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:

• 12/3/25: In this new episode of the Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with author Naomi Klein about her new essay, “Surrealism Against Fascism,” (published in the Equator, 11/26/25), and the questions of whether we need new institutions, what happens next in Palestine, the meaning of fascism and what resistance to it can and may look like.

Of special note:

• December 11, 2025: Members of Congress, CPJ, Amnesty International USA to hold press conference about Israel’s systematic targeting of journalists, ft. Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT); Dylan Collins, AFP video journalist and survivor of October 13, 2023, targeted Israeli attack; Amelia Evans, advocacy director at the Committee to Protect Journalists; Elizabeth Rghebi, advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDEMNING ANTI-PALESTINIAN HATE) S. Res. 529 [resolution text]: Introduced 12/4/25 by Welch (D-VT) and Sanders (I-VT), “A resolution condemning anti-Palestinian hatred on the anniversary of the attack in Burlington, Vermont, on November 25, 2023.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Welch Introduces Resolution Condemning Anti-Palestinian Hate

UPDATE – (TARGETING HAMAS & ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH HAMAS) HR 176: Introduced 1/3/25 by McClintock (R-CA) and now having 19 cosponsor (all Republicans), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel”, aka the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act” [see: 2/27/25: Blackburn, Rosen Introduce “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act”]. HR 176 was marked up in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/26/25 [see Committee press release 2/26/25 – No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act (H.R. 176) Passes House Judiciary Committee] reported out of Committee on 3/21/25 [with H. Rept. 119-27], and placed on the Union Calendar (paving the way for a floor vote). UPDATE: Passed by the House 12/1/25 by voice vote. Also see:

• House passes bill to bar, deport Oct. 7 perpetrators [“’New laws would be helpful to prevent a future Joe Biden from making a mockery of our sovereignty and reopening our borders,’ the bill’s sponsor said.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 12/1/25)
• Mills (R-FL) X-post 12/4/25: “I’m proud to vote in favor of the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, which ensures that any non-U.S. national involved in the October 7 attacks, or tied to Hamas or PIJ, is barred from entering the United States and denied all immigration benefits. Floridians understand the importance of strong national security. Our communities, veterans, and military families expect leaders to take clear action to keep extremists out and protect the safety of every American. Terrorists have no place in America. We stand for Florida’s security and national security. We stand against terrorism.“

(NO MORE DUAL CITIZENSHIP!) S. 3283 [bill text]: Introduced 12/1/25 by Moreno (R-OH) and no cosponsors, “A bill to establish that citizens of the United States shall owe sole and exclusive allegiance to the United States, and for other purposes” aka the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025“. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: this bill does not include any exceptions, meaning, among other things, it would apply to the estimated hundreds of thousands of dual US-Israel citizens (living in both countries); the bill notably does not deal with Americans citizens serving in foreign militaries. Also see:

• press release: New Moreno Bill to Outlaw Dual Citizenship;
• media coverage: Citizenship Requirements Proposal Strikes Nerve in MAGA-Israel Tensions (Newsweek 12/4/25); ADL says Moreno’s dual-citizenship bill risks reviving ‘dual loyalty’ narrative (Jewish Insider 12/3/25), GOP senator moves to end dual citizenship, says Americans must choose – Those who don’t comply would automatically lose American citizenship under Sen Moreno’s bill  (Fox News 12/1/25); Citizenship Requirements to Change For Millions of Americans Under New Bill (Newsweek 12/2/25); Sen. Moreno introduces bill that would eliminate dual citizenship (WKBN 12/1/25); Sen. Moreno wants to end dual citizenship; renounce the other nation or lose your U.S. status (Cleveland.com 12/2/25)

(INTERNET FREEDOM FOR IRAN)  HR 6469 // S. 3360 [bill text]:  Introduced 12/4/25 in the House by Min (D-CA) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Rosen (D-NV) and McCormick (R-PA), “To require a report on internet freedom in Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Reps. Dave Min, Claudia Tenney and Sens. Jacky Rosen,  Dave McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Internet Freedom in Iran

(PUNISH NYC/MAMDANI BY RE-LOCATING THE UN) HR 6395 [bill text]: Introduced 12/3/25 by Jackson (R-TX) and 2 Republican cosponsors, “To implement a strategy to relocate the headquarters of the United Nations, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Remove UN Headquarters from New York

(CONDEMNING IRAN’S TREATMENT OF THE BAHA’I) H. Res. 925/ S. Res. 525: Introduced 12/3/25 in the House by Shakowsky (D-IL) and 21 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Wyden (D-OR) and 20 bipartisan cosponsors, “Condemning the Government of Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of the Baha’i minority in Iran and the continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. See press release: Wyden, Boozman, and 19 Colleagues Introduce Resolution Condemning Baha’i Oppression in Iran and Schakowsky, McCaul, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Persecution of Iranian Baha’i. Also see: Shakowsky X-post – “The Iranian government’s relentless assault on its Baha’i minority is an outrage that demands action.   My updated bipartisan resolution with @RepMcCaul sends a stronger, unified message condemning Iran’s grave human rights abuses.”; Bipartisan, bicameral congressional resolutions aim to protect Baha’is in Iran (Jewish News Syndicate 12/4/25)

2. Letters

• (STOP THE GENOCIDE) 12/3/25: An Open Letter to President Trump and Members of Congress from Amnesty International
• (LEBANON: DISARM HEZBOLLAH, OR ELSE) 12/3/25: Reported by Jewish Insider 12/3/25: Lawmakers to Lebanese leaders: ‘Disarm Hezbollah now’ or risk losing U.S. support [letter text]
• (FREE AMCIT HELD BY IRAN) 12/2/25: Suozzi Leads Bipartisan Letter to Secretary of State Rubio to Secure Release of Long Island Man Unjustly Imprisoned in Iran [letter text]. Also see: Press Iran to release Jewish man jailed for going to son’s bar mitzvah, lawmakers tell Rubio (Jewish News Syndicate 12/3/25)
• [WELL DONE EXPLOITING CONCERNS ABOUT ANTISEMITISM TO SHUT DOWN CRITICISM/PROTEST OF ISRAEL, BUT EXPAND YOUR EFFORTS!] 12/1/25: Walkinshaw Presses Chairman Walberg to Address Antisemitism Consistently [letter text]. Also see: Virginia lawmaker seeks consistency in antisemitism reviews (Center Square 12/2/25); Virginia House rep accuses Walberg’s antisemitism probe of ‘selective scrutiny’ (Jewish News Syndicate 12/2/25)

Re: previously reported letters:

• Philadelphia Jewish Exponent 12/2/25: Congressional Committee Investigates Alleged Antisemitism in School District of Philadelphia
• Markey (D-MA) 12/1/25: X-post – “I was proud to join my colleagues in writing to Sec. Rubio to investigate human rights violations in Gaza. All US allies must be held accountable to US law.”

3. Hearings & Markups, and Briefings

Targeting Members of Congress Who Criticize Israel

• Khanna (D-CA) 12/2/25: X-post w/ video – “My response to @AIPAC launching ads to take me down.” AIPAC responded on X: “Congressman: you’re cosponsoring a resolution that spreads a dangerous lie and blood libel about our ally Israel. The ad merely educates voters about your record. P.S. The same ad is running featuring other cosponsors. You’re not that special.” Pocan (D-WI) responded to AIPAC’s response: “So sad. @AIPAC hates that they keep turning off members of Congress with their blind, bloody loyalty to Netanyahu. Anyone with eyes sees the daily death that continues under a ‘ceasefire’ except for blindly-loyal-to-Bibi @AIPAC. Sort of pathetic watching people go by them.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 12/1/25: X-post – “.@brhodes lays out the future vision for Palestine & Israel that must be part of the 2028 Democratic platform. He gets that “sometimes to win, you must show that there are principles for which you are prepared to lose.” This is why @BarackObama & @BernieSanders inspire millions.” Linked to New York Times article by Ben Rhodes, This Is the Story of How the Democrats Blew It on Gaza. AIPAC responded on X: “A future vision for peace and progress should rely on facts, @RoKhanna, and not on inaccurate accusations and attacks on U.S. citizens. @SpencerGuard, an expert on war and conflict, posted a thoughtful and fact-based response to the outrageous assertions:” with link to X-essay by John Spencer
• Massie (R-KY) 12/1/25: X-post – “These three billionaires have spent two million dollars smearing my name because I don’t vote for foreign aid, I won’t infringe on free speech, and I won’t endorse the war being waged by their favorite country (hint: it’s not [US flag]).” With pix of Paul Singer, Miriam Adelson, and John Paulson
• Khanna (D-CA) 11/29/25: X-post – “AIPAC is spending against me in my district this weekend with FB and Instagram ads calling me a liar. Their tired playbook will not work this time. If you want to lead our party in the future, you need to have the guts to stand up to special interests.“

Concern for Palestinians

• Ramirez (D-IL) 12/4/25: X-post – “The ‘two suspects’ that ‘posed an immediate threat’ were 8 and 11 year old brothers, Fadi and Jumaa Assi. Fadi and Jumaa are 2 of the more than 300 people murdered by Israeli forces since the “ceasefire“ began. Enough. The time to Block the Bombs is now.” With pic of headline from CNN article, Two children were gathering firewood for their father. They were killed by an Israeli drone
• Pressley (D-MA) 12/4/25: WATCH: Pressley Makes Urgent Plea for Humanitarian Action to Save Gaza’s Children in Powerful Floor Speech
• Pressley (D-MA) 12/4/25: X-post w/ video clip from floor speech – “The children are all of ours, always. From Boston to Gaza. Our destinies are tied. The State Department must act to save lives. Humanitarian aid, baby formula, and medical evacuations now.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 12/3/25: X-post – “Grateful to meet the team behind the film The Voice of Hind Rajab. Israeli forces fired 335 bullets at the car Hind was in, murdering her hours after her family was killed next to her. I keep Hind’s picture hanging in my office. Thank you for telling her story.“
• DeLauro (D-CT) 12/3/25: X-post – “90% of civilian infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed, leaving families at risk of exposure and hypothermia during winter storms. 300,000+ new weather-resistant tents must be allowed in immediately, and rebuilding efforts must be accelerated. #LetTheTentsIn“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 12/3/25: X-post – “The IDF reportedly killed 2 kids getting firewood for their wheelchair-bound father. 300+ Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. We still need the Block the Bombs Act to hold the IDF accountable and push for adherence to the ceasefire.”
• Magaziner (D-RI) 12/3/25: X-post – “Heartbreaking and unacceptable. I will continue to support H.R.3565 to halt the transfer of offensive weaponry to Israel until the Israeli Military adopts stronger protocols to prevent civilian deaths.” Linked to CNN article, Two children were gathering firewood for their [paralyzed and wheelchair-bound] father. They were killed by an Israeli drone
• Tlaib (D-MI) 12/2/25: X-post – “Yet pro-genocide donors are demanding that Democrats not call it a genocide and many are listening. Many still don’t understand how disconnected they are with the Dem base.” Commenting on IMEU Policy Project 12/1/25 post – “77% of Democratic voters say Israel is committing genocide. 75% want to cut off weapons to Israel. The choice for Democratic leadership should be obvious: it’s time to listen to their voters, not the Republican billionaires who fund AIPAC.” Linked to article by Ben Rhodes in the New York Times: This Is the Story of How the Democrats Blew It on Gaza]
• Welch (D-VT) 12/2/25: Welch Statement (floor speech) on Release of Mohammed Ibrahim and the Prosecutions of Palestinian Children – excerpt: ” [READ THE WHOLE THING]
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 12/1/25: X-post – “We must keep calling out those that cave to the Trump Admin, and the latest is Northwestern. As part of their “deal,” NU will pay $75 million, stop vital research, renege on agreements with its students over the war in Gaza, and more. Throwing your students under the bus to please Trump. Shameful.“
• Castor (D-FL) 12/1/25: Castor Thankful for Release of U.S. Teen Mohammed Ibrahim
• Lee (D-PA) 11/29/25: X-post – “Mohammed has finally been released after his unjust imprisonment by the Israeli military. Like many Palestinian children, he was wrongly detained. Praying for his healing as he reunites with his family.”
• Doggett (R-TX) 11/28/25: X-post – “After so much destruction in Gaza, Palestinians remain in crisis as they face homelessness, malnourishment, and disease as winter brings rain and cold. Yet Israeli authorities are still blocking deliveries of food, tents, and other supplies. This is not the peace Trump promised. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely into Gaza NOW.“
• Pressley (D-MA) 11/28/25: X-post – “UPDATE: After nine months of unjust detention in an Israeli prison, Mohammed has been released. I met with his loved ones earlier this year, and I can only imagine the joy and relief they must be feeling. Praying for his healing and recovery, after months of inhumane treatment.“
• Omar (D-MN) 11/28/25: X-post – “Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim was finally released after being unjustly imprisoned for over nine months in an Israeli prison. My heart is filled with gratitude for every single person who spoke out and fought to bring him home.“
• Cantwell (D-WA) 11/27/25: X-post – “On a day of thanksgiving we are so grateful Mohammed Ibrahim is on his way home.”
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/27/25: X-post – “16-year-old American Mohammed Ibrahim has been released after over 9 months in an Israeli prison without trial. I was relieved to hear from his family today and to know that he’s safe and where he belongs — with his family.“

Standing with Israel!

• Lawler (R-NY) 12/3/25: X-post – “Today my colleagues and I had the privilege of welcoming the Chen and Neutra families to back to Capitol Hill. Omer Neutra and Itay Chen were taken hostage by Hamas in 2023. These families have weathered a nightmare no one should endure, standing by their sons every step of the way. Their resilience reminds us all that we must keep going.“
• Latimer (D-NY) 12/3/25: X-post – “Today, I met with Ronen and Orna Neutra the parents of Omer Neutra who was a New York native who was held hostage and killed by Hamas on Oct. 7th. I also met with Hagit Chen, father of Itay Chen an American citizen who was killed on Oct. 7th and whose body was held hostage until this November. May their memories be a blessing.“
• Kustoff (R-TN) 12/3/25: X-post – “As Chairman of the House–Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, I hosted a meeting today between Members of Congress and the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. We had a productive discussion focused on practical ways to strengthen our alliance and advance joint priorities moving forward.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 12/3/25: X-post – “While Dublin removed its antisemitic proposal to erase Jewish history from its streets, Ireland must do more to protect the Jewish community. As I have said: I remain deeply concerned by Ireland’s repeated antisemitic and anti-Israel actions.” Linked to Jewish Insider article, After uproar, Dublin shelves plan to remove Chaim Herzog’s name from park
• Fine (R-FL) 12/3/25: X-post – “Foreign governments are trying to divide and tear apart the longtime relationship America has with Israel. This is all being done so they can usher in a worldwide Islamic caliphate and conquer America. We can’t let them get away with it.“
• Graham (R-SC) 11/29/25: X-post – “When you think it couldn’t get any worse in Ireland regarding animosity toward Israel and the Jewish people, it just did. Apparently the Dublin City Council is going to rename a park that was dedicated to Chaim Herzog, who was raised in Dublin and became the 6th president of Israel. Mr. Herzog’s father was also the first Chief Rabbi of Ireland. Some are calling for the park to be renamed Free Palestine Park –whatever that means. In case anyone had forgotten, Israel withdrew from Gaza only to have Hamas take over by force and govern by terror, becoming one of the largest terrorist organizations in the world and the instigator of the October 7, 2023 attacks on the Jewish people. The Herzog family is one of the great families in the history of Israel. They are good people who have traditionally embraced the center politically. One of Mr. Chaim Herzog’s sons is the current president of Israel and another was most recently the Israeli Ambassador to the United States. I don’t know what the people of Dublin are trying to say, but this is what I hear: A complete turning upside down of history when it comes to the Jewish people and the state of Israel. Modern Ireland is a beautiful country with great scenery, but unfortunately it has become a cesspool of antisemitism.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/28/25: X-post – “Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords is an encouraging step toward further expanding and strengthening the Accords.   Broadening Israel’s relationships with additional countries helps make America, our troops in the region, and our allies safer.“

Islamophobia, Islamophobia, Islamophobia

• Fine (R-FL) 12/4/25: X-post – “The barbarians are no longer outside the gate, they’re inside. This is happening in Brooklyn, NY. America must wake up now.” Responding to an X-post with a video of Muslims prayer (morning prayers, 5am) in Brooklyn.  Rep. Lee (D-PA) responded on X: “Folks aren’t just silent, they’re awfully welcoming the rising tide of open anti-Muslim hate and prejudice. There’s little concern about any potential link between rhetoric like this and violence, even from an official government account. This type of hatred should never be tolerated.“
• Fine (R-FL) 12/4/25: X-post – “Islam is not compatible with the West.” Responding to 12/1/25 X-post from pro-Israel influencer Eyal Yakoby, with a video – “BREAKING: Masked pro-Palestinian Islamists barge through policy barricades in NYC, assaulting police officers. We don’t have to live like this.“
• Roy (R-TX) 12/3/25: X-post – “Sharia Law is INCOMPATIBLE with Western Civilization. It directly undermines the Constitution and the rule of law. SAVE WESTERN CIVILIZATION. STOP SHARIA LAW.“
• Self (R-TX) 12/3/25: X-post – “.@SecRubio is 100% right. Sharia isn’t just a threat to America and the West, but the entire world.“
• Ogles (R-TN) 12/2/25: X-post – “Islam is and has always been the enemy of Western society. Just days after I held this live stream an Afghani attacked our troops on US soil. Muslim migrants destroyed Europe and they are destroying our communities.“
• Roy (R-TX) 12/1/25: X-post – “Rep. Roy: ‘We know the solution. Stop importing Islamists. Deport Islamists.’” Linked to article from Xinhua (the official PRC news agency): Republicans threaten permanent ban on Muslim immigration following soldier’s killing
• Fine (R-FL) 12/1/25: X-post – “Six months ago, a Muslim terrorist from Egypt attacked Jews in Colorado. Last week, 2 National Guardsmen were shot by a Muslim terrorist in Washington, DC. We recently saw mainstream Muslims interrupt Black Friday shopping in New York City. The bottom line is that we can’t allow people to invade our country who hate America and what we stand for. It’s time to deport them all.”
• Tuberville (R-AL) 11/30/25: X-post – “We must BAN SHARIA LAW.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/29/25: X-post – “Somalians are trying to take over our cities in Minnesota. Foreigners in New York recently voted for a different mayor than natural-born citizens. A Muslim terrorist just shot two National Guardsmen in DC this week. We have made massive problems for ourselves. This is all self-inflicted. The only way we solve this crisis is by kicking them all out NOW.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/28/25: X-post – “This Muslim terrorist needs to be deported ASAP.”  NOTE: As of 12/4/25, Fine has chosen NOT to delete this post, which is a comment on a video clip with the claim “This Muslim in Dearborn Michigan is calling fo a ‘Revolution’ against America after the DC National Guard shooting by the Afghan national He is literally repeatedly yelling “Revolution!” This is Islam friends…“, despite the fact that every single piece of this post was immediately debunked, and there is now a community note on it stating “The clip is from a Nov. 22 pro‑Gaza march in Berlin led by Omar Mahmoud El Hajj, not a Dearborn rally after the DC shooting. The video predates the incident, so it can’t be a reaction to it.“

Targeting Free Speech/Academia

• Fine (R-FL) 12/2/25: X-post – “We should treat antisemitism the same way we treat racism. If you’re a university and you want to receive federal funds, it’s time to support American students, not Hamas terrorist sympathizers.”
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/28/25: X-post – “We’ve seen adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran try to use social media to sow division, misinformation, and hate. I’m glad X made this change and I hope they’ll work with Congress to fight antisemitism and all hate — and prevent malicious foreign influence.“

Other stuff

• Ramirez (D-IL) 12/5/25: X-post – “Firing a second shot to intentionally kill people in distress, who posed no threat, is a clear violation of international law. The Trump Administration’s actions should be thoroughly investigated. From Israel to Russia to the U.S., we must hold every war criminal accountable.”
• Boyle (R-PA) 12/1/25: X-post – “Yet another reminder the world’s worst and most sadistic regime continues to be Iran.” Linked to post about Iranian executions.

• The Nation 12/5/25: Can These Politician Activists Make it to Congress?
• Zeteo 12/3/25: Ro Khanna to Hillary Clinton: Don’t ‘Disparage the Intelligence of Young People’ on Israel [“Khanna pushed back on Clinton’s claims that Israel’s critics ‘don’t know the history’ while speaking with three American humanitarians abducted by Israel.”]
• LA Progressive 12/3/25: Are Congressional Democrats Out of Touch With Constituents on Israeli Genocide?  The political issue of complicity with genocide will not go away. And that’s a good thing.
• Newsweek 12/4/25: Map Shows Where Progressives Are Targeting House Democrats in Midterms
• The New Arab 12/4/25: No more fear: ‘Track AIPAC’ website, a sign of rapidly changing US public positions on Palestine and Israel
• Jewish Insider 12/4/25: Anti-Israel candidates struggling in the suburbs [“The results of the Tennessee special election show that the type of left-wing politics that can play in the city is a political turnoff for persuadable suburban voters“] [Commenting on this article, Arab Center Washington’s Yousef Munayyer observed on X: “AIPAC newsletter hoping to spin its waning relevance for as long as possible”]
• Washington Jewish Week 12/3/25: The AIPAC Backlash Isn’t About Foreign Influence or Democracy
• Mondoweiss 12/2/25: The Israel lobby is melting down before our eyes [“The American Jewish community is in open crisis over its support for Israel after two years of genocide in Gaza. A key issue in this crisis is a topic once considered too taboo to criticize: the Israel lobby.”]
• Politico 12/1/25: Top Jewish donors take stock of GOP infighting over Israel and antisemitism — They hope they can quell the tide of antisemitism in their party’s ranks, but a clear consensus on how to beat it back has yet to emerge.
• City & State NY 12/1/25: From Puerto Rico to Palestine, now is the time to grow our movement [“No matter how often our residents voice dissent to additional military funding for Israel, many of their representatives still vote to aid violence.“]
• The Guardian 12/1/25: Aipac over affordability: Democratic candidates come under fire for support of Israel
• YNet 11/29/25: Breaking with Bibi and bombs: progressive wave hits pro-Israel Democratic establishment [“A decade after Netanyahu’s Congress speech fractured the pro-Israel consensus, young Democratic outsiders are storming the primaries, rejecting AIPAC cash and old-guard politics; Sanders allies revolt, as the party shifts sharply left”]
• YouTube 11/29/25: Video clip of Van Hollen (D-MD) speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations — Sen. Van Hollen on Zohran Mamdani, Gen Z activism, and Palestinian rights

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – targeting Congressional critics of Israel 

 

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:

• 11/28/25: Boycott, solidarity & taking responsibility: Ahmed Moor speaks to Peter Beinart about the TAU speech – FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with Peter Beinart (also an FMEP fellow) about Peter’s decision to speak at Tel Aviv University, his apology for doing so, and criticisms of both.
• 11/25/25: Queerness and Liberation: A Discussion about ‘Fire in Every Direction’ – ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Palestinian analyst and author Tareq Baconi.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(ANTISEMITISM – FOR SURE TO MEAN CRITICISM OF ISRAEL/PROTESTS FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS & TO STOKE ISLAMOPHOBIA – IN EUROPE) HR 6297:  Introduced 11/25/25 by Fine (R-FL) and Miller (R-OH), the “Protecting Europe from Antisemitic Crime and Extremism Act” aka the “PEACE Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Media coverage (etc.) of bills/resolutions covered previously in the Round-Up:

• [S. 3273, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Budd (R-NC) press release 11/24/25: New Budd Bill Would Hold Mamdani, Municipalities Accountable Following Threats To Enforce International Criminal Court Arrest Warrants. Also see Budd X-thread 11/24/25: “Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s pledge to facilitate the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu is not just ridiculous; it represents a grave threat that could seriously damage America’s relationship with our closest allies and partners. The United States is not bound by the morally bankrupt ICC or the Rome Statute, displaying that Mamdani’s comments aren’t based in respect for any law, but rather to virtue signal to his radical, anti-Israel base. Seeking to prevent Prime Minister Netanyahu from setting foot in New York, home to the United Nations, would put Israel at a unique disadvantage at a critical time for the nation ahead of the next meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. It is unconscionable that the man elected to lead the city home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel would seek to target Israel’s leader, and Congress must take action to hold any leader accountable should they pursue this blatant overreach. My American Allies Protection Act would disqualify any state or municipality from receiving Justice Department funds should they take action that would harm America’s standing with our allies by throwing their governments into complete chaos.” Also see: Bill would pause federal funding to state, local govts enforcing ICC warrants against US allies (Jewis News Syndicate 11/26/25)
• [HR 6186, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Fine (R-FL) 11/25/25: X-article entitled “Congressman Fine Introduces the No Antisemitism in Education Act” [“Last week, Congressman Randy Fine introduced the No Antisemitism in Education Act, landmark legislation modeled directly on the bipartisan law he passed in Florida and built upon the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, the global gold standard used by the U.S. State Department and every major Jewish organization…”]. Also see: US Rep. Randy Fine Unveils New Legislation Aimed at Cracking Down on Campus Antisemitism (The Algemeiner 11/27/25)
• [H. Res. 904, covered in last week’s Round-Up] The Forward 11/24/25: Bipartisan bill in Congress would create ‘Jewish Refugee Day’ [“If approved, Nov. 30 would commemorate the expulsion of roughly 900,000 Jews from Arab countries after Israel’s founding“]
• [H. Res. 882, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Goldman (R-TX) press release – Goldman, Wagner, Huizenga, Lawler, Wilson, and Gottheimer Introduce Resolution Supporting Expansion of Abraham Accords
• [S. 3237, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Cassidy (R-LA) press release: Cassidy, Budd, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ban Terrorist Sympathizers from the United States. Also see Cornyn (R-TX) X-post 11/21/25 – “Since Hamas invaded Israel two years ago, we have seen an alarming wave of antisemitic, pro-terrorist advocacy by foreign visa holders in the U.S. who seek to harm Americans. I am proud to join @SenTedBuddNC and others to introduce the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act, which ensures those who support or sympathize with terrorist groups and their affiliates are inadmissible to the United States.“
• [S. 2293, covered in the 7/18/25 edition of the Round-Up] X-post w/ audio clip from Cruz (R-TX) 11/26/25, “I re-drafted my Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 so that instead of being top-down, it is now bottom-up. That’s a fundamental shift. We break it down on Verdict“, with link to full 11/26/25 episode of Cruz’s podcast dealing with the designation of the Muslim Brotherhoods (starting at 12:00 in the podcast)
• [S. 3237, covered in last week’s Round-Up, & S. 2293, covered in the 7/18/25 edition of the Round-Up]  X-thread from Joel Braunold (Abraham Center) 11/21/25: “Interesting theme I’m noticing in GOP bills in the senate. Cruz attempt to ban the Muslim brotherhood is based off the 1987 PLO Terror bill because it was the only place where Congress made its own FTO list. Its norm an administration action to list a group. In the late 80s Congress took a major role in trying to limit the executive ability to work with the PLO. This law that governed administrative relations with the PLO is part of the architecture of laws that make up a maze of rules. It was controversial to Regan at the time who issued a signing statement saying that he was signing this while rejecting the constitutionality of the legislative branch inserting itself on his FP prerogative. Here is the Cruz bill that builds off this and adds sanctions. The other bill comes from Budd which seeks to extent a visa ban from PLO officials that was another part of this maze and extend it to those who support terror groups through support of their actions in statements. In both cases laws passed by Congress to limit PLO relationships with the states are now being built upon as the scaffolding for visa bans and terror designations for other groups, visitors, students et al. The congressional moment in late 80s and though the end of Obama where text was passed as limiters on admin actions re the PLO are now the main tools to build on. I can’t imagine the coalitions exist for these laws to pass in this or a near future Congress but clear that much like Congressional laws re the UN – the Palestinian issue and laws surrounding it are the basis of so much of the push to build up additional visa and FTO bans. I think also with the admin less interested in banning relations with Muslim brotherhood given Qatar Turks etc – renewed push from Cruz wing of the party to use Congress to do it.”

2. Letters

• (US NOT ENFORCING LAW W/ RESPECT TO ISRAEL’S ACTIONS IN GAZA) 11/25/25: Letter to SecState Rubio led by Van Hollen (D-MD) & signed by 10 fellow Senate Democrats, on State Department OIG Leay Report. Excerpt: “The findings from this September 2025 State OIG report are deeply concerning. But even more troubling is the fact that this review is simply the latest confirmation from a series of different reports that have each described failures to uphold American human rights laws and policies governing the use of U.S. weapons and other assistance globally. Without effective enforcement mechanisms, these laws and policies become meaningless. Therefore, by December 9, 2025, please respond to this letter with your plans to adjudicate potential Leahy law violations by Israeli security force units and other foreign military partners receiving this category of security assistance in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law. In your response, please describe what additional staff and resources are needed to address these cases and how you plan to revise the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum protocol to ensure a uniform process is followed for every country.” Also see: Washington Post 11/26/25: Senators push Rubio to investigate Israel’s alleged violations in Gaza [“Classified findings by the State Department’s inspector general say hundreds of potential human rights violations are awaiting the U.S. government’s review.“]
• (TARGETING ACADEMIA/PROTEST, AGAIN) 11/24/25: Chair Walberg Launches Nationwide Investigation into Antisemitism in K-12 Schools [text of letters to Berkeley Unified School District, Fairfax County Public Schools, School District of Philadelphia]. There’s lots of media coverage on this – see: CNN, Washington Post, Virginia Mercury, WJLA/ABC News, CBS News, Jewish Insider, Jerusalem Post, Jewish News of Northern California, Daily Californian, Berkeleyside, NBC Philadelphia
• (HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA) 11/24/25: Sen. Markey, Rep. Dexter Lead Group of 100 Members of Congress in Urging Trump Administration to Help Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza [letter text]. Also see Markey (D-OR) 11/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Gaza’s medical system is collapsing. Hospitals destroyed. Supplies gone. Children without care. I’m demanding the State Department act now to restore access to lifesaving treatment and release Palestinian medical workers being held without charge.   Health care is a human right.“

3. Hearings & Markups

Concern for Palestinians, incl Palestinian-American Minor held by Israel for 9 mos without charges (released 11/27/25)

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/27/25: X-post – “16-year-old American Mohammed Ibrahim has been released after over 9 months in an Israeli prison without trial. I was relieved to hear from his family today and to know that he’s safe and where he belongs — with his family.“
• Merkley (D-OR) 11/27/25: X-post – “This brings tears to my eyes. Literally. Thank you everyone who has been advocating for Mohammed’s release. This makes my Thanksgiving. Let’s continue to seek the release of so many around the world unjustly detained.“
• Cantwell (D-WA) 11/27/25: X-post – “On a day of thanksgiving we are so grateful Mohammed Ibrahim is on his way home.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/26/26: X-post – “As winter arrives, over one million Gazans lack shelter, with 92% of housing destroyed by Israel. In violation of the ceasefire, Netanyahu continues to restrict the entry of tents and other aid, including food. The U.S. must demand that Israel allow full humanitarian access NOW” Linked to Washington Post 11/25/25 article, Lack of tents, food and warm clothes leaves Gazans exposed ahead of winter — As winter approaches in Gaza, more than a million residents are vulnerable to extreme weather and disease, as Israeli restrictions hobble the humanitarian response.
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/25/25: X-post – “In two years, Israel has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Every day, settlers attack Palestinian villages. Netanyahu & his extremist allies have one goal: annexation by force. The U.S. has enabled them. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID FOR ISRAEL.” With screenshot of headline from the Guardian: ‘They have total impunity’: West Bank settler violence surges after Gaza ceasefire – UN logs 260 attacks in October alone, its highest monthly tally, as settlers attack farmers and burn olive trees
• Pocan (D-WI) 11/23/25: X-post – “The best way to ensure an actual ceasefire in Israel and Palestine is for the US to quit sending offensive weapons. Pass the Block the Bombs Act.“
• Castro (D-TX) 11/23/25: X-post – “It’s harmful and disingenuous for American media to continue the charade that there’s a ceasefire in place.” Linked to 11/22/25 AP article, Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire’s latest test as hospitals say 24 killed,
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Netanyahu and Trump can’t be trusted. Throughout this so-called ‘ceasefire,’ Netanyahu has continued to bomb Gaza and is still restricting the flow of humanitarian aid. Congress must pass my Block the Bombs Act to stop the transfer of weapons, assert Congressional oversight, save lives, and hold Netanyahu accountable.” AIPAC responded: “Rep. Ramirez is lying about Israel, demonizing our ally, and pushing anti-Israel legislation. ‘Congresswoman Ramirez is a champion of J Street’s values and priorities.’ Backing the most anti-Israel members of Congress… @jstreetdotorg is many things, but it’s not pro-Israel.“
• Beyer (D-VA) 11/23/25: X-post – “Agreed. Mohammed Ibrahim should be released, and the Trump Administration should be pressuring Israel on this.” Responding to Van Hollen (D-MD)’s 11/22/25 post.
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/22/25: X-post w/ video – “Israel has held 16-year-old American, Mohammed Ibrahim, without trial, for 9 months. He has been denied contact with family & his health is deteriorating. He says he falsely confessed to throwing a rock after being beaten. America needs to secure his release NOW.” Also see on Van Hollen’s website, video on YouTube.
• Merkley (D-OR) 11/22/25: X-post – “Israel is holding a 16-year-old U.S. citizen in isolation. @SecRubio: act NOW to free Mohammed Ibrahim—it’s your responsibility to protect American citizens. I’m fighting like hell for Mohammed’s immediate release.“
• Pocan (D-MI) 11/22/25: X-post – Responding to 11/22/25 AP article, Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire’s latest test as hospitals say 24 killed, “Someone needs to explain to Netanyahu what the word ‘CEASEFIRE’ means. This is why we need to Block the Bombs legislation to pass, to put a real incentive on Israel to follow the ceasefire. @AIPAC, any help here? (Yes, I understand what a joke this is)“. AIPAC responded, “.@MarkPocan never lets the facts get in the way of attacking Israel. The strikes targeting and killing 5 senior Hamas leaders were a direct response to yet another Hamas ceasefire violation. Have you said a word about any of those? @BarakRavid has verification of the timeline.” Pocan responded, “@AIPAC is ok with 24 dead and over 50 injured. Ghoulish.”
• Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 11/21/25: X-post – “It’s been over 9 months since 16-year-old American citizen Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim was taken from his bed and detained in an Israeli prison with a track record of human rights abuses. In that time, his hearing has been repeatedly pushed back, his family has been unable to contact him, and his health has greatly deteriorated. The United States must secure his release immediately.“

Designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as an FTO, & Raging Islamophobia & anti-Muslim incitement following attack on 2 members of the National Guard in DC (by an Afghan refugee)

• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “Sharia law has no place in America.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “The problem is not radical Islam. The problem is mainstream Islam. DEPORT.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “Deporting EVERY illegal is just a start. We need full stop on “legal” immigration until our security and prosperity is guaranteed. We need to deport every non-citizen who practices Sharia. And we need to denaturalize every fake “citizen” who lied to gain a passport. NOW.“
• Self (R-TX) 11/27/25: X-post – “‘Islam will enter every household’ is a quote from the Koran. Their intent is clear.”
• Roy (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “We know the solution – stop importing Islamists. Deport Islamists. Reject Sharia law. Defend our Western Civilization.“
• Roy (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Rep. Roy on Islam: ‘We’re dealing with effectively, a political movement, a political effort to islamify Texas and the United States. It is designed for a more command and control type style to what they’re trying to do with respect to building a majority to then implement Sharia law and ultimately to convert people. That’s the goal, and they’re pretty open about it… When you’ve got something that is undermining our rule of law, undermining our Constitution, and purposely designed to upend Western civilization — that is a political movement. We do not have to allow more people to come in who adhere to it’”
• Biggs (R-AZ) 11/26/25: X-post – “Islam is incompatible with American values.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “Deny entry Deport all non-citizens. Denaturalize all fraudsters. We start with Afghanistan. But we must not end there.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “I said this six days ago and I have never been angrier to be right. It is time to face the Muslim problem.” Linking to his 11/20/25 X-post – “Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided Jews on October 7, 2023. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided the Druze in Syria on April 28, 2025. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar are genociding Christians in Nigeria right now. How many more religions are we going to allow Muslims to kill while screaming Allahu Akbar before we do something about it?“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “CBS News is reporting the name of the Muslim Terrorist who targeted the National Guard is Rahmanullah Lakanwal. His name translates to ‘Servant of Allah.’ ENOUGH.” [NOTE: Not that it matters but “Rahmanullah” means “Mercy” or “Grace” of Allah not “Servant of Allah”]
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “This terrorist attack was led by an illegal immigrant Muslim terrorist who came in under the Biden Administration in 2021. We should be angry at the fact that Democrats let these monsters into our country. It’s time to rid our country of Muslim terror once and for all.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post “He was an ILLEGAL. An illegal immigrant Muslim terrorist just attacked the National Guard. The time for soft words is over.” [this post now has a community note because of course he wasn’t illegal]
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “NBC is reporting the targeting of National Guardsmen was an act of Muslim terror by a non-American Muslim. Dark days ahead.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “A Muslim terrorist executed two of our service members in our nation’s capital today. Americans have every right to be outraged at what happened. Round these illegals up and deport every last one of these monsters who are in our country right now illegally. Enough is enough.“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post w/ video clip – “ICYMI — I joined @JSchanzer from @FDD to discuss @POTUS’s recent designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Muslim Brotherhood is a pernicious and dangerous terrorist group with global reach, including here in the United States. For many years, I have worked with“
• Self (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Spot on, @laralogan. Islam is a supremacist culture with a thin patina of religion. Sharia is its law—and it’s coming for the whole world, America included. We can’t let it. @SenTedCruz to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. I am grateful to President Trump for taking decisive action against this insidious threat, and I look forward to advancing my bipartisan bill through Congress to further strengthen the President’s ability to counter this danger.“
• Tuberville (R-AL) 11/26/25: X-post – “The Afghan terrorist who shot 2 National Guard heroes in D.C. was welcomed into this country with open arms by Joe Biden. We must IMMEDIATELY BAN all ISLAM immigrants and DEPORT every single Islamist who is living among us just waiting to attack.”
• Mace (R-SC) 11/26/25: X-post – “Mass deportations.”
• Gill (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Islamic terrorism isn’t native to America. It didn’t come on the Mayflower. It’s alien to most of American history. Rather, we imported Islamic terrorism in just the last few decades through our suicidal immigration system. It was a policy choice. The reality is that not all cultures are morally equal. Islam is incompatible with our culture and our governing system. Radical Islamists seek to fundamentally destroy our way of life. Why would we allow them to immigrate here? Islamic ideology has no place in the West, and it’s time our immigration system recognizes this.“
• Gill (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “‘The suspect is “an Afghan national.’ We can either mass deport these savages, or sit by passively and watch our civilization crumble.“
• Gill (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “How many times to do we have to hear ‘Allahu Akbar’ in America before we recognize Islam is a problem?“
• Cheering Trump’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood – Budd (R-NC), Mace (R-SC), Cotton (R-AR), Tuberville (R-AL), Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Baumgartner (R-WA), Lawler (R-NY), Brecheen (R-OK), Tenney (R-NY), Cornyn (R-TX), Scott (R-SC), Cruz (R-TX), Lummis (R-WY), Cruz (R-TX), McCormick (R-PA)
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “I was proud to win a Special Election seven months ago. Now it is Tennessee’s turn to stop the islamo-communists. Vote @MattForTN!“
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/25/25: X-post – “The persecution and targeting of dissenting voices is an attack on our First Amendment. Greg Abbott’s designation of CAIR as a ‘terrorist organization’ is no more than an attempt to silence us and vilify Muslim and Arab voices. Attacks on Muslim and Arab Americans make us all less safe! I stand in solidarity with American Muslims in Texas and all those who raise their voices to dissent across the country.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 11/24/25: X-post – “…The Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization masquerading as a political group. They are determined to carry out a ‘civilization jihad’ strategy within the U.S. and destroy the very moral fabric of American life. Designating chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations and global terrorists is an important step towards reversing the flow of funding to their pro-Hamas, pro-terror front groups and halting their illegal infiltration of America’s school system.” Stefanik has been a leader in Congress in combatting the Muslim Brotherhood’s attempt to splinter our nation into terror cells. She cosponsored the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act which would take steps to codify the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Just last month, Stefanik, along with Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR), sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent requesting the Treasury Department open an official investigation into the funding sources of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to determine if the organization is being funded or directed by Hamas or any other foreign terrorist group.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/23/25: X-post – “President Trump announced today he is naming the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. Tremendous news. We will use this to destroy Muslim terror affiliates like CAIR and SJP. So grateful to the President!“
• Self (R-TX) 11/23/25: X-post – “I’m proud to stand on the front line in the fight against Sharia in America. When Texas stands firm, America stands taller. And when America leads with moral clarity, the free world follows. This isn’t just politics. This is a fight for the soul of Western civilization.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/22/25: X-post – “New York City just elected a Muslim Mayor. The Muslim Mayor of Dearborn said Christians aren’t welcome in his city. Muslims don’t think they have to follow noise ordinances. Mainstream Muslims are trying to conquer America. We can’t let that happen.“

Congress Stand With Israel & Israelis, and against Palestinians and UNRWA

• Fine (R-FL) 11/23/25: X-post – “Israel giving up their land to Muslim terrorists is not a good idea.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/22/25: X-post – “Israel left Gaza in 2005. Mainstream Muslims in Gaza took billions of dollars in aid and turned the country into a terrorist safe haven. Until the people who live there stop embracing Muslim terror, a two state solution is not a possibility.“
• Hamadeh (R-AZ) 11/22/25: X-post w/ pics – “Congressman Hamadeh was pleased to host Yoseph Haddad and a large group of Israeli Arabs to discuss solutions for combating the rise of antisemitism worldwide.“
• McCormick (R-PA) 11/21/25: X-post – “Great work by my friend Jeff Bartos, @AmbUNReform. UNRWA has been systematically infiltrated by Hamas and other terror organizations and should be excluded from any international efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza.“
• Edwards (R-NC) 11/21/25: X-post – “After more than 700 days in brutal captivity, Israel’s hostages were finally freed. This week, I had the honor of meeting with a delegation of Israelis who survived the horrors of Hamas captivity, alongside their family members. Among them were Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Nimrod Cohen, Avinatan Or, Bar Kuperstein, brothers Ariel and David Cunio, and twins Ziv and Gali Berman. America stands with our ally Israel and with the hostage families as we continue to pursue lasting peace.“
• McGuire (R-VA) 11/21/25: X-post – “Thanks to President Trump‘s incredible leadership, this week we welcomed home 17 of the 20 recently released Israeli hostages who were beaten and tortured by Hamas terrorists for over 2 years. Just six weeks ago, they were prisoners in the tunnels in Gaza. We must never forget the unspeakable evil committed by Hamas terrorists through the attack on the Israeli people on October 7th, 2023. Stay vigilant and let’s keep an eye on each other.“

Targeting Free Speech/Criticism and Critics of Israel

• Kennedy (R-LA) 11/24/25: X-post – “An operative reportedly leading Zohran Mamdani’s transition is a blatant antisemite who thinks Israel is a ‘cancer which will be eliminated very soon.’ Why aren’t more Democrats calling out the rot within their party?” Linked to Washington Free Beacon 11/17/25 article, Mamdani Adviser Used ‘Jew’ as a Slur and Praised Iran’s President for Calling Israel a ‘Cancer’
• Goldman (D-NY) 11/24/25: X-post – “Whatever you think of the situation in Gaza, Jewish students on American college campuses have nothing to do with it. My office has been coordinating with @TheNewSchool and I’m grateful for their immediate response. There should be no dispute that this kind of antisemitism has no place in our city.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Palestinian protestors were recently caught on camera saying that they are Hamas. Believe them. They are trying to conquer the West.“
• Clark (R-MA) 11/22/25: X-post – “There is no place for antisemitism in America — in our government, our schools, and our communities. I’m grateful for the work of the Massachusetts Antisemitism Commission, as we combat hate and bigotry in every form.” Responding to report from the Commission, which notably relied on the IHRA definition of antisemitism in coming to its conclusions
• Stutzman (R-IN) 11/21/25: X-post – “Joined @CarolineGlick, Robert_Aderholt, @RepBrecheen, and the Values Action Team to talk about how to maintain strong U.S.-Israeli relations and how to combat antisemitism in the U.S. NO ONE should EVER have to suffer under religious persecution in America or anywhere across the globe!”

Saudi Arabia / UAE/ the Gulf

• Doggett (D-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Shamefully unsurprising that Trump attacked the reporter who dared to ask a question about journalist Jamal Khashoggi while defending Saudi leader MBS, who ordered assassination and dismemberment. To Trump, murderous dictators = friends, and the free press = enemies.“
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/24/25: X-post – “Trump knows exactly what was said on that 2019 call with the Saudi Crown Prince — and so do I. The American people should see the transcript for themselves.”
• House Judiciary Committee Democrats 11/24/25: New report – Trump, Crypto, and a New Age of Corruption [including discussion of UAE angle]
• Mast (R-FL) 11/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As Chairman of the @HouseForeignGOP, I met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Washington. The goal is always peace through strength.“
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/23/25: X-post – “Trump is so scared of releasing the transcript of his 2019 call with Mohammed bin Salman that he’s resorted to spewing lies in a pathetic attempt to silence me. Spoiler alert: it won’t work. Release the transcript, @POTUS .” Linked to article, Pentagon urges inquiry of Trump foe Vindman over Ukraine work (Washington Post 11/22/25)
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/22/25: press release – Trump’s Retribution Campaign: Silence & Intimidate Vindman for Speaking the Truth 

Iran

• Risch (R-ID) 11/26/25: X-post – “Many religious minorities in Iran are denied education and employment, Christians are imprisoned for worship and converts from Islam risk severe punishment. Freedom of belief shouldn’t come with a prison sentence. The regime’s persecution of citizens exercising their unalienable rights is reprehensible.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 11/24/25: X-post – “Iran spent billions to build a nuclear bomb and the proxies to destroy Israel instead of a water infrastructure. Iran or Gaza: stop attacking Israel and rebuild your own failed nations. Israel isn’t going anywhere.” With screenshot of Washington Post 11/24/25 headline – Taps are running dry in Iran. Decades of bad decisions are to blame. — Iran’s water crisis is so dire the president has proposed evacuating the capital. Largely at fault are official policies that exhausted precious water resources.

Syria

• Stutzman (R-IN) 11/24/25: X-post – “A free and democratic Syria could be a haven for investment from U.S. companies in the infrastructure, energy, and banking sectors. I’ve talked to countless business leaders who are eager to make substantial investments in Syria. One thing that must not be forgotten is how important it is that freedom of religion be front and center of the rebuilding of this nation. If it does not take hold, the people and businesses of Syria will face an uncertain future.“
• Risch (R-ID) 11/24/25: X-post – “Syria’s brutal civil war devastated religious minorities – Christians and others faced targeted violence. It is finally a new day in Syria, and a renewed hope for freedom remains. To ensure all live with dignity and respect, it is critical to protect religious freedom for every person.“

Lebanon

• Fetterman (D-PA) 11/23/25: X-post – “The IDF now offers its special home delivery on Sundays.”  With screenshot of headline: “Israel says it killed Hezbollah’s no. 2 leader in Lebanon airstrike“

Other stuff

• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “From the river to the sea, let’s make Manhattan UN free. NO MORE.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 11/25/25: X-post – “AIPAC is spending in my district. They are asking people to disbelieve what they saw with their own eyes. Politicians who cave to special interests on Gaza won’t stand up against DC corruption or for working Americans. This is a moral test for anyone who wants to lead our party.“
• Welch (D-VT) 11/25/25: press release – Vermont Delegation Condemns Anti-Palestinian Hatred on Second Anniversary of Burlington Attack
• Massie (R-KY) 11/24/25: X-post – “I won’t bankrupt our country to fund Israel’s war, the war in Ukraine, or any war for that matter. That makes me a target for AIPAC, RJC, and other proxies of the military industrial complex. I’m America First and I will beat this neocon with your support…“
• Hoyer (D-MD) 11/22/25: press release – Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Mark Mellman

• Mondoweiss 11/27/25: The Shift: What does Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation mean for the growing fight over Israel in the GOP?
• The Guardian 11/27/25: Zohran Mamdani is rewriting the political rules around support for Israel
• Jewish Currents 11/26/25: The Zionist Right Has a MAGA Problem –  A conference aiming to confront antisemitism on the right offers a portrait of an old guard left twisting in the wind.
• Fox News 11/26/25: Mike Johnson: US-Israel alliance ‘really important’ for multiple reasons, antisemitism should be ‘called out’ Also see: Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu posted this article on X, with the comment, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Thank you, Speaker @MikeJohnson, for your strong and principled words about Israel. Your clarity and conviction strengthen our shared stand against terror.“
• Sludge 11/25/25: Jeffries Misleads on AIPAC PAC Money [“Though Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said that AIPAC PAC gives him only the per-cycle maximum, the group has flooded his campaign with more than a million dollars in earmarked donations.“]
• New York Times 11/25/25: Challengers Take on N.Y. House Democrats, Targeting Their Ties to Israel [“Several Democratic incumbents are facing primary battles after Zohran Mamdani’s win suggested that being pro-Israel was no longer a universal selling point.“]
• Haaretz 11/25/25: ‘AIPAC Radicalized Me’: Mamdani’s Jewish Gen Z Strategist on Big Money, Cynicism and the Weaponization of Antisemitism [“26-year-old Morris Katz is gearing up to guide Democratic progressives toward victory in the midterms and beyond“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 11/25/25: The AIPAC backlash isn’t about foreign influence or democracy [“It’s about discomfort over American Jews exercising political agency in ways that upset far-left fantasies and far-right conspiracies.“]
• Algemeiner 11/25/25: What’s Really Behind Attacks on AIPAC?
• Truthout 11/24/25: Is the Tide Starting to Turn Against AIPAC? [“Backing AIPAC may now be a political liability for candidates facing progressive challengers in Democratic primaries.“]
• Washington Free Beacon 11/24/25: Founder of ‘America First’ AIPAC Tracker Is Self-Proclaimed Marxist Who Lives in Germany
• Jewish Insider 11/24/25: Remembering Mark Mellman, a pro-Israel champion and a ‘mensch’ [“As political activists reflect on Mellman’s life, several Jewish Democrats told JI that his clear-eyed support for Israel — and his ability to articulate its strategic importance to Democrats — will leave a lasting impact on the party“]
• Jewish Insider 11/22/25: Brad Sherman to serve as top Democrat on Middle East subcommittee [“Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), who is among the most vocal Democratic supporters of Israel in the House, will serve as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa subcommittee beginning Friday, replacing Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) following her indictment earlier this week.”]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – TN Special Election

• Jewish Insider 11/26/25: Long-shot Tennessee special election candidate stakes out anti-Israel stance [“Aftyn Behn’s bid has attracted significant interest and support from national Democrats hoping for a show of Democratic strength in an upset victory“]
• Nashville Scene 11/24/25: Cash Advantage for Behn Heading Into Dec. 2 Special Election [“...Recent supplementary disclosures also show a haul from PACs and special interests for Van Epps as he tries to make up a last-minute cash gap. A special disclosure filed Nov. 23 shows an additional $38,000 from donors like corporate tobacco company Reynolds American, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and additional groups within the Trump fundraising universe…“]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – NJ 

• Jewish Insider 11/24/25: Two Republicans condemned by Jewish groups looking to make comebacks in Texas

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – IL 

• The Intercept 11/22/25: AIPAC Donors Back Real Estate Tycoon Who Opposed Gaza Ceasefire for Deep-Blue Chicago Seat – Progressive Rep. Danny Davis rejected AIPAC cash at the end of his career. Now the Israel lobby is coming for his seat.

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – MI 

• Mission Local 11/24/25: And then there were three: The race to succeed Nancy Pelosi takes shape [” They will also be facing issues that no San Francisco candidate has dealt with in decades, if ever. This is a federal election, so Israel policy is, finally, germane. But not just Israel policy: If you don’t know the candidates’ One China policy, expect to by June.“]

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

New FMEP Podcasts:

• 11/18/25: Jewish Institutions and Anti-Zionism, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Arielle Angel (editor-in-chief of Jewish Currents) and Alissa Wise, Founding Director of Rabbis for Ceasefire and co-author of Solidarity is the Political Version of Love: Lessons from Jewish Anti-Zionist Organizing (Haymarket, 2024), about Jewish navel-gazing, Jewish institutions, and growing the anti-Zionist movement.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Accountability

(ENFORCING IHRA DEFINITION IN US EDUCATION) HR 6186: Introduced 11/20/25 by Fine (R-FL) and no cosponsors, “To require public elementary schools, public secondary schools, and institutions of higher education to treat discrimination motivated by antisemitism in an identical manner to how such school or institution treats discrimination motivated by race, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Antisemitism in Education Act”. Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. NOTE: This bill would enact into law the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples, without mentioning the fact that the definition/examples it uses are the IHRA definition/examples.

(TARGETING SUPPORTERS OF PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) S. 3237 [bill text]: Introduced 11/20/25 by Budd (R-NC) and 8 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to consider, for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act, that officers, officials, representatives, spokespersons, and members of Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, and individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activities conducted by such organizations are engaged in terrorist activity.“ Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Budd’s press release makes crystal clear the intent behind the bill: Senator Budd Leads Colleagues in Effort to Ban Terrorist Sympathizers from the United States [Budd: “Ever since the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, we have seen a dramatic rise in pro-Hamas rhetoric across our country, including from international students here on visas. This needs to stop. Those seeking to come to the U.S., whether for school, work, or otherwise, and who publicly endorse Foreign Terrorist Organizations, must face consequences for their actions. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act will close ambiguous loopholes in our immigration law by prohibiting them from entering our borders.”]. Also see Budd’s X-post – “Sen. Ted Budd introduced a bill that would codify and expand the @StateDept’s practice of denying visas to foreign students who have voiced support for Hamas and other designated terror groups on social media, preventing them from crossing U.S. borders.”

(PUNISHING STATES THAT CARRY OUT INTL LAW – IE, NO TARGETING BIBI ALLOWED!!!!) S. 3273: Introduced 11/20/25 by Budd (R-NC) and no cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit awarding grants to States that arrest certain foreign officials in cooperation with the International Criminal Court, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. 

Saudi Arabia/Gulf

(GIVING PRIVILEGES/IMMUNITIES TO THE GCC) HR 6095: Introduced 11/18/25 by Lawler (R-NY), “To extend privileges and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Gulf Cooperation Council.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see Lawler press release – Lawler Introduces Legislation That Authorizes the Gulf Cooperation Council to Establish Mission in Washington, D.C.

Other

(SYRIA THREAT ASSESSMENT) HR 1327: Introduced 2/13/25 by Luttrell (R-TX) and having 3 cosponsors (2 Republicans, 2 Democrat), the “Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act.” Passed 11/19/25 in the House under suspension of the Rules.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 6230 [bill text]: Introduced 11/20/25 by Self (R-TX) and no cosponsors “To designate certain individuals as specially designated global terrorists.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means. Also see: Washington Stand 11/20/25: EXCLUSIVE: New Legislation Would Sanction Iranian Clerics Who Targeted Trump, Netanyahu

2. Letters

• (BEWARE EXPANDED MILITARY SUPPORT FOR/TIES WITH KSA!) 11/19/25: Krishnamoorthi, Courtney, and Norcross Warn Trump Administration Against Risks of F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Expanding Saudi–PRC Military Ties [letter text]
• (WEST BANK SETTLER VIOLENCE) 11/19/25: Rep. Dan Goldman and Sen. Cory Booker Urge President Trump to Take Action Against Escalating West Bank Settler Violence [letter text]. Also see Booker, Goldman urge Trump to pressure Israel to crack down on West Bank settler violence, settlement expansion (Jewish Insider 11/19/25); Booker, Goldman ask Trump to respond to ‘settler violence’ (Jewish News Syndicate 11/20/25)
• (OPPOSING TRUMP NOMINEE FOR ANTISEMITISM MONITOR) 11/18/25: On 11/18/25, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported: Democrats urge Senate to oppose Trump’s pick for antisemitism envoy ahead of confirmation hearing [letter text].
• (TRUMP ADMIN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN MIDDLE EAST) 11/18/25: Warren, Murphy Investigate Ethics Conflicts Related to Trump’s Envoy to the Middle East [letter text]
• (SAUDI HUMAN RIGHTS, NUKES, ETC) 11/18/25: Castro, Markey, Colleagues Urge U.S. to Apply Highest Nonproliferation Standards to Any Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia Amid Growing Human Rights, National Security Concerns [letter text]

3. Hearings & Markups

That UNSCR Putting Gaza Under US Authority, Tossing Out Intl Law

• Tlaib (D-MI) 11/18/25: X-post – “It’s a shameful day in history when the UN votes to continue the illegal and violent occupation of Palestine.”
• Cornyn (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “Maybe the U.N. isn’t as useless as it so often shows. The Security Council endorsed President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, ratifying for the first time the requirements that Hamas disarm and Gaza be demilitarized“
• McCaul (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “President Trump’s 20-point plan offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance at peace in the Middle East. I’m encouraged so many other nations agree & hope their endorsement will put more pressure on Hamas to disarm, end its oppression of the Palestinian people, & allow peace to prevail.“
• Barr (R-KY) 11/17/25: X-post – “President Trump is the President of Peace. His leadership has brought the world together to end the war in Gaza, protect Israel, and save lives. Well done Mr. President!”
• McCormick (R-PA) 11/17/25: X-post – “Congratulations to President Trump, @SecRubio, and @USAmbUN on this important achievement that solidifies U.S. leadership in the peace process, brings together key Arab and Muslim security partners, and creates economic recovery opportunities in Gaza. Under @POTUS’s leadership, the UN is finally playing a constructive role in resolving this intractable conflict.“
• Kaine (D-VA) 11/17/25: X-post – “I applaud the Trump Administration for gathering UN votes for a path toward Palestinian statehood. No sustainable peace without it.”
• Salazar (D-FL) 11/17/25: X-post – “President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, now endorsed by the U.N., shows what American leadership can achieve a safer, demilitarized, and self-governing Gaza. Thanks to the President’s leadership, this historic agreement finally opens a real window for lasting peace in the Middle East.“

Israeli Terrorism/Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide Contiue in Gaza, West Bank

• McGovern (D-MA) 11/20/25: X-post – “Today, on the International Day of the Child, I call on @netanyahu to release 16-year-old American Mohammed Ibrahim from detention. For 9 months, Mohammed has suffered illness, malnourishment & potentially torture—and his family is increasingly worried he may not survive. Israel must uphold its obligations under the Convention of the Rights of the Child and immediately move Mohammed to an appropriate medical facility, allow his family to visit, and let him come home!“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/17/25: X-post – “As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza goes on, extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank are attacking Palestinians with impunity, displacing them & disrupting the olive harvest. We must end our complicity. Opposing annexation isn’t enough, we must demand an end to the occupation.“
• McCollum (D-MN) 11/14/25: X-post – “These attacks on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank are appalling. The Israeli government must end the encroachment of settlers into Palestinian land and do much more to protect civilians who are simply trying to harvest olives as generations of Palestinians have before them.“
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/14/25: X-post – “Enough is enough. We cannot continue to provide weapons to Israel. Congress must pass my Block the Bombs Act to take the first steps toward oversight and accountability. Congress must listen to Americans and end our government’s complicity in Netanyahu’s genocidal campaign.” Responding to Axios article, Israel seeks 20-year military aid deal with U.S. with “America First” tweaks

MBS-POTUS Love-Fest

• Lawler (R-NY) 11/20/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As Chair of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, I can tell you that Saudi Arabia is a critical partner in support of our national and economic security. If we’re going to combat the malign influence of Iran, China, and Russia over the long term, Saudi Arabia remains a key strategic partner to counter that.“
• Coons (D-DE) 11/20/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The relationship with Saudi Arabia is a business transaction. Trump gives the Saudis national security favors – access to our most sensitive technology and weapons – and the Saudis make Trump personally rich. It’s old school corruption. Being normalized in front of our eyes.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/19/25: The Trump-MBS Love Fest – Oligarchy and Authoritarianism Go Global; also see his X-posts – here, here
• Lee (D-PA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Corruption. Human rights abuses. Butchering an American journalist. There are so many things wrong with inviting MBS to the White House, let alone selling him weapons and throwing him parties. Looks like the billions invested from Saudi’s Public Investment Fund into the Trump family bought them a president“
• Clyburn (R-SC) 11/19/25: X-post – “$1T is about equal to Saudi Arabia’s annual GDP. This is what the Trump admin does: announce some massive, unworkable foreign investment—no details, no timeline. Foreign leaders know that Trump prioritizes talking points for himself over actual benefits for the American people.“
• Goldman (D-NY) 11/19/25: X-post – “In 2018, Trump believed Putin over the U.S. intelligence community. Yesterday, Trump credited MBS over the U.S. intelligence community. Our foreign policy cannot be for sale. Khashoggi’s murder must not be brushed off as “things happen” simply because he is willing to invest in America. We must maintain our values in our foreign policy.”
• Omar (D-MN) 11/19/25: Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Condemns Trump’s White House Embrace of Saudi Ruler Mohammed Bin Salman
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/19/25: Vindman Demands President Trump Release Transcript of 2019 Call with Mohammed bin Salman Following Murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Also see: Daily Beast 11/19/25: Secret Tape That Could Spin Trump Into Another Cover-Up Scandal. Also see Vindman’s X-posts: here, here, here, here, here, here, here
• Foster (D-IL) 11/19/25: X-post – “During Trump’s first term, the CIA concluded that Saudi Prince MBS ordered the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Apparently to Trump, that’s red carpet-worthy.“
• Lee (D-PA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Corruption. Human rights abuses. Butchering an American journalist. There are so many things wrong with inviting MBS to the White House, let alone selling him weapons and throwing him parties. Looks like the billions invested from Saudi’s Public Investment Fund into the Trump family bought them a president“
• Gonzales (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “From defense cooperation to economic endeavors—Saudi Arabia is a critical ally in the Middle East. President Trump has done an incredible job of bringing world leaders together to leverage partnerships and showcase America’s strength.“
• Whitehouse (D-RI) 11/19/25: X-post – “Trump: ‘Murders happen’” with link to Washington Post article, Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
• Cruz (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “The Abraham Accords are one of the most historic peace negotiations in decades. And I predict that within the next year, the Saudis will enter the Abraham Accords. Expanding the Accords to continue bringing together Arabs and Jews is historic.“
• Blackburn (R-NT) 11/19/25: X-post w/ video clip – “President @realDonaldTrump’s deal with Saudi Arabia can best be summed up with an acronym my mom used—TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More. Foreign leaders know working with President Trump leads to prosperity and peace.“
• Markey (D-MA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Saudi Prince MBS had Jamal Khashoggi killed and dismembered with a bone saw. Trump rewarded MBS with dinner at the White House and a defense deal for the Saudis. How about an MBS admission of guilt, consequences, and an apology to Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi?“
• Coons (D-DE) 11/19/25: X-post – “Trump has rolled out the red carpet for Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom has enriched his family in industry after industry. Trump promised to drain the swamp. Now, he’s swimming in it.“
• Walkinshaw (D-MA) 11/18/25: X-post – “Seven years ago, VA-11 resident & Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered by Saudi operatives with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s approval. Today, President Trump rolled out the red carpet for him and didn’t have the guts to raise human rights abuses. Disgusting.“
• Pallone (D-NJ) 11/18/25: X-post – “Saudi Arabia’s leader is being hosted by Trump to great fanfare for the first time in the seven years since he ordered hired thugs to dismember a Washington Post journalist with a bone saw. Why? Because he’s about to make Trump a whole lot richer. This administration is running one of the biggest corruption rackets in history.“
• Bell (D-MO) 11/18/25: X-post – “TLDR: President Trump is hosting a press conference with Saudi Prince MBS—who ordered the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi for reporting on Saudi Arabia. When a reporter asked about it, Trump said ‘you don’t have to embarrass our guest.’“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 11/18/25: X-post – “Any move to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia ignores years of civilian harm in Yemen and the need for real accountability. Transferring one of the world’s most advanced weapons systems without clear safeguards undermines U.S. values and puts more innocent lives at risk.“
• Norton (D-DC) 11/18/25: X-post – “Pres. Trump’s flyover honoring MBS, the man responsible for killing Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, offends me on three fronts: as a defender of freedom of the press, as DC’s member of Congress, and as co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus.“
• Doggett (D-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “Trump again rolls out the red carpet for another murderous foreign leader. As his family’s billion-dollar business deals flourish in Saudi Arabia, he defends MBS’ directed assassination, dismembering American resident Jamal Khashoggi, by saying: ‘Things happen.’ Trump rewards the Crown Prince’s human rights abuses with F-35 fighter jets.“
• McGovern (D-MA) 11/18/25: X-post – “Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist—a human being with thoughts and feelings and a family and a future. A Saudi prince didn’t like his viewpoint—so he had him brutally murdered and hacked to death. Anyone who can put that aside for polite dinner conversation is sick in the head.“
• Whitehouse (D-RI) 11/18/25: X-post – “He had WaPo columnist murdered and chopped up with bone saws. How will @PostOpinions editorial board respond?“
• Markey (D-MA) 11/18/25: X-post – “We can’t hand Saudi Arabia the keys to nuclear tech while ignoring its desire for nuclear weapons. I’m urging the Trump administration to insist on the ‘gold standard’ safeguards—enrichment bans and full inspections—before any deal.”
• Coons (D-DE) 11/18/25: X-post – “Things didn’t ‘happen’ to Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s own administration judged he was murdered by the Saudi government. Saudi Arabia is a critical security partner in the region, but that doesn’t mean whitewashing history.“
• Omar (D-MN) 11/18/25: Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Condemns Trump’s White House Embrace of Saudi Ruler Mohammed Bin Salman
• Kaine (D-VA) 11/18/25: Kaine Statement on Trump’s Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Refusal to Condemn Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
• Hoyer (D-MD) 11/18/25: Hoyer Statement Condemning Trump’s Comments on the Murder of Washington Post Columnist Jamal Khashoggi
• Shaheen (D-NH) 11/18/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on President Trump’s Meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman
• Blumenthal (D-CT) 11/17/25: X-post – “Trump’s suggested sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia has huge negatives for our national security—starting w/technology theft risks, no commitment to normalize relations w/Israel, potential hostile uses, balance of power shifts & more. Even Republicans owe it critical scrutiny.“
• Beyer (D-VA) 11/17/25: X-post – “No surprise Trump rolled out the red carpet for MBS. The Saudis invested billions in Trump family businesses, so giving Saudi Arabia our most advanced fighter aircraft and maybe a NATO-esque security guarantee is the least he could to pay them back. The corruption is endless.“
• Durbin (D-IL) 11/17/25: X-thread – “.@realDonaldTrump must make human rights central to the discussions with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince MBS during his visit to the White House tomorrow. A THREAD Here are just a few ideas: Release political prisoners like Waleed Abu al-Khair. Let Raif Badawi reunite with his family in Canada. Improve conditions and protections for vulnerable populations such as foreign workers and religious minorities.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/17/25: X-post – “Trump is welcoming MBS, the Saudi crown prince, to the White House. This is the dictator who had a U.S. columnist murdered for criticizing the Saudi royal family. Sadly, we have a president who prefers the Saudi model — an autocracy run by a trillionaire family — to democracy.“
• Markey (D-MA) 11/17/25: X-post – “Trump says he will sell our most advanced fighter jets to the Saudis, who US intelligence says killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Looks like Saudi Arabia’s billion-dollar business deals with the Trump family are paying off. This is outrageous.“
• Whitehouse (D-RI) 11/16/25: X-post – “No mention of the Saudi personal deal with Trump letting family pocket millions?“

Islamophobia & Unabashed Targeting of US Muslims by Texas Gov

NOTE: On 11/18/25, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has designated the Muslim Bortherhood and CAIR as “foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations.” Also this week, The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) released a new report, The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Entryism into Western Society: A Systematic Analysis — laying out, in effect, the theory that the Muslim Brotherhood is halfway through a 100-year plan to manipulate and influence the United States to carry our a “civilizational transformation strategy in North America,” largely via Muslim Americans strategically/cynically/quite effectively exercising their rights and seizing their opportunities as Americans to openly engage in American life and the American political process, in a manner that is entirely legally and closely resembles what every other community of Americans, including Jewish and pro-Israel Americans — do in terms of community organizing and engagement in U.S. politics — and similar too in terms of what members of those communities do as individuals, including working in public policy via choosing careers in public service and standing for public office, etc. (HOW. DARE. THEY.)]. Also, earlier this month, FDD published: Meet the Muslim Brotherhood – Working to reestablish the caliphate for almost a century; and WINEP published their own report 11/19/25: A More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood. Also see X-post 11/19/25 from Laura Loomer, “SCOOP. Admin source tells me that the plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization was a done deal 2 weeks ago, but it was killed off because the Qataris asked the Trump administration to release a senior Muslim Brotherhood terrorist from Egypt and ultimately decided it wouldn’t be good for Qatar for the US to designate the Muslim Brotherhood. This is outrageous and the truth is going to come out about this foreign lobby effort by the Qataris to endanger our national security.”

• Fine (R-FL) 11/20/25: X-post w/ video of full comments delivered in committee “Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided Jews on October 7, 2023. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided the Druze in Syria on April 28, 2025. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar are genociding Christians in Nigeria right now. How many more religions are we going to allow Muslims to kill while screaming Allahu Akbar before we do something about it?“
• Omar (D-MN) 11/19/25: X-post – “Greg Abbot called CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights organization, a “terrorist organization” and said Muslims are a “threat to our freedom.” The normalization of anti-Muslim hate speech is vile. This bigot should have no place in elected office.“
• Self (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post w/ video of floor speech – “This is a time for choosing. Either we defeat the Sharia advances in America, or government of the people, by the people, for the people may indeed perish from the earth.” Also see Self press release w/ full transcript of his rant – Congressman Keith Self Sounds Alarm on Existential Threat of Sharia in America During Fiery House Floor Speech
• Cruz (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “‘Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 earlier this year. Cruz described the bill as ‘a new modernized strategy for designating Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group.’ This is the sixth time the senator has attempted to introduce this bill – other times include in 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2024.’ | @keranews“
• Cruz (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “Excellent and important decision. The Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization. I’m committed to designating the Muslim Brotherhood at a federal level as well, and we have many paths to do so. I’ve introduced legislation that implements a new and modernized strategy, and I am pushing my colleagues to pass it expeditiously. The same thing could also be done by President Trump as an Executive Order. Getting this done is critical to the safety and security of Americans.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/18/25: X-post – “Outstanding leadership. Muslim terror organizations like CAIR need to be shut down.“
• Self (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “I have co-sponsored legislation that labels the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations. Federal, state, and local entities must work together to protect America from Sharia dominance over Western culture.“
• Van Duyne (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “I have long fought against CAIR and Islamists in North Texas who are waging civilizational warfare against our state and nation. Just as I did as Mayor of Irving, every level of government must do everything in their power to stop the expansion of Islamists in our country. They want one thing and that is to get rid of the rest of us. No Sharia courts. No Islamist dominance of neighborhoods. Never let these people take root.”
• Roy (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “MORE:” with link to 11/4/25 article in The Blaze, Exclusive: Chip Roy introduces bill to strip ‘absurd’ tax-exempt status from CAIR, other groups with terrorist ties
• Fine (R-TX) 11/14/25: X-post – “Islam is not compatible with Western values.”

Members Meetings with IDF pilots & with former hostages

• Franklin (R-FL) 11/20/25: X-post – “The MACH 1 Caucus met with Israeli Defense Force pilots yesterday to discuss their recent operations and our nations’ shared security priorities. As a former Naval Aviator, I have deep respect for those who strap into a cockpit to defend their country. Their dedication and skill highlight the importance of our partnership with Israel.”
• Pfluger (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “I had the privilege of meeting with pilots from the Israeli Defense Force this morning. Israel is the beacon of freedom in the Middle East, and these remarkable individuals are on the frontlines of protecting that. I admire their service and courage to defend their country against adversarial threats.“
• Pallone (D-NJ) 11/19/25: X-post – “Heard Avinatan Or’s inspiring story of survival at an event tonight with Israeli civilians who were taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific October 7th, 2023 attacks. I’m happy that the hostages are home.“
• McGovern (D-MA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Today, I heard from Israeli and Palestinian citizens about their efforts to co-create a safe, just, and shared future for their people. The U.S. government must be a partner in those efforts—not a yes-man to Netanyahu’s attempts to sabotage them. Only by insisting that Israel uphold its human rights obligations can we guarantee its long-term security.“
• Sherman (D-CA) 11/19/25: X-post – “For two years, many others and I fought tirelessly to bring every last hostage home. Not for politics — but for real people who were being tortured, starved, and abused by Hamas. Today, I met with some of the hostages who are now free because for two years we did not give up on this fight. Seeing them reunited with their families is a reminder of why this mission mattered. I’m endlessly grateful they can begin their lives again.“
• Ellzey (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “I got to kick off my morning by visiting with pilots from the Israeli Defense Force. I congratulated them on their successful strikes against Iran using the U.S. built F-35 and thanked them, as well as the people of Ukraine, for their courage in defending their nations against existential threats. America is stronger when our allies are strong.”

Other stuff

• Cornyn (R-TX) 11/20/25: op-ed in Dallas News – Antisemitism’s rise is intolerable [“In the wake of Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel two years ago, college campuses have become hotbeds for hate, synagogues have become canvases for vandalism, and Jewish Americans have become targets for ridicule, prejudice, and physical harm. Of course, it is natural to feel sympathy towards the suffering of innocent Palestinians trapped in Israel’s war against Hamas, but we cannot forget that the responsibility rests with the terrorists themselves, who use Palestinians as human shields.”]
• Budd (R-NC) 11/17/25: X-post – “UNRWA must not play any role in efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza. Glad to join @SenRicketts & my colleagues to encourage the U.S. to work with vetted partners committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 11/16/25: X-post – “Disappointed by this statement from @LebArmyOfficial. The LAF are a strategic partner, and — as I discussed with the CHOD in August — Israel has given Lebanon a real opportunity to free itself from Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists. Instead of seizing that opportunity and working together to disarm Hezbollah, the CHOD is shamefully directing blame at Israel.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/15/25: X-post – “The Turkish government has a long record of hostility toward Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus — and maintains ties to Hamas terrorists. I remain deeply skeptical of Turkey’s intentions, reliability in ensuring peace, and potential role in Syria’s stabilization.“
• Doggett (D-TX) 11/14/25: X-post – “Sudan has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis with over two years of ethnic killings, rape, and mass displacement. Weapons supplied by the UAE and other outside forces sustain atrocities as the Trump Administration does nothing.“

MBS-POTUS Lovefest

• Reuters 11/19/25: Saudi crown prince hosted at friendlier US Congress
• Jewish Insider 11/19/25: Lawmakers from both parties meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman [“House Speaker Mike Johnson said MBS ‘wowed’ members of Congress and praised his ‘sense of humor’“]
• Jewish Insider 11/19/25: Democrats raise concerns about Trump’s sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia [“Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): ‘There are very serious, potential negative impacts on our national security and they include changing the qualitative edge for Israel’“]
• Jewish Insider 11/18/25: House Republicans largely supportive of F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia [“Several Democrats expressed a more skeptical view on the deal”]
• Punchbowl News 11/18/25: MBS cancels Senate meeting but still on for House 

Other

• Jewish Insider 11/21/25: Syria sanctions repeal on track to pass in 2026 defense bill
• Jerusalem Post 11/19/25: Former Gaza hostages travel to DC to meet with Congress, Trump [“The Lobby for the Return of Abductees and Captives will host a cohort of freed hostages who traveled to Washington DC.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 11/20/25: Fetterman, Terrell awarded for pro-Israel advocacy
• Jewish Insider 11/19/25: Blumenthal, Kelly alarmed by IRGC seizure of tanker in the Strait of Hormuz [“The Senate Democrats said the Iranian moves were indicative of Iran’s broader continued malign activity“]
• B’tselem 11/18/25: X-post – “Yesterday congresswoman @RepRashida and our Executive Director, Yuli Novak, and Field Research Director, Kareem Jubran, discussed how can accountability be effectively ensured for our genocide, while the international community allowed this to happen.”
• B’tselem 11/18/25: X-post – “In a meeting with senators @ChrisVanHollen, @SenPeterWelch our Executive Director, Yuli Novak, and Field Research Director, Kareem Jubran, talked about the genocide that Israel committed in the Gaza Strip and the unchecked Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank. We also discussed the importance of accountability and ways to advance human rights for all people living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea“
• B’tselem 11/18/25: X-post – “In our conversations today with Senator @SenJeffMerkley, our Executive Director, Yuli Novak, and Field Research Director, Kareem Jubran discussed the accountability that decision-makers and political leaders must face for the genocide in the Gaza Strip“
• Jewish Insider 11/14/25: N.J. teachers’ union fires editor after Jewish officials express concern over antisemitic posts [“Upon being fired, Ayat Oraby pushed back on condemnation by Rep. Josh Gottheimer over her post comparing Israel to Nazi Germany”]

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

New FMEP Podcasts:

• 11/12/25: Without memory, there can be no justice – Archiving the Gaza Genocide, ft. FMEP President Lara Friedman in conversation with Zo Brown, founder of Databases for Palestine
• 11/11/25, Jordan, the Gulf, and American Policy in Palestine, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Annelle Sheline of the Quincy Institute.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(GAZA GENOCIDE) H. Res. 876: Introduced 11/13/25 by Tlaib (D-MI) and 20 Democratic cosponsors, “Recognizing the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see Tlaib press release – Tlaib Introduces Resolution Recognizing the Genocide of the Palestinian People in Gaza

(REPEALING IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 3172: Introduced 11/10/25 by Shaheen (D-NH), Mullin (R-OK), and Ernst (R-IA), “A bill to repeal certain Acts that impose sanctions upon Syria.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(NO FEDERAL $$ FOR NYC SO LONG AS MAMDANI IS MAYOR) HR 5937: Introduced 11/7/25 by Carter (R-GA), the “Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests Act” aka the “MAMDANI Act.” Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Committee on Appropriations. Also see: Carter press release – Carter introduces MAMDANI Act, restricting federal funds to New York City; GOP rep introduces ‘Mamdani’ bill to block federal funds to NYC (Jewish News Syndicate 11/8/25)

Also see: A New Policy 11/12/25: NDAA: How Congress Is Quietly Advancing the U.S. – Israel Defense Partnership Act

2. Letters

• (EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DUNK ON UNRWA – PALESTINIAN HUMANITARIAN NEEDS BE DAMNED!) 11/13/25: Scott, Ricketts, Colleagues Applaud Trump Admin’s Exclusion of UNRWA from Gaza Peace Process [letter text]. Also see X-posts from Scott (R-SC) and Ricketts (R-NE); Ricketts Tells State Department UNRWA Must Have ‘No Role’ in Post-War Gaza (Free Beacon 11/13/25)
• (BRING HOUSE BILL ON WEST BANK VIOLENCE TO A VOTE!) 11/12/25:Upon Reaching 100 Cosponsors, Nadler, Smith, and Himes Send Letter to Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Urging a Markup of West Bank Violence Prevention Act [letter text]
• (RUBIO: HELP FREE AMCIT IRANIAN HELD BY IRAN) 11/11/25: Suozzi Urges State Department Action on Detained Long Islander Held in Iran [letter text]. Also see: Iran jailed American for going to his son’s bar mitzvah in Israel 13 years ago, congressman says (Jewish News Syndicate 11/11/25)
• (TARGETING CODE PINK) 11/7/25: Cotton to Bondi: Investigate Code Pink [letter text]. Also see: Cotton Presses DOJ to Investigate Code Pink’s Terror, CCP Ties (Washington Free Beacon 11/7/25); ‘Serious questions’ about Code Pink ties to anti-Israel terror orgs, Cotton says, calls for federal probe (Jewish News Syndicate 11/8/25)

3. Hearings & Markups

US Politics/Elex & Israel

• Pocan (D-MI) 11/12/25: X-post – “No, we don’t take money from @AIPAC because they blindly support Netanyahu and the genocide of Palestinians. Silence – or in the case of AIPAC, advocacy – is complicity.”
  • Replying to post from AZ state representative Hernandez [whose X bio starts with: “Proud Zionist” and whose pinned X-post is a photo of her holding an Israeli flag with the comment “IM OFFICIALLY BACK ! AM YISRAEL CHAI”], “I’m getting really sick and tired of Democratic candidates who are announcing they will not ‘accept’ @AIPAC money, as it’s apparently the cool thing to say when you are running now. Let’s be clear: most voters have no idea what that even means. AIPAC itself doesn’t make candidate contributions; its supporters, many of whom, like me, are pro-Israel Democrats. I can assure you that most of you who are publicly announcing this would NEVER receive a dime from any of us. Meanwhile, there are plenty of elected officials and candidates who have privately sought support over the years, and yes, I have the receipts of your text and emails. So, to any of you who are thinking of jumping on that wagon because you think it sounds like the cool thing these days, think again. Don’t mask antisemitism under the guise of campaign virtue.“
  • AIPAC responded to Pocan’s post with: “Blatant lies from @MarkPocan to demonize 6 million Americans, including millions of Democrats. This his “big tent” approach to politics… Democrats who advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel partnership aren’t allowed in?“
  • Pocan responded: “Then justify your blind loyalty to Netanyahu and support of the genocide that is happening? I have rabbis in my district who think Netanyahu has been awful for Israel.“
  • AIPAC responded: “Our members, including countless Veterans, are loyal to America, @MarkPocan. It’s outrageous to say millions of Democrats are loyal to a foreign leader simply because you don’t like what they advocate for: a strong U.S.-Israel partnership. AIPAC members are patriotic Americans.”
  • Pocan responded: “Your organization has issues, face it. No values or morals for the death and destruction that’s occurred. That’s not loyalty to America. That’s just gross.“
• Massie (R-KY) 11/9/25: X-post – “Israeli citizen Miriam Adelson bought the Dallas Mavericks for $3.5 billion; now she’s buying politicians. She’s spending millions in Kentucky to buy Ed Gallrein, my primary opponent, a Congressional seat in Kentucky. Why? Because I won’t vote to send your tax dollars overseas.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 11/8/25; X-post – “I’ll answer in good faith. I do not take PAC money & reject Super Pacs in Dem primaries. But of course there is room for pro Israel Democrats who do not share my vision in our coalition. I believe my roadmap would lead to Palestinian self-determination & make Israel secure.“Responding to post from AIPAC: “Rep. @RoKhanna: does your big tent vision include the full political participation of pro-Israel Democrats? Will you publicly condemn efforts to reject, attack, and exclude pro-Israel Democrats from making direct contributions to candidates of their choice?”

Aid to Israel

• Green (R-GA) 11/13/25: X-post – “Nope.” Responding to post from Axios reporter Barak Ravid, “Scoop: Israel is seeking a new 20-year security agreement with the U.S. — doubling the usual term and adding ‘America First’ modifications to win the Trump administration’s support, Israeli and U.S. officials told me…” linked to Axios article. 

Syria

• Shaheen (D-NH) 11/11/25: Shaheen, Risch Meet with President al-Sharaa of Syria
• Risch (R-ID) 11/11/25: X-post – “I was glad to welcome President al-Sharaa to the U.S. Capitol yesterday to discuss the future of the U.S.-Syria relationship. During our meeting, I reaffirmed my support for the repeal of Assad-era Caesar Act sanctions. President al-Sharaa is committed to the fight against ISIS, which is in the U.S. national security interest. If Syria continues on its current trajectory, I have no doubt policymakers and investors alike will have confidence about Syria’s future.“
• Stanton (D-AZ) 11/11/25: X-post – “As we welcome Syria back into the international community, we must ensure any path forward includes real accountability and relief for the Syrian people. That’s why I’m working to repeal the Caesar Act so that Syrians have the chance to rebuild and stabilize the region.“
• Stutzman (R-IN) 11/11/25: X-post – “Productive meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa in Washington as we work towards making religious freedom in Syria a reality. The Syrian people are ready for peace!“
• Wilson (R-SC) 11/10/25: X-post – “Grateful to meet w President al-Sharaa. A free, united, prosperous Syria is the biggest opportunity since the end of the Cold War. We must give Syria a chance and achieve a COMPLETE and TOTAL repeal of Caesar.“
• Greene (R-GA) 11/10/25: X-post – “The new leader of Syria is a former Al Qaeda terrorist wanted by our government who is meeting with President Trump today at the White House on the U.S. Marine’s 250th anniversary. He rose to power in Dec 2024, sanctions were lifted off Syria in June, and many Christians and minority groups have been killed before and after sanctions were lifted. Syria is the oldest home of Christianity outside of Israel. The apostle Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. I pray the persecution ends, not only in Syria, but all around the world. However, I would really like to see nonstop meetings at the WH on domestic policy not foreign policy and foreign country’s leaders. Start by hauling in the health insurance company’s executives and let’s start formulating our Republican plan to save America from Obamacare and ACA tax credits that have skyrocketed the cost of health insurance!“
• Mast (R-FL) 11/10/25: Chairman Mast on Meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
• Lawler (R-NY) 11/9/25: X-post – “After you begged @AIPAC to fund a super-pac for you — which is illegal, btw — you then threw Jews under the bus and denounced any support from them. Don’t lecture anyone about effective leadership. You are pathetic.” Responding to X-post by Moulton (D-MA) 11/9/25: “Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership. If @ChuckSchumer were an effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote ‘No’ tonight and hold the line on healthcare. Maybe now @EdMarkey will finally join me in pledging not to vote for Schumer?“

Concern for Palestinians

• Pressley (D-MA) 11/14/25: After Response from State Dept, Pressley, Pettersen, Gallego Renew Demands for Surge in Aid Infant Formula into Gaza [also see – response for State Department]
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/9/25: X-post – “For nearly 9 months, Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim—a 16-year old American citizen—has been unlawfully detained, tortured and starved at an Israeli prison. Now, he faces an Israeli tribunal that is threatening to unjustly imprison him. Mohammed must be released immediately and our government must investigate the abuse he faced in Israeli prison. We demand justice and accountability!“

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL AGAINST ANY/ALL WHO TRY TO HOLD IT TO ACCOUNT

• Kean (R-NJ) 11/13/25: X-post – “Earlier this week, I met with the Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey alongside Bridgewater Mayor Matt Moench. @JFedWCNJ plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening Jewish communities locally, in Israel, and around the world. We had a productive discussion about how we can work together to best serve the Jewish community. In Congress, I remain committed to supporting our ally Israel and combatting antisemistism [sic] at home and abroad.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 11/11/25: X-post – “Unfortunately, because of the shutdown vote, I was unable to attend last night. Since before 10/07 and after, I’ve been unapologetically proud to stand with Israel, the hostages and their families, and the Jewish community. I am deeply humbled to receive this profound award.” Responding to 11/10/25 X-post by Ron Lauder, “Sen. John Fetterman and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik have defied the mob by standing unapologetically and unequivocally in defense of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. When others were silent — or worse, when some in Congress sided with terror groups murdering Jewish men, women, and children — @JohnFetterman and @EliseStefanik raised their voices loudly and clearly against the storm engulfing our nation and the world. I’m honored to present them with the @WorldJewishCong’s highest honor, the Theodor Herzl Award.“
• Graham (R-SC) 11/7/25: X-post – “It is my understanding Ireland is about to make a motion to the European body governing soccer to ban Israel from playing in European soccer tournaments.   Ireland and others would be punishing the Jewish people 80 years after the Holocaust because they choose to fight back against terrorist groups who wish to kill all the Jews. Hamas started this war. Hamas has put civilians at risk to continue this war. And Hamas is a radical Islamic terrorist group dedicated to the destruction of Israel. They must be defeated militarily and politically.   If these attacks against Israel continue, I will do everything in my power to make those who participate in this effort to marginalize Israel in sports, and elsewhere, pay a heavy price when it comes to access to the American economy.“

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – general

NOTE: This political season continues to see a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent. To follow this trend, check out @TrackAIPAC on X. Also see: Track AIPAC founders interviewed on Breaking Points podcast this week.

• The New Arab 11/14/25: ‘Track AIPAC’ goes online as Democrats distance from pro-Israeli lobby group
• Fox News 11/13/25: Arizona Dem tears into her own party over trend she deems antisemitic: ‘Sick and tired’ [“More Democrats have followed ‘The Squad’ and rejected or returned donations from a prominent pro-Israel lobbying group”]
• Jewish Insider 11/12/25: Anti-AIPAC account’s co-founder is former staffer for AOC, Bush, Bowman [“The group’s leaders said they plan on going after individual pro-Israel donors as part of their online activism”]
• MediaIte 11/10/25: ‘She’s An American Citizen’: House Republican Sparks Fury On the Right By Questioning Patriotism of GOP Mega-Donor [Miriam Adelson]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – Maine

• Jewish Insider 11/13/25: Another Maine Democrat takes page from Platner playbook [“Jordan Wood, now running to succeed Rep. Jared Golden, said he won’t take money from AIPAC in his newly launched House campaign“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – New York

• Jewish Insider 11/14/25: Crowded field of Democrats seeks to win over Jewish voters in race to succeed Nadler [“Andrew Cuomo carried the district in the NYC mayoral race, underscoring its pro-Israel constituency”]
• Jewish Insider 11/14/25: Military veteran, Rockland County pol emerge as front-runners in Dem primary against Rep. Lawler
• Bronx Times 11/13/25: Attorney Dalourny Nemorin launches campaign to unseat Ritchie Torres in District 15
• New York Amsterdam News 11/13/25: Is everybody getting primaried? 2026 congressional midterm challengers emerge
• The Forward 11/12/25: Will Jack Schlossberg’s Jewish roots help him in bid for Nadler’s seat?
• Jewish Insider 11/12/25: Jewish groups blast Torres challenger for featuring antisemitic activist in campaign launch
• The Forward 11/11/25: Why this congressional candidate is making attacks on AIPAC central to his campaign
• USA Today 11/11/25: Rep. Ritchie Torres facing 2026 challenge from former DNC official over Israel stance
• Jewish News Syndicate 11/10/25: Stefanik ‘has guts to say the truth,’ Miriam Adelson says at ZOA gala
• WCCRS Radio 11/10/25: Stefanik receives top Jewish award days after announcing New York governor bid at Manhattan gala
• New York Post 11/9/25: Dem rival blasts Rep. Ritchie Torres’ pro-Israel stance — after deleting his own gushing posts
• Jewish Insider 11/7/25: Torres challenger attacks Israel, AIPAC in campaign launch, but previously sought pro-Israel allies extensively

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – New Jersey

• New Jersey Globe 11/13/25: Chaaban raises $104k in first day of NJ-11 campaign [“…’This impressive first-day fundraising haul is the result of hundreds of grassroots supporters, not contributions from AIPAC, corporate PACs, lobbyists, or special interests,’ Aidan Primeaux, Chaaban’s campaign manager, said in a statement….”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – California

• Mission Local 11/11/25: Scott Wiener talks housing, Israel, and D.C. in first public talk as congressional candidate
• The Forward 11/9/25: Scott Wiener, Jewish Democrat and critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, vies for Nancy Pelosi’s seat

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – Michigan

• Arab American News 11/14/25: Protest outside U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens’ office in Farmington Hills over millions received from AIPAC
• Jewish Insider 11/11/25: Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sidesteps question on Israel’s right to exist

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – Virginia

• Jewish Insider 11/12/25: Pro-Israel Democrat Elaine Luria announces bid to reclaim House seat

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – Kentucky

• Veritas News 11/11/25: Massie, the rebellious mechanical engineer, challenges AIPAC and the Republicans policy

Israel/AIPAC in US elex – Schumer, the Democratic Party, Etc

• Jewish News Syndicate 11/12/25: Schumer chose party over his people, now his party is coming for him
• Jewish Insider 11/12/25: 8 senators caved. This California Democrat has had enough. [“…I believe this will be a fault line in the 2028 election, and the nominee will determine the direction of the party. If you did not vote against the $14 billion in aid to Netanyahu, then you are basically in a similar position to those Democrats who voted for the war in Iraq. If you’re unwilling to recognize the United Nations finding that there was a genocide in Gaza, then you are out of touch with where Democratic voters are.“]
• Current Affairs 11/11/25: Why Is This Man In Charge of Anything? [“Chuck Schumer, the feckless Democratic Senate leader, embodies everything about the party that needs to be jettisoned if they are going to be popular and effective.“]
• Jewish Insider 11/12/25: After Mamdani win, socialists look to challenge Democratic incumbents in NYC
• Bari Weiss podcast 11/11/25: Democratic Dissident John Fetterman; clips posted on X include — Clip 1 – “Senator @JohnFetterman blames social media for collapsing support for Israel among young Democrats: ‘Social media was an accelerant for antisemitism…that’s why we’ve lost the younger vote.’ @BariWeiss: ‘Is there a way to change those minds?’ Fetterman: ‘Right now, no.’”; Clip 2 – “Senator @JohnFetterman: ‘Being devoted to Israel is becoming increasingly incompatible with being a proud Democrat.’”
• Jacob Kornbluth of The Forward on X 11/10/25: “Sen. John Fetterman in a video message to the World Jewish Congress dinner after being honored with the Theodor Herzl Award: ‘Proudest thing I’ve done in my entire Senate career is to stand for Israel and the Jewish community worldwide through this horrible war in Gaza.‘”
• Washington Examiner 11/8/25: Anti-Israel socialist candidates try to ride Mamdani’s wave to political office

Republicans, Antisemitism, & Conflation of Criticism of Israel w/ Antisemitism

• Jewish News Syndicate 11/8/25: Former Biden admin [Deborah Lipstadt] official praises GOP senator repeatedly for decrying Jew-hatred
• Jewish Insider 11/7/25: Cruz tells GOP: It’s time to stand up to Tucker Carlson [“Speaking about right-wing antisemitism at a Federalist Society convention, the Texas senator said his colleagues ‘think what is happening is horrifying’ but are scared of Carlson’s sway in the party“]

Syria

• Jewish Insider 11/13/25: House Foreign Affairs Chair Mast now says he’s undecided on Syria sanctions repeal effort
• Jewish Insider 11/11/25: Senators optimistic after meeting with Syrian president [“A bipartisan group of lawmakers that attended the Sunday dinner called the discussion ‘open,’ ‘moving’ and ‘constructive’”]
• Jewish Insider 11/10/25: House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast meets with Syrian President Al-Sharaa
• Jewish Insider 11/10/25: The influencer couple selling Syria on Capitol Hill

Other stuff

• Jewish Link 11/13/25: New Jersey Education Association Under Fire for Promoting Antisemitism
• The Guardian 11/11/25: Israeli embassy writes to US senators defending detention of Palestinian American teen [“The document describes Israel’s case against Mohammed Ibrahim but omits key details about his treatment”]
• Jewish Insider 11/10/25: Muslim Brotherhood terror-designation effort gains new momentum, but progress remains slow [“The legislation would require the imposition of sanctions on the Muslim Brotherhood, making it illegal to provide support to the group”]

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

New FMEP Podcasts:

• 11/4/25: The Palestine Laboratory, A Conversation with Antony Loewenstein, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaking with author and journalist Antony Loewenstein about his upbringing in Australia, his film “Germany’s Israel Obsession”, and the seminal book he published in 2023, “The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World”, and the possibility of a one-state outcome after a genocide.
• 10/29/25: The International Solidarity Movement and the Freedom Flotillas, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaking with civil rights attorney and activist Huweida Arraf about Huweida’s work to co-found the International Solidarity Movement as well as the different flotilla efforts, including the 2008 Freedom Flotilla, which arrived in Gaza; the 2010 Mavi Marmara, which was stormed by Israeli troops, who killed and injured participants; and the latest attempts to enter Gaza by sea to break the blockade.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(MAKE IT US POLICY THAT THE TEMPLE MT BELONGS TO ISRAEL & ONLY ISRAEL) H. Res. 852: Introduced 10/31/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and Higgins (R-LA), “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Israel maintains sovereignty over the Temple Mount and recognizing the importance of religious freedom for all on the Temple Mount.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Tenney press release (issued 10/28/25) – Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Resolution Affirming Israel’s Sovereignty Over the Temple Mount and Supporting Religious Freedom for All. Also see:

• Right-wing Jewish media: Claudia Tenney to introduce resolution affirming Israeli sovereignty over Temple Mount (Jewish Insider 10/28/25); Tenney introduces House motion calling for Jews, Christians to be allowed to pray on Temple Mount (Jewish News Syndicate 10/29/25)
• Middle East: Congressional initiative to recognise Israeli sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque raises alarms (Middle East Monitor 10/30/25)
• Muslim world media: US bill backs ‘dangerous’ Israeli control of al-Aqsa Mosque (Press TV – Iran 10/30/25); US and Israel Prepare to Propose Resolution to Change Al-Aqsa Mosque Status Quo (MINA News – Indonesia 10/31/25); The US Congress’s Dangerous Game over Al-Aqsa Mosque (Sunna Files 11/7/25)
• Evangelical Christian media: Third Temple Countdown: US Congress Introduces Resolution Backing Israel’s Holiest Site (Charisma 10/30/25)
• Other: CAIR Calls Congressional Resolution Seeking Israeli Sovereignty Over Al-Aqsa Mosque a ‘Dangerous Publicity Stunt’ (CAIR 10/30/25); ZOA Endorses & Is Quoted: Rep. Tenney Resolution Affirming Israel’s Sovereignty Over & Allowing Jews to Pray on Temple Mount (ZOA 10/29/25)

(ANNIVERSARY OF MURDER OF JAMAL KHASHOGGI) H. Res. 854: Introduced 10/31/25 by  Walkinshaw (D-VA) and 10 Democratic cosponsors, “Commemorating the seventh anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and calling for accountability.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see press release – Walkinshaw, Kaine, & Warner Introduce Resolution to Commemorate Seventh Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

(TARGETING CAIR & NONPROFITS IN GENERAL) HR 5890 [bill text]: Introduced 10/31/25 by Roy (R-TX) and 5 Republican cosponsors, “To specify that the Council on American-Islamic Relations and similar organizations shall not be treated as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,” aka the “No Tax-Exemptions for Terror Act.”  Also see:

• Analysis: The immediate/explicit target of the bill is CAIR but the language explicitly applies to any 501(c)(3) org out there.  The bill requires the IRS to strip non-profit status from any organization “found to have ties to terrorism or terrorist organizations.” The bill, notably, does not define the three key concepts in the bill: “ties“, “terrorism“, and “terrorist organizations.” Moreover, the bill neither explains how or by whom such a “finding” would be made, nor does it not offer any means for challenging ore remediating such a finding.
• Press release: Rep. Roy Introduces Legislation to Eliminate the Tax-Exempt Status for Extremist Groups with Ties to Terrorist Organizations
• Media: Exclusive: Chip Roy introduces bill to strip ‘absurd’ tax-exempt status from CAIR, other groups with terrorist ties  (Blaze Media 11/4/25)

(TARGETING IRAN COOPERATION WITH US ADVERSARIES) HR 5912:  Introduced 11/4/25 by Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Moylan (R-GU), “To require the executive branch to develop a whole-of-government strategy to disrupt growing cooperation among the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which are the foremost adversaries of the United States, and mitigate the risks posed to the United States,” aka the “Defending International Security by Restricting Unlawful Partnerships and Tactics (DISRUPT) Act of 2025.”  Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Intelligence (Permanent Select). NOTE: This is the House version of S. 1883, introduced 5/22/25 by Coons (D-DE) and 7 bipartisan cosponsors. Also see press release – Krishnamoorthi, Moylan Lead House Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Disrupt Growing Alignment Among U.S. Adversaries

(DEATH PENALTY FOR “IDEOLOGICALLY-MOTIVATED” CRIMES) S. 3104 [bill text]: Introduced 11/5/25 by Kennedy (R-LA), “A bill to make ideologically motivated crimes eligible for the death penalty“, aka the “Ideologically Motivated Violence Accountability Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Kennedy introduces bill to protect Americans from ideologically motivated violence [NOTE: given the way the Trump Administration is targeting/charging protesters, this seems worth paying attention to…]

2. Letters

• (GET AID INTO GAZA NOW!) 11/7/25: Vice Ranking Member Amo Leads 125 Democrats Calling on Secretary Rubio to Provide Robust American Leadership to Feed Palestinian Civilians [letter text]
• (BIBI: DON’T DESTROY UMM AL-KHEIR) 11/6/25: Raskin, Colleagues Urge Netanyahu to Abandon Plans to Demolish Homes, Community Center in West Bank Village [letter text]. See Section 5, below, for other statements/X-posts related to this letter. Also see: More Than 100 Democrats Slam Israel’s Plan to Bulldoze Palestinian Village in the West Bank (Palestine News Network 11/7/25); Dozens of Dems Urge Netanyahu Not to Raze West Bank Homes, Community Center (Haaretz 11/7/25)
• (TARGETING PALESTINIAN NGO) 11/4/25: Reps Barr and Shreve Urge Terrorist-Designation for Radical Palestinian Group [letter text] – targeting Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA). Also see: Reps. Barr, Shreve urge Treasury to designate Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad as a terrorist group (Jewish Insider 11/4/15); GOP reps urge Trump admin to designate ‘radical’ Palestinian group as terror org (Jewish News Syndicate 11/4/25)
• (PUSHING MSU TO ADOPT IHRA DEFINITION) 11/4/25: Tom Barrett asking MSU to adopt contested antisemitism definition [“On campus, line between Israel criticism and discrimination against Jews has recently been called into question“] (State News, reporting on letter sent in May 2025)
• (TARGETING NJ TEACHERS UNION) 11/3/25: Gottheimer Calls on NJEA to Cancel “Teaching Palestine” Session Promoting Anti-Israel Bias at Teacher Convention [letter text – note: this link, taken from Gottheimer’s press release, goes to the wrong letter on Gottheimer’s website (a letter attacking an editor of NJEA’s magazine; the correct letter was posted by Jewish Insider]. Also see: Gottheimer blasts New Jersey teachers’ union over anti-Israel session at conference (Jewish Insider 11/4/25)

3. Hearings & Markups

NOTE: the past week saw lots of really appalling Islamophobic posts from members of Congress in connection with the mayoral election in New York. For my own sanity I’ve made the decision to not compile those here. Special mention:

• Ogles (R-TN) 11/7/25: X-post sharing a stunningly Islamophobic, racist AI-generated music video attacking Mamdani, AOC, and in effect every one of the more than 1 million New Yorkers who voted for Mamdani.
• Roy (R-TX) 10/30/25: op-ed in the Federalist – Mamdani’s Rise Signals The Islamic Revolution Remaking The United States

US Politics/Elex & Israel

• Lawler (R-NY) 11/6/25: X-post – “Complete and utter insanity. As Chair of the Middle East and North Africa subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will be watching closely and will conduct hearings if @ZohranKMamdani and New York City engage in policy detrimental to US Foreign Policy.” Responding to post & gif, “Here’s the New York City DSA Anti-War Working Group’s internal document which they accidentally shared with me. It includes the DSA group’s list of ‘demands’ for the incoming Mamdani Administration — shockingly basically all the demands are anti-Israel” with link to article in Just The News 11/4/25: A socialist will govern capitalism’s capital — here’s what the socialists who elected him demand [the list: “Divest City pension funds from Israeli bonds and securities,” “Withdraw City funds from banks that lend money to Israel or do business in Israel,” “End City contracts with companies that do business with Israel,” “Operate City-run grocery stores free from Israeli products,” “Investigate real estate agents hosting illegal sales of stolen lands in the West Bank,” “Evict weapons manufacturers and transporters from the NYC Metro Area,” “Divest CUNY endowment and reinstate wrongly fired professors,” “Dismantle Eric Adam’s NYC-Israel economic council,” “End repression of demonstrators and the SRG [the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group],” “Remove non-profit status from charities that raise funds for IDF,” “End NYPD training with IOF,” and “Arrest Netanyahu and active IDF soldiers for war crimes.”]
• Johnson (R-LA) 11/5/25: Speaker Johnson on Day 36 of the Democrat Shutdown: House Democrats Embrace Zohran Mamdani at Their Own Peril [“Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish leader in America, flirted with endorsing Mamdani all the way to the bitter end. Never mind the fact that Zohran has embraced antisemitic rhetoric and promised to arrest the Prime Minister of Israel if he visits New York City again.“]
• Massie (R-KY) 11/5/25: X-post – “To avoid a repeat of last night’s shellacking in the 2026 midterms, Republicans should: quit covering for pedophiles | put America before Israel | put farmers before corporations | quit funding wars abroad | reduce spending to control inflation | quit attacking independent voices”
• Burlinson (R-MO) 11/5/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Sympathizing with Hamas, laughing at political violence, pushing drag queen story hour, and now electing a self-proclaimed socialist. Only a matter of time before the dems openly admit that their sole agenda is the destruction of America.“
• McCaul (R-TX) 11/5/25: X-post “...I’m also extremely concerned by Mamdani’s anti-Israel sentiment, his equivocation when asked to condemn Hamas, and his refusal to disavow the antisemitic phrase “globalize the intifada.” With the NYPD reporting that 62% of all hate crimes in NYC last month targeted Jews, Mamdani’s rhetoric risks fueling an already-raging safety crisis for Jewish New Yorkers. Now more than ever, leaders on both sides of the aisle must refuse to normalize antisemitism and must stand up for the rights of all Americans to live and worship freely.”
• Green (R-GA) 11/2/25: X-post – “American Church wake up!!! As Christians, we can condemn both Hamas’s Oct 7th AND the Israeli government and military’s murder of innocent people and children. Our tax dollars should not fund this. We are the body of Christ. Remember?” With video of sermon by Palestinian minister Munther Isaac embedded in the post.

Remains of Israeli-American IDF Soldiers Held By Hamas Returned

• Hoyer (D-MD), Gillibrand (D-NY), Schumer (D-NY), Gillibrand (D-NY), Budd (R-NC),  Schneider (D-IL), Meng (D-NY), Rosen (D-NV), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Gottheimer (D-NJ), McClain (R-MI), Tenney (R-NY), Calvert (R-CA), Scott (R-SC), Stanton (D-AZ)

WE LOVE & STAND WITH ISRAEL

• Hagerty (R-TN) 11/6/25: X-post – “As your Senator, I will always stand with Israel and our other allies. Today’s announcement with Kazakhstan is another signal that @POTUS @RealDonaldTrump’s diplomatic efforts are yielding results, and that America’s leadership can build lasting peace and prosperity.“
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 11/5/25: X-post – “The UN willfully ignored evidence that UNRWA employees were moonlighting as Hamas terrorists. As Congress and the Trump administration have made abundantly clear: UNWRA [sic] has no future in Gaza given this failure. As we look to the future, we must work to set up an alternative system of distribution that ensures stringent vetting of all UN employees and subcontractors and demand accountability for those that aided and abetted Hamas.” Linked to 11/3/25 article in the Free Beacon – How the UN Tossed Out Israeli Intel To Downplay UNRWA’s Ties to Hamas
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/5/25: X-post – “The BDS movement seeks to delegitimize Israel, America’s critical democratic ally and a vital partner in the fight against terror. BDS promotes antisemitic hate and intolerance, bringing us further from peace.” Linked to 10/30/25 article in Real Clear Politics – BDS Is The Final Solution
• Rosen (D-NV) 11/4/25: X-post – “Today marks 30 years since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, a tireless advocate for peace in the Middle East. We honor his legacy by remaining committed to a strong U.S.-Israel partnership and continuing to pursue a two-state solution in his memory.”
• Hamadeh (R-AZ) 11/1/25: X-post – “Congressman Hamadeh met with Brigadier General Yehuda Elmakias of the Israel Defense Forces and head of research and development. They had a discussion on the future of AI, Golden Dome, shared cooperation, and regional security. America First does not mean America Alone.“

Sudan Genocide/UAE

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/6/25: X-post w/ gif of full statement – “Death and destruction have torn apart Sudan, largely fueled by the murderous RSF — who are armed by the UAE. Today, I had planned to seek Senate passage of my bill to block U.S. arms sales to the UAE so long as they supply the RSF. In light of news that the RSF agreed to a ceasefire, I will put that plan on hold and continue to monitor the situation on the ground. My full statement:”
• Khanna (D-CA) 11/3/25: X-post – “I’m proud to cosponsor @RepSaraJacobs and @ChrisVanHollen’s Stand Up for Sudan Act to halt U.S. arms sales to the UAE until its certified it’s not providing material support to the RSF that has led to the displacement of millions and a worsening humanitarian crisis.“
• Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) 11/1/25: X-post – “As the RSF’s atrocities reach a fever pitch in Sudan, it’s imperative that we act to stop this genocide, which I called on Sec. Blinken to designate last year. The US must hold the UAE accountable for its support of the RSF & halt weapons transfers until they stop arming the RSF.“

Gaza

• Tlaib (D-MI) 11/7/25: X-post – “There is no ceasefire. It’s a lie. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli government since Trump claimed a ceasefire was achieved. The Israeli government never even stopped bombing Lebanon. They are still committing war crimes.“

West Bank/Umm Al-Kheir

• Raskin (D-MD) 11/6/25: X-post – “As captured in the Academy Award-winning documentary No Other Land, the West Bank Village of Umm Al-Kheir has endured years of violent attacks by settlers and vigilantes. @RepJerryNadler, @jahimes, @RepSaraJacobs, @RepDanGoldman and I are now demanding PM Netanyahu abandon demolition orders to destroy the village’s homes and community center.“
• Nadler (D-NY) 11/6/25: X-post – “Netanyahu must immediately halt the demolition order for homes and community buildings in the West Bank village of Umm Al-Kheir. The civilians of Umm Al-Kheir have already faced enough. A violent settler already murdered a resident, community leader, and peace activist in the village earlier this year. The people of Umm Al-Kheir should not have to live under constant threat of demolition, and I urge Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government to reverse course immediately.“
• Jayapal (D-WA) 11/6/25: X-post – “I am appalled that the Israeli government plans to demolish Umm Al-Kheir in the West Bank. Palestinians have called this land home for generations. Any effort to expel them to expand Israeli settlements is a blatant violation of international law.” Linked to 11/1/25 article in Haaretz – Israel Plans to Demolish West Bank Village After Residents Challenge Settler Outpost

Other stuff

• Wilson (R-SC) 11/5/25: X-post – “I have spoken with Syrian political prisoners inside Alroumieh prison in Lebanon who were jailed by Hezbollah simply for opposing the brutal Assad regime, which worked alongside Hezbollah. I call on the government of Lebanon and government of Syria to work rapidly on a mechanism to quickly repatriate Syrian political prisoners back to Syria. Lebanon must also fulfill its promises to President Trump and disarm Hezbollah before the end of the year.“
• Collins (R-GA) 11/4/25: X-post – “On this day in history in 1979, the Iran Hostage Crisis began when students loyal to Ayatollah Khomeini, an Iranian religious leader, stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 90 hostages. Their anger stemmed from the U.S. allowing the deposed Shah, who had been overthrown in Iran’s 1979 revolution, to enter the country for medical treatment. The students threatened to kill hostages if any rescue attempts were made, escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. 52 American diplomats and embassy staff remained captives for 14 months as President Jimmy Carter struggled to resolve the crisis through diplomacy. Carter’s inability to secure a resolution was compounded by a failed military rescue mission in April 1980, which resulted in the deaths of eight U.S. servicemen. After months of tense negotiations, a deal was finally reached, and the hostages were released on January 20, 1981, just minutes after Reagan took office.“

Israel/AIPAC in US elex

NOTE: This political season continues to see a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent. To follow this trend, check out @TrackAIPAC on X.

• Jewish Insider 11/7/25: Nancy Pelosi ends storied career in Congress, remembered as longtime ally of Jewish community [NOTE: the focus of the entire article is Pelosi’s positions/engagement related to Israel, closing with: “‘There are actions and statements that she made that I would disagree with, but when it came down to what was most important, which is Israel’s ability to be a Jewish, democratic state and live in peace and security — never a moment of wavering. Not even the thought process of wavering,’ said Sam Lauter, a former longtime AIPAC activist and co-founder of Democratic Majority for Israel. Growing up in San Francisco, Pelosi’s family lived across the street from Lauter’s childhood home. ‘Nancy Pelosi wasn’t just a friend of our community. She was part of our community,’ said Lauter. ‘No one had to teach her about Zionism. She grew up believing in it.’”]
• Jewish Insider 11/7/25: Torres challenger attacks Israel, AIPAC in campaign launch, but previously sought pro-Israel allies extensively
• NY1 11/6/25: Rep. Ritchie Torres faces primary challenge over pro-Israel policies
• Haaretz 11/6/25: With Pelosi’s Departure, Democrats’ Generational Battle Over Israel Will Only Accelerate [“Nancy Pelosi will forever be the case study for Democrats who want to argue that a friend can publicly voice opposition to policy they deem harmful to both Israel itself and the greater U.S.-Israel relationship“]
• New York Times 11/6/25: As Mamdani Surges Ahead, Schumer Risks Finding Himself Left Behind [“Mr. Schumer’s allies and several other Democrats argued that the prospect of endorsing Mr. Mamdani, a democratic socialist and vociferous critic of Israel, was more complicated than a simple embrace of a party nominee by the senator, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the country. ‘Senator Schumer has had to balance the energy that Mamdani has inspired with young voters with the reticence older voters and the business community have felt toward the mayor-elect, with Israel being another complicating factor,’ said Ben Tulchin, a Democratic pollster who worked for Mayor Eric Adams’s 2021 campaign and polled for the business community in this election.“]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 11/6/25: Pelosi won’t seek reelection, ending the pioneering congresswoman’s decades of Jewish outreach [“Pelosi carried that spirit into her own time in Congress, visiting Israel and hosting Israeli politicians multiple times. She became especially close with Dalia Itzik, the first woman speaker of the Knesset. Along with most establishment Democrats of the era, she forged close relationships with pro-Israel lobbying giant AIPAC and major pro-Israel donors like Haim Saban, and she would advocate on behalf of Israeli hostages and their families from past regional conflicts.“]
• Fox News 11/6/25: Pro-Israel House Dem draws leftist primary challenge [“Michael Blake accused Rep Ritchie Torres of fighting ‘for a Genocide’“]
• Politico 11/5/25: Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres faces primary challenge over his fierce Israel support [“Former DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake is launching a challenge to the three-term Congress member.“]
• Jewish Insider 11/5/25: Nate Morris seeks McConnell’s seat with populist, pro-Israel message
• Jewish Insider 11/4/25: Rep. Jerry Nadler, state Sen. Liz Krueger silent as Mamdani entertains Cornell Tech boycott 
• Washington Free Beacon 11/4/25: Seth Moulton Pledged to Return AIPAC Money. So Why Is He Sending Back Less Than Half of It?
• Boston Herald 11/4/25: Park and Park: Moulton’s stand on AIPAC funds a huge misfire
• Jewish Insider 11/4/5: Before denouncing AIPAC, Moulton sought group’s endorsement for Senate campaign, source says
• New York Times 11/4/25: Even on Election Day, Schumer Is Mum on Mamdani [“His ultimate decision to stay on the sidelines of the race was driven in large part, people close to him said, by his self-conception as a guardian of Israel, something he considers a core part of his personal and political identity.“]
• Jewish Insider 11/3/25: Newly surfaced recording of Graham Platner highlights his Israel fixation
• Jewish Insider 11/3/25: Partisan redistricting efforts endanger pro-Israel incumbents
• Jewish News Syndicate 10/31/25: California redistricting could threaten five pro-Israel, House seats, state GOP Jewish leader says 

Kerfuffle Over Tucker & Fuentes (drawing the line not truly at Nazis but at normalization of criticism of Israel)

• Jewish Insider 11/7/25: Cruz tells GOP: It’s time to stand up to Tucker Carlson [“Speaking about right-wing antisemitism at a Federalist Society convention, the Texas senator said his colleagues ‘think what is happening is horrifying’ but are scared of Carlson’s sway in the party”]
• Jewish Insider 11/4/25: House Speaker Mike Johnson calls on conservatives to speak out against antisemitism
• Jewish Insider 11/3/25: More GOP senators sound alarm on right-wing antisemitism
• Jewish Insider 11/3/25: RJC summit confronts right-wing antisemitism without naming names
• Jewish News Syndicate 11/2/25: ‘Clearly have antisemitism element of our party,’ McCormick says at RJC
• Jewish Insider 11/1/25: Rep. Randy Fine slams Tucker Carlson as ‘most dangerous antisemite in America’
• Faith Family Fitness Freedom 11/1/25: Tucker & Nick Fuentes: Israel, AIPAC, and Identity Politics — What the Right Is Really Debating
• Jewish Insider 10/31/25: Lindsey Graham calls Tucker Carlson antisemitism a ‘wake-up call’ for GOP
• Jewish Insider 10/31/25: At RJC summit, Ted Cruz slams right-wing embrace of antisemitic figures

Other stuff

• Jewish News Syndicate 11/6/25: Trump admin’s ‘complete indifference’ to delivering aid will cost Palestinian lives, senator says [“Sen. Elizabeth Warren also criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation while questioning a Pentagon nominee.“]
• Jewish Insider 11/6/25: Sen. Lankford: Turkey, Qatar should be limited in Gaza reconstruction roles
• Jerusalem Post 11/1/25: Lindsey Graham to Post: Annexation would cost Israel US support; two-states the ‘only’ solution

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

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(WE CARE ABOUT PALESTINIANS — BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE BEING KILLED BY HAMAS) H. Res.  839:  Introduced 10/28/25 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Crawford (R-AR), “Condemning Hamas for assassinating innocent Palestinians.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Reminder: Overnight on October 28/29th, Israel carried out massive bombing of Gaza, reportedly killing more than 100 Palestinians, including 46 children. But since they were killed by Israel, not Hamas — and apparently since these civilians were not part of groups that are acting as militia proxies aligned with Israel in its war on Gaza — the concern for Palestinians lives expressed in this resolution does not extend to them (just as it doesn’t extend to the thousands of Palestinian civilians Israel has killed in the wake of the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks on Israel). And if you have a problem with any of this, get ready to be labeled antisemitic!

(MAKE IT US POLICY THAT THE TEMPLE MT BELONGS TO ISRAEL & ONLY ISRAEL) H. Res. XXX: NOT IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD AS OF 10:30AM ET on 10/31/25 — Tenney (R-NY) press release 10/28/25: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Resolution Affirming Israel’s Sovereignty Over the Temple Mount and Supporting Religious Freedom for All. Also see:

• Right-wing Jewish media: Claudia Tenney to introduce resolution affirming Israeli sovereignty over Temple Mount (Jewish Insider 10/28/25); Tenney introduces House motion calling for Jews, Christians to be allowed to pray on Temple Mount (Jewish News Syndicate 10/29/25)
• Middle East media: Congressional initiative to recognise Israeli sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque raises alarms (Middle East Monitor 10/30/25)
• Muslim world media: US bill backs ‘dangerous’ Israeli control of al-Aqsa Mosque (Press TV – Iran 10/30/25); US and Israel Prepare to Propose Resolution to Change Al-Aqsa Mosque Status Quo (MINA News – Indonesia 10/31/25)
• Evangelical Christian media: Third Temple Countdown: US Congress Introduces Resolution Backing Israel’s Holiest Site (Charisma 10/30/25)
• Other: CAIR Calls Congressional Resolution Seeking Israeli Sovereignty Over Al-Aqsa Mosque a ‘Dangerous Publicity Stunt’ (CAIR 10/30/25); ZOA Endorses & Is Quoted: Rep. Tenney Resolution Affirming Israel’s Sovereignty Over & Allowing Jews to Pray on Temple Mount (ZOA 10/29/25)

(NO DUAL CITIZENS IN CONGRESS) HR 5817: Introduced 10/24/25 by Fine (R-FL), “To prohibit the election to Congress of any person holding foreign citizenship,” aka the “Disqualifying Dual Loyalty Act.” Also see Fine’s press release – Rep. Fine Introduces the Disqualifying Dual Loyalty Act to Ban Foreign Citizens from Serving in Congress.  Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. NOTE: Back on 3/26/25, Massie (R-KY) introduced HR 2356, the “Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act” — which Fine’s bill closely resembles (Massie press release). Also note: in 2024, Massie spoke out against dual citizens serving in Congress. At that time, Fine commented on a Massie post on the topic X: “This guy is just gross. Who in Congress is a dual citizen? I think we all know the slur he is tossing around. The real question is why certain Florida politicians choose this bigot to hang around with.” Also see: Rep. Thomas Massie Says Congress Members Should Not Be Dual Citizens, Gets Accused of Anti-Semitism (Information Liberation 8/20/24) and Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie Introduces ‘Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act’ (Information Liberation 3/27/25). Also see: Randy Fine Introduces Bill Forbidding Congress Members from Holding Dual Citizenship (The Floridian 10/28/25); Exclusive: Randy Fine’s ‘Disqualifying Dual Loyalty Act’ Bans Foreign Citizens from Serving in Congress (Breitbart 10/24/25)

2. Letters

• (STAY COMMITTED TO GAZA CEASEFIRE!) 10/29/25: Congresswoman Dean Urges Trump Administration to Remain Committed to Ceasefire and Long-Term Peace [letter text].
• (DON’T POLITICIZE HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS) 10/29/25: Ansari Leads Colleagues in Urging Secretary Rubio to Address Politicization of Human Rights Reports [letter text]. Including questions about Turkey and Qatar.
• (TARGETING MAMDANI FOR HIS SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE) 10/28/25: Ogles Leads Charge to Denaturalize and Deport Zohran Mamdani [letter text] Excerpt: “I again urge the Department to open a formal investigation into whether Mr. Mamdani’s public expressions of support for the Holy Land Foundation’s convicted leadership, and his ongoing rhetoric sympathetic to anti-Israel and anti-U.S. movements, were disclosed as required during his naturalization. Failure to disclose such affiliations would constitute a material misrepresentation under federal law.“
• (QUESTIONS RE: PARDON OF BINANCE FOUNDER) Warren, Van Hollen, Colleagues Press DOJ and Treasury on Trump’s Pardon of Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, Questioning Agencies’ Ability to Hold Criminals Accountable [letter text] — included in the Round-Up due to link to UAE.
• (TARGETING UNRWA, AGAIN) 10/27/25: Comer Investigates UNRWA for Obstructing U.S. Oversight into Staff’s Alleged Hamas Ties [letter text – to UNSYG]
• (FINE v. QATAR) On 10/26/25, the Embassy of Qatar posted on X a letter the Ambassador sent to Rep. Fine (R-FL), challenging comments Fine made about Qatar in an interview with Laura Loomer on 10/18/25. On 10/27/25, Loomer published a long comment on X in response to the Ambassador’s post – among other things accusing the Ambassador of threatening Rep. Fine (“By warning Fine that Florida has the ’12th largest Muslim population in America’, Qatar is using Mamdani style threats, threatening to mobilize the Muslim voting population in Florida against Rep. Fine if he continues speaking truth about Qatar, a global sponsor of Islamic jihad”). Fine then commented on Loomer’s post his own not-at-all-veiled threat: “I am not a Jew with trembling knees. They will learn that soon enough.” Also see: ‘They decided to try to engage me directly,’ Jewish congressman says of Qatari embassy (Jewish News Syndicate 10/27/25)
• (TRUMP CORRUPTION) 10/24/25: Senate Judiciary Democrats Call Out Bondi’s Inappropriate Stonewalling At Hearing, Re-Upping Critical Oversight Requests [letter text] – including a question related to Qatar gifting plane to Trump
• (TRUMP CORRUPTION) 10/23/25: Raskin, Garcia Letter to President Trump re: DOJ Payout Demand – including mention of Qatar gifting plane to Trump

3. Hearings & Markups

We Stand with Israel, Incl on Ceasefire Violations

• Graham (R-SC) 10/30/25: Floor speech in praise of Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 10/30/25: X-post – “I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Pastor Mario Bramnick of the Latino Coalition for Israel and Dr. Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, National Secretary of the Cuban Democratic Directorate, to discuss faith-based initiatives and efforts to advance the sacred cause of freedom in Venezuela, Cuba, and throughout our Western Hemisphere.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 10/30/25: X-post – “Productive meeting with Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter this week to discuss the path ahead post-ceasefire. I underscored that U.S. leadership alongside our Arab partners remains vital and that we are committed to peace.“
• Gimenez (R-FL) 10/29/25: X-post – “From the U.S. Congress, I want to thank our dear friends from the Jewish State of #Israel for their continued solidarity with the oppressed people of #Cuba. Today’s @UN vote is a clear example of the dignity of the Israeli people against the anti-Semitic regime in Havana!”
• Budd (R-NC) 10/28/25: X-post – “Hamas is in direct violation of the ceasefire, including deceptively & cruelly obstructing the return of deceased hostages to their families. The @IDF’s actions are a result of Hamas’ repeated violations & their targeting of Israeli troops.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/28/25: X-post – “We cannot forget that the remains of two Americans are still being held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, alongside 11 others. Hamas must return all remaining hostages immediately. I’ll never stop fighting to ensure all the hostages are returned, our key democratic ally Israel is protected, and Hamas lays down their arms.“
• Wagner (R-MO) 10/24/25: X-post – “I had a great meeting with Agudath Israel of Missouri in Chesterfield. We spoke on the Middle East Peace deal, the recent release of the innocent hostages from Gaza, my work as Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, and the Educational Choice for Children Act.“

Hizballah/Iran As Pretext for Trump Waging War on Venezuela

• Cornyn (R-TX) 10/27/25: Floor speech on Hizballah and Iran, and connecting both to Venezuela/Maduro, and making the case that all of this makes Maduro a direct threat to the US — pretty clearly justifying US military action in against Venezuela [“…while it may be easy to think we can ignore these terrorists in the Middle East because, well, there is an ocean between us and them, the fact of the matter is, there is not. They are operating right here in our own backyard….we need to connect the dots. We need to make sure we understand the nature of the threat to our way of life, and it is not just about over there; it is about right here in our backyard that our enemies are collaborating and threatening the safety and security of the American people.“]

Targeting Muslims/Palestinians in US, Open Islamophobia, Anti-Mamdani

• Fine (R-FL) 10/30/25: X-post – “Usually it’s the terrorists financing Omar, but it looks like it was the other way around this time!” Reposting a NY Post screed  about Omar giving support to a US non-profit that supports (gasp) Palestinian lives/rights and that has partnered with (gasp) Bir Zeit University in the West Bank, which per the NY Post has members of the student body who sympathize with Hamas.
• Fine (R-FL) 10/29/25: X-post – “Hamas-backed @CAIRNational sent my office their propaganda.     I’m sending back confetti.   Shred away.” [with video clip of him shredding a doc with CAIR letterhead]
• Tuberville (R-AL) 10/28/25: Tuberville: “Radical Islam is Fundamentally Incompatible with our Western Values”
• Tenney (R-NY) 10/28/25: X-post – “Sick. Zohran Mamdani smeared Israel and the NYPD in one breath, claiming the “boot on your neck is laced by the IDF.” This is antisemitic, divisive, & dangerous.”

Concern for Palestinians, Incl Palestinian-Americans

• Tlaib (D-MI) 10/29/25: X-post – “No matter what Trump says, there’s never been a “ceasefire” because War Criminal Netanyahu and the Israeli government never stopped killing Palestinians. Total arms embargo. Sanctions. End the genocide now.“
• Greene (R-GA) 10/29/25: X-post – “Israel’s military said Wednesday that the ceasefire was back on in Gaza after it killed 104 people, including 46 children, according to local health officials. 46 CHILDREN!!! Are these not war crimes?“
• Moore (D-WI) 10/29/25: X-post – “Since February, 16-year-old American citizen Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim has been detained in an Israeli prison known for human rights abuses with no trial & no family contact. His well-being & health are at risk. I joined my colleagues in calling for the Trump admin to secure his release.”
• Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 10/27/25: X-post – “Despite the ‘ceasefire,’ innocent Palestinians continue to be killed. Sami from Franklin Township has lost 48 members of his family. The U.S. needs to uphold its commitment to enforce the ceasefire.” Linked to article – Relief to horror as NJ man mourns relatives killed in Gaza despite ceasefire
• Ramirez (D-IL) 10/26/25: X-post – “Right now, there are too many Palestinians in Israeli’s prison held without charge. Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim — a 16-year-old American citizen– is one of them. For 8 months, he has been held without a trial, has lost 25 pounds, and is suffering in cruel and inhumane conditions. His parents await his return. It is time for our government to bring him home.“

UAE-Binance, UAE-RSF

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/29/25: X-post – “As we witness horrific scenes in El-Fasher, the UAE continues arming the RSF — which the U.S. has determined is committing genocide.   Enough. We must pass my bill to block arms sales to the UAE until it stops fueling the RSF’s war crimes in Sudan.“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 10/29/25: X-post – “The UAE needs to be held accountable for its arming of the genocidal RSF. That’s why I have introduced my Stand Up for Sudan Act that would block sales to the UAE until they stop sending weapons to the RSF.”
• Beyer (D-VA) 10/29/25: X-post – “The civil war in Sudan, a massive humanitarian crisis, is getting even worse with the fall of El Fasher in Darfur to the RSF. Enabled by the UAE, this brutal militia has committed awful war crimes. The US must work to end outside RSF support, surge aid delivery, and seek peace.“
• Omar (D-MN) 10/28/25: X-post – “Sudan is facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and a genocide. Tens of thousands dead. 12 million displaced. The images of the RSF seizing El Fasher are horrific. The UAE and other arms dealers to the RSF and RSF-aligned militias must be held accountable.“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 10/28/25: X-p0st – “I am sickened by the images of the RSF seizing El Fasher in Sudan. The UAE needs to cease their support NOW. The Trump Administration needs to invest in a real peace process that is not rigged to benefit external backers of this horrific war.“
• Murphy (D-CT) 10/28/25: X-post – “There is evidence the UAE backed RSF is engaged in mass murder in El-Fashar in Darfur. Why is the U.S. allowing the UAE – which we fund militarily – help the brutal RSF engage in mass atrocity? FYI – this isn’t just about Trump – the Biden Admin was letting this happen too.“
• Murphy (D-CT) 10/28/25: X-post – “One week after Trump pardoned Binance’s owner (for a stunning array of crimes related to terrorist and sex predator financing), Binance starts promoting Trump crypto. The White House is a full time, 24/7 corruption machine.” Binance rely on X 10/29/25: “Dear Senator, We conduct comprehensive due diligence and legal review before listing any asset on @BinanceUS, whether it’s a stablecoin, a new ecosystem project, or a meme token. Not only are USD1 and WLFI already listed on 20+ major exchanges, including U.S. platforms @coinbase, @RobinhoodApp, and @krakenfx, but these assets have both been approved for some time by our listing committee in its ordinary course of business. To be clear, this was a business decision on the part of @BinanceUS and nothing more. It’s unfortunate that even routine business decisions are now unfairly politicized by our elected officials.” Murphy (D-CT) reply to Binance 10/29/25: “We aren’t dumb. Your company launched Trump’s corrupt crypto coin. You greased the wheels of the massively corrupt UAE ‘trade secrets for cash’ deal. You basically did whatever crooked thing Trump asked. And then, voila – your billionaire owner gets a pardon! C’mon.“

Some GOP members on Unconditional Support for Israel/Shared Values

• Massie (R-KY) 10/26/25: X-post – “[US flag]  debt per person is $113,000 [Israeli flag] debt per person is $37,000 Israel publicly funds abortions. Why do we send them your money?“
• Luna (R-FL) 10/26/25: X-post – “Some of you need a foreign policy lesson and reality check: Trump is not controlled by any foreign government. He will have conversations with ANY country as long as they are respectful. Specifically with the peace deal ref Gaza and Israel: holding Bibi accountable or criticizing his Knesset’s response to JD’s visit is not ‘anti-Israel’ or ‘nazi’ behavior. Just like engaging in dialogue with the Prime Minister of Israel does not make you a “shill” for Israel. Some of you need to get off the internet and go touch some grass. Btw if an outlet does not have an accurate translation, I will delete the X post. My positions on foreign policy stands as is and I fully backed the President’s efforts and what he’s negotiated referencing Gaza & Israel.“

Other

• Coons (D-DE) 10/28/25: X-post – “The hard work of any ceasefire isn’t getting it signed, it’s getting both sides to uphold it. The Trump administration needs to roll up its sleeves and hold both Hamas and Israel accountable to fully implement their ceasefire and protect civilians’ lives.“

Israel/AIPAC in US elex

NOTE: This political season continues to see a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent. To follow this trend, check out @TrackAIPAC on X. Also see this post from a GOP challenger to Rep. Fine (R-FL), which among other things calls for AIPAC to register under FARA.

• Jewish Journal 10/30/25: Pro-Israel supporters criticize Rep. Seth Moulton’s decision to return AIPAC donations as he declares Senate run
• Jewish News Syndicate 10/31/25: California redistricting could threaten five pro-Israel, House seats, state GOP Jewish leader says 
• Jewish News Syndicate 10/30/25: US lawmakers wrap up tour of Judea and Samaria with Jerusalem summit [“The conference, titled ‘The Future of Judea and Samaria,’ featured U.S. politicians, pro-Israel activists, and Knesset members.”]
• Jewish Insider 10/30/25: Former Rep. Cori Bush shows no signs of dialing down extreme rhetoric in comeback campaign
• Jewish Insider 10/30/25: Scott Wiener, looking to succeed Pelosi, balances progressive politics with Jewish allyship [“Scott Wiener, a veteran California state senator from San Francisco, has long coupled his lifelong support for Israel with vocal opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right members of his governing coalition.“]
• Jewish Insider 10/30/25: Moulton doubles down on AIPAC criticism in Massachusetts Senate race
• San Francisco Chronicle 10/30/25: Scott Wiener has a tightrope to walk in his House campaign [“…Wiener, who is Jewish, hasn’t just faced attacks from conservatives. His speech was interrupted three times Wednesday by hecklers in the audience asking whether he would accept money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying organization, or make comments in support of Palestine. Each time, their comments were drowned out by the audience chanting, “Wie-ner! Wie-ner! Wie-ner!”]
• Al Jazeera 10/29/25: The Take: What’s behind AIPAC’s partnership with Black US politicians? [“How has the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC built a partnership with many Black politicians in the US?”]
• Arab News 10/29/25: Palestinian leading in Illinois congressional district election
• The Loyola Phoenix 10/29/25: Pro-Israel AIPAC Joins Congressional Race in Illinois’ Ninth District
• Jack Cocchiarella on X 10/28/25 (with video clip): “Democrats taking money from AIPAC don’t have the independence or moral clarity to lead our party. @sethmoulton explains why he is not only rejecting AIPAC money but returning it:”
• The Palestine Chronicle 10/28/25: Falling from Grace: Who Are the US Candidates Refusing AIPAC Money?
• Jewish Insider 10/28/25: Mamdani ally Brad Lander explores race against Dan Goldman [“One Democratic consultant speculated that the progressive Lander would be a formidable opponent to Goldman, both of whom are Jewish“]
• Jewish Insider 10/27/25: Rep. Jake Auchincloss urges Graham Platner to end Maine Senate bid
• Jewish Insider 10/27/25: Graham Platner’s credibility under fire in Maine Senate campaign
• CNN 10/26/25: Mamdani rallies with Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez as Democrats close ranks around NYC mayoral nominee
• Mondoweiss 10/26/25: From the Margins to the Mainstream: How the Gaza genocide transformed U.S. public opinion

Targeting Critics of Israel

• Jewish Insider 10/31/25: Anti-Israel activists, lawmakers ignore Muslim Brotherhood, Iran links to Sudan’s SAF 
• Fox News 10/29/25: ‘Squad’ Dem dishes out campaign cash to anti-Israel nonprofit tied to ‘Terrorist University’

Congress Finally Stands Up to Trump…on Arab/Muslim Nominees for Ambassadorships

• Jewish Insider 10/29/25: Trump refuses to pull Kuwait ambassador pick despite broad, bipartisan opposition
• Religion News Service 10/29/25: Trump’s pick for ambassador to Kuwait tests the president’s tolerance for antisemitism
• New York Times 10/28/25: Trump’s Pick for Ambassador to Kuwait on Path to Failure
• Jewish Insider 10/28/25: Trump’s controversial Kuwait ambassador nominee faces mounting GOP opposition

Other stuff

• Jewish Insider 10/29/25: Trump, Hill Republicans back Israeli strikes in Gaza over ceasefire violations
• Arab Center Washington DC 10/30/25: No Protection, No Justice: US Citizens Killed with Impunity by Israel
• Jewish Insider 10/28/25: Lindsey Graham says Hamas unlikely to disarm without Israeli confrontation
• Jewish Insider 10/28/25: White House withdraws Joel Rayburn for top foreign policy position
• New York Post 10/28/25: Elise Stefanik’s new book exposes ‘moral rot’ and ‘poisoned’ Ivy Leagues that fueled Mamdani’s rise
• Jewish News Syndicate 10/27/25: 178 House Democrats did the unthinkable by siding against Jewish families [“They weren’t just making a policy statement, but endorsing a future where no Jews would live in Judea and Samaria—a future of erasure.”]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 10/24/25: Ted Cruz calls on Christians to confront right-wing antisemitism as it flares among Republicans

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

Of note:

• 10/24/25: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast – Media, BDS, and Lessons from 25 Years of Solidarity Work, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaking with Mondoweiss editor Adam Horowitz about the role that Mondoweiss, an independent news organization, has played in the struggle for Palestinian rights over the past 25 years. They also discuss the moral case for the cultural boycott of Israel and what constitutes justice after genocide.
• 10/22/25: New episode of the Quincy Institute’s “Always at War” podcast, The Gaza Ceasefire – Will It Last? Ft. hosts Courtney Rawlings and Alex Jordan in conversation with FMEP’s Lara Friedman.
• 10/20/25: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast – Attacks on the First Amendment Continue, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Jenin Younes, National Legal Director at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TRUMP IS THE HUGEST PEACEMAKER EVER!) HR 5766: Introduced 10/17/25 by Barr (R-KY) and no cosponsors, “To require the Secretary of State to annually award an honorary Trump Peace Prize.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see press release –Barr Calls for Trump to Receive Nobel Peace Prize [“Barr will also introduce legislation directing the State Department to establish the “Trump Peace Prize,” an honor given to peacemakers. The bill would designate President Trump as the first awardee.”]

(TRUMP IS THE HUGEST PEACEMAKER EVER IN THE MIDDLE EAST!) HR 5789: Introduced 10/17/25 by Van Orden (R-WI) and having 25 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To award a Congressional Gold Medal to President Donald J. Trump, in recognition of his extraordinary peacemaking efforts throughout the world and in facilitating the Trump peace agreement to end the war in Gaza and bring lasting peace to the Middle East.” Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services

(HONORING AMERICANS TAKEN HOSTAGE BY HAMAS & IRAN) HR 5772: Introduced 10/17/25 by Kean (R-NJ) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To amend title 36, United States Code, to require the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag to be displayed on key historical dates, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Kean and Moskowitz Introduce Bipartisan Bill Honoring American Hostages and Wrongful Detainees Abroad [“Key dates for display under the bill include: November 4 and January 20: Marking the beginning and the end of the Iranian hostage crisis. August 19: Commemorating the life and legacy of journalist James Foley, who was kidnapped during the Syrian Civil War and murdered by ISIS in 2014. October 7: Honoring the victims of Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attack on Israel in 2023, where more than 240 individuals were taken hostage, including 12 Americans.” — to be clear, those are the ONLY dates explicitly noted in the act, notwithstanding the many instances around the world of Americans wrongfully detained/held hostage; and of course no mention of Israel’s detention of Palestinian-Americans]. Also see: Bipartisan House bill calls for marking dates US hostages taken, including Oct. 7 (Jewish News Syndicate 10/22/25)

2. Letters

• (GET ISRAEL TO RELEASE DETAINED AMCIT TEENAGER) 10/22/25: Van Hollen, Merkley, Castor, Frost Lead Colleagues in Pressing Trump Administration on Detention of 16-year-old U.S. Citizen by Israel [letter text]. Also see: Pressure mounts for Trump to secure release of U.S. teen held by Israel (Washington Post 20/23/25); ‘Grave concern,’ 26 Dems in Congress say of Israel holding US citizen accused of terror attack [“Critics said that there is selective outrage from Congress about Palestinians but not about Israeli hostages.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 10/22/25)
• (EXPLOIT ARREST OF ONE ALLEGED HAMAS TERRORIST IN THE U.S. AS PRETEXT TO TARGET ALL BIDEN-ERA VISA RECIPIENTS FROM “HIGH-RISK” COUNTRIES) 10/22/25: Cotton to Noem: Review High-Risk Biden-Era Visa Applications for Potential Ties to Hamas [letter text]. Also see: Cotton urges review of visas from ‘high-risk countries’ following arrest of alleged Hamas terrorist (Jewish News Syndicate 10/22/25)
• (QUESTIONS RE: WHAT SURE LOOKS LIKE KEY TRUMP OFFICIAL’S UAE CONFLICT OF INTEREST) 10/22/25: Sen. Schiff Leads Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers from Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff on Failure to Divest Ownership of World Liberty Financial Crypto Assets [letter text]. Also see: Dem senators want answers from Witkoff on crypto assets, ties to powerful Emirati (Jewish News Syndicate 10/23/25)
• (NO WEST BANK ANNEXATION) 10/21/25: Sen. Schiff, 45 Senate Democrats Urge Donald Trump to Reinforce Opposition to West Bank Annexation [letter text] NOTE: The letter was signed by every Senate Democrat except Fetterman (D-PA). Also see: Scoop: Democrats press Trump on preventing Israel from annexing West Bank (Axios 10/21/25); Don’t let Israel annex land, all Senate Dems but Fetterman tell Trump (Jewish News Syndicate 10/22/25)
• (NEED INFO ON ALLEGED HAMAS TERRORIST LIVING IN LOUISIANA) 10/21/25: Louisiana Delegation Asks Trump Administration for Details on Alleged Hamas Terrorist Living in Lafayette [letter text]. Also see: Johnson, Scalise demand answers after suspected Hamas operative discovered on US soil (Fox News 10/21/25); Louisiana legislators demand answers on how alleged Hamas terrorist entered US (Jewish News Syndicate 10/21/25). Also see: Letlow (R-LA) X-post – “Under the last administration, a Hamas terrorist came into our country and was recently found living and working in Louisiana. We are seeking answers as to how this happened, and how to best protect our national security moving forward.“
• (CONCERNS ABOUT PLANS TO WEAPONIZE THE IRS) 10/17/25: Neal, Ways and Means Democrats Demand Investigation into the GOP’s Weaponization of the Internal Revenue Service [letter text] & letter from Committee Democrats to Chairman Smith. Also see: Trump Team Plans IRS Overhaul to Enable Pursuit of Left-Leaning Groups (Wall Street Journal 10/15/25)

3. Hearings & Markups

Swalwell (D-CA) 10/24/25: X-post – “Trump pardons Hamas’ banker. Spare me the ‘Trump is pro-Israel’ nonsense. Trump is pro-grift. Sometimes Israel benefits from his greed. Sometimes he pardons their enemy’s banker.”

Mace (R-NC) 10/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “From the Abraham Accords to the Gaza Peace Framework, President Trump achieved what many said was impossible: fostering peace in a region long defined by conflict. Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Risch (R-ID) 10/23/25: X-post – “Once again, another flawed and deeply problematic @UN report is issued with outdated and biased information. The purpose? To undermine Israel’s campaign for self-defense AND give UNRWA a free pass for its documented and historical ties to terrorists. To be absolutely clear: the U.S. will NEVER support in dollars or spirit UNRWA ever again.”

Sanders (I-VT) 10/23/25: X-post w/ video posted by Jeremy Slevin – “Bernie Sanders: “AIPAC has been playing a horrific role. You’re seeing support change now because what we have done in Gaza is unacceptable, and you’re seeing even moderate-type Democrats saying, ‘Excuse me, thank you, I don’t want your money anymore.’ That’s a good thing.”

Beyer (D-VA) 10/23/25: X-post – “This man’s company facilitated financing of terrorist organizations like Hamas, ISIS, and Al Qaeda, helped evade sanctions on Iran and North Korea, and enabled ransomware attackers. He put money in the pockets of the Trump family and Trump pardoned him.”

Nadler (D-NY) 10/23/25: X-post – “Binance CEO CZ allowed Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades and other terrorist groups to use his platform, pled guilty, and owed billions in fines. Then Trump pardoned him, just months after a $2 billion stablecoin deal between Binance and his family’s crypto venture. Trump is selling pardons to anyone who can personally profit him. It’s a shameful abuse of power and a mockery of justice.”

Bacon (R-NE) 10/23/25: X-post – “National Populists are not conservative. They don’t have a conservative moral compass. Those who sympathize with Putin are not conservative. Those who hate Israel are not conservative. Those who want heavy government intervention in the free markets are not conservative.”

Gimenez (R-FL) 10/23/25: X-post – “The United States will always stand with the democratic Jewish state of #Israel!”

Welch (D-VT) 10/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I’m relieved that a ceasefire agreement has been reached in Gaza. But we can’t just go back to the way things were before October 7. America must help cement a path to lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Cortez Masto (D-NV) 10/23/25: X-post – “Naked corruption is par for the course for this President, yet it’s still shocking. Changpeng Zhao deliberately ignored terrorists like Hamas and Al Qaeda who used his platform to fund their operations. He belongs in jail, but Donald Trump doesn’t care as long as he can make a quick buck.”

Pressley (D-MA) 10/23/25: X-post – “No one should lose a child to violence. I was deeply impacted by the Palestinian American fathers who met with me to talk about their children who were violently killed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The US has an obligation to urgently investigate the murders of US citizens Sayfollah Musallet & Tawfic Abdel Jabbar. Their families have my steadfast support and my deepest condolences.”

Cassidy (R-LA) 10/22/25: X-post – “It seems President Trump has had an easier time negotiating with Hamas than with Chuck Schumer. That’s why we’re in the Schumer Shutdown.”

Fallon (R-TX) 10/22/25: X-post – “We have always known that Hamas is not a legitimate government–they are genocidal terrorists, plain and simple. The Pro-Palestine crowd continues to ignore this fact, even as Hamas is carries out reprisal killings against Gazans.”

Kennedy (R-LA) 10/22/25: X-post – “The Biden Administration allowed an October 7th terrorist who lied on his visa application to move to Lafayette, La. That’s a national embarrassment. Louisianians and the American people deserve immediate answers.”

Greene (R-GA) 10/22/25: X-post – “Israel can’t silence me. They can try to primary me, smear me, or take me out. I’ll never back down. I didn’t run for Congress to fight for Israel, I ran to fight for the American people. I’ve introduced amendments to strip billions in funding to Israel and other foreign countries like Ukraine and Egypt. The American people see through the lies. We’re putting America First again.”

Frost (D-FL) 10/22/25: X-post – “Recently, I met with the family of Mohammed Ibrahim and his cousin, Sayfollah “Saif” Musallet — two young Palestinian-American citizens from Florida. Today, I am demanding the immediate release of Mohammed, who has been in an Israeli prison pre-trial for over eight months and has lost a quarter of his body weight and been denied all outside contact, including with his family, without any public evidence of a crime. Additionally, I continue to call for an independent U.S. investigation into Saif’s murder after he was brutally beaten to death by settlers in the West Bank. This family’s suffering is unimaginable. We must free Mohammed and secure justice.”

Graham (R-SC) 10/22/25: X-post – “I categorically reject the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and I’m confident the Trump Administration will also. When it comes to Israel, the ICJ is a joke and should be treated as such.”

Smith (D-WA) 10/21/25: X-post – “Trump would rather negotiate with Hamas, Putin, and North Korea than Democrats.”

Blackburn (R-TN) 10/21/25: X-post – “This is the most peace-oriented administration our country has seen. President @realDonaldTrump and Vice President @JDVance are ensuring the next steps of the Gaza Peace Deal are fulfilled.”

Beyer (D-VA) 10/21/25: X-post – “The backslide into violence in Gaza is unacceptable. The U.S. must ensure all parties end the violence, adhere to the agreement, and proceed with its next phases. These efforts must also extend to the West Bank, where escalating settler attacks are jeopardizing peace.”

Bacon (R-NE) 10/21/25: X-post w/ pix – “Some kind-hearted soul put a bumper sticker on our Stand with Israel board. We agree! Free Palestine…from Hamas.”

Fleischmann (R-TN) 10/21/25: X-post – “My ‘Stand with Israel’ sign is replaced and back up! I will proudly display this sign on my office door as Israel and Gaza rebuild and prosper under President Trump’s Peace Plan. Never forget that Trump has done more for peace in the Middle East than any pro-Palestine radical!” Following up on previous X-post – “Today, pro-Hamas supporters came by my office and vandalized my sign supporting Israel that has been up since the evil Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists. These Hamas supporters hate Jews, hate Israel, hate America, and hate that @POTUS has ended the war in Gaza. All these so-called ‘Pro-Palestine’ supporters care about is the destruction of Israel. They are antisemites, and every Tennesseean and American free of bigotry will always condemn these acts of incivility and violations of free speech.”

Alford (R-MS) 10/21/25: X-post – “Hamas must be eradicated from regrouping. Our partners want action — & that means precise, effective operations, intelligence, and pressure so this threat can’t come back. We’ll keep standing with Israel and fighting for American security.”

Cruz (R-TX) 10/21/25: X-post w/ video  – “We are facing a choice between good and evil, between civilization and barbarism. And every one of us has a choice to make: With whom do you stand? My full remarks at the 45th Annual Night to Honor Israel, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txmvh2QTIOo”

Blackburn (R-TN) 10/21/25: X-post – “Hamas must return the remains of every hostage so families can properly lay their loved ones to rest. @VP @JDVance’s trip to Israel is putting more pressure on Hamas to hold up their end of this deal.”

Cruz (R-TX) 10/20/25: X-post – “George Soros is writing the checks behind the ‘No Kings’ rallies and countless other groups who engage in or facilitate riots and political violence. It’s time to hold the financiers of political violence accountable. It’s time to pass my Stop FUNDERs Act.”

Bacon (R-NE) 10/20/25: X-post – “This weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting with Elad Strohmayer, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest! We had a great discussion about important topics like the ceasefire and the release of hostages, plus the exciting opportunity for soybean trade with Israel and Gaza!”

Boozman (R-AR) 10/20/25: (blog) Peace Through Strength Leads to Middle East Breakthrough

Budd (R-NC) 10/20/25: X-thread – “President Trump is making historic progress toward peace in the Middle East—working tirelessly to bring home American hostages, protect Israel, and restore stability in Gaza. But Hamas is trying to destroy it all—violating the ceasefire deal and spilling more innocent blood. Over the weekend, I spoke with the families of deceased American-Israeli hostages Omer Neutra and Itay Chen. Their heartbreak is deepened by Hamas’ failureto return their sons’ bodies, in direct violation of the U.S.-brokered agreement. Hamas is “making themselves as if they are not able to find the bodies”—a cruel, deliberate act that prolongs the suffering of grieving families. This is not diplomacy. It is deception. Just days after the ceasefire began, Hamas operatives assassinated two IDF soldiers—an unmistakable breach of the deal and proof that Hamas did not negotiate in good faith. Hamas is also brutally executing Palestinian civilians because they suspect that they collaborated with Israel, or because they are afraid that they and their families might oppose Hamasin the future. Hamas fears a future where their power & terror come to an end. That time is coming. In our undertaking to cement peace in the Middle East, the U.S. must use every ounce of leverage to hold Hamas accountable, ensure the return of all hostages including Americans, & defend Israel’s right to security.”

Greene (R-GA) 10/19/25: X-post – “American taxpayers spent billions and our President and his team put in a tremendous amount of effort to end the Israel/Gaza and Ukraine/Russia wars, yet the wars still continue. Enough! Everyone is sick of these wars and sick of paying for them. It’s time to put all the attention on the American people and solving our problems.”

Panetta (D-CA) 10/19/25: X-post – “With the hostages returned and hope for the return of all the deceased hostages, the work must continue to have a regional partnership for security and financial support to rebuild and provide humanitarian aid in Gaza. A strong will and a stronger commitment are necessary to defeat the enemies of peace.”

Goldman (D-NY) 10/19/25: X-post – “Recent videos of extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank are horrifying. I have demanded an explanation from the Israeli Embassy. @POTUS and @USAmbIsrael must ensure that this violence stops immediately and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Sanders (I-VT) 10/19/25: X-post – “Gaza has 2.2 million people. In 2 years, 10% of the population has been killed or wounded. Their entire infrastructure has been destroyed.  Instead of giving more military aid to Netanyahu’s extremist government, the US must work with the international community to rebuild Gaza.”

Fine (R-FL) 10/19/25: X-post – “They don’t hold living hostages anymore. Glass.” [NOTE: In this context, “glass” means to utterly destroy Gaza such that the ground is turned to glass, as would be the case after a nuclear attack – see: Urban Dictionary] 

Walker (R-NC) 10/19/25: X-post – “An honor to meet in Tel Aviv today with American hostage families. Ruby Chen is bravely fighting for the return of the body of his son, Itay. I was moved by fellow North Carolinian Keith Siegel’s first hand account of pure evil and he suffered for 483 days. Keith continues to be grateful for President Trump’s work to bring him home earlier this year.”

Emmer (R-MN) 10/18/25: X-post – “At today’s Soros-funded Hate America rally, we’ll see the far-left base that has Chuck Schumer cowering. The same base that supports Hamas terrorists, uses violent rhetoric like ‘fascists’ and ‘gestapo,’ and is demanding the American people be held hostage to their demands. Don’t be fooled. The far-left is now the Democrat party’s mainstream.”

Webster (R-FL) 10/17/25: X-post – “Shameful that Hamas is failing to abide by the peace agreement by not releasing the 19 hostage bodies. We will not forget them and join our friends in Israel in praying for the families still waiting to receive and put to rest their loved ones.”

Politics/Elex

NOTE: This political season continues to see a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent. To follow this trend, check out @TrackAIPAC on X.

Also note: this week a Texas congressional candidate famous for burning the Quran, heckling a Muslim event, and making an ad where she acted out the extrajudicial execution of an illegal alien went to Israel, where in a powerful display of shared values she was welcomed in the Knesset (indeed, celebrated!); by the Western Wall Rabbi; by families of victims of the 10/7 attacks; and more! Also see: Jerusalem Post 10/21/25: ‘Let the fireworks begin’: Quran-burning Texas politician looks on as IDF strikes in Gaza [video]; 5PillarsUK 10/23/25: Israel rolls out red carpet for far right influencers

Shifts in Political & Electoral Landscape on Israel & AIPAC

• Axios 10/24/25: “The Axios Show”: AIPAC part of “oligarchy” hurting the U.S., Sanders says
• Krystal Ball 10/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Congressman @RoKhanna reveals to me and @KyleKulinski that the Progressive Caucus had (has?) an official rule against taking a position on Israel/Palestine. Progressive except Palestine as official doctrine!”
• The Nation 10/23/25: Democrats Are Getting a Brutal Lesson in How Much the Politics on Israel Have Changed
• Mondoweiss 10/22/25: AIPAC has become so politically toxic that even centrist Democrats are abandoning the group
• The New Republic 10/21/25: Suddenly, Democratic Politicians Are Running Away From AIPAC [“A long-overdue reckoning on Democrats and Israel is finally happening. Even centrists see which way the wind is blowing.”]
• Politico 10/21/25: Faculty union targets Jewish political money [“Jewish political money” in this context means AIPAC and an organization called JPAC, which notably includes many groups that, in the name of serving the Jewish community, put pro-Israel advocacy and activism at the center of their work, as well as many Jewish groups that do not; JPAC also engages in lobbying/activism related to Israel, like lobbying in favor of California controversial new antisemitism law, opposing Israel-related boycotts and divestment, denouncing protests for Palestinian lives/rights – for more on all their lobbying/activism see here]
• Algemeiner 10/20/25: The Moulton Moment and the Mamdani Effect: How the Democratic Party Is Abandoning Its Jewish Center
• Daily Caller 10/20/25: Ro Khanna Explains Why AIPAC Is Singled Out Over Other Lobbying Interests
• Common Dreams 10/20/25: Nearly Half of Dems in Competitive Primary Districts Say They ‘Could Never’ Support a Candidate Backed by AIPAC [“’The political rules of the last almost half-century are changing before our eyes,’ said Jewish Currents editor Peter Beinart.“]
• Sam Yebri apparently totally un-ironic post on X (and Instagram) 10/20/25: “First they came for AIPAC donors, And I did not speak out Because I was not an AIPAC donor…. We know where this leads. Lists of Jews, firebombed Jewish businesses, and Jews in crematoria. Time to speak up before it’s too late.” Along with text: “First they came for the AIPAC donors \ And I did not speak out \ because I was not an AIPAC donor. \ Then they came for ADL and AJC donors, \ And I did not speak out, \ because I was not an ADL or AJC donor. \ Then they came for the Federation donors, \ And I did not speak out \ because I was not a Federation donor. \ Then they came for the synagogue donors \ And I did not speak out \ because I was not a synagogue donor. \ Then they came for me because of my Jewish last name, \ And there was no one left \ To speak out for me.\ Time to speak before it’s too late.“

AIPAC/Israel in IL Elex

• Evanston Roundtable 10/22/25: 13 candidates at forum, new internal poll in Evanston’s congressional race [“…there were also references to fundraising details recently disclosed in third quarter reports filed by each candidate with the Federal Election Commission. In particular, Abughazaleh said in her closing statement that she’s ‘not taking Republican funded cash, like from AIPAC,’ referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. AIPAC has been active in the IL-9 primary, according to recent emails released to the public. One shared to social media in September shows the lobbying group calling Fine the “one clear pro-Israel candidate” and Biss and Abughazaleh “dangerous detractors. Another from August posted recently by Abughazaleh directly solicits readers to donate to Fine, calling her ‘a fighter of our own.’ Abughazaleh has directly confronted the messaging, referencing ‘AIPAC’s attacks against me’ in a statement attached to the MDW poll and posting a fundraising call to social media asking to ‘oppose the anti-democratic organization known as AIPAC.’ Biss, for his part, simply told reporters after the forum ended that he’s ‘not gonna take AIPAC’s money, and I’ll leave it at that.’ Fine left the forum’s venue shortly after it ended. Her representatives still on-site declined to provide reporters a response to questions concerning the AIPAC emails soliciting donations to her campaign.“]
• X-thread from journalist Matthew Eadie (with receipts) 10/21/25: “NEW: Evanston mayor and #IL09 candidate Daniel Biss told me tonight he would not accept AIPAC money in the future if elected to Congress, in response to the email I’ve obtained that calls him and Kat Abughazaleh “dangerous detractors.” More on what he told me below“
• X-post from journalist Matthew Eadie 10/20/25: “Comment from Kat Abughazaleh about this email —>> “AIPAC calls me ‘anti-American’ for standing up for human rights, Palestinian statehood, and international law. I think AIPAC is anti-American for supporting insurrectionists and advocating for the violation our own Leahy laws.”
• X-thread from journalist Matthew Eadie (with receipts) 10/20/25: “NEW: I’ve obtained TWO emails sent directly from AIPAC on Aug. 21 and Sept. 15 fundraising for State Sen. Laura Fine in IL-09 Both emails include links to a hidden webpage called “pro-Israel Network” with live (and hidden) donation pages. But the homepage to the site is dead. The first email, sent on Aug. 21, calls @KatAbughazaleh a ‘anti-Israel detractor’ with a ‘radical foreign policy agenda’ and a ‘anti-America agenda.’ This confirms my reporting that there WAS an email before the Sept. 15 AIPAC email soliciting donations for Fine. As I reported Friday, over 150 of Fine’s donations making up over $300,000 came through donors with deep ties to AIPAC and histories of supporting candidate through AIPAC But none of Fine’s donations I identified were earmarked through ANY organization or conduit. The site appears to be using Democracy Engine LLC as the vendor, meaning they may be able to skirt FEC requirements to ‘earmark’ the donation, but what’s also clear is that donors are being sent this link from AIPAC driving donations without any transparency of that happening. Here’s my original story that explains this discrepancy. Many (maybe even most) of her donors are marked by ‘ActBlue,’ but over 150 are unmarked meaning they appear as individual donors in FEC filings [https://evanstonnow.com/aipac-donors-flood-fines-campaign/]. The second email on Sept. 15, also sent by AIPAC, encourages donations to Angie Craig in MN, Haley Stevens in MI and Laura Fine in IL-09 Links to all three of these candidates lead to the same ‘Pro-Israel Network’ donation page using Democracy Engine as the vendor. The Sept. 15 email references @DanielBiss as well as Kat Abughazaleh. This was the email @JDCocchiarella scooped in late September Daniel Biss, mayor of Evanston and the son of an Israeli mother, criticized the Israeli government on Aug. 22, the day after the first AIPAC email. Here’s my story from Aug. 22 on Biss’ call for U.S. recognition of Palestine, which may explain why he wasn’t named in the initial email but was in the next. As I said at the top, the ‘pro-Israel Network’ site that includes donation pages for Craig, Stevens and Fine, but the homepage says: ‘The resource you are looking for has been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.’ Here’s the link https://candidates.proisraelnetwork.org/page/home. But fundraising pages for the candidates remain live through the site… I’ve asked a representative from @AIPAC for clarity on this site and if they operate it. They’ve read my text but have not responded Stevens’ and Craig’s campaign both also appear to be using this same site the same way. I also found a page for Rep. Eric Sorsensen (IL-17). So…what appears to be happening here is this: AIPAC is soliciting donations to campaigns through its emails to donors, including links to hidden webpages using Democracy Engine LLC as a vendor and the donations show in FEC filings as direct donations from donor to candidate. Fine and her campaign have not answered my (several) questions about AIPAC supporting her campaign, if she was aware of the email(s) and if she agrees with how AIPAC is portraying her primary opponents“
• Evanston Now 10/17/25: AIPAC donors flood Fine’s campaign [also see Matthew Eadie X-thread with details]

AIPAC/Israel in ME Elex

• NBC News 10/23/25: Senate Democrats tread lightly on Maine primary as new poll shows Graham Platner leading Janet Mills
• Axios 10/22/25: “The Axios Show”: Sanders blames “dark period” for Platner tattoo
• The Forward 10/21/25: ‘I am not a secret Nazi,’ says Democrat with Nazi tattoo
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 10/21/25: Graham Platner, populist progressive running for Senate in Maine, reveals Nazi tattoo on his chest
• Jewish Insider 10/21/25: Graham Platner says ‘I am not a secret Nazi’ after photos of his tattoo emerge

AIPAC/Israel in elex/politics – General

• Axios 10/24/25: Hakeem Jeffries endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor
• Clash Report X-post 10/23/25: video clip of Sen. Fetterman (D-PA), “US Senator Fetterman: I’m always going to vote whatever supports Israel.”
• Magnolia Tribune 10/21/25: NRSC, AIPAC among largest contributors to Hyde-Smith in recent campaign finance filing
• Real Sludge 10/17/25: Schumer Lines up Behind Centrists in Senate Primaries [“In Michigan and Minnesota, Schumer’s reported favorites align with AIPAC’s endorsements and the crypto industry’s supporters.“]
• Jewish Insider 10/21/25: Anti-Israel GOP Rep. Thomas Massie draws Trump-backed primary challenger
• Free Beacon 10/21/25: Seth Moulton, Who Rejected AIPAC Donations, Took Qatari Junket and Lobbyist Cash [“Moulton has yet to swear off taking Qatar-linked gifts and campaign donations in the future“]
• Jewish Insider 10/20/25: Tom Suozzi finds comfort zone in the political middle, speaking up for Israel
• Jewish News of Northern California 10/17/25: Rep. Ro Khanna says he supports Zionism in exclusive interview on Jewish issues

AIPAC-linked Org Sends Members to Israel

• Legistorm 10/20/25: August sets spending record for congressional travel [“Congressional travel spending reached a new monthly record in August, with more than $4.1 million spent on privately funded trips…The American Israel Education Foundation accounted for about $1.43 million of August’s spending, by far the largest contribution from any sponsor that month. The group sponsored 63 trips to Tel Aviv in August, accounting for about 63% of its $2.28 million in total spending so far this year. The AIPAC-affiliated nonprofit regularly leads congressional travel activity and often schedules its largest delegations to Israel during the August recess, when Congress is out of session.“]

Other stuff

• Al-Monitor 10/24/25: Inside Congress’ battle to repeal Syria’s Caesar sanctions
• Sludge 10/12/15: Corporate PACs Fund ‘Anti-Muslim Extremist’ Rep. Randy Fine
• Jewish News Syndicate 10/21/25: Six weeks after deadline, House panel still awaits bias, Jew-hatred materials from Wikipedia parent
• Washington Reporter 10/20/25: Op-Ed: Rep. Ronny Jackson: President Trump is restoring America’s role as the leader of the free world
• Jacobin 10/17/25: Congress’s Military Budget Carries Perks for Israel
• Arab American Institute 10/17/25: Palestinian Americans Share Their Stories with Congress, Urge Them to Promote Lasting Peace and an End to the Occupation

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 podcast:

• 10/13/25: Accountability After Genocide and the Emerging Left-Right Consensus on Israel in America, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Matt Duss, Executive Vice-President at the Center for International Policy and former foreign policy advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders (and former president of FMEP).

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(FY26 NDAA – Senate) S. 2296: On 10/9/25, the Senate passed S. 2296, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 77-20. For full Middle East/Israel-related provisions in the base bill, as well as Middle East/Israel-related proposed amendments, see my  previously published comprehensive analysis. With respect to Middle East-related amendments offered to the bill (covered in detail in the aforementioned analysis), the Senate took the following actions:

• (FLYING FOREIGN FLAGS) S.Amdt.3213 to S.Amdt.3748, offered by Marshall (R-KS), “To prohibit the flying, draping, or other display of any flag other than the flag of the United States at covered public buildings.” DEFEATED 10/9/25 by a voice vote. NOTE: On the Senate floor, Reed (D-RI) argued against this amendment, noting: “…This amendment raises serious constitutional concerns about the right of free expression. But one example would be that a Member of Congress could not fly the flag of Israel, for example, unless he or she were being visited by an Israeli Ambassador…“
• (SYRIA REPORT) SA 3899 to SA 3748: Offered by Graham (R-SC), to require a report every 180 days on the government of Syria. PASSED BY VOICE VOTE 10/9/25
• (STATE AUTH BILL) SA 3819: Offered by Shaheen (D-NH) and Risch (R-ID), to add the full text of the FY26 State Department Authorization Act to the bill, including various provisions related to Iran and Syria. PASSED BY VOICE VOTE 10/9/25
• (IRAQ AUMF) SA 3337, offered by Kaine (D-VA) and Young (R-IN), to add a section entitled, “REPEAL OF AUTHORIZATIONS FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ.” PASSED BY VOICE VOTE 10/9/25
• (ANS) SA 3748: Offered by Wicker (R-MS), deleting the entire text and replacing it with an amended version of the entire bill [mirrors all the Middle East/Israel provisions in the original bill]. PASSED BY VOICE VOTE 10/9/25, as amended.

Also see: The Lever 10/16/25: Israel’s Hidden Perks In Congress’ $914B Military Budget

(DEFENSE APPROPS BILL – HOUSE) HR 4016: The FY26 Defense Appropriations bill, passed by the House 7/18/25 at 12:45am by a vote of 221 – 209. For Middle East-related details of the House-passed version, see the 7/18/25 edition of the Round-Up. On 7/14/25, a cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate; it failed by a vote of 50-44. NOTE: When the Senate does take up the HR 4016, it will amend the House version by replacing the full House-passed text with the text of S. 2572, subject to amendments on the Senate floor. The provisions in the two bills with respect to $500 million for Israeli military programs [Iron Dome, the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) program, and Arrow 3] are virtually identical.

(ANTI-PALESTINIAN HATE CRIME/MURDER) H. Con. Res. 57: Introduced 10/14/25 by Ramirez (D-IL) and 13 cosponsors (all Democrats), “Honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian-Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

2. Letters

• [TRUMP ADMIN TARGETING FREE SPEECH/PROTEST] 10/16/25: Pocan, Huffman, Jayapal Lead Letter to Trump Slamming Executive Order Targeting Protected Speech [letter text]
• [TARGETING CAIR] 10/14/25: Free Beacon – Stefanik, Cotton Urge Treasury Department To Probe CAIR for ‘Financial Links to Hamas’ [letter text]. Also see: CAIR 10/15/24 – CAIR Debunks Tom Cotton and Elise Stefanik’s Latest Demands for Federal Witch Hunt into Americans Opposed to Gaza Genocide; CAIR’s full response letter to Secretary Bessent.

3. Hearings & Markups

AIPAC/Israel in US elex & politics

• Tom Dillon Show Clips 10/17/25: MTG Explains The AIPAC Problem To Tim Dillon
• Moulton (D-MA) 10/16/25: X-post – “I am returning AIPAC donations and refusing to accept any donations or support from them. The FEC filing I made yesterday reflects that we are returning donations.“
• Greene (R-GA) 10/16/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Matt Gaetz just delivered the truth about how many Christians visiting the holy land and Arab Americans visiting family are treated when they visit Israel. Christians living in Gaza and Israel have told me many similar stories.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 10/14/25: X-post – “This is not ‘interesting.’ It is defining for the future of our party. We must be for human rights, not take PAC & lobbyist money including AIPAC, & call out the genocide to win the trust of young voters & have America be a moral leader in the world again…” Responding to post/clip of Gavin Newsom, asked about AIPAC, responding repeatedly, “it’s interesting“
• Massie (R-KY) 10/13/25: X-post w/ video clip – “

Trump asked dual citizen Miriam Adelson, a billionaire running nasty ads against me in Kentucky, ‘what do you love more, the United States or Israel?’ She refused to answer him. He says that might mean she loves Israel more. This isn’t AI, it’s real video…


”
• Ken Klipperstein clips of Greene (R-GA) interview 10/12/25: X-posts w/ video – “MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: ‘ Here goes another a hundred billion dollars to Ukraine, or $30 billion to Israel, but yet nobody can afford health insurance premiums.’ ‘And then I’m getting yelled at by Republican colleagues for saying that out loud. I’m like, this is insane!’” and “MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE:  Israel has state-funded healthcare, they have state funded education, college education. We have to continue to give them $3.8 billion every single year. Israel’s the only one really coming out, getting our military to fight all their wars for ’em.”
• Greene (R-GA) 10/11/25; X-post – “I am not funded by AIPAC or any other foreign lobbyists groups. I am also not funded by the military industrial complex, big pharma, health insurance industry, or any industry. I am 1,000,000% only working for my district and the American people. Get off the internet, hug your family and tell them you love ‘em, and enjoy the real world.“
• DropSite News clips from Greene (R-GA) interview 10/10/25: X-posts w/ video- “‘The IDF is still unbelievably controlling and brutal to people at checkpoints.’ Rep. @mtgreenee speaks about the IDF’s harassment of Palestinians in the West Bank, says Israel has ‘brutally murdered’ Palestinians in Gaza, and joins comedian @TimJDillon in slamming Trump’s $20 billion bailout to Argentina.” & “‘They’re not Hamas. They’re literally women and children. And you can’t unsee the amount of pictures and videos of children that have been blown to pieces and are they’re finding them dead in the rubble. That isn’t—those aren’t actors, that isn’t fake war propaganda. It’s very real.’ — @RepMTG to CNN“
• Khanna (D-CA) 10/9/25: X-post – “I don’t take a dime from any PAC or lobbyist, including AIPAC. I am proud to be one of the handful of Democrats standing up against Big Money. @TrackAIPAC“

Other stuff

• Graham (R-SC) 10/16/25: X-post – “I just read that NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani has indicated that if Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu set foot in New York City, he would be arrested. I find this statement to be outrageous. The charges against Prime Minister Netanyahu originate from the International Criminal Court, which is corrupt and anti-Semitic to the core. I will be proposing legislation that would deny federal funding to any political entity in America that enforces an arrest warrant against the Prime Minister of Israel. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
• Cornyn (R-TX) 10/16/25: X-post – “The Modern Democratic Party Is Now Functionally Anti-Israel” Linked to article National Review article with that same headline
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/16/25: X-post – “Yahya Sinwar was not a ‘martyr’ — he was the mastermind of the Oct. 7 attacks. This is blatant support for terrorism — and in the city with the largest Jewish population in America no less. They should be ashamed of themselves.”
• Tenney (R-NY) 10/15/25: X-post – “Zohran Mamdani’s anti-semitism isn’t new: it’s been on full display for YEARS. While President Trump delivered peace and brought hostages home, Mamdani smeared Israel, excused Hamas, & blamed America. New Yorkers deserve better than a terrorist sympathizer.“
• Johnson (R-LA) 10/14/25: X-post – “Today, we proudly announced that Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana and I are undertaking a new joint effort to rally Speakers and Presidents of Parliaments around the world to join us in nominating President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2026. NO ONE has done more to advance peace and save lives around the world. PEACE through STRENGTH.“

Politics/Elex

NOTE: This political season continues to see a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent, including: here, here, here, here, here, here

• Jewish Insider 10/17/25: Maine Senate primary emerging as bellwether of Democrats’ ideological direction [“Gov. Janet Mills is facing anti-Israel oyster farmer Graham Platner, who called himself a ‘communist’ in 2021″]
• Sludge 10/16/25: While Some Democrats Ditch AIPAC, Cory Booker Cashes In
• Common Dreams 10/16/25: ‘Wow’: Observers Surprised After Dem Moderate Rejects AIPAC Cash — “AIPAC’s brand is increasingly, perhaps irredeemably toxic,” wrote one observer.
• The New Republic 10/16/25: Democratic Representative Says He’s Returning His AIPAC Donations – Representative Seth Moulton, who is running for Senate, says he won’t take any more AIPAC money.
• Mondoweiss 10/16/25: The Shift: AIPAC is suddenly on the defensive [also see bizarre/creepy AI-generated AIPAC ad touting AIPAC as a wholly American organization that works to get pro-Israel people elected to Congress and to defeat people it considers anti-Israel; also for extra fun check out the replies/comments on that ad on X…]
• Jewish Insider 10/16/25: Seth Moulton says he will return, reject AIPAC donations in Senate campaign [“AIPAC responds: ‘Rep. Moulton is abandoning his friends to grab a headline, capitulating to the extremes rather than standing on conviction’”]
• AIPAC X-post 10/16/25: “Rep. @sethmoulton is abandoning his friends to grab a headline, capitulating to the extremes rather than standing on conviction. His statement comes after years of him repeatedly asking for our endorsement and is a clear message to AIPAC members in Massachusetts, and millions of pro-Israel Democrats nationwide, that he rejects their support and will not stand with them.   AIPAC and our 5 million members are U.S. citizens who support a strong U.S.-Israel alliance. Our mission is to promote policies that strengthen this critical partnership that advances America’s interests and democratic values. This strategic relationship is bigger than any government at any particular time in either country.“
• Jewish Insider 10/16/25: As she emerges as populist GOP critic, Marjorie Taylor Greene amplifies antisemitic rhetoric [“The Georgia congresswoman has recently boosted claims Israel had a hand in assassinating Charlie Kirk, and has baselessly accused the Jewish state of meddling in American elections”]
• News From The States 10/15/25: Michigan’s McMorrow faces tough questions on AIPAC, new Gaza stance during U.S. Senate forum
• Maryland Matters 10/15/25: It’s on: Challengers announce in Howard County, 7th District races, more moves in political notes [“Conway, 36, estimates he’ll need to raise at least $1 million to be competitive in the June 23 primary. But he does not plan to accept campaign donations from Baltimore Gas & Electric or its parent company, Exelon, or from AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying and political powerhouse.”]
• Concord Monitor 10/14/25: Opinion: Maggie Goodlander responded, but has not answered [re: taking funding from AIPAC]
• Crooked 10/14/25: Why Marjorie Taylor Greene Sounds Like A Democrat Lately
• Politico 10/14/25: The 5 Democratic primary battles that’ll test the party’s future identity
• Jerusalem Post 10/11/25: Ro Khanna distances himself after posting documentary clip featuring antisemitic influencer
• Jewish Insider 10/10/25: Wisconsin Dem recruit calls for U.S. to halt arms to Israel – ‘I don’t think that we should send more military aid to the Netanyahu government invasion,’ Rebecca Cooke said in video obtained by JI
• The Nation 10/15/25: The Congressional Black Caucus’s Silent Partnership With AIPAC
• Progress Center for Policies 10/14/25: The Decline of U.S. Support for Israel: Starting with AIPAC

Other stuff

• Common Dreams 10/16/25: Ted Cruz Says His Bill Will Allow DOJ to ‘Prosecute’ Those Who Fund No Kings Protests, Which Have Been Overwhelmingly Peaceful [“‘They want to ban protests,’ warned journalist Mehdi Hasan. ‘They want to kill the First Amendment.‘”]

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

The Round-Up is a day early this week – apologies for any inconvenience this may cause!

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 10/8/25: MAGA & the FBI Break Up with the ADL, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with journalist Mari Cohen and researcher Emmaia Gelman about the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), including the history and current activities of the ADL and the ADL’s approach to advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of the state of Israel. They also discuss the ADL’s relationship with the U.S. government, including including the ADL’s role in surveilling Americans and FBI Director Kash Patel’s recent decision to suspend the ADL’s longstanding partnership with the ADL.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

Related to 2-year anniversary of 10/7/23 Hamas attack on Israel

• (CONDEMNING HAMAS FOR 10/7 ATTACK, STANDING NOW AND FOREVER WITH ISRAEL, & CONDEMNING US PROTESTERS FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) S. Res. 438 [resolution text]: Introduced 10/7/25 by Ernst (R-IA) and 52 cosponsors (51 Republicans and 1 Democrat — Fetterman, D-PA — seriously, did you even need to ask?), “A resolution condemning the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, and supporting an outcome that ensures the forever survival of Israel, the complete denial of Hamas’s ability to reconstitute in the region, and the release of all the remaining hostages from the Gaza Strip, including two United States citizens.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Ernst Leads Effort Condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 Attacks. Also see: Senators mark second anniversary of Oct. 7 attack with resolution condemning Hamas (New York Post 10/7/25)
• (LINKING 10/7 ANNIVERSARY TO CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM) S. Res. 439 [resolution text]: Introduced 10/7/25 by Welch (D-VT), “A resolution condemning antisemitic hatred on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – On Second Anniversary of Hamas’ Attack on Israel, Welch Files Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Hatred
• (SLAMMING HAMAS, ABSOLVING ISRAEL OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTIONS POST-10/7, ATTACKING PROTESTERS FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS IN THE US & AROUND THE WORLD & CONFLATING PROTEST WITH VIOLENCE/TERROR, TOUTING US & ISRAELI HUMANITARIAN AID FOR PALESTINIANS IN GAZA, ETC…) H. Res. 795: Introduced 10/8/25 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and 65 bipartisan cosponsors, “Condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and calling for Hamas and its leaders to immediately and unconditionally surrender and to release the hostages, including Americans.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.  Per Gottheimer’s press release, the resolution is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), Hadassah, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
• (HONORING SOLDIERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN ATTACK ON IRAN) S. Res. 437 [resolution text]: Introduced 10/6/25 by Schmitt (R-MO) and 12 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A resolution honoring the pilots, maintainers, analysts, sailors, support aircraft, and families, among various other essential groups involved in the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.” Submitted in the Senate 106/25, and considered/agreed to that same day by Unanimous Consent. Also see: press release – Senator Schmitt’s Resolution Honoring Servicemembers Involved in Operation Midnight Hammer Passes Senate
• (CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO ALL AMCITS HOSTAGES/VICTIMS OF 10/7) HR 5715 (bill text): Introduced 10/8/25 by Gotheimer (D-NJ) and 18 bipartisan cosponsors, “To award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the American hostages and victims of the October 7th, 2023 attacks, in recognition of their profound suffering and sacrifice” aka the “October 7 Congressional Gold Medal Act.” Referred to   the House Committee on Financial Services. Per Gottheimer’s press release, the bill is endorsed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International, the Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History, and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).
• (USING 10/7 ATTACK AS HOOK PROMOTE THE CONFLATION OF CRITICSM OF ISRAEL WITH ANTISEMITISM) HR 5714 (bill text): Introduced 10/8/25 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and 19 bipartisan cosponsors, “To direct the Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to develop a curriculum for the study of modern-day antisemitism surrounding Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Israel for use in secondary schools, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Per Gottheimer’s press release, the bill is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International, and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Also see press release – Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan Legislation & NJ State Push for October 7th Remembrance Curriculum in Schools

Other stuff

• (NEW LEGAL AUTHORITY TO TARGET FREE SPEECH/PROTEST, INCLUDING ON PALESTINE) HR 5713/S. 1827: Introduced in the House 10/8/25 by Gill (R-TX) and 5 all-Republican cosponsors, and in the Senate 5/21/25 by Moody (R-FL) and 7 all-Republican cosponsors, “To authorize the expedited removal of aliens who are criminal gang members, members of foreign terrorist organizations, or have been convicted of certain specified crimes.” Among other things, the legislation would require mandatory expedited deportation of any alien that the Department of Homeland Security determines “is a member of a criminal gang or a criminal organization” or “is a member of an organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219(a) or has provided material support to such an organization.” The legislation specifies no process according to which such determinations are made, let alone any process by which such determinations might be challenged. Also see press release – Rep. Gill’s Bill Expedites Removal of Criminal Aliens
• (TARGETING SOCIAL MEDIA) HR 5681: Introduced 10/3/25 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Bacon (R-NE), “To require the reporting of certain terms of service of social media companies for purposes of limiting the online presence of terrorist organizations.“ Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select).
• (STRAIGHT UP ISLAMOPHOBIA) HR 5722: Introduced 10/8/25 by Roy (R-TX) and 3 Republican cosponsors (Fine, R-FL; Burchett, R-TN; and Self R-TX), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the entry of aliens who adhere to Sharia law and for other purposes.“ Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Rep. Roy Introduces Bill to Preserve America from Sharia Law

2. Letters

(DO NOT GIVE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE TO DONALD TRUMP) 10/8/25: Letter from Green (D-TX) — Seven Reasons Why I Believe President Donald J. Trump Is Unfit to Receive the Nobel Peace Prize [letter text]

(ISRAEL MUST RELEASE AMERICAN FLOTILLA PARTICIPANTS) 10/7/25: Rep. Khanna Leads 24 California Democrats in Calling for the Release of U.S. Citizens Who Were on the Flotilla and Detained by Israel [letter text]

(TARGETING IRELAND FOR DARING TO HOLD ISRAEL TO INTL LAW) 10/6/25: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Letter to Irish Prime Minister Opposing One-Sided Efforts to Target Israel [letter text]. Also see: Gottheimer, GOP lawmakers to warn Irish BDS effort will damage relationship with United States (Jewish Insider 10/6/25); Withdraw bill boycotting Israeli settlements, 23 Congress members urge Irish prime minister (Jewish News Syndicate 10/6/25)

(TARGETING NEW JERSEY EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION) 10/6/25: Gottheimer calls for firing of NJEA magazine editor after alleged anti-Semitic, violent posts (New Jersey Globe 10/7/25) [letter text]

(CONCERNS OVER ICE USE OF PARAGON’S SPYWARE) 10/6/25: Letter from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to Homeland Security Secretary Noem. The letter seeks answers to a list of questions regarding ICE’s use of spyware, including Paragon’s “Graphite” software.

(TARGETING NON-PROFITS THAT FIGHT FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) 10/6/25: Chairman Smith [House Ways & Means Committee] Calls On IRS to Crack Down on Tax-Exempt Groups Tied to Terrorism & Political Violence [letter text]. The letter references a prior letter sent by Smith on 9/24/24 to the IRS calling for the revocation of the tax-exempt status of a long list of groups [including American Muslims for Palestine, Alliance for Global Justice, Islamic Relief USA, Jewish Voice for Peace, The People’s Forum, Tides Foundation, Adalah Justice Project, Students for Justice in Palestine (“SJP”), the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, [also mentions Palestine Legal], United Hands Relief Inc., Westchester Peace Action Committee Foundation (“WESPAC”), National Students for Justice in Palestine (“NSJP”), Within Our Lifetime, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, and the Palestinian Youth Movement, ]. The new letter calls for the IRS to “prioritize examinations into the tax-exempt status of tax-exempt organizations previously referred to the IRS for revocation during the 118th Congress.” Groups specifically mentioned in the new letter include: Americans for Justice in Palestine Educational Foundation, American Muslims for Palestine, and Islamic Relief USA [which the new letter alleges “are suspected of having terrorist ties to groups like Hamas, using those ties to actively support and funnel resources in support of terrorism”]; Alliance for Global Justice, WESPAC Foundation, and Tides Foundation [which the letter alleges “fiscally sponsor projects that disrupt college campuses, incite violence and intimidation, and illegal riot across the United States—prominent projects include Students for Justice in Palestine and Samidoun.”]

3. Hearings & Markups

Campaign for Trump to Get Nobel Peace Prize

• Lee (R-UT) 10/9/25: X-post – “There’s something poetic about Donald Trump actually earning a Nobel Peace Prize on the exact day Barack Obama received his fake one.”
• Barr (R-KY) 10/9/25: X-post – “Tomorrow’s Nobel Peace Prize announcement is a no brainer. President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize more than any other leader in history. He is the President of PEACE!“
• Steube (R-FL) 10/9/25: X-post – “100%. There is nobody more deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize than President Trump. Let’s hope the Nobel Committee cares more about doing their job by honoring a great peacemaker in @realDonaldTrump than satisfying angry leftists with TDS.“
• Davidson (R-OH) 10/9/25: X-post – “Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama following his global apology tour – which produced no peace – destroyed the concept behind the prize. Nevertheless, President Trump has earned the recognition for his work to restore peace around the world.“
• Tenney (R-NY) 10/9/25: Congresswoman Tenney Urges Nobel Committee to Award Peace Prize to President Donald J. Trump
• Tenney (R-NY) 10/9/25: X-post – “.@IsraeliPM 100% agree! President Trump’s peace-through-strength leadership brought stability to the Middle East when few thought it possible. No one deserves the Nobel Peace Prize more than the man who delivered historic results where others only talked.” Responding to X-post from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu – “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize – he deserves it!“
• Tenney (R-NY) 10/9/25: X-post – “In the coming days, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winners will be announced. While there is great work being done around the world, nobody has done more for world peace than President Trump. I have personally nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize (Twice) and my current nomination is LIVE NOW!“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 10/9/25: X-post – “I have said it before & will say it again: @realDonaldTrump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for ushering in peace in the Middle East.   American strength on display. I am grateful to @POTUS for this historic and truly world-changing effort for peace.“
• Hagerty (R-TN) 10/9/25: X-post – “.@POTUS is a dealmaker. He’s a peacemaker. This is now the eighth conflict resolved under President Trump’s leadership. President Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.“
• Crane (R-AZ) 10/9/25: X-post – “Tomorrow, ‘global elites’ will announce the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Do you think they’ll do the right thing and give it to President Trump?”
• Rounds (R-SD) 10/9/25: X-post – “If President Trump is successful in achieving this historic peace agreement, he should be very seriously considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. Thanks to President Trump and his team, we are seeing real steps toward a peace agreement that would bring the hostages back to Israel and disarm Hamas.“
• Ogles (R-TN) 10/9/25: X-post – “This whole year, President Trump’s momentous victories have demonstrated three things: 1. He should be allowed a third term 2. He should be given a Nobel Peace Prize 3. He should be memorialized on Mt. Rushmore This is the least our country can do to adequately steward the dynamism and prosperity Donald Trump has delivered. I have introduced a bill granting him a third term opportunity and sent letters to advance his recognition.” [includes text of resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution to enable Trump to have a 3rd term as president]
• Lummis (R-WY) 10/8/25: X-post – “After two years of horrific violence and unimaginable loss, we have an agreement for peace in the Middle East. President Trump delivered on his promise to bring the hostages home and peace & prosperity to the region. @POTUS for the Nobel Peace Prize!“
• Marshall (R-KS) 10/8/25: X-post – “Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump — the ultimate peacemaker. Because of his leadership, the world is a safer, more peaceful place tonight, and families across the region will soon be reunited with their loved ones. Nobel Peace Price worthy!“
• Ogles (R-TN) 10/8/25: X-post – “The PEACE President: President Trump will free every hostage and bring stability to the Middle East. Trump is ending the war between Hamas and Israel. Nobel peace prize!“
• Tuberville (R-AL) 10/8/25: X-post – “President Trump deserves the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. He just delivered a historic peace deal in Israel.   God Bless @POTUS, @SecRubio, and everyone involved in bringing peace to the Middle East.“
• Blackburn (R-TN) 10/8/25: X-post – “President @realDonaldTrump just secured the first phase of a peace agreement for Israel and announced that all hostages will return home. This is wonderful news and only possible through the leadership that @POTUS has exhibited. It’s time to give him the Nobel Peace Prize.“
• Crenshaw (R-TX) 10/8/25: X-post – “The President deserves serious recognition here. He started his first term with the Abraham Accords and in his first year in his second term he has accomplished what seemed impossible. If he doesn’t get the Nobel Peace Prize, no one deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.”
• Mace (R-SC) 10/8/25: X-post – “President Trump deserves the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE! He is the PRESIDENT OF PEACE!“
• Carter (R-GA) 10/7/25: X-post – “With the Nobel Peace Prize being announced this Friday, I STRONGLY support President Trump for this honor. He is the President of Peace  @realDonaldTrump brokered peace between: Azerbaijan & Armenia, Cambodia & Thailand, Israel & Iran, Rwanda & D.R. Congo, India & Pakistan, Egypt & Ethiopia, Serbia & Kosovo”
• Mace (R-SC) 10/3/25: X-post – “Donald Trump is the President of Peace. Getting all remaining hostages out of Gaza, from Hamas is INCREDIBLE. We hope the Nobel Peace Prize committee is taking notes.“

• Gomez (D-CA) 10/8/25: Gomez Demands Immediate Action to Protect and Free Detained Constituent, Journalist Emily Wilder
• Gallego (D-AZ) 10/7/25: X-post – “I just got off the phone with Ambassador Huckabee. I’m relieved to share that Tucson native Logan Hollarsmith, along with all other Americans detained in Israel after the flotilla interception, has been released. They’re safe in Jordan and will be on their way home soon. Thank you to everyone who worked to ensure their release and safe return.”
• Khanna (D-CA) 10/7/25: X-post – “I heard from David’s family that he is in Jordan and released. So are all Americans who were on the flotilla. They will be sleeping through the night, and their flights home are arranged for the morning. Thank you to the thousands of activists and journalists across our nation for your advocacy.”
• Pelosi (D-CA) 10/6/25: “Logan Hollarsmith, an American citizen from San Francisco who served as captain of a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid vessel, is reported to be among those now detained in an Israeli prison. I call on the Israeli government to immediately grant full consular access, provide transparent evidence of any charges, and guarantee that proper legal rights are extended. The right of U.S. citizens to due process and fair treatment under international law must be protected. I stand with the family of Logan Hollarsmith in demanding clarity, accountability, and the safe return of all detainees to their homes. The international community must redouble efforts to deliver aid in Gaza, protect human life, and pursue a just and lasting peace that ensures security for both Israelis and Palestinians.“
• Castro (D-TX) 10/6/25: “I am deeply concerned about reports of mistreatment of the American citizens detained by Israel for participating in the Gaza aid flotilla. I urge the Israeli government to release the U.S. citizens and ensure their safe return to the United States, and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to continue consular visits with detained American citizens and to work toward their immediate release.“
• Doggett (D-TX) 10/6/25: X-post – “To the many concerned about Austinite Greg Stoker, a participant in the flotilla intercepted by the Israeli Navy as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, our office has been communicating since Thursday with US officials in Washington and Israel as well as the Israelis. Greg and other participants were just safely flown out of Israel“
• Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 10/6/25: X-post – “Last week, I wrote to @SecRubio urging protection of Americans on the Sumud Flotilla. Since then, Israel has detained dozens of activists, including Americans, for trying to feed starving Gazans. This is unacceptable. @SecRubio you must negotiate their safe return home.”
• Doggett (D-TX) 10/6/25: X-post – “Those aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, like Austinite Greg Stoker, drew critical attention to Netanyahu’s endless war by starvation with their attempt to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid. After working to facilitate Greg’s release from Israeli custody, I look forward to welcoming him safely home to Austin tomorrow.”
• Markey (D-MA) 10/6/25: X-post – “Now that the members of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been taken into custody by Israel, Netanyahu should release them as soon as possible without harm. These are peaceful protesters who were delivering much needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/5/25: X-post w/ video clip – “On Friday I spoke with relatives of Americans on the Gaza aid flotilla who were being detained by Netanyahu’s government.   Ambassador Huckabee says his highest duty is to protect Americans abroad but has done virtually nothing to return them. He needs to do his job.”
• Sanders (I-VT) 10/5/25: X-post – “Children are starving in Gaza because of Israeli government policies. Hundreds of people from around the world organized a civilian flotilla to try to deliver food. Israel arrested them. The United States must demand the immediate release of all detained Americans.“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/5/25: X-post – “The Israeli Minister in charge of prisons has called for the starvation of civilians in Gaza yet he’s the one calling the flotilla participants — including American veterans — trying to feed starving civilians in Gaza “terrorists.”   Outrageous and unacceptable.“
• Booker (D-NJ) 10/5/25: X-post – “My office has asked the State Department to ensure that U.S. citizens and New Jerseyans from the Global Sumud Flotilla who were detained in Israel are provided consular services, treated with dignity, and released quickly.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 10/4/25: X-post – “.@netanyahu, there is a red line with the American people. Don’t mess with our citizens. Release David Adler now.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 10/4/25: X-post – “I just spoke with Laura Adler, David’s sister. They have not had contact with David, a Jewish American citizen part of the flotilla, since Oct 1. They want his release from Ketziot prison in Israel, a phone call with him & for an American embassy official to visit him. I will be leading a delegation letter to Rubio & the Israeli Ambassador on Monday & hope every colleague, particularly every California member, will sign. Our government must stand up for an American citizen’s fair treatment and release.“
• Ruiz (D-CA) 10/3/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I’m pleased to report the news about Geraldine’s safe return to the U.S. from Israel as soon as tomorrow.”

Free Speech/Protest

• Walberg (R-MI) 10/7/25: ““Two years after Hamas’ despicable terrorist attack, Jewish students and faculty members across the United States are still experiencing unprecedented antisemitic harassment. Hamas’ brutal butchery on October 7 left a deep scar on Jewish people worldwide, reopening wounds for a community that continues to experience history’s oldest hatred. Yet instead of resoundingly condemning this atrocity, radical professors and K-12 educators chose to spread antisemitism. Today, students of all ages are being indoctrinated in hateful ideology and are encouraged to harass their Jewish and pro-Israel peers. This is wrong. Ultimately, those entrusted with leadership have failed to address the disease of antisemitism taking root. Their inaction not only betrays their duty to protect students—it violates the Civil Rights Act and leaves Jewish teachers and students feeling unsafe. Time and again, my Committee has shown it will uphold the law and combat antisemitic discrimination. Republicans will continue to protect Jews on campus, especially as education bureaucrats fail to do so.”

Other stuff

• Tuberville (R-AL) 10/8/25: Tuberville: Ban Sharia Law and Eradicate Islamic Extremism from the United States of America
• Correa (D-CA) 10/7/25: CORREA, THOMPSON, MAGAZINER, CONDEMN TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR DIVERTING COUNTERTERRORISM RESOURCES TO SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH
• Carey (R-OH) 10/6/25: Carey Response to Central Ohio Imam Calling for Violence against Israel Supporters
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/5/25: X-post- “I’m glad Van Jones apologized for his sick joking about dead kids in Gaza.   But the problem goes deeper: he spread Netanyahu propaganda that the mass killings of civilians in Gaza—including 20K+ kids—is Iranian fake news. It’s not the students and young people who are fooled. It’s Van Jones.“

Politics/Elex

NOTE: This political season continues to see a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent, including: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

• Alternet 10/9/25: Matt Gaetz digs his heels in after fundraising PAC blasts his bizarre barcode ‘lie’
• Mediaite 10/8/25: Matt Gaetz Says Members of Congress Had to Wear ‘Demoralizing’ QR Codes For AIPAC Donors to Scan ‘Like a Can of Tomato Soup’
• Jewish Insider 10/8/25: Michigan Senate candidate El-Sayed’s Oct. 7 fundraising email ignores Hamas attack, blames Israel [“Michigan state Rep. Noah Arbit, a Democrat, said El-Sayed ‘demonstrated that he has a complete disregard not only for Israeli lives but for Jewish life, and completely disqualified himself from serving as U.S. Senator’”]
• Axios 10/8/25: “Tennessee Three” member Justin Pearson runs to oust Rep. Steve Cohen
• Axios 10/8/25: Scoop: Mamdani ally weighs challenging Hakeem Jeffries
• Mondoweiss 10/8/25: Inside the GOP’s generational divide on Israel
• Minnesota Post 10/7/25: Betty McCollum was once a voice in the wilderness on Israel. Now there’s a crowd
• Current Affairs 10/7/25: The Betrayals of Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
• Politico 10/6/25: Michigan’s Mallory McMorrow has shifted her stance on the war in Gaza [“Mallory McMorrow has shifted her position on the ongoing Middle East conflict.“]
• Semafor 10/6/25: Democratic primary challengers see an opening on Israel
• Arutz Sheva 10/5/25: Squad member Cori Bush launches comeback bid, blames AIPAC for 2024 defeat
• Common Dreams 10/3/25: ‘Taking On AIPAC Again,’ Cori Bush Launches Campaign to Win Back House Seat [“I’m running again because St. Louis deserves leadership that doesn’t wait for permission, doesn’t answer to wealthy donors, and doesn’t hide when things get tough.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 10/3/25: Anti-Israel rep says she plans to run again for Missouri seat [“’Because I spoke truth, they attacked my name, my motives, spread lies and hate,’ Cori Bush said of AIPAC fundraising against her last election cycle.”]

Other stuff

• Jewish Insider 10/6/25: How Oct. 7 changed U.S.-Israel relations [w/ statements from Cruz (R-TX) and Rosen (D-NV)]
• Jewish Insider 10/6/25: How Oct. 7 transformed Israel’s relations with the world [w/ statements from Graham (R-SC), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Schneider (D-IL)]
• Jewish Insider 10/6/25: How Oct. 7 upended higher education [w/ statements from Stefanik (R-NY) and Foxx (R-NC)]
• Jewish Insider 10/6/25: How Oct. 7 reshaped American politics [w/ statements from Britt (R-AL) and Cramer (R-ND)]
• Jewish Insider 10/8/25: Gottheimer, Hoyer blast Israel critics, emphasize responsibility for war falls on Hamas
• Free Beacon 10/6/25: Ex-Biden Officials Microtarget Dearborn in Facebook Ads Soliciting Funds for Anti-Israel Lobbying Effort [“A New Policy, led by former Biden officials, accuses AIPAC of ‘weaponiz[ing] Jewish identity'”]
• Jewish Insider 10/6/25: Senators say defense guarantees to Qatar deserve scrutiny
• Washington Examiner 10/6/25: Ro Khanna continues to undermine moral support for Israel
• Jewish Insider 10/4/25: Hamtramck mayor’s nomination as ambassador to Kuwait delayed amid Senate scrutiny

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

NOTE: As of 12:01am on 10/1/25, the US government is SHUT DOWN.

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 9/29/25: On the new 20-Point-Plan, Recognition of Palestinian Statehood, and Popular Pressure to End the Genocide, ft. FMEP Fellow Hilary Rantisi speaking with analyst Mouin Rabbani.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(CODIFYING TRUMP’S 9/25/25 NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-7 TARGETING US CIVIL SOCIETY & HIS 9/22/25 EXECUTIVE ORDER DESIGNATING ANTIFA AS A DOMESTIC TERRORIST ORGANIZATION) S. 2936 [bill text]: Introduced 9/29/25 by Scott (R-FL), “A bill to designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence, and for other purposes,” aka the “Stop ANTIFA Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see press release – Sen. Rick Scott Leads Stop ANTIFA Act to Designate Antifa a Terrorist Organization [“Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott introduced the Stop ANTIFA Act to codify President Trump’s executive order and national security presidential memorandum designating Antifa a domestic terrorist group and countering domestic terrorism and organized political violence. The bill would direct the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate and treat Antifa as the domestic terrorists they are, and stop their violent suppression of political speech, destruction of the rule of law, and the terror and intimidation they infuse into the communities they target.“] Also see: The president made it easier to add you to the terrorist watchlist. [“I helped lead counterterrorism in the first Trump administration. You need to know what just happened.”]; Trump’s NSPM-7 Alarms Law Firms While Congress Is Silent; Trump’s NSPM-7 Labels Common Beliefs As Terrorism “Indicators”; Trump’s Executive Order Against ‘Political Violence’ Is an Un-American Attack on Free Speech

(NO VISAS FOR PALESTINIAN OFFICIALS – MAYBE EVER – AS PUNISHMENT FOR PURSUING RECOGNITION) HR 5606:  Introduced 9/26/25 by Self (R-TX) and Ogles (R-TN), “To codify sanctions with respect to individuals who are Palestine Liberation Organization members and Palestinian Authority officials,” aka the “Return to Palestinian Entities Accountability and Counterterrorism Enforcement Act (Return to PEACE Act).” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see Self press release: Congressman Keith Self to Introduce Bill Exposing Fraudulent Palestinian Leadership Amidst Unilateral Calls for Statehood (which includes a note – “This bill is supported by FDD Action.“)

(BARRING ENFORCEMENT OF ICC WARRENTS ETC INSIDE THE USA) S. 2935: Introduced 9/29/25 by Scott (R-FL), “A bill to prohibit State and local law enforcement officers from arresting foreign nationals within the United States solely on the basis of an indictment, warrant, or request issued by the International Criminal Court, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

(SEND SEIZED IRANIAN WEAPONS TO US PARTNERS [eg, Israel]) HR 5623 [bill text]: Introduced 9/30/25 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and 4 bipartisan cosponsors, “To authorize the President to treat as stocks of the United States any weapon or materiel seized by the United States while in transit from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Houthis in the Republic of Yemen.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Gottheimer X-post 9/30/25 – “Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terror — arming proxies that threaten our troops and allies. I’m introducing the bipartisan SEIZE Act to get intercepted Iranian weapons into the hands of our allies who need them, instead of our adversaries“;  Gottheimer bill seeks to speed up transfer process of confiscated Iranian weapons to US partners (Jewish News Syndicate 9/30/25); House lawmakers introduce bill to send seized Iranian weapons to U.S. allies (Jewish Insider 9/29/25)

(PALESTINE HAS A RIGHT TO EXIST!) H. Res. 769: Introduced 9/26/25 by Green (D-TX), “Affirming the State of Palestine’s right to exist.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see Green’s press release, incl: ““I am proud to reintroduce the Original Resolution Affirming the State of Palestine’s Right to Exist. For too long, the just aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood have been deferred. Just as Israel has a right to exist, so too does the state of Palestine. Only the establishment of a secure state of Palestine standing alongside Israel will bring a permanent end to this conflict. I invite my colleagues in Congress to demonstrate their support for a sovereign Palestinian state. It is time for us to affirm the same right to self-determination for Palestinians that we affirm for other peoples around the world.”

(TARGETING EGYPT FOR TREATMENT OF COPTIC CHRISTIANS) H. Res. 776: Introduced 9/30/25 by Hill (R-AR) and Suozzi (D-NY), “Expressing concerns regarding the urgent and escalating threats facing Coptic Christians.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(WE HEART GERMANY FOR MANY REASONS INCLUDING SHARED DEFENSE OF ISRAELI IMPUNITY) H. Res. 783: Introduced 9/30/25 by Thompson (R-PA) and Keating (D-MA), “Reaffirming German-American friendship and supporting continued cooperation between the United States and Germany.” Includes: “Whereas the United States and Germany stand resolutely against antisemitism and stand in firm and unwavering solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of barbaric terror attacks.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(WE LOVE THE 1ST AMENDMENT ETC) S. Res. 424 [resolution text]: Introduced 9/30/25 by Merkley (D-OR) and 5 cosponsors (4 Democrats and 1 Independent), “A resolution affirming the unwavering commitment of the Senate to the First Amendment and to freedom of speech and of the press as foundations of the democratic republic of the United States.”  Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – As Trump Attacks Media, Merkley Calls on U.S. Senate to Stand Up for Free Speech

2. Letters

(GIVE VISAS TO PALESTINIANS FOR MEDICAL CARE IN USA) 9/29/25: Booker Leads 41 Democratic Colleagues in Urging State Department to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians in Gaza [letter text]. Also see: Reissue temporary visas for Gazans who need medical care, 42 senators tell Rubio (Jewish News Syndicate 9/30/25)

(SAFE PASSAGE FOR GAZA FLOTILLA!) 9/29/25: Tlaib X-post 9/29/25: “The Global Sumud Flotilla is sailing to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians who are being starved to death by the Israeli government. They must be fully protected. I’m leading a letter to the Trump Administration demanding safe passage and calling for an end to the blockade and genocide.” [letter text page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4]. Also see:

• Lee (D-PA) 9/29/25: X-post – “Solidarity with the #GlobalSumudFlotilla. I joined @RepRashida in urging the @StateDept to ensure their safe passage to deliver aid to Palestinians being starved to death by the Israeli government. We will continue fighting alongside them to end the Israeli blockade & genocide.“
• Velazquez (D-NY) 9/29/25: X-post – “I joined @RepRashida to urge Sec. Rubio to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla. These brave activists, including American citizens, have faced constant harassment & attacks while delivering life-saving aid to Gaza. The US must work to protect them, & end the genocidal blockade.“

(TARGETING HARVARD OVER PALESTINE-RELATED FREE SPEECH, AGAIN) 9/29/25: Walberg, Stefanik Press Harvard about Cultivating Antisemitic Environment [letter text]. Also see: House ed panel demands answers from Harvard on campus Jew-hatred (Jewish News Syndicate 9/29/25); Harvard Blamed Jewish Victim Assaulted At Campus Protest, House Committee Alleges (Daily Caller 9/30/25)

(RECOGNIZE PALESTINE!) 9/26/25: Rep. Khanna Leads Historic Letter Calling for the Recognition of a Palestinian State [letter text]. Also see: 47 House progressives sign Khanna letter calling for Palestinian statehood [“Less than one-quarter of House Democrats signed the letter, even as several European allies recognized a Palestinian state at the U.N.“] (Jewish Insider 9/29/25)

3. Hearings & Markups

• Fetterman (D-PA) 10/3/25: X-post – “For those protesters: Hamas > Peace No flotilla, blocking a highway or disrupting public events demanding Hamas to take the peace deal.“
• Carter (D-LA) 10/3/25: “I am deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Susan ‘Zue’ Jernstedt, a New Orleans resident and veteran, along with other Americans and international activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. I’m closely monitoring this situation and have made my office available to assist as we await further information. As I’ve consistently stated, nations have a responsibility to civilians, aid workers, and other noncombatants during military operations. These responsibilities go beyond the laws of war to include fundamental human rights, morality, and decency. That was the mission of these activists: to provide critical aid to the people of Gaza. I firmly stand with them in that mission. What is particularly disturbing is the report that Americans — including veterans and humanitarian workers — are being detained in maximum security facilities by a government that receives billions of dollars in U.S. support. This is unacceptable. The immediate release of all Americans captured must be demanded without hesitation. Our voices, especially those of our national leaders, must be unwavering in calling for their safe return home. Sue is quoted as saying, ‘it’s never too late to stand up for humanity.’ Let’s take a cue from her — and stand firmly, demand justice, call for an end to this humanitarian crisis, and insist that every American unjustly detained is returned safely and immediately.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 10/3/25: X-post – “The Israeli government has illegally abducted over 450 participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including nearly two dozen U.S. citizens. We must demand their immediate release and their protection from abuse and torture in Israeli detention. End the siege and genocide of Gaza now.“
• Pressley (D-MA) 10/3/25: X-post – “MA residents Torleif and Adnaan Stumo, and everyone else taken from aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla should be immediately freed. It is unconscionable that the Israeli military continues to block humanitarian aid, food, water, and baby formula. End the genocide & surge aid into Gaza NOW.“
• Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 10/3/25: “Israel’s confiscation and seizure of the humanitarian flotilla and its crew shows the world that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu can’t be trusted to engage in good-faith efforts toward peace. Intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters is a war crime. Denying those on board legal counsel is a crime. The State Department must call for the immediate release of the Americans and all civilian volunteers in the flotilla. Additionally, Israel should immediately end its illegal blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and bring an end to the manmade famine and humanitarian crisis that has killed thousands and decimated the civilian population of Gaza.“
• Velazquez (D-NY) 10/2/25: X-post – “Earlier this week I joined colleagues in urging @SecRubio to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla. Now my constituent, Zuleyka Morales Rivera, a U.S. veteran, has been abducted with other Americans bringing aid to Gaza. The State Department must act to protect all captives. They must be kept safe, released immediately, and the aid must be allowed to reach those in desperate need.“
• Gimenez (R-FL) 10/2/25: X-post – “The communist provocateurs attempting to invade #Israel on the pathetic flotilla were stopped from attempting to violate the nation’s maritime borders. Los provocadores comunistas intentando invadir a #Israel en su flotilla patética han sido parados mientras intentaban violar la frontera marítima de la nación. The United States will always stand with our ally the democratic, Jewish State of Israel.”
• Kaptur (D-OH) 10/2/25: X-post – “The situation in Gaza is dire. People of all walks of life, including my constituent Philip Tottenham have come together to deliver humanitarian aid. After being intercepted by the Israeli government, it’s imperative all are safe, treated humanely, and released promptly. Aid must reach Gaza.“
• Johnson (D-GA) 10/2/25: X-post – “It’s shameful that the Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted by Israel on its way to Gaza. Blocking aid in the midst of a famine caused by this endless war will only lead to even more lives lost. End the blockade. End the genocide. Release the hostages. End this war NOW.“
• Huffman (D-CA) 10/2/25: X-post – “This was a peaceful, humanitarian mission by civilians and volunteers—including one of my constituents. It’s imperative the people involved in this aid effort are treated safely, lawfully, and released. Israel and the international community must prioritize humanitarian assistance to Gaza immediately.“
• Moore (D-WI) 10/2/25: “I share concerns for the American citizens and others who have been detained for simply trying to deliver food and other humanitarian aid to our fellow human beings in Gaza. I understand their frustration with a war that will not end and the suffering it has created in Gaza and Israel. I call on the Trump Administration to ensure that all detained individuals are properly treated, swiftly released, and can return home to their families. Providing humanitarian aid isn’t a crime. It’s time for the fighting to end and I hope that the framework, which calls for an end to the fighting, return of the hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid, and a pathway to rebuild Gaza for Gazans, that has been welcomed by a number of stakeholders, will be taken seriously and implemented.“
• Ramirez (D-IL) 10/2/25: X-post – “Only one boat continues its journey after Israeli forces intercepted the humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza. The attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla are further evidence that Netanyahu has no intention of ending his unlawful blockade. The Netanyahu Administration must be held accountable. We must Block the Bombs and ensure humanitarian aid surges into Gaza.“
• Casar (D-TX) 10/2/25: X-post – “I am grateful to the humanitarians on this flotilla, including Austinite Greg Stoker, who attempted to deliver desperately needed aid to Gaza. They must be immediately and safely released by Israeli authorities. End the blockade and genocide now.“
• Huffman (D-NC) 10/2/25: X-post – “This was a peaceful, humanitarian mission by civilians and volunteers—including one of my constituents. It’s imperative the people involved in this aid effort are treated safely, lawfully, and released. Israel and the international community must prioritize humanitarian assistance to Gaza immediately.“
• Markey (D-MA) 10/1/25: X-post – “Trump should use his relationship with Netanyahu to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla. These are peaceful civilian vessels bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Americans are on board, including from Massachusetts. We must resolve this crisis peacefully.“
• Doggett (D-TX) 10/1/25: X-post – “Those aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, including my constituent Greg Stoker, are saying the Israeli Navy has intercepted several of their boats on their way to deliver critical aid to Gaza. Israeli authorities must ensure their safety as these humanitarians seek to help the sick and starving.“

Iran

• Hunt (R-TX) 9/30/25: X-post – “Over the next two days, 120 Iranians will be deported back to Iran, most of whom entered the U.S. illegally. This group is part of a larger operation to deport 400 Iranians. Thank you to all the law enforcement officers working for safer communities.”
• Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 9/29/25: X-post – “Iran has blatantly violated restrictions on its nuclear program, posing a direct threat to the U.S. & our allies. I’m glad our European partners reimposed sanctions. We must keep pressure on the Iranian regime until their weapons-grade enrichment ends.“

WE WILL NOT STAND FOR ANYONE IMPOSING ANY CONSEQUENCES ON ISRAEL

• Cramer (R-SD) 9/29/25: X-post – “If Microsoft stops providing its services which are supporting Israel’s fight against terrorists, how do we know they are a reliable partner for our own Department of War?“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 9/29/25: X-post – “Microsoft is disabling certain services and subscriptions by Israel’s Defense Ministry after the company found the ministry was using cloud services to surveil Gaza citizens” [with emoji googly eyes at the start and end of the post]
• Bacon (R-NE) 9/26/25: X-post – “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, I strongly oppose attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup. I commend the Trump Administration for standing against efforts to sideline Israel’s national team.“

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL

• Lawler (R-NY) 9/29/25: X-post – “Tonight, I joined the Jewish community in Yorktown for their annual memorial commemorating October 7th, 2023. Thank you to Talia Pierson, the Justice Brandeis Law Society, Chabad of Yorktown, and the Israel Forever Foundation for hosting this moving event.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/29/25: press release – Gottheimer, Local Leaders Dedicate Tenafly Street in Honor of Edan Alexander

Turkey

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/28/25: X-post – “Turkey continues to cozy up to Hamas and Putin while threatening many of our allies, including Israel, Greece, & Cyprus. Allowing Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program would put our allies at further risk. We cannot give America’s most advanced fighter jets to those who undermine our security.“

Islamophobia

• Fine (R-FL) 10/28/25: X-post – “Mainstream Muslims are now purposely intimidating people and fomenting civil unrest. When Muslims call for globalizing the intifada, they know what they are calling for. It’s up to us Save America.“

Other stuff

• Cruz (R-TX) 10/3/25: X-post – “Bravo. ⁦ @parscale stands w/ Israel for the same reason that President Trump does: Israel is our friend, they share our values & they are fighting & killing our enemies—which makes Americans safer. Now everybody’s who’s taking $$ from Qatar raise [hand emoji]” Linked to article in Townhall: No Apologies: Proud to Stand With Israel, Proud to Defend the West
• Walkinshaw (D-VA) 10/2/25: X-post – “Seven years ago, Jamal Khashoggi a resident of VA-11 and a fearless journalist and dissident was dismembered and murdered by Saudi operatives, after the Crown Prince approved an operation to capture or kill him. I met Mr. Khashoggi before he was murdered and won’t forget his courage in standing up for human rights and free speech.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 10/2/25: X-post – “I’m thinking of all Jewish communities across our great commonwealth, the country, and abroad on this Yom Kippur. Let this profound and holy time bring peace and stability for you, your families, to Israel, and the world. Gmar Chatima Tova.“
• Green (R-GA) 10/1/25; X-post – “All social media influencers being paid by the Israeli government or ANY foreign government to promote a foreign country and a foreign country’s interests, must register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) under the DOJ. ‘Foreign governments routinely engage in efforts to influence our domestic and foreign policies, legislation, democratic processes, and public opinion. These governments sometimes exert this influence by employing lobbyists, public relations professionals, prominent businesspeople, or former U.S. government officials on their behalf. Such efforts are legal—if they are transparent. Originally enacted in 1938, the Foreign Agents Registration Act—known as FARA—helps the American people and their elected officials understand who is really behind such influence activity. The statute requires persons working on behalf of foreign governments or other foreign principals (including Americans) to disclose their relationships to foreign principals and information about their activities. Agents who fail to register are violating federal law, and they can be prosecuted if their failure is deliberate.’ Saying this is not antisemitic or hateful to any people group or foreign country. It’s the law.” Responding to X-post: “A new document reveals the Israeli government is paying a cohort of 14-18 social media influencers between $6,100 and $7,300 per post” linked to new report in Responsible Statecraft, Israel is paying influencers $7,000 per post
• Bacon (R-NE) 9/29/25: X-post – “An adversary of the terrorists Hamas and the invading thug Putin.” Responding to the Palestine News Network’s X-post w/ video clip – “America First or Israel First? Outside @RepDonBacon <office” [highlighting the “Stand with Israel” sign in front of his office]
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/28/25: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan House Intelligence Committee Trip to Jordan and Iraq [“Countering Iranian Aggression, Promoting Peace in the Middle East. Meets with New Jersey Service Members.“]

Politics/Elex

NOTE: This political season is seeing a number of candidates running on explicitly as anti-AIPAC, or anti-pro-Israel/pro-genocide policies of the incumbent, including: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

• Semaphor 10/3/25: Dem voters want to block arms to Israel
• Politico 10/3/25: Cori Bush launches comeback bid for Missouri seat [“She was one of two progressive Dems to lose in primaries against candidates backed by AIPAC last summer.“] Also see coverage in The Hill, Axios, the Algemeiner
• Washington Examiner 10/3/25: Ro Khanna calls on Steny Hoyer to retire, slamming his ties to AIPAC
• Great Reporter 10/3/25: US Taxpayer Backlash Grows: Why Washington’s Israel Policy—and AIPAC’s Clout—Are Suddenly on the Defensive
• New York Times 10/2/25: Democrats Pull Away From AIPAC, Reflecting a Broader Shift [“A quiet retreat by Democrats from the pre-eminent pro-Israel lobbying group is the latest evidence of a realignment underway in Congress on Israel.“]
• City Journal 10/2/25: Why Did Ro Khanna Speak At an Event With Anti-Israel Radicals?
• Mondoweiss 10/1/25: AIPAC’s and Israel’s influence is falling in Congress, two opposing letters show just how much
• Jewish Insider 10/1/25: Rep. Greg Landsman hits Democratic critics of Israel, lays out path to rebuild support 
• Jewish Insider 10/1/25: Wave of anti-Israel candidates hits Chicago’s Democratic congressional primaries
• Mediaite 10/1/25: Marjorie Taylor Greene Dares ‘Israel First’ AIPAC To Back Primary Challenge Against Her: ‘Giddy-Up’
• Jewish Insider 9/30/25: Khanna distances himself from pro-terror speakers at anti-Israel conference and defends ‘free speech’
• The Algemeiner 9/30/25: US Rep. Ro Khanna Blasts AIPAC at Anti-Israel Conference Where Speakers Defend Hamas, Oct. 7 Attack
• Jewish News Syndicate 9/30/25: Former DNC co-vice chair calls AIPAC a ‘foreign influence operation’
• Jewish Insider 9/30/25: Ousted anti-Israel lawmaker planning comeback campaign in Missouri [“Former Rep. Cori Bush, one of the most extreme critics of Israel, is planning to run against Rep. Wesley Bell for a second time”]
• New York Times 9/28/25: Greene, Straying From Trump, Reflects an Emerging MAGA Split [“Days before that, Ms. Greene offered an amendment to cut $500 million in defense assistance to Israel. It failed spectacularly on the House floor: Just six members voted in favor, and 422 against it. The move, unsurprisingly, has made her a top target for AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel group. Marshall Wittmann, a spokesman for AIPAC, said that Ms. Greene’s views were aligned with ‘Ilhan Omar and Bernie Sanders while being completely contrary to those of President Trump and her Republican colleagues, who solidly stand with the Jewish state.’ The group is now exploring the possibility of financing a candidate to run against her next year. ‘We have not made a decision on this race,’ Mr. Wittmann said.“]
• American Conservative 9/28/25: Dear Fellow Boomers, Rethink Your Support for Israel [“What will you tell your grandchildren?”]
• Detroit News 10/27/25: U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna urges recognition of Palestinian state at Dearborn conference

Trump “peace” efforts & “peace” plan

• Jewish News Syndicate 10/1/25: Jewish House Democrat endorses Trump Middle East peace plan
• Jewish Insider 9/30/25: Senators react to Trump’s Gaza plan with cautious optimism [“Sen. Lindsey Graham sounded skeptical that Hamas would accept the deal: ‘Distrust and verify with these guys’”]