions: HR 3103 (2023); HR 2590 (2021); HR 2407 (2019); HR 4391 (2017)
  • Per the press release: “The legislation has been endorsed by nearly a dozen civil society organizations including JStreet, New Jewish Narrative, Oxfam America, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Peace Action, Win Without War, Demand Progress, Arab American Institute, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Center for International Policy.“

(AID TO GAZA) HR 7565: Introduced 2/12/26 by Waters (R-CA) and 16 Democratic cosponsors, “To ensure sufficient food assistance for the civilian population of Gaza,” aka, the ” Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act

(EXPANDING/DEEPENING US-ISRAEL DEFENSE COOPERATION) HR 7540 [bill text]/S. 3855 [bill text]: Introduced 2/12/26 in the House by Jackson (R-TX) and Davis (D-NC), and in the Senate by Budd (R-NC) and Gillibrand (D-NY), the “United States–Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026.” Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs; and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Per Jackson’s press release, “This bill would strengthen the U.S.–Israel alliance and establish a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation defense technologies, ensuring that investments in collaborative technologies deliver an operational edge to America’s servicemembers.” Among other things the bill would authorize $150 million a year for FY2027-FY2029 for the initiative. Also see:

  • press releases – Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Modernize America’s Defense Technologies and Strengthen U.S.-Israel Alliance; Budd, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Bilateral Defense Programs between the U.S. and Israel. The press releases include endorsement of the bill from Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action: “The United States and Israel benefit enormously from each other’s defense technologies and manufacturing efficiencies. Israel innovates and fields defense systems with rapid deployments out of necessity, given the layered and immediate threats it faces. The United States–Israel FUTURES Act builds on decades of successful collaboration by improving cooperation across the public, private, and academic sectors to swiftly develop, test, and field defense technologies that will help safeguard U.S. service members and provide Israel with the means to combat a diverse set of threats from foreign adversarial states and terror groups. FDD Action strongly supports the bipartisan United States-Israel FUTURES Act.”
  • Jewish Insider 2/12/26: Bipartisan bill seeks to strengthen U.S.-Israel defense cooperation [“The United States-Israel FUTURES Act, will be introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and in the House by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX)”]
  • Budd (R-NC) X-post 2/12/26: “I am proud to introduce the FUTURES Act with @SenGillibrand to advance regional security in the Middle East and strengthen U.S. and Israeli defense.“; Budd (R-NC) X-post 2/12/26: “The U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act offers an opportunity to strengthen existing bilateral programs by advancing joint investments such as emerging technologies, defense industrial base cooperation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology initiatives.“

(CONDEMNING THE GOVT OF IRAN) S. Res. 606 [resolution text]: Introduced 2/11/26 by Lankford (R-OK) and 24 bipartisan cosponsors, “A resolution condemning the Government of Iran for its suppression of the right of Iranians to peacefully assemble.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Lankford Leads Bipartisan Resolution as Iranian Protests Face Violent Regime Crackdown; Bipartisan Senate resolution condemns Iranian crackdown against protesters (Jewish Insider 2/11/26)

(OVERSIGHT OF VENEZUELA OIL $$ IN QATAR) S. 3838: Introduced 2/11/26 by Schumer (D-NY) and Schiff (D-CA), “A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit of a United States and Venezuela energy deal, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Schumer dials up oversight pressure on Trump’s Venezuela oil fund (Politico 2/11/26)

(SANCTIONS ON UAE) HR XXXX: A new piece of legislation, the “‘UAE Financial Accountability Act of 2026,” aka “To expand the scope of existing sanctions to include activities by entities of the United Arab Emirates,” showed up online this week in the House documents depository. The bill text, dated 1/27/26, does not include any information about the sponsor/sponsors. The text was posted in connection with a 2/10/26 hearing in the House Financial Services Committee, entitled: Priced Out of the American Dream: Understanding the Policies Behind Rising Costs of Housing and Borrowing [one of a total of 6 bills listed]. Regarding this bill text, the hearing announcement states: “This discussion draft expands the secondary sanctions regime involving Iran to include all transactions between Emirati financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks that handle the purchase of petroleum and petroleum products. This draft also requires an annual determination of whether Emirati financial institutions have engaged in sanctionable conduct.” NOTE: I did not watch the whole hearing, but from a quick scan of the video it seems this bill was not discussed.

——————–

Legislation-related media:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

February 12, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider a number of Trump nominations [hearing video], including his nomination of Jeremy Carl to be an Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. Members questions/comments with respect to Carl focused on statements he has made about Jews and Israel. Also see:

February 10, 2026: The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing entitled, “Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Scott Walter, Capital Research Center (statement); Caitlin Sutherland, Americans for Public Trust (statement); Adam Sohn, NCRI and Narravance (statement); Bruce Dubinsky, Dubinsky Consulting (statement); and Robert Weissman, Public Citizen – minority witness (statement). Also see:

February 10, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, Syria at a Crossroads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post [hearing video]. Witnesses were: James Jeffrey, WINEP (statement); Andrew J. Tabler, WINEP (statement); Nadine Maenza, Former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (statement); and Mara Karlin, Brookings Institution (statement). Also see:

  • Chairman Mast (R-FL) opening remarks
  • Mills (R-FL) 2/10/26: X-post – “Today, I helped Chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, “Syria at a Crossroads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post-Assad,” I made clear that America must look beyond the past and focus on the future. That means countering our adversaries, learning from hard lessons, holding bad actors accountable, and working toward a free and stable Syria, one that contributes to long-term security across the region, not more chaos. U.S. leadership matters. Strategic clarity matters. The stakes could not be higher.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “While I have great hope for Syria post-Assad, the country remains in a fragile period of transition. As former chairman of @HomelandGOP during the rise of ISIS & the caliphate, I am concerned about an ISIS resurgence. Watch my full remarks at today’s @HouseForeignGOP hearing:“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “After decades of repression and brutal conflict, the Syrian people are finally free of the Assad regime. The U.S. must continue to use policy to support Syria’s new government through diplomacy and dialogue, not punishment and isolation.“
  • McBride (D-DE) 2/10/26: X-post- “When the U.S. steps back and dismantles key foreign policy tools like USAID, we leave the door open for our adversaries to fill the void. At today’s @HouseForeign Committee hearing on Syria, I underscored why the U.S., alongside our NATO allies, must remain engaged in countering Russian influence to build a stable future for Syria.“
  • Brecheen (R-OK) 2/12/26: X-post – “During Tuesday’s @HouseForeignGOP hearing, @nadinemaenza informed Congress that Turkey’s President Erdoğan is seeking to restore the Ottoman Empire all the way to Jerusalem and beyond. This is important because President Erdoğan is closely connected to Syria’s current leader, al-Sharaa. The recent horrific treatment of religious minorities in Syria, including Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Kurds, makes this witness testimony critical. If Turkey continues cheering what is happening in Syria with the extermination of those not in line with an Islamic (Jihad-minded) state, we are looking at a powder keg waiting to explode. If this happens, Israel and the 750,000 U.S. citizens living within its midst will be the next target. The extermination of religious minorities in Syria must TRULY BE AT AN END, or Congress must act by reimposing sanctions!!!“

February 10, 2026: The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitutions and Limited Government held a hearing entitled, “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Stephen Gelé, Pelican Institute for Public Policy (testimony); Robert Spencer, David Horowitz Freedom Center (testimony); Krista Schild, RAIR Foundation USA (testimony); and Ilya Somin, George Mason University (testimony). NOTE: In case there is any confusion, it should be understood that throughout this hearing, as well in members’ X-posts (and in statements around last week’s anti-Sharia caucus event), the term “Sharia law” is being treated as synonymous with “Islam” (the religion), and warnings about “Sharia Law” taking over the U.S. are in effect warnings about the existence and growth of the Muslim population (and the visibility of this population) in the U.S. Also see: House panel hears testimony on Sharia law in America (Jewish News Syndicate 2/10/26). Also see:

  • X-post 2/10/26 from CAIR – “CAIR is on Capitol Hill right now to remind congressional Republicans that all Americans have the constitutional right to practice their own faith or no faith at all. That’s why today’s hearing calling for a ban on the practice of Islam in the United States is as ludicrous as it is un-American. Fascist politicians have made it clear that they would ban, expel or exterminate every “mainstream Muslim” in the United States if they could. The hate such politicians spew about Muslims today is no different than what was once said about Catholics, Jews and other minorities in our nation. American Muslims are an integral part of America. CAIR and our partners will, God willing, continue to ensure that all Americans can continue to freely and openly practice their faith on equal terms. Religious freedom applies to all. You can find the memorandum, letter and fact sheet we shared with @JudiciaryGOP and @HouseJudiciary to expose the sharia hoax and the long history of anti-Muslim hate expressed by witnesses at today’s hearing: https://bit.ly/4tkfDUO“
  • X-post 2/11/26 from CAIR – “Rep. @chiproytx and @RepKeithSelf’s Exterminate Muslims Caucus…sorry Sharia Free America Caucus… is what happens when governing is hard, but culture-war branding is easy.“; response from Self (R-TX): “Texans don’t care about the unsolicited opinion of a designated foreign terrorist organization.” [designated by Texas state government]
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip: “Rep. Roy: ‘Is Sharia law central to most Muslims throughout the world?’ Robert Spencer, Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center: ‘Absolutely, Sharia is considered Divine Law, and thus it takes precedence over all other legal systems.’“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip: “Rep. Roy: ‘Over the last few years, efforts to impose Sharia on American communities have taken off, and nowhere more than in my home state of Texas. In 2024, members of a Plano mosque sought to create their own 402 acre Islamic enclave governed by Sharia within the state of Texas. It was called the East Plano Islamic Center, or EPIC. Texas ranks third among US states in the number of mosques, with 224 counted in 2020 and estimated over 300 today.‘”
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip- “Rep. Roy in opening statement on the threat of Sharia law: ‘Sharia encourages violence, silences dissent, rejects religious freedom and subjugates women and children. Let’s be clear, this is not about having the freedom of worshiping a religion of one’s choosing, such as Islam, but forcing a foreign legal code that is incompatible with our laws and legal system that provides unwanted consequences to the American people. It’s everything we’ve fought against for more than 250 years.‘”
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “BREAKING: Expert witness in today’s @JudiciaryGOP hearing on Sharia: ‘Sharia is considered divine law and, thus, it takes precedence over all other legal systems.’ Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for your candor and thorough research. We will not back down.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “Fascinating to see Democrats defend Sharia, which denies freedom of speech and religion and considers women second-class citizens. Not very ‘progressive’ of them!“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Rep. Roy: “Is Sharia law not inherently political?” Robert Spencer: ‘There’s no doubt whatsoever this is all about political power.’“
  • Harris (R-NC) 2/10/26: X-post – “Much of Sharia law involves violating constitutionally protected freedoms. If a religion violates the United States Constitution, then it does not belong in the United States. Get Sharia Law out of my country.“
  • Hageman (R-WY) 2/10/26: X-post – “Sharia law puts women and children at risk, circumventing the safeguards our Constitution guarantees.“
  • Harris (R-NC) 2/10/26: X-post – “If a kid growing up in the suburbs of North Carolina can be radicalized by the Islamic state, who else can be radicalized by Sharia Law? We must protect Americans by allowing Sharia Law NEVER to have a place here.“
  • Cline (R-VA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Any effort to impose Sharia law in the United States should be met with serious scrutiny and firm opposition. Importing extremist ideologies that conflict with our legal system poses a real national security concern. Today, @JudiciaryGOP is examining the implications tied to the infiltration of Sharia law in the U.S.“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “TOMORROW: Rep. Roy to lead hearing titled, “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution.” Rep. Roy: ‘In my home state of Texas, Dallas has become ground zero for the Islamification of America, and there are more mosques being built in Texas than in any other state in the union. If we are not careful, America will fall just like what we’re seeing happen in London or Paris.‘“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Roy: ‘You can believe whatever you want, but you cannot engage in what is a political effort to Islamify the United States of America and not expect us to fight back.’ Tomorrow, Rep. Roy leads a @JudiciaryGOP hearing on the threat posed by Sharia law.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Members of the Sharia-Free America Caucus will continue sounding the alarm in Congress about the dangers of Sharia. Tune in to the @JudiciaryGOP Committee hearing TOMORROW.“

February 10, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Europe Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “Weaponized Mass Migration: A Security Risk to Europe and the United States” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: RADM (ret.) Mark Montgomery, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (statement); Matthew Boyse, Hudson Institute (statement); and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan, Migration Policy Institute (statement).

Note that in his testimony, Boyse asserts: “Weaponized migration has also fed the growth and spread of Islamist groups and ideology that exacerbate societal tensions and undermine Allies’ reliability in confronting challenges facing the Global West. NATO member states remain not only targets of terrorism – as Taylor Swift’s cancelled concerts in August 2025 in Vienna demonstrated – but also breeding grounds, bases of operation, and launchpads for global Islamist networks. This nexus has altered political dynamics across the alliance; every NATO member state now has at least one party with a strong focus on migration, Islam, and Islamism, which in almost a dozen countries is either among the most popular, can influence policy, decide governing coalitions, holds power or is a candidate for power. While this focus is positive, many of these parties are also accommodationist or explicitly pro-Putin, not strongly supportive of NATO, contain varying degrees of anti-Americanism, and/or oppose key U.S. foreign policy priorities in Europe. This nexus has, for example, increased differences with the USG over Middle East policy, especially on Israel, as European governments prioritize pro-Palestinian sentiment and winning elections. The USG has had difficulty generating support for designating the IRGC, Hamas, Lebanese Hizballah, and Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, in large part because of large Muslim and Arab voting blocks. Over the years, the nexus has contributed to softer Iran policies, enabling Tehran to expand its malign influence across the Middle East, as well as to surges in domestic antisemitism and hostile environments for Jews. Islamist networks based in Europe and elsewhere fan the flames of antisemitism, weaponizing it against Allies and partners, and weakening U.S. interests and positions. After Labor benefitted from large voting blocks in the 2024 UK elections, PM Starmer dropped longstanding policy and recognized Palestine and his government refuses to confront visible and growing manifestations of Islamism. French PM Macron has behaved in a similar manner.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/Palestine & related

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/13/26: X-post – “The remains of the final hostage in Gaza, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, were finally returned to Israel this past month. Since October 7, I’ve had these posters outside my office to remind visitors and colleagues of the 251 ripped from their homes and held by terrorists in tunnels. Thankfully, for the first time since 2014, there are no hostages in Gaza.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/12/26: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil was torn from his wife and kept from their newborn son for speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. Now he’s being threatened with rearrest. The Trump Administration is targeting freedom of speech and trying to silence the growing movement for Palestinian freedom. We will not be silent. Free Palestine.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/12/26: X-post – “Fact check: True.” Responding to a Department of State X-post 2/12/26 w/video clip: “.@POTUS:  ‘I’ve been the best friend to Israel I think that they’ve ever had.'”
  • Carson (D-IN) 2/12/26: X-thread – “The Israeli government’s decision to escalate toward outright annexation of the occupied West Bank is a blatant violation of international law and a direct assault on the possibility of peace. Expanding settlements, consolidating permanent control over Palestinian land, and deliberately weakening Palestinian governance and self-determination are not security measures. Annexation is illegal. Settlement expansion is illegal. Collective punishment and land seizure are illegal. These policies cement a reality of unequal rights and permanent occupation for millions of Palestinians. Congress cannot continue to provide a blank check while ignoring actions that undermine human rights and destabilize the entire region. If we are serious about peace, accountability must apply to everyone, including Israel – we cannot continue to look the other way.   The administration must make clear that permanent occupation and further annexation, alongside an ongoing genocide, will carry consequences.“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 2/11/26: Statement by Ranking Member Gregory Meeks on Israel’s Decision to Deepen Control over the West Bank
  • Booker (D-NJ) 2/11/26: Booker Statement on Recent Israeli Security Cabinet Decision to Expand Control Over the West Bank
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/10/26: X-post – “From Gaza to the West Bank, Netanyahu and the Israeli government seek total control of Palestinian lands. They do not care about the international laws they break or the Palestinian lives they take. We have to assert our authority, demand an end to imperialistic expansion and settler violence, and put a stop the military support. Oversight is needed and that starts by passing Block the Bombs Act. Not one more bomb!“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 2/10/26: X-post – “I am deeply concerned by the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision yesterday, which even settler groups admit is tantamount to de facto annexation of the entire West Bank. These moves undermine the fundamental principles of the Oslo Accords. They make Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank permanent and preclude a two-state solution with a viable Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. Implementing such a move jeopardizes Israel’s relationship with its neighbors and many countries around the world. Ensuring safety and stability for the people of Israel will not be achieved through annexation and estrangement of allies and friends, but rather only from separation through negotiation. While the current Israeli government pursues a policy agenda at odds with Israel’s fundamental security and global interests, I continue to stand in solidarity with the Israeli people making their dissenting voices heard and join them in praying for sanity to prevail through Israel’s democratic processes.“
  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Francesca Albanese, a UN employee who flies around the world at taxpayers’ expense continues to spew antisemitic vitriol. This time attacking Israel as the “common enemy.” Her latest smears and actions underscore @SecRubio was right to sanction her. @USAmbUN are there no term limits on UN ‘Special Rapporteurs’?” NOTE: For folks who believe facts do – or at least should – matter, No, the UN’s Francesca Albanese did not call Israel ‘the common enemy of humanity’ (France 24, 2/12/26; watch side-by-side – deceptively/maliciously edited version vs. full version of her speech]
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Dems) 2/10/26: Senators Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Murray, Durbin, Schumer, Coons and Schatz Urge President Trump to Oppose Israeli Settlement Expansion in the West Bank
  • Warner (D-VA), Reed (D-RI), Shaheen (D-NH), Murray (D-WA), Durbin (D-OH), Schumer (D-NY), Coons (D-DE), and Schatz (D-HI) 2/10/26: Warner, Reed, Shaheen, Murray, Durbin, Schumer, Coons, and Schatz Urge President Trump to Oppose Israeli Settlement Expansion in the West Bank
  • Stansbury (D-NM) 2/7/26: X-post – “Attacks on Gaza have not stopped since the ceasefire agreement in October and have killed more than 520 Palestinians, including an 11-year-old girl just last week.  Israel must abide by the terms of the ceasefire. This cannot go on.“

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex

  • Johnson (R-LA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Instead of trying to force a radical-left foreign policy agenda, the bureaucrats in Zohran Mamdani’s Department of Health should focus on delivering the services New Yorkers pay for with their tax dollars.“
  • Casten (D-IL) 2/8/26: X-post -“This is a good summary of my own feelings and those of a lot of my democratic colleagues right now: ‘Political relationships rooted in intimidation rarely build durable support. More often, they breed resentment.’” Linked to J Street/Jeremy Ben-Ami Substack post – What Was AIPAC Thinking When It Went After Tom Malinowski? A Lament.
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/8/26: X-post – “Sending condolences to @AIPAC for killing any usefulness of their PAC after the monumental failure of their effort in the NJ special election. Their money is so toxic that the very people they are trying to help are now hurt by their involvement, no matter how well disguised.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/8/26: X-post – “I was honored to join the Westchester Jewish Council for their 50th Anniversary Gala. For 50 years, the Westchester Jewish Council has been a strong voice for community, standing up for Israel, combating antisemitism, and ensuring Jewish families in Westchester are heard and respected. Proud to stand with the Jewish community today and always. Congratulations on 50 years, here’s to many more.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/6/26: X-post – “My advice to @AIPAC supported candidates: People want candidates who support human rights and not killing babies in Gaza. And their money – no matter how hidden – is TOXIC. Beware being too cute by half. You may find voters like their elected officials less deceitful.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/6/26: X-post – “.@AIPAC is having a bad week. First, they are silent on the killing of a 4 month old child, I guess arguing they’re a Hamas militant. Then they put millions in a primary in NJ, pick the wrong person to attack, come in 3rd & elect a human rights progressive. Can’t make this up.“

Iran

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/11/26: X-post – “Today, President Trump is meeting with PM Netanyahu, as Netanyahu tries to get Trump to bomb Iran (again). Just days ago, the Netanyahu government authorized a plan to take over even more Palestinian land in the West Bank, in violation of Trump’s own 20-pt peace plan. Will Trump, once again, give Netanyahu a blank check, or will he stand up for American values and peace?”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/12/26: X-post – “Iran’s proxies are now a shadow of their former selves thanks to President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign. The IRGC’s capabilities have taken a major hit, and the Ayatollah’s regime is on the back foot. Khamenei’s days as regional despot are numbered.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “In 2020, Iran’s oil revenue was $7.9B. Under Biden, it exploded to over $42B. Iran sowed chaos and destruction with an extra $35B for proxies like Hamas & Hezbollah. Trump has put the cuffs back on through his max pressure campaign. No more money for the Mullahs’ war chest.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “President Trump is spot on: “Iran will not possess nuclear weapons or missiles.” This is the hard deterrence that we need to remind rogue states that the US military is capable and willing to respond with overwhelming force. All options are on the table.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The President is giving Iran one last chance at a PEACEFUL resolution before it is resolved using other means.  It’s hard to expect a good result when our president is trying to negotiate with a Muslim terrorist.  We CANNOT let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “In 2020, Iran’s oil revenue was $7.9B. Under Biden, it exploded to over $42B. Iran sowed chaos and destruction with an extra $35B for proxies like Hamas & Hezbollah. Trump has put the cuffs back on through his max pressure campaign. No more money for the Mullahs’ war chest.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/10/26: X-post – “To the brave people of Iran: President Trump has always heard your cries and demands for justice. The regime has proven yet again it’s incapable of real change. If this regime continues the course they are on, then I believe President Trump’s statement that help is on the way is becoming more real by the day.”
  • Wicker (R-MS) 2/9/26: Wicker: Trump’s Iran Opportunity
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “The Ayatollah is the very epitome of evil, and Iran’s people deserve freedom. The Iranian regime can never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. Under President Trump, all options are on the table.“
  • Britt (R-AL) 2/8/26: X-post – “I’m thankful to @POTUS for continuing to apply maximum pressure on Iran. The Ayatollah has the blood of countless Americans on his hands, and anyone who does business with this murderous regime should think twice. Now they will.“
  • Davidson (R-OH) 2/8/26: X-post – “Why do you suppose the United States has been so heavily involved in Iran since 1951? I always support defending America, but a regime change war in Iran should not be our mission. The National Security Strategy is solid America First. Let’s stay focused.“
  • Babin (R-TX) 2/8/26: op-ed in the Washington Times – Atrocities in Iran remind us what American strength preserves
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/7/26: X-post – “As to any deal between Iran and the U.S., I hope it can meet our national security objectives and the needs of the people of Iran through diplomacy. Given Iran’s behavior regarding deals, it could be a tough sell. However, I am open minded, understanding any agreement with the Islamic Republic and the United States must come to Congress for review and a vote.“

United Arab Emirates

  • Kamlager-D0ve (D-CA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Donald Trump approved the sale of 500,000 AI chips to the UAE just a few months after an UAE royal bought a 49% stake in Trump’s crypto company.   Is this sh*t legal? No, no, and HELL no.“

Unconcealed Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 2/11/26: X-post + illustrative graphic – “4 in 10 Muslims say they want Sharia law in the United States. We have seen how state-enforced Sharia functions in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. Women are beaten and forced to wear full-body coverings. Girls as young as nine are permitted to be married. Christians are persecuted and killed for their faith. Under Sharia, there are no individual freedoms—you are simply a cog in the machine of jihad. America must remain governed by the Constitution and the rule of law. Sharia has no place here.” [Per the posted graphic, this data comes from a 2024 survey conducted by the Heritage Foundation–that polled a grand total of  “500 Muslims”; see the full details of that poll here. Notably, per the ACTUAL POLL, the question respondents were asked as NOT “do you want Sharia law in the United States.” Rather, they were simply asked to rate their support for Sharia law: strongly support (25%), somewhat support (14%), neither support nor oppose (21%), somewhat oppose (6%), strongly oppose (25%), or don’t know (10%). Also see article about the poll in the Daily Signal]
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “Educate | Reduce intimidation and fear | Take legislative action – These priorities are at the core of the Sharia-Free America Caucus’s mission. We will advance legislation to ensure American law remains governed solely by the U.S. Constitution.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “Sharia poses a serious threat to Texas and its citizens. At its core, Sharia is not only incompatible with the Constitution but entirely anti-Constitution. It has no place in America.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “.@RepEliCrane and I have both seen Sharia’s harsh realities firsthand. As members of the Sharia-Free America Caucus, we urge you to listen and learn from the stories of those who’ve witnessed or escaped this authoritarian ideology. We will never surrender. America must stay free.“
  • Brecheen (R-OK) 2/10/26: X-post – “Sharia and radical Islam have no place in America. Those unwilling to assimilate into the American way of life ought not be allowed into our nation.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Keith Self: ‘We’ve got to rise up as a people to protect our individual rights.’ Come forward with your stories. Do not be afraid. Do not be intimidated. Islamists seek accommodation first—then intimidation. BAN SHARIA.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Keith Self: ‘Sharia, a culture of violence and domination, is fundamentally incompatible with individual freedoms, our Constitution, and our heritage.’ Texas is ground zero in this fight. We must remain steadfast and persistent in the battle against Sharia.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post w/ audio clip – “Sharia has no home here.” [repost-ing and doubling down on an enraged post over signs along a road in Texas reading — I kid you not — “Hate Has No Place Here” in a bunch of different languages, including Arabic]
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Thank you, @KenPaxtonTX. A “sharia city” has absolutely no place in Texas or any other state in America.” Thanking the Texas Attorney General for announcing “an investigation into a potentially illegal ‘sharia city’ development in Kaufman County.“
  • Harris (R-NC) 2/7/26: X-post w/ video – “Radical Islam glorifies violence. The American Constitution protects freedom. These two ideas are not compatible — period. Sharia Law has ZERO place in our country. America runs on liberty, not theocracy.“
  • Crane (R-AZ) 2/7/26: X-post – “Proponents of Sharia Law believe in a mandate to dominate those who don’t conform to their belief system. We can’t ignore this dangerous legal and political ideology.“

Other stuff

  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/11/26: X-post- “It’s becoming glaringly clear as to why an organization that spent months disrupting Congress over Gaza went radio silent over the slaughter of the Iranian people. I support @StateDept’s investigation of @codepink’s ties to the PRC.” Linked to: State Department identifies Code Pink and other far-left groups as vectors of Chinese influence operations (New York Post 2/11/26)
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 2/9/26: X-post – “Obama declared chemical weapons a red line in Syria, then stood by as Assad gassed his own people with zero consequences. Biden’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal left 13 service members dead at Abbey Gate. Now Trump is hunting down every terrorist his predecessors ignored, because this administration doesn’t let American blood go unanswered.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

NOTE: On 2/10/26, Instagram suspended the account known as TrackAipac [which has more than 137k followers]. TrackAipac’s post on X about the suspension has been seen by more than 1.8 million people, and liked by more than 42k people). DropSite posted [in a post seen by more than 585k people) on X: “Instagram has suspended Track AIPAC, the highly popular watchdog project that documents AIPAC’s political spending, citing a violation of Instagram intellectual property rules, specifically trademark rules. The account tracks FEC donations, and points out top-funded lawmakers.” CIP’s Dylan Williams commented (seen by more than 144k people): “Wow… this is a chillingly antidemocratic move and a stark reminder of how Trump-aligned, oligarch-owned media is helping to destroy our democracy.” On 2/10/26, Instagram restored the account without any explanation as to why it had been suspended.

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

  • Algemeiner 2/12/26: US Congressional Race in Illinois Features Showdown Between AIPAC and New Anti-Israel Group
  • The Hill 2/12/26: Progressive groups back Abughazaleh in crowded Dem field for Illinois House seat
  • Evanston Roundtable 2/12/26: Fine calls on supporter super PAC to disclose donors early [“Fine repeatedly avoided directly answering questions about AIPAC’s organizational support of her campaign during the RoundTable’s video interview, pivoting her answers toward individual donors and why they would support her. When asked directly whether she is aware of AIPAC supporting her by soliciting those donations or other efforts, she said “if they are doing anything, it is as an independent expenditure, and our campaign does not communicate with independent expenditures.”]
  • Punchbowl News 2/12/26: N.J. special boosts progressives in AIPAC feud
  • Politico 2/12/26: Justice Democrats endorse Kat Abughazaleh in Illinois primary [“The race is turning into a proxy war over Israel“]
  • The Intercept 2/12/26: AIPAC Is Flooding Illinois With Cash. Pro-Palestine Groups Are Backing Kat Abughazaleh [“The pro-Israel lobby has made Illinois a top target. Justice Democrats and the newly launched PAL PAC are trying to counter their influence.“]
  • Jewish Insider 2/12/26: Longtime Chicago Jewish federation leader Jason Friedman makes a bid for open House seat [“Friedman, who has been the strongest fundraiser in the field, is also running as a stalwart ally of the Jewish community. But AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, is backing Conyears-Ervin’s campaign, airing a blitz of positive television ads this week promoting her candidacy. In a statement seemingly responding to the UDP ads, Friedman said that he “joined this race to fight and deliver results for everyone. The people of the 7th District deserve a representative with integrity, not career politicians with ethical baggage who sell out their constituents to the highest bidder.”]
  • American Prospect 2/10/26: A Fourth Candidate in Illinois Gets the AIPAC Boost [“AIPAC has chosen a candidate for Illinois’s Seventh Congressional District, the fourth Illinois open-seat House race where the pro-Israel organization is spending money. In this case, AIPAC switched to Chicago city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, after previously steering donors to businessman Jason Friedman, who leads a crowded field in fundraising. Conyears-Ervin, who has a history of local corruption scandals, is benefiting from what sources describe as a $2.8 million ad buy from United Democracy Project (UDP), which is AIPAC’s designated super PAC. The ad expenditure will cost approximately $500,000 a week through the duration of the campaign. Other races in Illinois have seen AIPAC use so-called ‘shell PACs’ with neutral-sounding names like Elect Chicago Women or Affordable Chicago Now.“]
  • Jewish Insider 2/10/26: AIPAC super PAC launches ads supporting Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s House campaign [“In the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary, Conyears-Ervin faces, among others, Kina Collins, a Justice Democrats-backed, anti-Israel progressive candidate“]
  • Politico 2/10/26: Another super PAC, now in IL-07 [“Watch for new ads from a group affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This time, it’s in support of Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who’s running in the competitive Democratic primary in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. Watch here Why it’s interesting: One of Conyears-Ervin’s challengers is Jason Friedman, who is Jewish and has been the target of antisemitic attacks that falsely weaponized AIPAC against him — protesting at events and shouting out epithets related to the war in Gaza.“]
  • WGN9 2/9/26: Highly competitive Democratic primary unfolds for Illinois’ 9th Congressional seat [“Two of the frontrunners, State Senator Laura Fine and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, are Jewish, and divisions among Democrats over U.S. support for Israel are in the spotlight. A dark-money super PAC called Elect Chicago Women is spending heavily in support of Fine. The group is reportedly backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Some of AIPAC’s top backers have been major donors to President Donald Trump. “]
  • The Daily Northwestern 2/9/26: Congressional candidates face off at NAACP forum, marking start of Black History Lecture Series [“Although it has not publicly endorsed her, AIPAC has fundraised on Fine’s behalf. This week, a new super PAC reportedly tied to the lobbying group spent over $500,000 on pro-Fine advertisements. ‘My FEC filings list all of my individual donors,’ Fine said during the forum. When pressed by audience members for a yes-or-no response, Fine said her congressional campaign’s filing does not include any lobbying money, only individual contributions. Biss said he doesn’t accept donations from corporate PACs, fossil fuel interests or AIPAC, later clarifying that he’d accept money from ‘important causes’ he supports, including from ‘lobbyists who lobby for labor unions.’”]
  • Hyde Park Herald 2/9/26: Out-of-state donors propel Donna Miller to fundraising lead [“Records also show that at least 258 of Miller’s individual donors had previously given to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) or its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project (UDP), contributing more than $470,000 — more than a third of her total fundraising overall…A Herald analysis shows that at least nine of Miller’s top donors ranked among the top 150 contributors to AIPAC and UDP during the 2023–2024 election cycle.“]
  • Shaw Local 2/8/26: More than $12M pouring into 9th Congressional District race [“Fine has been criticized by other candidates for taking donations from people who also have contributed to Republican politicians and for accepting assistance from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a group that labeled Abughazaleh ‘a direct threat to our mission and the future of Israel’s security’ in a leaked, pro-Fine fundraising email. AIPAC also called Abughazaleh and Biss ‘dangerous’ in a different leaked email. In a recent group video interview with the Daily Herald, Fine denied responsibility for the AIPAC emails and denounced them. As for the donors who have been singled out, Fine said no one is going to sway her by donating to her campaign.”]
  • Chicago Tribune 2/6/26: Jabs at Jesse Jackson Jr., Donna Miller as South Side Congress race heats up [“‘Between MAGA money, AIPAC donors and shady, dark-money super PACs, it’s clear that right-wing forces are playing games with the Democratic primary election,’ Matthew Fisch, a Peters campaign manager, said in a Tuesday news release.” and “And after Miller promised she ‘would not listen to internal pressure’ when asked if she accepted money from groups funded by corporations, Preston said Miller ‘just displayed what every American hates about politicians.’ ‘She’s lying. Donna Miller is supported by AIPAC,’ he said. For her part, Miller has not rejected the claim that she has received money facilitated by the powerful organization, but told the Tribune Editorial Board Friday that AIPAC has not endorsed her. ‘I have supporters who might support AIPAC, and some who don’t,’ she said. ‘I have worked very hard in my professional and governmental career to build a broad coalition of donors, and those individual donors are the ones donating to my campaign, and I think that the coalition of support speaks to the work that I’ve done.’”]
  • The American Prospect 2/6/26: AIPAC Coordinates Donors in Illinois House Primaries [“Three Democratic candidates are benefiting from dark-money super PACs, and they share hundreds of donors who have previously given to AIPAC and its subsidiaries.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Etc.

Other stuff