FMEP Legislative Round-Up October 16, 2026

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

New FMEP podcasts:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(WELDING IDF INTO US NATSEC INFRASTRUCTURE – NOW AS ITS OWN BILL!) HR 10796: Introduced 10/13/26 by Bacon (R-NE), the “United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Act.” Referred to the Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Affairs.

  • This bill is basically a freestanding version of Sec. 219 of the FY27 NDAA (HR 8800) – the section that seeks to integrate/weld the IDF into US national security infrastructure (covered previously in the Round-Up multiple times, including here, here, and here).
  • Comment: There’s lots of speculation on why this highly consequential, extraordinarily controversial legislative initiative — an initiative beloved and clearly prioritized by AIPAC, JINSA, the Israeli Government, and their fellow travelers — is being re-introduced in the House in this new form at this time. One strong theory is that, given deep opposition in the Senate to the provision (opposition that is helping hold up Senate passage of the FY27 NDAA), the introduction of HR 10796 suggests that the provision has been/will be stripped out of the negotiated/compromise House-Senate version of that NDAA that will eventually brought before both chambers for passage. The question then becomes: (a) is HR 10796 purely a grandstanding bill, (b) do Republican leaders (in the House alone, or the House and Senate together), along with AIPAC et al, have some kind of “Hail Mary” last-second plan to re-attach the provision to the NDAA in the House (and try to corner the Senate to passing it), or (c) do they actually believe there is a path to passing it as a freestanding bill? Stay tuned!

(OVERHAUL MATERIAL SUPPORT LAWS, ABOLISH DHS/ICE, & MORE!) HR 10803 [bill text]: Introduced 10/13/26 by Ramirez (D-IL) an 3 Democratic cosponsors, the “Reimagining Safety Act,” aka “To abolish the Department of Homeland Security and establish a Department of Community Safety, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, Rules, Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Armed Services, Intelligence (Permanent Select), Education and Workforce, Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce. The bill summary accompanying the bill notes that, among other things, the bill, “Repeals duplicative and overreaching terrorism laws that have been used to violate free speech and due process and to chill activism, suppress dissent, and penalize political associations.” Also see: Quotes from endorsing organizations.

(NO WAR WITHOUT AUMF RE YEMEN/HOUTHIS) H. Con. Res. 124: Introduced 10/9/26 by Khanna (D-CA) and Massie (R-KY), “Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(DEATH OF ALEX ODEH) H. Res. 1621: Introduced 10/9/26 by Correa (D-CA) and Tlaib (D-MI), “Expressing profound sorrow over the death of Alexander Michel Odeh.” Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see: press release – CORREA, TLAIB REINTRODUCE RESOLUTION HONORING ALEX ODEH. Reminder: Correa and Tlaib previously introduced this resolution on 9/25/24 (H. Res. 1506) and 10/14/22 (H .Res. 1431); both times it went nowhere. For folks who don’t know who Alex Odeh is, see this FBI notice [“On October 11, 1985, Alexander Michel Odeh was killed when a bomb exploded at the Office of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) at 1905 East 17th Street in Santa Ana, California. Odeh, who was the Western Regional Director of the ADC, was killed when he unlocked and opened the door of the ADC’s office at approximately 9:00 a.m. In addition to killing Odeh, the bomb injured several other people and caused massive damage to the building.”]. Also see, from the archives:

(TARGETING THOSE WHO PERSECUTED SYRIAN MINORITIES) HR 10827: Introduced 10/15/26 by Mackenzie (R-PA) and Barrett (R-MI), the “Protection of Syrian Religious and Ethnic Minorities Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committees on the Judiciary, and Financial Services. Also see: AAUS Welcomes Introduction of Protection of Syrian Ethnic and Religious Minorities Act (Alawites Association of the United States 10/15/26). From the AAUS press release: “The legislation directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report to Congress within 90 days identifying senior Syrian officials and affiliated individuals credibly alleged to have participated in, directed, facilitated, or concealed serious human rights abuses or acts of persecution against religious and ethnic minorities.”

(IRAN INTERNET ACCESS) HR 10832: Introduced 10/15/26 by Tenney (R-NY) and 14 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To amend the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to make certain improvements relating to the coordination of efforts to promote internet freedom and access to information in Iran, and for other purposes,” aka the “Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Also see: press release – Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Bipartisan IRAN Act to Expand Internet Freedom for the Iranian People

(DISAPPROVAL OF SAUDI NUCLEAR AGREEMENT) S. J. Res. 221: Introduced 10/15/26 by Merkley (D-OR) and Markey (D-MA), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release –  Merkley, Markey Announce Joint Resolution of Disapproval on U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal, Setting Up Senate Vote; Senate expected to vote on Saudi nuclear deal before end of year – A resolution of disapproval brought by Sens. Markey and Merkley is unlikely to pass, even as some Republicans voice skepticism of the deal (Jewish Insider 10/15/26)

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:

  • Quigley (D-IL) 10/15/26: X-post – “I’m cosponsoring @JoaquinCastrotx’s Stop the Settlements Act to stop the illegal land grabs in Gaza and the West Bank. This bill will deploy sanctions to halt the construction of new settlements and stop the expansion of existing Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.”
  • Castro (D-TX) 10/14/26: Support Grows For Stop The Settlements Act, Bill To Impose Sanctions On Drivers Of Settlement Expansion
  • Slotkin (D-MI) 10/14/26: Slotkin, Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Sanction Israeli Settlements in the West Bank 
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/14/26: X-post – “Three years ago, Hamas terrorists murdered and kidnapped more than 1,200 people in Israel. That’s why last week in Tenafly, with Edan Alexander’s family, I unveiled a bipartisan resolution to honor the victims, survivors, and their families. We will speak the truth about Oct. 7 and stand up to hate.” Linked to article: New Jersey congressman says wave of antisemitism must stop
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/14/26: X-post – “Proud to be a cosponsor of the Stop the Settlements Act. Anyone who tries to steal land away from the Palestinians must be sanctioned.”
  • Castro (D-TX) 10/14/26: X-post – “The Stop the Settlements Act would sanction anyone looking to take Palestinian land in the West Bank or Gaza. And support keeps growing. Since I introduced the bill alongside Reps. Dean, Beyer, Casar, Jacobs, and Escobar, over 50 members have now co-sponsored. Settlement expansion pushes Palestinians off their land and makes peace harder to achieve. It’s time to use tools like sanctions to stop it. Thank you to our newest co-sponsors: Rep. Everton Blair (GA-13) | Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11) | Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04) | Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) | Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) | Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) | Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL) | Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11) | Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43) | Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)“
  • Responsible Statecraft 10/13/26: Meet the US generals and admirals advancing Israeli policy [“JINSA and its American ‘people’ have taken credit for a number of recent legislative efforts, including the controversial NDAA Section 219“]
  • Foushee (D-NC) 10/13/26: X-post – “I am cosponsoring @JoaquinCastroTX’s Stop the Settlements Act to enact mandatory sanctions on anyone involved with Israel’s settler expansion in the West Bank or Gaza, and ban imports from Israeli settlements. These land grabs and the continued destruction of Palestinian property are unacceptable and do not advance attempts to achieve peace. These actions are forcefully displacing innocent civilians from their homes and will only lead to further violence in the region.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 10/9/26: X-post – “The Muslim Brotherhood doesn’t just support terrorism. It inspires it. We introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Is a Terrorist Organization Act to designate the group a Foreign Terrorist Organization and target its operations with sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans, and law enforcement tools. It’s long past time we call them what they are: terrorists.”

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US elex/politics

  • Hagerty (R-TN) 10/15/26: X-post – “I was honored to attend the @StateDept’s memorial to remember the American victims of the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. Join me in praying for the 49 Americans who were killed, the 12 Americans who were taken hostage, and their loved ones.”
  • Stutzman (R-IN) 10/15/26: X-post – “Christy and I just finished a tour of the Rifkin Campus led by members of the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne. We spoke about my aid to trade resolution with Israel as well as combating antisemitism in America. Thank you for the warm welcome to Congregation Achduth Vesholom.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/14/26: X-post – “Three years ago, Hamas terrorists murdered and kidnapped more than 1,200 people in Israel. That’s why last week in Tenafly, with Edan Alexander’s family, I unveiled a bipartisan resolution to honor the victims, survivors, and their families. We will speak the truth about Oct. 7 and stand up to hate.” Linked to article: New Jersey congressman says wave of antisemitism must stop
  • Gill (R-TX) 10/13/26: X-post – “Abdul El-Sayed’s own sister posted that their family has long been tied to the Muslim Brotherhood. He told Americans there were no ties, then called the question Islamophobic. People are sick of being slandered for asking straightforward questions.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/13/26: X-post – “What a corrupt campaign finance system looks like: Between 2024 and 2026, Musk spent over $650 million to buy elections. Crypto spent over $500 million | AIPAC spent $230 million | AI spent over $200 million | Dems must implement REAL campaign finance reform. ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 10/13/26: X-post – “The West Bank last voted for their own President, Mahmoud Abbas, in 2005 for a four-year term. 21 years later… Gaza also voted in 2005 for Abbas, but Hamas kicked out Abbas’ Palestinian Authority in 2007. There’s been no Presidential elections in Gaza for 21 years either.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/12/26: X-post – “On Oct. 7, leaders mourn the victims and affected communities. They don’t turn around and point the blame at them. Mayor Mamdani gave the victims a single line, then moved on to politics. That’s absolutely unacceptable. Jewish New Yorkers deserved better from their Mayor.” Linked to article: Zohran Mamdani’s Moral Obscenity
  • Sheehy (R-MT) 10/12/26: X-post – “It is not racist to say Abdul has ties to the terrorist organization Muslim Brotherhood when his own sister tweeted that his family has long been in the Muslim Brotherhood.“
  • Banks (R-IN) 10/12/26: X-post w/ video – “Under Joe Biden, Columbus Circle in our nation’s capital was trashed and covered in pro-Hamas graffiti. Thanks to President Trump, this is what it looks like today. Happy Columbus Day!”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 10/12/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I joined @RepCohen on NewsNation’s “Batya!”, hosted by @bungarsargon, to discuss rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, divisions within both parties, and the importance of confronting these challenges while maintaining bipartisan support for Israel.”
  • Kean (R-NJ) 10/11/26: X-post – “Over the summer, I joined a bipartisan group of 314 of my colleagues and voted to continue life-saving aid to Israel. I stand firmly with our ally Israel in their fight against terrorism.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/11/26: X-post – “When @SenatorLankford and I founded the first-ever Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, we made it our goal to bring the fight against antisemitism and Holocaust denial to the forefront of the national agenda. Through legislation, engagements with Administrations of both parties, and active discussions with high-ranking officials both at home and abroad, we’ve reached across the aisle and pushed for real change and protections for Jewish communities around the world. It was truly an honor to be recognized by @ADL for our work with the Levenson Family Defender of Democracy award. I promise to keep working to ensure that Jewish communities everywhere can live without fear.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 10/10/26: X-post – “My speech at a 10/7 vigil in the Bronx…”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/10/26: X-post – “Biden allowed pro-Hamas terrorist sympathizers to desecrate Columbus Circle. President Trump cleaned it up and returned it to a symbol of American greatness. He is making America beautiful again.”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 10/9/26: X-post – “Americans, on the right especially, are exhausted by efforts to minimize or justify the Holocaust. They are horrified by those who claim a moral obligation to support Hamas. They are unmoved by conspiracy theories directed at the Jews, and by bigots who who are unwilling to disavow and shame America-hating homicidal terrorists.”
  • Rogers (R-MI) 10/8/26: X-post – “The Jewish community is terrified of Abdul, and how can you blame them? He sympathized with the attacker who tried to blow up 140 kids in a Michigan synagogue. He campaigns with someone who threatens American Jews. He even takes money from radical, Islamic terrorists. When are you going to return the terrorist money, Abdul?”
  • Levin (D-CA) 10/8/26: X-post – “The more you unravel this story, the louder the alarm bells sound. Need I remind everyone that Jared Kushner is NOT A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE? He’s a non-government employee responsible for negotiating deals in the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia War, and he has this position because he’s the President’s son-in-law. He’s also the textbook definition of conflict of interest. Kushner’s private equity firm is backed by BILLIONS from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, at the same time that he’s the Saudi point man. He has contractual responsibilities to deliver for his donors in the Middle East, but he’s responsible for U.S. diplomacy there? The New Yorker also obtained a document from European intelligence suggesting that business deals benefiting Trump’s circle were on the table during negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. How can the Trump Administration insist that Kushner’s private businesses and diplomatic work do not conflict with each other when he is asking foreign governments for private equity money while negotiating with them at the same time? Kushner is not a career diplomat. He’s not on the payroll. What, in the world, is he doing negotiating some of the world’s front-most conflicts?”

Trump Admin Targeting of the ICC & Nobel Peace Prize Winner

  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/10/26: X-post – “Navi Pillay, 2026 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, led the UN commission that found Israel committed genocide. ’Why would you need courage to speak the truth?’ she asks. Yet many Democrats who hope to lead our nation are still afraid to say so. This is a moral test of our time.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 10/10/26: X-post – “Imagine that. Starting a war with Iran and sending 2,000lb bombs to destroy Gaza doesn’t win you the Nobel Peace Prize.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/10/26: X-post – “Trump just sanctioned the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes war crimes. Why? Because the ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas commander over war crimes in Gaza, just as it did for Putin over Ukraine. No, Mr. President: War criminals are NOT above the law.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/9/26: X-post – “Consistent with the Trump administration’s attacks on systems of accountability, they are sanctioning the International Criminal Court. Attacks on the ICC signal to authoritarians and warmongers they can violate human rights and international law with impunity. But we won’t let them get away with it. We will defend our human rights!”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 10/10/26: X-post – “The ICC has a long history of cozying up to dictators, persecuting democracies, and protecting the world’s worst criminals. The kangaroo court sided with Russia during the illegal invasion of Crimea, accusing Ukraine of crimes while defending its homeland, sided with Hamas on October 7th, protected the Taliban as they continue to repress the rights of women and girls, ignored the genocides of Tibetans and Uyghurs to protect the CCP, and now accuses America of being the enemy. The ICC must end its illegitimate criminal threats now.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/9/26: X-post – “‘Why would you need courage to speak the truth?’ Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay led the UN commission that found Israel guilty of genocide in Gaza. Governments must finally follow the commission’s recommendations and impose an arms embargo and prosecute all perpetrators.”
  • McGovern (D-MA) 10/9/26: X-post – “I applaud the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay—a strong signal of support for the international human rights system, which is under significant political attack, including from the US government. America is strongest when we uphold & promote universal human rights.”
  • Green (R-TX) 10/10/26: X-post – “The Jerusalem Post article below, titled ‘South Africa’s Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay, who accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, wins Nobel Prize,’ speaks for itself.” Linked to article: South Africa’s Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay, who accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, wins Nobel Prize
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/9/26: X-post – “Congratulations to Navi Pillay for being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize! Her decades of efforts to uphold a system of international law and work with the U.N. investigating Israeli genocide against the Palestinians makes this award well deserved.”

Targeting of Palestinians & their supporters in the US 

  • Quigley (D-IL) 10/14/26: X-post – “Today is Wadee Remembrance Day in Illinois. Wadee Alfayoumi was a six-year-old American boy who was brutally murdered in a hate crime targeting his Palestinian and Muslim identity. Every child, no matter their race, ethnicity, or religion, deserves to live safely. Today, we honor Wadee by condemning violence and fighting hate.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/14/26: X-post – “Three years ago, Wadee Alfayoumi was murdered because of an anti-Palestinian hate crime instigated by dehumanizing rhetoric. In Wadee’s honor, let’s choose to build a future of true safety for everyone, uplift our shared humanity, and create a world of peace without fear of violence.”
  • Liccardo (D-CA) 10/11/26: X-post – “Hate in all its forms is un-American and we owe it to our Palestinian neighbors to do better.” Linked post from the Institute for Understanding Anti-Palestinian Racism – “BREAKING NEWS – A new national research study shows nearly half of U.S. adults have experienced or witnessed Anti-Palestinian Racism” (Full report).

Palestine – U.S., West Bank, Gaza

  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/15/26: X-post – “Days before his election, Netanyahu’s extremist government is again cutting off food and shelter for 2 million people in Gaza. This illegal and immoral collective punishment will starve children. Not another tax dollar for these atrocities. END U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL NOW!”
  • Welch (D-VT) 10/13/26: X-post – “Three years ago, Vermonter and journalist Dylan Collins was attacked and wounded by the Israel Defense Forces despite being clearly marked as press. Dylan and every other journalist attacked or killed by the IDF deserve justice. We must protect freedom of the press and defend the safety of journalists.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/9/26: X-post w/ video clip – “New @nytimes reporting shows US Embassy officials in Israel are blocking info from Congress on the killings of Americans in the West Bank. I’m calling on @SenatorRisch & the Foreign Relations Committee to hold a hearing into this coverup. The American people deserve the truth.”
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 10/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “No family should be held captive in their home. Yusuf Shanaran, his wife, & four children have been trapped inside their house for days now. Masked settlers have attacked them & their home ignoring orders to stop. The @IDF has a responsibility to protect this family & their home.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Yusuf Shanaran, his wife and four children are trapped in their home in the occupied West Bank. Settlers who constructed an illegal outpost to isolate them are attacking the family and destroying their home and have not been arrested. @IDF must intervene to protect Yusuf and his family!”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 10/8/26: X-post – “I’m joining @RepChuyGarcia in condemning the Israeli government’s systematic persecution of Palestinian healthcare workers and demanding their release from arbitrary detention, including Dr. Abu Safiya, who has been tortured in Israeli prisons for nearly 2 years.” Linked to Truthout article: Tlaib, Democrats Call for Israel to Release Palestinian Doctors From Detention

Lebanon

  • LaHood (R-IL) 10/14/26: X-post – “Hezbollah is a malign cancer that will use any tool at its disposal to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. The complaint against Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad is a disgraceful attempt to obstruct diplomacy between Israel and Lebanon. Her excellent work is critical to building a safer and more prosperous Lebanon free from terrorist influence.”

Saudi/Houthis/The Gulf

  • Markey (D-MA) 10/15/26: X-post – “The U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal is about megatons, not megawatts. Trump should not be sharing nuclear bomb technology with a nation that U.S. intelligence says may want nuclear weapons. This is the starting gun for a Middle East nuclear arms race. We must reject this dangerous deal.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 10/14/26: X-post – “China is making a huge mistake. These missile-part exports damage the economy of every country in the world. They drive up the cost of petroleum, and China is the number one importer of petroleum. Oil bound for China from the Saudi port of Yanbu will have to circumnavigate Africa because the Houthis blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.”
  • Kennedy (D-NY) 10/13/26: X-post – “Rooting out corruption means holding everyone in this administration accountable, not just when they get caught, but whenever they abuse their power for personal gain. From a luxury jet gifted by Qatar to a memecoin selling access to the president to taxpayer-funded ads glorifying Trump, these abuses of power demand scrutiny. No one in government is above the law, and no public office should be used for private benefit. When Democrats take back the House, we will investigate every abuse of power and expose corruption at every level.”
  • Hamadeh (R-AZ) 10/13/26: X-post – “The Houthis’ attacks on Saudi civilians, including the killing of an American, are an outrage that demands a forceful response. Allies must stand united against Iran & its proxies with maximum strength & deterrence, the era of radical terrorist proxies must end.”
  • Hamadeh (R-AZ) 10/12/26: X-post – “Congressman Hamadeh’s Statement on the Recent Houthi Attacks on Civilians in Saudi Arabia, Including the Killing of an American”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/12/26: X-post – “Horrific. At least 13 people were killed and more than 300 wounded when the Houthis attacked the airport in Riyadh. Many were Muslim pilgrims, and one of those killed was an American. My heart goes out to every family grieving right now. Let’s be clear about who is to blame for this tragedy. The Houthis are an Iranian terrorist proxy and an enemy of the U.S. Targeting civilians is barbaric, and it must be condemned. I condemn this attack in the strongest terms, and we will continue to work with our partners to hold the Houthis and their Iranian enablers responsible.”
  • McCollum (D-MN) 10/11/26: X-post – “The deadly attack on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Airport shows that President Trump’s war of choice in Iran is now dangerously spiraling throughout the region.  Our U.S. servicemen and women and our regional allies face increased attacks by Iranian-backed militias, because he has failed to present clear objectives and a plan to end this war. When Trump took our nation to war eight months ago, he did so despite any imminent threat posed by Iran to the United States, and lacking necessary Congressional authorization.  Since then, a bipartisan House of Representatives has passed three resolutions rebuking the president for unlawful war with Iran. Just yesterday, the Pentagon reported that that the number of U.S. service members killed has risen to 21, with 865 wounded.  Americans are paying skyrocketing fuel prices, which is raising the cost of everything we have to buy.  The American people and our allies deserve clear answers from President Trump about his plan to end this war and prevent a growing, prolonged regional war. No one deserves answers more than our U.S. servicemembers and their families”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 10/11/26: X-post – “With the missile attack on Riyadh International Airport, murdering an American, I appreciate @POTUS providing strategic intelligence to Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani Allies as every effort should be made to stop war criminal Putin from providing targeting information to Iran and its Houthi Puppets to kill Americans.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/11/26: Murphy on Face the Nation: Americans Should Be Furious at Trump’s Spiraling Crisis in the Middle East
  • Wilson (R-SC) 10/10/26: X-post – “The horrific Houthi terrorist attacks at Saudi Arabia’s civilian airports further underscore why allies and partners must come together to defeat the Houthis in Yemen and deny the terrorist regime in Tehran the ability to export its deranged ideology. Our prayers are with the loved ones of those whose lives were senselessly taken.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/10/26: Murphy’s Behind-the-Scenes Details of CODEL to the Gulf
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/10/26: X-post – “Congress never authorized Trump to wage war to defend the Saudi regime | I introduced a Yemen War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res.124) with @RepThomasMassie to mandate that the US stay out of war in Yemen | Trump must honor the US-Yemen ceasefire and use diplomacy, not war”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 10/10/26: X-post – “The horrific Houthi terrorist attacks at Saudi Arabia’s civilian airports further underscore why allies and partners must come together to defeat the Houthis in Yemen and deny the terrorist regime in Tehran the ability to export its deranged ideology. Our prayers are with the loved ones of those whose lives were senselessly taken.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/10/26: X-post – “This is now a full regional war. Started by Donald Trump. For no good reason.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/10/26: X-post: “I was just at this airport. It’s a civilian airport that should never, ever be a target. This campaign of terror by the Houthis must stop immediately.”

Islamophobia in US elex/politics

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/15/26: X-post – “This is the result of 7+ years of Trump’s attacks on @Ilhan, Somali-Americans, & the Muslim community. Everyone, regardless of party, must speak out against this fascistic abuse of power. If they can do this to a sitting Congresswoman, they can & will do it to anyone.”
  • Johnson (D-GA) 10/15/26: X-post – “This profoundly outrageous, election-eve raid on the home of a sitting congresswoman by Trump’s politicized, weaponized federal law enforcement machine is a desperate attempt to intimidate Muslim citizens from voting. We must not let that happen!”
  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 10/14/26: X-post – “‘These people are extreme, they’re radical, they are dangerous, and they really have no business being in the United States House of Representatives,’ Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y.” Linked to Fox News article: GOP lawmaker urges Johnson to scrutinize new socialist lawmakers’ ‘access to intelligence’
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/12/26: X-post – “Trump’s continued attacks on @Ilhan, the Somali American community, & our Muslim neighbors are a heinous attempt to distract from his complete & utter failure as president. Every American should be chilled to the bone: these are the actions of a dictatorship not a democracy.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 10/10/26: X-post – “Sharia Law is a DEATH CULT and has no place in America. It’s time to WAKE UP and smell the roses.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/8/26: X-post – “This is how every Muslim terrorist should be dealt with. We will share the stream live. Fire away!” Responding to Associated Press X-post w/ article – “BREAKING: The Pentagon says it will livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Arkansas

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Maine

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Massachusetts

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Nebraska

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – New York

  • Rochester Beacon 10/15/26: Up for the challenge [“Political action committees contributed $1.2 million to Morelle’s campaign. As in the Democratic primary this June, the largest contributors in that category were the incumbent’s own committee, the Morelle Victory Fund ($174,500), and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ($102,450). Morelle’s opponent in that race, Robin Wilt, criticized his use of PAC money, particularly his acceptance of money from AIPAC.”]

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Ohio

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Oregon

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Wisconsin

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

Note: This Round-Up covers developments this week, through 10/8/26 at 9pm ET. Apologies for the early publication.

New FMEP podcasts:

  • 10/8/26:  Barred from Knesset Elections: Sami Abu Shehadeh on the State of Israeli “Democracy”, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Sami Abu Shehadeh, the leader of the Balad Party who was recently told by the Supreme Court that he would be deemed a terrorist and banned from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. Hear Sami explain why he decided to resign from Knesset, and what he makes of Israeli “democracy.”
  • 10/6/26: Reviewing NAZA, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with  with journalist & researcher Mahmoud Mushtaha and researcher & writer Muhammad Shehada about the new Israeli documentary NAZA. All three are from Gaza; Mahmoud survived the genocide, leaving Gaza for the UK in 2024. They discuss Israeli impunity and the goal of the wholesale destruction of Gaza, and they articulate criticisms of the film. Also see Mahmoud’s review of NAZA for +972 Magazine, “The moment a human life becomes ‘collateral damage’” (Sept 11, 2026).

1. Bills & Resolutions

(PRO-ISRAEL GRANDSTANDING – OCT 7 ANNIVERSARY AS THE HOOK) H. Res. 1618: Introduced 10/6/26 by Gotthiemer (D-NJ) and 44 bipartisan cosponsors, “Recognizing the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, honoring the victims and the hostages, and calling for the complete disarmament of Hamas for a durable end to the war in Gaza.” Among other things, the resolution doubles/triples down on the allegations of mass sexual violence/rape by Hamas, and characterizes the protests that followed the 10/7/23 attacks (protests against the genocide Israel unleashed against all of Gaza) as a “rise of antisemitism globally and domestically, including in K–12 schools and on college campuses.” Notably (and predictably), the resolution expresses unqualified support for “Israel’s right to self-defense and long-term security” alongside zero mention of anything Israel has done (and continues to do) to Palestinians in the wake of the 10/7/23 attacks – including 3 years of live-streamed destruction of literally EVERYTHING in Gaza and targeting of Gaza’s entire civilian population, including mass killing/wounding/displacement/starvation/orphaning/dismembering of the men, women, children, and elders. It also includes no mention of Israel using the 10/7/23 response as a pretext to apply Gaza-annihilation-style tactics in southern Lebanon, and to engage in 3 years of escalating ethnic cleansing in the West Bank]. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(PRO-ISRAEL GRANDSTANDING – FLYDUBAI DRAMA AS THE HOOK) H. Res. 1612: Introduced 10/5/26 by Gottheimer (D-NJ), McCaul (R-TX), and Bacon (R-NE), “Honoring Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073, and condemning the attempted terrorist attack on that flight.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release — Gottheimer Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Flydubai Flight 1073 Heroes; Bipartisan House resolution honors pilot, passengers who stopped FlyDubai hijacking (Jewish Insider 10/6/26); Bipartisan House group brings legislation decrying terror attack on flydubai plane (Jewish News Syndicate 10/6/26)

(YAY – US-GERMAN RELATIONS & ISRAEL!) H. Res. 1619: Introduced 10/6/26 by Thompson (R-PA) and Keating (D-M), “Reaffirming German-American friendship and supporting continued cooperation between the United States and Germany.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Includes “whereas” clause: “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”

(TARGETING THE UN) HR 10757:  Introduced 10/6/26 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Lawler (R-NY), “To provide for a limitation on contributions to the United Nations.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Gottheimer press release 10/7/26: On Edan Alexander Way in Tenafly, Gottheimer Marks Third Anniversary of October 7th – excerpt –  “New legislation with Congressman Lawler (NY) that would bar U.S. funds from going toward U.S. contributions to the United Nations until the U.N. has designated Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. This is critical as UNRWA currently does not screen for Hamas ties in its hiring of teachers and other employees, leading to Hamas terrorists infiltrating its ranks. The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).” Also see: At Edan Alexander Way, Gottheimer announces bills marking Oct. 7, withholding US aid until UN designates Hamas, Hezbollah (Jewish News Syndicate 10/8/26)

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:

  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/5/26: X-post – “Ahead of the third year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, @SenRickScott and I passed a bipartisan resolution to honor the memory of those Americans who were murdered or taken hostage. The hostages’ families demonstrated remarkable courage during a time of intense grief and anxiety by being steadfast and fierce advocates for the return of their loved ones and all those held hostage, and this resolution also honors them.” [S. Res. 938 – covered in last week’s Round-Up]

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US elex/politics

  • Rogers (R-MI) 10/7/26: X-post – “Radio silence from Abdul El-Sayed about the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks — yet this surfaces today. I wish I could say this is shocking. When people tell you who they are, believe them.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/2/26: X-post – “AIPAC plans to spend $233 million to defeat candidates who dare to speak out against Netanyahu’s extremist government. They spent $33 million to defeat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan primary. They lost. They are going to keep losing. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID FOR ISRAEL.”
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 10/1/26: X-post – “@DemMaj4Israel’s new framework is a serious & thoughtful approach to promoting lasting peace & further normalization between Israel & its neighbors. I commend them for their leadership in strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and will continue supporting their work to maintain our engagement in the region.” Also see: Comment from A New Policy on that new DMFI “approach”: X-post 10/1/26: So Israel-First org @DemMaj4Israel (DMFI) sent out a set of pre-scripted social media posts for its followers to tweet about how excited they are by DMFI’s new vision for the U.S.-Israel relationship. Let’s check in on how that’s going!”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/30/26; X-post – “Israel’s election committee banned both major Arab parties four weeks before the election. If it wasn’t already clear, Netanyahu and his far-right allies want an Israel where Palestinian citizens, 20% of the population, have no voice at all. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL”

Members Get On the Record Re Anniversaty of 10/7 Attacks on Israel

Many, many members of both the House and Senate seemed to want to get on the record marking the 3rd anniversary of the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks on Israel, issuing statements (press releases and social media posts – sometimes multiple). The content/tone/focus of their statements varied, with many doubling down on Islamophobia and dehumanization of Palestinians; many grandstanding in support of/solidarity with Israel; quite a few blaming Iran for the attacks & using that to justify the war on Iran; a smaller number expressing varying degrees of concern for Palestinians; and some using the occasion to conflate criticism of Israeli’s actions over the past 3 years in Gaza with antisemitism [names listed in alphabetical order – and for sure I didn’t catch them all…]:

Special mention:

  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/7/26: X-post – “Three years ago today, Hamas murdered some 1,200 people in Israel, the vast majority of them civilians, committed horrific atrocities, and dragged 251 hostages into captivity. The attack against Israelis on October 7th was a horrific act of terrorism. Hamas murdered Israelis in cold blood at a music festival and in their kibbutzim. The deliberate killing of innocent people is never resistance. It is a crime against humanity. It is a war crime. Like any country facing a terrorist attack, Israel had the right to defend itself and go after Hamas. Tragically, the Netanyahu government in Israel did not wage a war against Hamas alone. It waged a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. More than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women, children and the elderly, and more than 175,000 have been wounded. Gaza’s homes, hospitals, schools and water systems have been reduced to rubble. Instead of continuing to provide military aid to the extremist government of Israel, the United States should be doing everything possible to provide and support humanitarian aid to the desperate people in Gaza and bring peace and justice to the region. The way to honor every person lost over these three years is to end the bloodshed: No more American weapons for the extremist Israeli government, a real and enforced ceasefire, full access to humanitarian aid, reconstruction by and for Palestinians, and a genuine path to a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. On this solemn day, we must come together to demand a lasting peace.”
  • Grassley (R-IA) 10/7/26: X-post – “2day marks the 3rd anniversary of brutal Hamas terrorist attack on Israel Thx Pres Trump 4 returning all hostages home & wrking w Board of Peace 4 complete disarmament The US must continue 2 support Israel against Iranian threats“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 10/7/26: X-post – “Today’s anniversary is a day for mourning but also for renewing resolve. Over the last three years, Israel has demonstrated extraordinary courage, resolve, and skill in destroying the Hamas terrorists who committed the October 7th attack and in dismantling the Iranian-controlled terrorist armies that the Iranian regime had built across the Middle East. These operations were a necessary, measured, and just response to the attack, in which Hamas murdered and kidnapped dozens of Americans alongside over 1,200 Israelis and other nationals, and have immeasurably enhanced Israeli and American national security. As I said immediately after the attack, I am committed to doing everything in my power and using every resource at my disposal to ensure that America’s policy is absolutely unequivocal: to ensure Israel has the military and diplomatic support to utterly eradicate Hamas, for as long as it takes.” [emphasis added]

Members Grandstanding in Support of Israel via Attacking NYC Mayor Mamdani for his (excellent) 10/7 Statement

On 10/7/26, NCY mayor Mamdani issued a thoughtful, compassionate, and factually accurate statement marking the anniversary of Hamas’s 10/7/23 attacks on Israel and their aftermath:

“This day is profoundly painful for so many New Yorkers. It marks three years since the horrific war crimes of October 7. On that day, Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 others. We grieve alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry that unthinkable loss.

“The suffering did not begin nor end that day. It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza, in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians—including more than 21,000 children. Even since the so-called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed. That suffering has intensified with every Israeli bomb dropped on ambulances waiting outside hospitals, every drone strike targeting a residential building or journalist, and every shipment of food aid turned away at a border crossing. Many New Yorkers are reckoning with this unbearable grief, and we mourn alongside them—all while knowing that our tax dollars fund these war crimes.

“Three years later, we must refuse to accept a world in which occupation and apartheid continue, where war crimes are met with impunity, and our federal government continues its complicity with every arms shipment.

“To honor the dead, we must fight for a world in which every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.”

This statement sparked outrage from a range of pro-Israel members of Congress (much of which was expressed in remarkably similar language/framing). Selected examples are below. Also see: Pro-Israel Democrats blast Mamdani for Oct. 7 anniversary statement (Jewish Insider 10/7/26); Mamdani draws bipartisan backlash for criticizing Israel on Oct. 7 anniversary (Politico 10/7/26); Mamdani defends Oct. 7 message that angered Jewish leaders, unnerved some Democrats (Washington Post 10/8/26)

As a reminder: as made crystal clear in their statements, for these members of Congress and their fellow travelers, there is NOT A SINGLE DAY out of the 364 days of the year that are not October 7th on which they consider it legitimate for people to mourn Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza that began on 10/7/23 and continues through the present day. For these members of Congress – as is expressed clearly in the statements below – anything Israel has done since 10/7/23 must be considered “defending herself“; well-documented facts about what Israel has done in Gaza must be considered “hotly-disputed allegations,” and “Hamas propaganda“; citing these facts can only be treated as an “embrace of radical Islam“, “extreme activism“, “blaming the victims,” and “demonization” and “trashing” of Israel that serves only to “offend” and “upset” the only people whose feelings matter — i.e., supporters of Israel, including in Congress and legacy pro-Israel organizations, who insist both on Israel’s innocence of any/all wrongdoing and on Israeli impunity against consequences for any/all its actions.

  • Stutzman (R-IN) 10/7/26: X-post (who goes the extra step of describing Hamas as Mamdani’s “terrorist friends in Gaza) – “Zohran if the October 7th attacks never happened Israel would have no need to launch an offensive on Hamas. Don’t forget what those monsters did to innocent Israelis and Palestinians who were celebrating with music, waking up at their kibbutz and standing guard at the border. Zohran stop the gaslighting and realize none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for your terrorist friends in Gaza!“
  • Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 10/7/26: X-post – “Desecrating the memory of murdered, innocent Jews today of all days and refusing to even condemn Hamas is obscene. There are 364 other days you can wrongly criticize Israel for defending herself. If you had respect for the dead, you’d just acknowledge the tragedy, but you don’t.”
  • House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 10/7/26: X-post – “There should be nothing complicated about condemning the horrors of October 7, @NYCMayor. Hamas murdered, kidnapped, and terrorized innocent people. Three years later, Jewish students continue to face antisemitism on college campuses. Jewish students deserve safety—not excuses for hate.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 10/7/26: X-post – “The world demonizes Israel 365 days a year. Perhaps, for just one day—October 7th—the critics of Israel could take a vacation from their hysterical hatred of the world’s only Jewish State and find it within themselves to express condolences for the thousands of Israelis murdered, maimed, mutilated, raped, and abducted at the hands of Hamas.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 10/7/26: X-post – “This is a reprehensible statement on the anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack by a Palestinian terrorist organization against innocent Israelis. In the guise of “grieving” with those mourning that day, Mayor Mamdani asserts as fact hotly disputed allegations that he knows full well will offend and further upset those same people he pretends to grieve with. On this day of all days, the Mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel embraces extreme activism instead of balanced leadership.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 10/7/26: X-post – “The alliance between the Marxists and the Islamists is personified by Zohran Mamdani. It’s disgraceful that he used October 7, when more than 1,000 Israelis and 49 Americans were killed, to promote Hamas propaganda. The left’s embrace of radical Islam is deeply alarming.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/7/26: X-post – “Mr. Mayor, you’re right that today is painful for Jews. You’re also the one making it worse. Blame the victims. Trash Israel. Wife likes posts cheering the attack. Thanks for the clarity”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 10/7/26: X-post – “Mayor Mamdani gave those murdered by Hamas terrorists a passing mention on the anniversary of their massacre. Jewish New Yorkers deserve a mayor who can grieve with them without an asterisk. We stand with the victims, their families, and the Jewish people.”
  • Moskowitz (D-FL) 10/7/26: X-post – “He basically said ‘The Jews that died, sad, but it’s their fault.’ He needs the city’s antisemitism policy for himself. Just an atrocious statement” Response on X from CIP’s Dylan Williams – “Shame on you, Congressman. The mayor rightly condemned the atrocities Hamas committed three years ago and those that Israel committed in response. Your defamatory comments are further proof that Democrats shouldn’t entrust you with any committee leadership role on these issues.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 10/7/26: X-post – “I’ll simplify the statement for everyone: @NYCMayor: ‘it’s the Jews fault they got butchered on October 7th.’ Hey Zohran, your Mr. Nice Guy bullshit isn’t fooling anyone anymore. We all know you are a rabid antisemite.”
  • Johnson (R-LA) 10/7/26: X-post – “Mayor Mamdani had an opportunity today to unite New Yorkers on the anniversary of the horrific tragedy of October 7th — where Hamas terrorists, bankrolled by Iran, brutally murdered, raped, and wounded 1,200+ innocent people and kidnapped 251 more — INCLUDING AMERICAN CITIZENS. But instead, he chose division. He purposefully omitted any mention of the grotesque reality of what those terrorists did. Any mention of the Jewish community, or that they suffered the deadliest attack since the Holocaust. And any reference to the alarming rise in antisemitism that we’ve seen in New York and across America since. His statement fuels even more targeting and hatred of Jewish Americans, and demonizes Israelis exercising their right to self-defense. Mayor Mamdani continues to sympathize with terrorists who commit atrocities, rather than those who have suffered unspeakable tragedy at their hands. New York deserves so much better.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/7/26: X-post – “Today should be a day to honor and remember those brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists three years ago — a time of somber reflection and mourning. The lives of those taken hostage, their families, and the families of those murdered forever changed on October 7, and they will never be the same. It is therefore appalling that any elected leader would politicize the anniversary of such an unspeakable tragedy, a day when armed terrorists gleefully took part in premeditated murder.”

Other 10/7/ Anniversary-Related Statements (incl re: protests)

  • Mace (R-SC) 10/8/26: X-post w/ video clip from Fox News – “America, we have a problem. Three years after the October 7 massacre, protesters on American soil are still glorifying Hamas. Imagine celebrating the terrorists behind 9/11. This is no different. Anyone excusing terrorism and murder has lost their moral compass.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/8/26: X-post – “Anyone wondering why Jewish Americans are afraid needs to look no further than the comments on posts from any Jewish public figure or even, sadly, synagogues. I’m appalled by the hate directed towards Temple Sinai in Las Vegas on a nonpolitical post about a time of joy and reflection for Jewish families. Sadly, rhetoric like this has become all too common. What starts online can manifest into real-world violence, which is why I’m pushing for synagogues across the country to have the resources they need to keep congregations safe.” Linked to article: ‘An alarming reality’: Oct. 7 continues to impact Las Vegas Jewish community
  • Schneider (D-IL) 10/7/26: X-post – “What happened last night at Northwestern was unacceptable. It is disgraceful that the community cannot gather to honor October 7 survivors without fear and interruption. There must be an investigation into the incident and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Imagine being so committed to a political narrative that you would rather silence survivors of October 7 than let them share the truth. And the fact that so many are openly celebrating October 7 on campuses and places across the country makes it even more grotesque. This is exactly what Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib points to: a ‘pro-Palestine’ movement so consumed by its own narrative that many of its loudest voices still cannot bring themselves to unequivocally condemn Hamas or acknowledge the horror of October 7. You don’t get to celebrate a terrorist group and then pretend you are standing for humanity. You don’t get to chant about justice while trying to prevent survivors from being heard. October 7 was not ‘liberation.’ It was not ‘resistance.’ It was a day in which Hamas murdered, kidnapped, and brutalized innocent civilians. Full stop.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/6/26: X-post – “Let’s be clear: choosing the third anniversary of October 7 to glorify the barbaric murder of 1,200 people, including Americans, as ‘resistance’ is deeply offensive and morally bankrupt. In America, we don’t glorify terrorists as ‘martyrs.’ We condemn them. When you glorify political violence, you only invite more of it.” With an image of a poster advertising a protest on 10/7 that includes language supporting “resistance” and “martyrs” and includes an upside-down triangle (reported in the Algemeiner; also see X-post from sponsoring organization)
  • Torres (D-NY) 10/5/26: X-post – “The far left sees October 7th—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust—not as an occasion to mourn the 1,200 Israelis murdered in an act of terror but as an occasion to romanticize the mass murder of Jews as ‘resistance.’ The inevitable consequence of glorifying political violence is political violence itself. That is the dangerous direction in which American politics seems to be heading.” With an image of a poster advertising a protest on 10/7 that includes language supporting “resistance” and “martyrs” and includes an upside-down triangle (reported in the Algemeiner; also see X-post from sponsoring organization)

Targeting Palestinians & their supporters in the US 

  • Fine (R-FL) 10/6/26: X-post – “A Brooklyn teacher is accused of writing ‘Long live Yahya Al-Sinwar,’ the mastermind of the October 7th Muslim terror attack. This is who they are putting in front of our children. Someone that praises the butcher of Jews has no business in a classroom — fire his ass!”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/1/26: X-post – “Salah Sarsour is a legal resident of the United States, has lived here more than 30 years, and is a pillar of the Milwaukee community. Yet he is being threatened for deportation for no apparent reason other than his advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights.”
  • Lee (D-PA) 10/1/26: X-post – “ICE abducted Salah Sarsour for speaking out against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and now Trump is trying to deport him after nearly 30 years of calling America home. This is an unconstitutional attack on free speech and another attempt to silence advocacy for Palestinian human rights. Free Salah Sarsour. Abolish ICE.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/2/26: X-post – “An immigration court unjustly ruled that Salah Sarsour is deportable to Jordan, a county where he isn’t from and could endanger his life. The targeting of Palestinian advocates is an unconstitutional attempt to silence us. The fight continues. We won’t give up until Salah is home with his family.”
  • Baldwin (D-WI) 9/30/26: X-post – “This Trump administration is focused on the wrong things and the wrong people. Salah, who is here legally and has no U.S. criminal record, should not be deported or targeted by ICE. The administration needs to drop this case.”

Violence on (and attempt to crash) FlyDubai Flight – sympathy, solidarity, and Islamophobia

  • Schneider (D-IL) 10/3/26: X-post – “The FlyDubai terrorist attack is a reminder of the threats that have long confronted the Middle East. But it also shows what’s possible when people respond with courage and cooperation. Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s heroic actions helped save 174 lives. Israeli passengers heroically subdued the hijacker, and the aircraft was brought safely to the ground in Saudi Arabia, where the wounded are receiving lifesaving care. The region remains turbulent and fraught with challenges, but it’s moments like these that show what is possible when brave people and countries choose life and work to protect one another. Wishing Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/2/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Israel avoided its own 9/11. After 9/11 we locked the cockpit door so a terrorist could not get in. This time the terrorist was already inside. How many lone wolves does it take before we admit there is an issue with the entire herd?”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/2/26: X-post w/ video clip – “A jihadist terrorist was sitting in the cockpit of an Israel-bound flight. If he had gotten that door shut, a planeload of people would be dead. Changes have to be made NOW. We can’t keep letting these monsters do this.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Welcomed new Consul General of Israel to Los Angeles @IsraelinLA, Ambassador Modi Ephraim @AmbModiEphraim I commended the bravery of the Israeli passengers on the Flydubai flight; and we had a frank conversation about the challenges facing the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
  • Meeks (D-NY) 10/1/26: X-post – “Capt. Smit Machchhar and those who helped him are heroes. Their bravery in fending off the attacker and safely landing FlyDubai Flight 1073 in Saudi Arabia saved nearly 200 lives and prevented a devastating tragedy. A thorough investigation is needed to ensure this never happens again.”
  • Knott (R-NC) 10/1/26: X-post – “What the media refers to as a ‘flight altercation’ was an attempted attack by a radical Islamic terrorist disguised as a pilot who tried to crash a plane bound for Israel, full of civilians.”
  • Stevens (D-MI) 10/1/26: X-post – “A plane full of innocent people flying to Israel experienced a horrific attack. That is horrifying, and I condemn it unequivocally. I keep coming back to is what people did next. Passengers and crew ran toward danger and saved lives. And when they landed in Saudi Arabia, Jewish passengers were met with care, food, coffee, and basic human kindness. There is a lesson in that. Humanity is all around and shines brightly when we dare to see it. We cannot allow the worst or most extreme among us to define our humanity. I keep coming back to what people did next.und and shines brightly when we dare to see it. We cannot allow the worst or most extreme among us to define our humanity.”
  • Coons (D-DE) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m disturbed by reports of what may be an attempted terrorist attack on a plane headed to Israel earlier this morning. I’m grateful all passengers are safe, and my prayers are with the pilot and survivors who helped avert a greater tragedy today.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m horrified by reports of an attempted terrorist attack on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia. As we wait for more details to emerge, I’m so relieved everyone aboard the flight is now safe and made it to their destination. I want to thank the brave passengers who stepped up to keep their fellow passengers safe and avert a tragedy. I also want to applaud the professionalism and diplomacy of Saudi Arabia in how they handled the situation.”
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m greatly relieved that all the passengers on flyDubai1073 are safe, and I applaud Captain Smit Machchhar of India and the many Israelis who displayed such heroism in preventing what could have been a horrible tragedy. Their brave action saved countless lives, and I wish for their continued safety as today’s events are thoroughly investigated. My thanks to those in Saudi Arabia as well for their warmth, hospitality, and professionalism in dealing with this emergency.”
  • Luna (R-TX) 9/30/26: X-post – “We’re very happy to hear that everyone is safe.”
  • Biggs (R-AZ) 9/30/26: X-post – “I am incredibly grateful that a horrific catastrophe was avoided today aboard the Israel-bound flight. A higher power was definitely watching over every single soul on board and on the ground. My prayers are with our Israeli allies and friends for their continued safety as they face constant threats around the world.”
  • Calvert (R-SC) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m thankful for the bravery of those who acted to prevent a tragedy. Israelis continue to face horrific attacks that intentionally target civilians. The U.S. should stand with Israel to support efforts that protect civilians & secure a more peaceful future for the region.”
  • Stanton (R-AZ) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m relieved that every passenger aboard FlyDubai 1073 is safe tonight, and I’m praying for the pilot who was seriously wounded in the attack. While we’re still learning details, it appears this was a deliberate act of terror to bring down a plane full of civilians on their way to Israel. The passengers who fought their way into the cockpit to subdue the attacker are nothing short of heroic.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/30/26: X-post – “Another Islamist terrorist just tried to hijack a plane to kill over 170 innocent people heading to Israel. Thank G-d he was stopped. These people aren’t satisfied with 9/11—they are focused on bringing more bloodshed across the world. May this monster be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We will not let evil win.”

Palestine, incl West Bank Violence by Settlers & IDF

  • DeLauro (D-CT) 10/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “No family should be held captive in their home. Yusuf Shanaran, his wife, & four children have been trapped inside their house for days now. Masked settlers have attacked them & their home ignoring orders to stop. The @IDF has a responsibility to protect this family & their home.”
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 10/8/26: DeLauro Calls for End to West Bank Settlements, Violence
  • Garcia (D-TX) 10/6/26: X-post – “For years, the Israeli government has systematically destroyed the health system in Palestine, murdering at least 1,700 Palestinian doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers and destroying dozens of hospitals. Proud to join my colleagues in demanding the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all other arbitrarily detained healthcare workers and Palestinian prisoners.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/6/26: X-post – “Anti-Palestinian hate continues to put the lives of our neighbors in danger. Hate, bigotry, and racism in all their forms have no place in our communities. We must continue to root out all forms of violence and recognize our shared humanity. ALL our neighbors deserve safety, dignity, and peace.” Linked to ABC 7 X-post w/ link to article – “A small group of far-right activists descended on the site of a Palestinian festival in Bridgeview. They called for death to Palestine as some counter-protesters launched rocks toward them.”
  • Garcia (D-TX) 10/6/26: X-post – “I am disgusted by the racism, Islamophobia, and hatred displayed this past weekend by right wing extremists at an annual Palestinian Festival. Little Palestine is a vibrant community rooted in shared humanity and one that I am proud to represent in Congress. The community will stand strong against these despicable attacks.” Linked to ABC 7 X-post w/ link to article – “A small group of far-right activists descended on the site of a Palestinian festival in Bridgeview. They called for death to Palestine as some counter-protesters launched rocks toward them.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/6/26: X-post – “Today, Wadee Alfayoumi would’ve celebrated his 9th birthday. But anti-Palestinian hate took the life of this beloved child. In his honor, let’s realize a future of true safety and opportunities for all our children. Happy heavenly birthday, Wadee.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/6/26: X-post – “Israel’s systematic destruction of the Palestinian healthcare system and targeting of healthcare workers is at the heart of its genocide. We must stand up for those targeted for saving lives. Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Free Dr. Mazen Rantisi. Free Dr. Dima Amin.”
  • Garcia (D-IL) 10/6/26: García, Colleagues Issue Joint Statement Condemning Israel’s Persecution of Palestinian Healthcare Workers
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/2/26: X-post – “Settler violence in the West Bank continues to claim Palestinian lives and lands. I joined @RepChuyGarcia in condemning the violence by Israeli settlers, police, and military in the village of al-Mughayyir in the occupied West Bank. Perpetrators of settler violence in the West Bank must be held accountable. We must pass the Block the Bombs Act and end impunity for violence against Palestinians.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/2/26: X-post – “Israeli settlements are illegal land grabs that are violently displacing Palestinians from their homes. The US must use our leverage to stop settlement expansion and attempted annexation of the West Bank. I support @JoaquinCastrotx’s bill to crack down on these illegal settlements and those who facilitate their construction and expansion.”
  • Garcia (D-IL) 10/1/26: X-post – “I support the release of Marwan Barghouti. He did not receive a fair trial and has been tortured in Israeli prison for over 20 years. He is a popular and unifying voice for the Palestinian people, and as we push to end Israel’s atrocities, his release would help advance freedom and self-determination for Palestine. Marwan — and everyone unjustly detained by Israel — must be released.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/29/26: X-post – “In January 2024 I forced a vote to investigate human rights abuses by Israel in Gaza. Only 11 Senators supported it. Today, 47 Senators voted on a similar resolution to investigate Israel’s actions in the West Bank. Listen to the American people: NO MORE MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.”

Egypt

  • McGovern (D-MA) 10/8/26: McGovern calls for the release of detained Egyptian journalists
  • McGovern (D-MA) 10/8/26: X-post – “Egypt arrested an entire independent newsroom simply for doing their jobs. Journalism is not a crime, and this attack on press freedom cannot stand. The six Matsadaash journalists must be released immediately…”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/6/26; X-post – “Egypt’s arrest of the six journalists at Matsadaash is a brazen assault on press freedom. I agree with Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders and the 80 other groups objecting to ‘Egyptian authorities’ failure to allow free expression to thrive.”
  • Merkley (D-OR) 10/4/26: X-post – “Egypt’s raids and arrests of journalists at Matsadaash are an attack on independent investigative journalism. This clear disregard for press freedom is completely unacceptable, and these journalists must be released immediately.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/3/26: X-post – “The Trump admin just waived human rights conditions on $300 million in military aid to the dictatorship in Egypt. The same week, Egypt’s government arrested the entire newsroom of an independent outlet. NO MORE U.S. WEAPONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSERS”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/2/26: X-post – “The Egyptian govt has arrested & disappeared 6 journalists, with zero justification — the largest crackdown in years. Journalism is not a crime. The Egyptian govt must disclose their locations, provide access to their legal rights, & release all six immediately.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 10/2/26: X-post – “As Co-Chairs of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus, @RepDelBene and I are urging the Egyptian government government to release the 6 journalists affiliated with independent investigative journalism platform Matsadaash.” Also see: Beyer (D-VA) 10/2/26: Egypt Human Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Urge Immediate Release of Detained Egyptian Journalists

Lebanon

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/8/26: X-post – “Hezbollah terrorists must be disarmed. It’s a message I’ve delivered again and again, and, last week, I carried it directly to Lebanese leaders on our bipartisan Intelligence Committee trip to Beirut. Lebanon has an opportunity to break Iran’s death grip and chart a safer future for its people. America will keep pressing for results…”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/1/26: Gottheimer Co-Leads Bipartisan House Intelligence Committee Trip to Lebanon [“Presses to Meet Obligations of Trilateral Agreement with U.S. and Israel; Fully Disarm Hezbollah, Remove Iran’s Influence, and Return Lebanon to the Lebanese People; Critical to Lebanon’s Long-Term Success”]

Saudi/The Gulf

  • Merkley (D-OR) 10/6/26: X-thread – “We’re about to sleepwalk into a gravely dangerous nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, and not enough people are talking about this. Here’s what’s happening…In July, Trump announced a deal that creates a path to enriching uranium in Saudi Arabia—a deal that raises a real possibility of Saudi Arabia using that enriched uranium to build a nuclear bomb. What’s the Trump Admin. saying about this? That we should trust the Saudi government. HELL NO. If Saudi Arabia were serious about giving up its goal of building a nuclear bomb, it would agree to comprehensive inspections and give up domestic enrichment and reprocessing power. And to put this into further context, Trump and Republicans railed against Obama’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which capped enrichment at 3.67% for 15 years. Want to know how much the Trump Administration deal with Saudi Arabia opens the door to? 20%!!! And if the door is open to Saudi Arabia enriching uranium, other countries—including Iran—will never agree to accept restrictions on enrichment. This is a path to a nuclear warhead arms race, endangering the whole world’s security. So, I’m sounding the alarm about this, because promises that the Saudi nuclear program will be purely for civilian use are bogus. I will fight like hell to make sure we don’t sleepwalk into a dangerous deal.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/6/26: X-post responding to one of Sen. Murphy’s (D-CT) posts from his Gulf tour – “Qatar spends billions buying influence on our campuses and pushing its values into our country. American universities do not belong in the pocket of a regime that bankrolls Muslim terror. We should not be meeting with them.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 10/5/26: X-post – “The Mecca Defense Alliance has the potential to be the NATO of the Middle East. I am grateful to our allies Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia for activating the alliance in the face of Houthi Iranian-backed aggression.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/5/26: Murphy Lands in Middle East as Iran War Rages On [NOTE: Murphy posted many, many updates about his trip on social media (X). You can find those posts here.
  • Sherman (D-CA) 9/25/26: X-post w/ link to YouTube video – “U.S. intelligence now assesses that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons program. Last week on @PBS @NewsHour, I explained why the proposed U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal provides woefully inadequate safeguards against exactly this threat.”

Iran War

  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 10/5/25: X-post – “Americans deserve details about failings at Port Shuaiba that cost brave lives. New reports raise serious questions that cry out for independent investigation.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/2/26: X-post – “The President, who continues to hide service member casualties, is now sending up to another 10,000 troops to his illegal war of choice in Iran. When Trump says he’s planning on renewing his war next month, believe him. Congress must cut off funding.”

Khashoggi Murder

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years ago, Jamal Khashoggi was murdered by agents of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for reporting the truth. Today, we remember his life, his courage, and his voice that continues to carry on. We continue to fight for a press free from oppression and persecution—here and abroad.”
  • Markey (D-MA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Today’s the 8th anniversary of the brutal slaying of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, ordered by Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We cannot trust Saudi leaders, yet Trump wants to allow them to enrich uranium that could be used for nuclear bombs. Stop the deal.”
  • Kaine (D-VA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years ago today, the Saudi government directed the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Virginia resident and journalist dedicated to shining a light on the truth. As we honor his memory, we must remember his courage, continue to fight for accountability for those behind his murder, and recommit ourselves to defending the freedom of the press around the world.”
  • Schiff (D-CA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years since the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, ordered the brutal torture and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and no one in the Saudi government has been held accountable. (We may even help them with a nuclear program.) At a time when freedom of the press is under threat both at home and abroad, I won’t stop demanding justice for Khashoggi’s murder and protection of the press.”
  • Vindman (D-VA) 10/2/26: VINDMAN, VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENT ON 8TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAMAL KHASHOGGI’S MURDER
  • Vindman (D-VA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years ago today, Virginia resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered. Today, I joined colleagues in Virginia’s Democratic delegation in renewing our call for President Trump to release the transcript of his 2019 call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following Khashoggi’s murder. Eight years is far too long to wait for answers. The Khashoggi family and the American people deserve the truth.”
  • Walkinshaw (D-VA) 10/2/26: Walkinshaw, Vindman, Virginia Democrats Release Statement on 8th Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

Islamophobia in US elex/politics

  • Luna (R-FL) 10/6/26: X-post – “You cannot have allegiance to two countries. El-Sayed has dual citizenship and is bragging about it in this speech. Dual citizens should be banned from serving in office. This is a massive national security risk.” [As a reminder, currently there are 26 foreign-born members of the House and 6 foreign-born members of the Senate; there is no data on how many of these members of Congress hold dual nationality]
  • Roy (R-TX) 10/6/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with our Constitution and has no place in America. But it’s on the rise. That’s why Rep. Roy and @RepKeithSelf launched the Sharia Free America Caucus to FIGHT back.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/5/26: X-post – “Floridians should never be forced to hear the Muslim Call to Prayer blasted through their neighborhoods five times a day. We cannot stand back and let our country be conquered by Islamists who seek its destruction. I will not let it happen.”

  • Brecheen (R-OK) 10/5/26; X-post – “We must continue to fight against Sharia Law in America! Sharia is completely at odds with our Republic and has no place in our nation. We must stop its spread before it’s too late. It is an honor to be part of @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy’s Sharia Free America Caucus where 70 @HouseGOP members from 25 states, including myself and @RepBice from Oklahoma, are actively fighting this radical ideology.”
  • Moore (R-AL) 10/5/26: X-post – “Proud to see the Sharia-Free America Caucus grow to more than 70 members. We have one foundation of law in America: the United States Constitution. Any effort to establish sharia law as governing is completely incompatible with this fundamental principle.”
  • Luna (R-FL) 10/2/26: X-post – “Call me old school but I don’t think anyone with ties to Middle Eastern terror cells should be serving in U.S. government”‘
  • Simpson (R-ID) 10/2/26: X-post – “Americans nationwide just remembered 25 years since radical Islamic terrorists killed 2,977 people, and the threat of Sharia law in the United States continues to be on the rise. Sharia law has no place in this country and is incompatible with American values, our way of life, and the United States Constitution. Proud to join @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy’s Sharia Free America Caucus.”
  • Self (R-TX) 10/1/26: X-post – “We’ve seen what’s happened in the United Kingdom: Muslim rape gangs. Mass migration. A dying culture. We can’t let that happen here in America. BAN SHARIA.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/1/26: X-post – “The United Kingdom arrests people for mean words but is releasing Muslim terrorists on bail who were arrested for trying to kill American soldiers. Insanity happening across the pond. The UK has fallen.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 10/1/26: X-post – “‘Our broken immigration system led the U.S. to import well over 2 million aliens from Muslim-majority countries after 9/11. That can only be described as national suicide,’ Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told @DailySignal @pedrobrodrigue7. ‘I am glad to see that the Trump administration appears to have reduced this abusive ‘legal’ immigration while stopping most of the illegal flow at our southern border,’ Roy continued.“
  • Self (R-TX) 9/25/26: X-post – “There are 1,400 years of history demonstrating the ambitions and objectives of political Islam—from Egypt and Syria to the United Kingdom and beyond. The recent U.K. rape gangs report was a horrifying wake-up call for those unaware of Sharia’s influence in Europe. Such vile behavior can never be tolerated in America.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Delaware

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Kansas

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Maine

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Michigan

[Note: Betweem Oct 1 and Oct 8, Jewish Insider has published a whopping 8 articles against Abdul El-Sayed race]

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Texas

Members of House & Senate in the Middle East

Other stuff

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

New FMEP podcasts:

1. Bills & Resolutions

WE NEED ANSWERS RE: WEST BANK VIOLENCE) S. Res. 852 [resolution text]: Introduced 9/14/26 by Van Hollen (D-MD) and having 25 cosponsors (24 Democrats plus Sanders, I-VT), “A resolution requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.”  Rejected on the Senate floor 9/29/26 by a vote of 47-51, with all Democrats but Fetterman (D-VA) voting YES, and all Republicans but Paul (R-KY) voting NO [note that this was a procedural vote – a vote to discharge the resolution from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations – that in the case was, in effect, an up-down vote on the underlying resolution]. Also see:

(FAR-REACHING, MANDATORY SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL FOR SETTLEMENT ACTIVITY) HR XXXX [bill text]: On 9/30/26, Rep. Castro (D-CA) issues a press release – Castro, Dean, Beyer, Casar, Jacobs, Escobar to Introduce Sanctions on Drivers of Settlement Expansion. As of this writing, the bill does not yet show up in the Congressional Record.  Per the press release, the bill has at least 41 cosponsors (listed by name), and is being supported by: J Street; New Jewish Narrative; IMEU; American Committee for Middle East Rights; A New Policy; Center for International Policy; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Refugees International; and Win Without War. Also see: one-pager explaining the bill. See sponsoring members’ websites and social media accounts for statements.

(AMCITS KILLED BY HAMAS ON 10/7/23) S. Res. 938 [resolution text]: Introduced 9/30/27 by Scott (R-FL) and Rosen (D-NV), “A resolution to honor the Americans killed by Hamas terrorists and their affiliates on and after October 7, 2023, to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to seek legal justice on behalf of their families, and for other purposes.” Considered and agreed to in the Senate 9/30/26 by Unanimous Consent. Also see: press release – Sens. Rick Scott, Jacky Rosen Resolution Remembering Americans Murdered by Hamas in October 7th Terrorist Attacks Unanimously Passes Senate

(NO AID TO THE PA OR OTHER PALESTINIAN GOVERNING ENTITIES) S.  5589: Introduced 9/29/26 by Paul (R-KY), “A bill to prohibit United States foreign assistance to the Palestinian Authority and other Palestinian governing entities in the West Bank and Gaza unless certain conditions are met, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. NOTE: No text of this bill is available as of this writing. That said, U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority is already prohibited under U.S. law (the Taylor Force Act, as well as annual appropriations law), which raises the question: is this legislation seeking to also bar U.S. assistance to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)? [NCAG is the “temporary” body established by Trump’s Board of Peace to manage Gaza according to the will of Israel and the Trump Administration — scare quotes are because “temporary” things often become permanent in this context]

(LEGISLATING IRS GRACE FOR AMERICANS HELD HOSTAGE) HR 9496: Introduced 6/29/26 by Tenney (R-NY) and 2 cosponsors (both Democrats), the “End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.” Passed by the House 9/15/96 by Voice Vote; passed by the Senate 9/30/26 by Unanimous Consent. As noted in the 9/11/26 edition of the Round-Up: This legislation was first introduced after the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking. Since then, the IRS has repeatedly implemented special tax relief for the broad categories of “taxpayers affected by terroristic action in the State of Israel throughout 2024 and 2025,” “taxpayers affected by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel” and “taxpayers affected by terroristic action in Israel throughout 2023 and 2024.” Taken together, these policies have (so far) postponed tax payments/filings for affected individuals (going well beyond those taken hostage to include potentially a huge number of Israelis) for three years.

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

Jewish Insider 9/30/26: Senate Judiciary Committee cancels planned markup of buffer zone bill

4. Selected Members on the Record

NOTE: Due to travel, this week there is only a very abbreviated “members on the record” section.

Garcia (D-IL) 10/1/26: X-post – “Palestinians in al-Mughayyir – including relatives of my constituents – are being killed and condemned to lives of poverty, deprivation, and terror by Israeli settlers, police, and military. Today I led a letter to Ambassador Huckabee urging him to visit the village, meet with residents, and outline what concrete steps the U.S. will take with the Israeli government to stop these atrocities.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/1/26: Gottheimer Co-Leads Bipartisan House Intelligence Committee Trip to Lebanon [“Presses to Meet Obligations of Trilateral Agreement with U.S. and Israel; Fully Disarm Hezbollah, Remove Iran’s Influence, and Return Lebanon to the Lebanese People; Critical to Lebanon’s Long-Term Success”]

Khanna (D-CA) 9/25/26: X-post – “I am calling for the release of Marwan Bhargouti from Israeli prison”

Tlaib (D-MI) 9/25/26: X-post – “University of Michigan’s repression against anti-genocide student protestors is one of the most egregious infringements on academic freedom. The threat to free speech is not just coming from the White House. I stand with our brave students…”

Khanna (D-CA) 9/28/26: X-post – “I am opposing Section 219, that would integrate our military with Israel’s. The United States does not have this arrangement with any other country in the world. We need to stand up for American sovereignty and strip this provision from the final NDAA.”

Sanders (I-VT) 9/29/26: X-post – “Israel’s election committee banned both major Arab parties four weeks before the election. If it wasn’t already clear, Netanyahu and his far-right allies want an Israel where Palestinian citizens, 20% of the population, have no voice at all. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL”

Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/30/26: X-post – “Tonight, 47 Senators supported my resolution to get accountability for the 9 Americans killed on the West Bank & for Palestinians who face injustices daily. That’s more support than we’ve ever had in this fight. Republicans blocked us, but we won’t stop until we get justice.”

Tlaib (D-MI) 9/29/26: X-post – “US citizens murdered by the Israeli apartheid regime since 2022: Omar Assad | Shireen Abu Akleh | Tawfic Abdel Jabbar | Mohammad Khdour | Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi | Amer Rabee | Sayfollah Kamel Musallet |Khamis Ayyad | Nasrallah Abu Siyam | Meanwhile, our government keeps sending weapons. Enough. The Senate must pass Sen. @ChrisVanHollen‘s accountability resolution this week.”

Tlaib (D-MI) 9/30/26: X-post – “UPDATE: Naqaa Hamed, a journalist detained by the Israeli military, is free! This emotional video reminds us of what we’re fighting for: a Palestine free from apartheid. There are at least 38 other journalists still in Israeli detention who must be released. Welcome home, Naqaa.”

Ramirez (D-IL) 9/30/26: X-post – “Salah must be immediately released and returned to his community in Wisconsin! The immigration system and courts are being weaponized to persecute and target those who dare to dissent. While today’s court ruling was disappointing, we will continue to defend our constitutional rights, dismantle DHS, and protect our neighbors!”

Tlaib (D-MI) 10/1/26: X-post – “The Egyptian government’s arrest of these 6 journalists—the entire Matsadaash newsroom—is an unprecedented escalation in its attacks on press freedom. The Egyptian government must immediately release these journalists.”

5. Selected Media

NOTE: Due to travel, this week there is only a very abbreviated “selected media” section.

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast & FMEP on other podcasts:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(WE NEED ANSWERS RE: WEST BANK VIOLENCE) S. Res. 852 [resolution text]: Introduced 9/14/26 by Van Hollen (D-MD) and 21 cosponsors (20 Democrats plus Sanders, I-VT), “A resolution requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions). Also see: press release 9/15/26 – Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders Lead 20 Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence

(POSING AS A DEFENDER OF RIGHTS TO SHAMELESSLY MISREPRESENT & MILK ISOLATED INCIDENT OF PROTEST AGAINST ISRAEL’S GAZA GENOCIDE) HR 10363: Introduced 9/14/26 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To prohibit discrimination in coffee shops, cafés, tea houses, or other informal dining establishments on the ground of religion, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Grounds for Discrimination Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: The appears to be the bill that Gottheimer told the press back he was introducing 6/24/26 (but did not actually introduce at that time) in response to the 6/21/26 incident in which a cafe owner in New York posted on Instagram that Rep Goldman (R-NY) – who had visited the cafe that day – was not welcome there, noting “We don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers or anyone in between. Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away.” Defenders of Israel, including Gottheimer, immediately sought to portray this as illegal discrimination based on Goldman’s identity (i.e., Goldman’s identity as a Jew), as opposed to legitimate objections to Goldman’s political views and actions as a member of Congress in support of those views with respect to Israel and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The fact that this bill is being introduced now — the same week that Robert Kraft and friends,  applauded and supported by pro-Israel members of Congress and legacy Jewish community organizations like the ADL, used the threat of cutting off access to concert venues to successfully pressure Ed Sheeran into cutting Macklemore from his tour, as punishment for Mackelmore’s pro-Palestinian/anti-genocide views/speech — is just the cherry on this “you’ve to go be kidding me” self-righteous sundae [about which Gottheimer posted on X: “Macklemore didn’t get censored — he got dropped. Actions have consequences. A record of antisemitism and disinformation from the stage made him a liability, and the venues made the right call.” — so apparently “consequences for thee who criticize Israel/object to genocide, but not for me and others who defend Israel and genocide!”] Also see: Rep. Gottheimer’s Fix for Discrimination Against Jews and Israel Supporters Doesn’t Help Jews or Israel Supporters (Haaretz 9/17/26)

(WAR POWERS ACT – REMOVING US FROM WAR WITH IRAN) H. Con. Res. 93: Introduced 4/28/26 by Moulton (D-MA) and currently having 14 cosponsors (all Democrats), “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” On 9/14/26, the House agreed, by unanimous consent, that “it be in order at any time to consider H. Con. Res. 93 in the House if called up by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or his designee, that the concurrent resolution be considered as read, and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution to adoption without intervening motion except for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by Representative Mast of Florida and Representative Moulton of Massachusetts or their respective designees.” Based on that, on 9/15/26 Mast called up H. Con. Res. 93 (floor consideration is here), after which the House passed the H. Con. Res. 93 by a vote of 220-204 [with all Democrats plus 7 Republicans voting YES]. Also see: House passes Iran war powers resolution with record seven Republican supporters (Jewish Insider 9/16/26); House Directs Trump to Halt War With Iran or Secure Congress’s Approval (New York Times 9/15/26); Meeks (D-NY) statement 9/15/26: ““We are nearly 200 days into this illegal and unauthorized war, and what do the American people have to show for it? Soaring gas prices, rising mortgage rates and inflation, tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer dollars wasted, 19 U.S. service members killed and more than 750 more wounded. Despite all the costs, none of the administration’s stated objectives with Iran have been achieved. Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program remains intact, and it continues to demonstrate leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before Trump started this war. This is now the third War Powers Resolution that has passed the House to end this war, including my own resolution which passed both chambers. The president must end this failed war and appoint real diplomats, not real estate developers, to work multilaterally on a diplomatic solution that opens the Strait and reduces tensions. The American people have made it clear that they do not support this war, and the Constitution does not grant Trump the authority to wage it without the consent of the people and their representatives.” Also see: House Passes Moulton’s War Powers Resolution to Reclaim Congressional Authority to Declare War

(IRAN & RUSSIA SANCTIONS) HR 5334: Introduced 9/11/25 by Panetta (D-CA) and having 23 cosponsors as the “Supporting Early-childhood Educators’ Deductions Act of 2025” or the “SEED Act of 2025.” Passed by the House (as the SEED Act) 4/27/26 by Voice Vote and sent to the Senate. Passed by the Senate 8/7/26 by a vote of 86-11, after first deleting the entire House-passed text and repurposing the bill into a vehicle for a completely different piece of legislation, offered by Darline Graham (R-SC), subsequently entitled the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” That new bill was then referred to the House, which on 9/16/26 passed (this hugely consequential foreign policy legislation — without any hearings or normal floor consideration) — under suspension of the rules, by a vote of 262-159 (58 Democrats votes YES, 7 Republicans voted NO). Also see:

  • Media: House passes Russia sanctions bill (Axios 9/16/26); House Democrats face divisions on Russian sanctions bill (Axios 9/15/26); House passes Iran, Russia sanctions bill, over objections from leading Democrats (Jewish Insider 9/16/26)
  • Statement from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Meeks (D-NY) about the bill: “I am committed to stopping Russia’s brutality against Ukraine. So, from the beginning, I have said that I would have supported a version of this bill that forced Donald Trump to actually place more sanctions on Russia and prevented him from using fresh tariff authorities to go after our partners and allies. It is regrettable that House Republicans and the Senate refused to engage and improve the bill, place more guardrails on its tariff authorities, or mandate sanctions in the bill to be implemented. What passed the House today will give President Trump sweeping new tariff authorities he can abuse, as he has done before, to bring yet more economic harm on the American people. President Trump already has all the authorities to impose the Russia sanctions in this bill, but he has refused to do so—and has even lifted existing Russia sanctions as recently as this morning. Given his actions, there is no reason to believe this bill will do anything to help Ukraine, and every reason to believe it will result in more Trump trade wars. I want nothing more than to be proven wrong and see President Trump implement this bill as its proponents intend. But, in the likely event he doesn’t, I will do everything in my power to make sure Congress holds him to account, the American people do not get further crushed by his inflationary tariffs, and that Ukraine receives real support.”
  • AIPAC 9/16/26: X-post – “AIPAC applauds Congress for passing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act. The Iran Sanctions Act underpins most sanctions on the Iranian regime and was set to expire this year. We thank the Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate for including this critical provision, which is essential to maintaining the economic pressure on Iran. We encourage Congress to build on this momentum now by quickly passing the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, which cleared the House in March with broad support, so the United States maintains every economic tool available to counter the Iranian regime.” Comment on AIPAC X-post from CIP’s Dylan Williams: ” You lobbied to break the Iran Deal, impose ever-increasing sanctions and start a war. Now 18 US servicemembers are dead and hundreds wounded. Iran chokes oil supplies as Americans go into debt for gas and groceries. And you have the temerity to demand more sanctions and bombs?”

(SAUDI NUCLEAR PROGRAM) H. J. Res. 217: Introduced 9/16/26 by Meeks (D-NY) and 3 cosponsors (all Democrats), “Disapproving the proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia submitted to the Congress on September 14, 2026.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Meeks, Sherman, Garamendi & Beyer Announce JRD on U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement; House Dems introduce resolution to disapprove Saudi nuclear deal (Jewish News Syndicate 9/17/26)

(REMOVING THE US FROM HOSTILITIES WITHIN OR AGAINST OMAN) S. J. Res. 215: Introduced 9/16/26 by Kaine (D-VA) and Schiff (D-CA), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Sultanate of Oman that have not been authorized by Congress.“  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Kaine & Schiff File Oman War Powers Resolution

(DISAPPROVING OF MILITARY SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA) S. J. Res. 216: Introduced 9/16/26 by Markey (D-MA), Sanders (I-VT) and and Merkley (D-OR), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(WAR POWERS ACT – REMOVING US FROM WAR WITH IRAN) H. Con. Res. 117: Introduced 9/15/26 by Houlahan (D-PA), “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(SANCTION THE HOUTHIS, TARGETING IRAN!) HR 10354: Introduced 9/14/26 by Wilson (R-SC), “To impose targeted sanctions on the Houthi terrorists and their supporters, and to support the internationally recognized Government of Yemen in their fight against Houthi terrorists,” aka the “Free Yemen from Iran Act.”  Referred to the Committees on: Foreign Affairs; the Judiciary; and Armed Services. Also see: Wilson X-post announcing the bill – “The Houthis are a foreign Iranian puppet that have nothing to do with the indigenous people of Yemen. The creation of a new Iranian terrorist colony on the Gulf of Aden will not be permitted. The Free Yemen from Iran Act will support the people of Yemen’s efforts to liberate their own country including through security assistance to Yemen’s government & new biting secondary sanctions on middle men, financiers and foreign countries facilitating Houthi activity. The cowardly Houthis hate the people of Yemen and are hated by the people of Yemen. They will go to the trashcan of history like brutal Assad. Free Yemen from Iran”. Media: Wilson’s ‘Free Yemen from Iran Act’ Proposes $300 Million in Aid and Sweeping Houthi Sanctions (Sheba Intelligence 9/15/26); U.S. Lawmaker Unveils ‘Liberating Yemen from Iran Act’ to Support Government (Yemen Monitor 9/15/26)

(LEGISLATING IRS GRACE FOR AMERICANS HELD HOSTAGE – WHICH–at least as relates to Israelis–THEY ARE ALREADY GETTING, PLUS MUCH MORE, FROM THE IRS) HR 9496: Introduced 6/29/26 by Tenney (R-NY) and 2 cosponsors (both Democrats), the “End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.” Passed by the House Ways and Means Committee 7/1/26 by a vote of 40-0; reported out of committee 9/8/26 (Report #119-797) and placed on the Union Calendar (meaning it can come up for a vote anytime). NOTE: This legislation was first introduced after the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking. Since then, the IRS has repeatedly implemented special tax relief for the broad categories of “taxpayers affected by terroristic action in the State of Israel throughout 2024 and 2025,” “taxpayers affected by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel” and “taxpayers affected by terroristic action in Israel throughout 2023 and 2024.” Taken together, these policies have (so far) postponed tax payments/filings for affected individuals (going well beyond those taken hostage to include potentially a huge number of Israelis) for three years. UPDATE: Passed 9/15/26 under suspension of the Rules by a Voice Vote.

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

September 15, 2026: The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled, Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (video). The sole witness was FBI Director Kash Patel (testimony). Also see: Cruz calls on Trump administration to designate CAIR as a terrorist organization [“At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency ‘was taking a very hard look at organizations with documented ties to terror financing’“] (Jewish Insider 9/15/26)

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC/Hanan Piker Mania in US Elex & politics

  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/17/26: X-post – “In the US Congress, we welcome the strong trilateral US-Israel-Morocco partnership as we work together to increase trade & mutual defense. President Trump’s landmark Abraham Accords changed the region & we hope others soon follow Morocco’s incredible example!”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/16/26: X-post – “The Jewish State of #Israel is America’s closest ally on the planet & I look forward to continuing working closely together with our friends to protect our countries from those who seek to destroy us.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 9/16/26: X-post – “It is one thing to merely see oneself as a victim. It is another to objectively be a victim. Israelis were objectively victims of October 7th—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Any suggestion to the contrary is anti-Israel activism camouflaged as journalism.” With screenshot of paragraph from New York Times article [that has since been amended by the NYT].
  • Mace (R-SC) 9/16/26: X-post – “There is ZERO evidence of genocide in Gaza.” Accompanied by Bill Maher video clip
  • Massie (R-KY) 9/14/26: X-post – “This is not AI, it’s real. She’s spent hundreds of millions to influence elections in America for the benefit of Israel. And it worked… we’re fighting the war in Iran for them and propping up Netanyahu, while turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Gaza.” With video clip of Miriam Adelson at an IAC conference and pic of Adelson being kissed by Trump.

Yet MORE US Bombs (paid for by US taxpayers) for Israel

  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats 9/17/26: X-post w/ video clip – “’All of us share concern about what Israel is doing in Gaza, bombing in places like Syria, and what that means for any peaceful solution in the Middle East. Netanyahu needs to hear from America that we don’t like what he’s doing.’ – @SenatorShaheen”
  • Deluzio (D-PA) 9/17/26: X-post – “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has already shown reckless disregard for American law, and @RepGregoryMeeks is right to place a hold on this $2.8 billion weapons sale (that includes things like 2000-pound bombs).“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/17/26: X-post – “As Israel’s defense minister pledges to ‘finish the job’ of genocide in Gaza, the Trump admin is sending the apartheid regime $2.8 billion of bombs, using your tax dollars. That’s 40,000 bombs, weighing 2,000 pounds each. The Senate must act to block this sale immediately.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/16/26: X-post – “Just a few days ago, a clearly marked Doctors Without Borders bus was struck by an Israeli military airstrike. Now, President Trump has approved sending 40,000 one-ton bombs to Prime Minister Netanyahu. The U.S. can’t continue to supply weapons being used to commit war crimes.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/16/26: X-post – “The American people are sick and tired of funding Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Now Trump is doubling down and using OUR taxpayer dollars to give the extremist Netanyahu government $2.8 billion in bombs. Not acceptable. Congress must reject these agreements.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/16/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Thank you to everyone who is standing up and calling out Trump’s effort to send $2.8 billion of arms to the Israeli government, including Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks. We must protect civilian lives.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/16/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I am outraged that our government is giving Israel nearly $3 billion in bombs to kill Palestinian children. We need to put the needs of working families and Americans first.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/16/26: X-post – “No war in Iran | No aid to Israel | Abolish ICE | Human control over AI | Tax the billionaires | Medicare for All | Economic Patriotism | America’s Next New Deal”
  • Markey (D-MA) 9/16/26: X-post – “The United States must not send 40,000 taxpayer-funded bombs to Netanyahu for his war on Gaza and Lebanon and on Iran. We must block the sale of these weapons now. #BlockTheBombs”
  • Smith (D-MN) 9/16/26: X-post – “The United States has no business sending Netanyahu billions of dollars’ worth of bombs after his record of indiscriminate violence against Palestinian civilians, including children.”
  • McCollum (D-MN) 9/16/26: X-post – “Congress must immediately block Trump’s $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel. The idea that we would provide Israel with weapons, including 40,000 one ton bombs, given the destruction in Gaza is outrageous. The Block the Bombs Act would end these types of sales to Israel and Congress should pass it.”
  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/16/26: Meeks Places Hold on Trump Administration’s $2.8 Billion Bomb Sale to Israel
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/15/26: X-post w/ video clip – “While the majority of Americans, including many young Republicans, demand an end to aid to Israel, the Trump Administration is sending the Israeli military whatever it wants. This is why so many Americans believe our political and economic system is broken.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/15/26: X-post w/ video clip – “While the majority of Americans, including many young Republicans, demand an end to aid to Israel, the Trump Administration is sending the Israeli military whatever it wants.This is why so many Americans believe our political and economic system is broken.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/15/26: X-post – “This is beyond unacceptable and I am furious at this news. US weapons are being used to perpetrate a genocide. This cannot continue in our name and I will be fighting in Congress to block this sale and all future weapons sales as long as the Israeli government continues to violate international humanitarian law.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/15/26: X-post – “Absolutely not! The genocide has not ended. And U.S. made and supplied bombs continue to kill children in Palestine. Not one more dollar, not one more excuse, not one more bomb! Let’s pass my Block the Bombs Act NOW.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/15/26: X-post – “The genocide has not ended! And it won’t end until Congress reclaims its power and stops arming the Israeli government. We must pass my Block the Bombs Act!”

NO BOYCOTTING ISRAEL OVER SETTLEMENTS OR ANYTHING ELSE!

  • Fine (R-FL) 9/15/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The UK spent years demanding Israel be carved up. Now they’re talking about breaking up their own country. I say: From the river to the sea, let Scotland, Wales, and Ireland be free! If that logic is good enough for the Jewish state, it’s good enough for them.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/15/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The UK government wants to break Israel in two and hand half of it to Muslim terrorists. Apply that same logic to the United Kingdom and they lose their minds. I’m not trolling, I’m simply forcing them to confront their own stupidity.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/13/26: X-post w/ video clip – “This is not about Palestinians — this is Jew-hatred, and a play for the Muslim voters Britain imported. In 2018 I passed a Florida bill: if you boycott Israel, we boycott you. I hope this fetish for Muslim terror was worth putting their economy at risk.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/13/26: X-post w/ video clip – “British diplomats are already admitting this is a stunt. Once you let in people that do not share your values, and want Israel wiped off the map, you do not get a two-state solution. You get a one-state solution: no Israel. They are not assimilating — they are taking over and @UKLabour is catering to it. It must stop NOW.”

Concern for Palestinian Lives/Rights

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/17/26: X-post – “Another American citizen wrongfully detained by the Israeli govt.  Naqaa Hamed, an American journalist, was stopped by the IDF, interrogated about her work, & now faces bogus espionage allegations.   The Israeli govt should immediately release Naqaa, NOW.”
  • Panetta (D-CA) 9/16/26: X-post – “I will continue to hold the Netanyahu Administration accountable when it comes to the many issues in the West Bank that are deadly, dangerous, and damaging to long-term peace and security of the region. One of those issues is Israel’s continued withholding of tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority which deepens the financial crisis in the West Bank and creates an opening for Hamas and other extremists. That’s why I joined a bipartisan group urging the Netanyahu Administration to keep those revenues flowing to legitimate Palestinian institutions while pressing the Palestinian Authority to implement meaningful reforms and anti-corruption measures. Although it has many shortcomings, a functioning and accountable Palestinian Authority remains a current viable governing alternative to Hamas and is essential to Israel’s security, the well-being of Palestinians, and regional stability.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/15/26: X-post – “I had a great meeting with UNRWA Commissioner-General Christian Saunders to discuss what’s needed to rebuild Gaza and the West Bank and secure a lasting peace. UNRWA’s 11,000 staff in Gaza will be critical to the recovery and rebuilding ahead.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/13/26: X-post – “The genocide is still happening. There was never a ceasefire. Children are being killed with American made bombs, and those that live are traumatized forever. The U.S. government must end its complicity in these atrocious acts of ethnic cleansing.”
  • Green (D-TX) 9/13/26: ICYMI: The Haaretz article below, titled “Netanyahu Led Israel ‘Blindly to Disaster,’ Eisenkot Says After Haaretz Exposé on UAE Warning Before Oct. 7.”

Free Speech/Right to Protest/Targeting Academia/MACKLEMORE

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/26: X-post – “Macklemore didn’t get censored — he got dropped. Actions have consequences. A record of antisemitism and disinformation from the stage made him a liability, and the venues made the right call.”
  • Tlaib (D-MN) 9/15/26: X-post – “The Trump administration is trying to deport Dr. Badar Khan Suri, a beloved teacher and father, for speaking out for justice and against the genocide in Palestine. This is a clear assault on our First Amendment rights. Justice for Badar Khan Suri. Our voices cannot be silenced.”
  • Cuellar (D-TX) 9/14/26: X-post – “Hasan Piker’s scheduled appearance at the University of Texas is deeply concerning. Free speech allows difficult and controversial views, but it does not require anyone to stay silent when someone has a history of hateful comments about Jewish Americans, 9/11, and Hamas terrorism. Jewish students at UT should not be made to feel targeted or unsafe on their own campus. UT should be a place for debate, learning, and respect, not antisemitism or rhetoric that excuses terrorism. Leaders in both parties should be clear: antisemitism and hate must be condemned wherever they appear.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/14/26: X-post – “Admire your courage @macklemore”
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/14/26: X-post – “Thank you @macklemore for using your platform and continuing to speak out against the genocide. None of us are free until all of us are free”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/14/26: X-post – “It’s so incredibly disappointing that Macklemore, my constituent, was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour because of his comments in support of the Palestinian people. We should all be outraged that powerful people are more upset about what an artist says than the displacement, starvation, and killing of innocent Palestinian children and families. Thank you, Macklemore, for speaking up. This is a moment for us to come together, find our moral conscience as a nation, and end this genocide.”

Three Cheers for the Abraham Accords!

  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/15/26: X-post – “Six years ago today, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain made history by signing the Abraham Accords at the White House and taking a major step toward peace and partnership in the Middle East. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, I’m proud to be a strong advocate for strengthening and expanding the Abraham Accords. I authored legislation creating a Special Presidential Envoy for the Accords, which was signed into law. I will continue working to deepen the security, economic, and diplomatic partnerships the Abraham Accords made possible. We must continue building on that progress and working toward a safer, more secure, and more prosperous Middle East.”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 9/15/26: X-post – “Six years ago today, @POTUS brought Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain together to sign the Abraham Accords. It was a historic breakthrough that proved bold American leadership can change the Middle East and advance the cause of peace.”

Islamophobia

  • Roy (R-TX) 9/16/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Congress must PAUSE all immigration until we: -Reverse Plyler v. Doe -Terminate automatic citizenship -End chain migration and the Diversity Visa Program -Prohibit the entry of Sharia law adherents and Chinese communists -Bar illegals from accessing welfare benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, etc… -Overhaul the H-1B visa”
  • Norman (R-SC) 9/15/26: X-post – “An ideology bent on destroying America will never assimilate into it. Sharia Law has no place in America.”
  • Self (R-TX) 9/15/26: X-post – “Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for recognizing the threat that Sharia poses to the United States. Congress must ban Sharia!”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/15/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with the United States. Period. We will NOT stand by while our values, rights, and freedoms are pushed aside for a religious legal system that seeks to undermine everything we stand for.”
  • Clyde (R-GA) 9/15/26: X-post – “Sharia Law seeks to conquer and destroy Western civilization, not assimilate into it. This radical ideology has no place in America.”
  • Luna (R-FL) 9/15/26: X-post – “Sharia Law is INCOMPATIBLE with the U.S. Constitution.”
  • Self (R-TX) 9/14/26: X-post – “UPDATE: The Sharia-Free America Caucus welcomes @RepBrianJack! With almost 70 Members of Congress from 25 states, our movement will only continue to grow as more Americans recognize the dangers of Sharia law.
  • Self (R-TX) 9/14/26: X-post – “This ideology is a perversion of the oath to uphold the Constitution and a direct affront to American political and cultural institutions. Sharia law and political Islam have absolutely no place in America.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/14/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Mainstream Islam is not asking to live beside us. It says that for them to practice their faith, you have to practice it too, or at least submit to it. That is not compatible with the First Amendment — period.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 9/12/26: X-post – “Sharia law has NO place in America. We are cosponsors of the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act, legislation which denies visas, entry, and immigration benefits to any alien who adheres to Sharia law. It also revokes immigration benefits and removes Sharia adherents already here. America was built on the Constitution. Not foreign laws undermining it.”
  • Miller (R-IL) 9/12/26: X-post – “An ideology determined to destroy America will never assimilate into it. Islamism demands power and control. Anyone who comes here seeking to overthrow our Constitution and impose Sharia law has no place in this country.  DENATURALIZE & DEPORT.”

Yemen & Saudi Arabia

  • Garamendi (D-CA) 9/17/26: X-post – “Trump’s Saudi nuclear deal skips decades of safeguards designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. @RepGregoryMeeks, @RepDonBeyer, and @BradSherman are fighting to stop this reckless deal and prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 9/16/26: X-thread – “A new disaster is unfolding – thanks to Trump’s war with Iran. The Houthis, Iran’s ally in Yemen, are attacking Saudi Arabia and blocking shipments in the Red Sea, sending oil and gas prices even higher…Saudi Arabia and the Houthis were in a truce for four years. Everyone knew that truce would collapse if Trump attacked Iran. But Trump didn’t care. Now the war is restarting. Sure, the Houthis have their own agenda, but it clearly aligns with Iran’s goals…Over the last week, the Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and taken control of critical territory near the Red Sea coast to block Saudi oil exports. The war is spiralling out of control – thousands are feeling their homes…The Houthis have learned from Iran’s success agaisnt Trump. Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Now the Houthis are trying to close the Bab el Mandeb Strait, and promising to attack more oil infrastructure if anyone tries to stop them…The Saudis were restrained at first. But they can’t hold back for long. The pace of their strikes in Yemen have quickened in the last few days. If another full blown war breaks out, and both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are closed, gas prices will hit $6 a gallon…This is all Trump’s disaster. Every terrible thing that has happend in the last 7 months – including this new Saudi-Yemen war – was forseeable. And it’s ordinary Americans who are paying the price for Trump’s growing gross incompetence.” With links to articles: Saudi strikes and Houthi attacks widen Middle East war (Reuters 9/15/26); Why Yemen Is Spiraling Back Into War (New York Times 9/10/26); Saudi Oil Exports Plunge as Spread of War Shuts Off Shipping Routes (New York Times 9/9/26); Explainer: Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait so important? (Reuters 9/10/26); The Oil Market Is Flashing New Warning Signs for the Economy (Wall Street Journal 9/10/26)
  • Wilson (R-SC) 9/15/26: X-post – “The Iranian puppet foreign Houthis occupying Yemen now attack the Muslim holy sites of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. We stand with our partners in Saudi Arabia against the hateful Houthi aggression. If the Mecca Alliance means anything then Turkiye and Pakistan must work with Saudi Arabia to destroy the foreign Houthi terrorists and liberate Yemen from Iran.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/14/26: X-post – “Years of U.S. strikes in Yemen have killed at least 213 civilians and hundred others have lost their farms, shops, factories and small businesses. From Cuba to Yemen, we continue to witness the catastrophe of U.S. complicity in destruction, displacement, and death unfold. We must turn to a new page in U.S. policy—one that honors our shared humanity. That starts by passing my Renewed Mandate for Human Rights resolution and commit to the creation of a Human Rights Commission in our country.”
  • Patronis (R-FL) 9/14/26: X-post – “Congratulations, @RepWPH, on your appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.” [NOTE: The President does not “appoint” ambassadors, he NOMINATES ambassadors — and the Senate then gets it say via the confirmation process]

Other stuff

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/16/26: X-post – “Today, we remember the thousands of Palestinian refugees and Lebanese killed in the Israeli-backed Sabra and Shatila massacre in Beirut. 44 years later, Israel continues to commit genocide in Palestine and Lebanon, armed and supported by our government. This ongoing Nakba did not begin with Netanyahu, and it will not stop until we end U.S. support for this genocidal apartheid regime.”
  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 9/16/26: X-post – “Turkey is a NATO ally on paper but we are concerned about Turkey’s close relationship with Russia and Iran, about its harboring of Hamas leadership, about Erdogan’s calls for the destruction of Israel and illegal occupation of Cyprus military flights above Greek islands.” Linked to her article in the Greek media outlet ekathimerini, Turkey is often ‘an ally on paper’

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and more PIKER-MANIA) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Delaware

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Ohio

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Saudi Arabia

Other stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 9/8/26: Six Months into the Iran War, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Negar Mortazavi about the developments & dynamics around the now six-month old war in Iran. They discuss what the U.S. got wrong in its expectations for the war, why the MOU between the U.S. & Iran broke down, and how the economic warfare of sanctions is working. They also look at what is happening on the ground in Iran, including with the possibility of real opposition to the regime, and how the Iranian diaspora is navigating the war, opposition to the regime, and divisions in the diaspora.
  • 9/4/26: The Jewish Vote in Michigan, Florida, and Beyond, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with journalist Alex Kane (Jewish Currents) about the role that Palestine/Israel is playing in different elections around the country, the Jewish vote in Michigan and Florida, and how to think about the differences, similarities, and impacts of AIPAC versus J Street.

Also see: Look for Lara Friedman on Debra Shushan’s podcast, The Debrief — 9/11/26: Efforts to Quash Dissent on US Campuses and Beyond [to be published 9/13/26]

1. Bills & Resolutions

(PROTECTING HIGHER ED FROM IRS TARGETING) HR 10330 [bill text]: Introduced 9/10/26 by Hernandez (D-NC) and 17 cosponsors (all Democrats), the “Higher Education Oversight for Nonprofits Ensuring Standards and Transparency Act (HONEST Act).” Referred to the  House Committee on Ways and Means. Also see: Press release 9/10/26: Reps. Adams, Raskin Introduce HONEST Act to Protect Colleges from Politically Motivated IRS Investigations; One-pager explaining the bill:

(PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN CENSORSHIP LAWS) HR 10309: Introduced 9/8/26 by Davidson (R-OH) and 4 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the recognition and enforcement of foreign censorship laws in the United States, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see:  press release 9/8/26: Davidson Introduces Bill to Block Enforcement of Foreign Censorship Orders Against Americans. NOTE: This bill is clearly focused on the UK, but potentially has implications for Israel, which maintains strict military censorship over media – see: Under the radar: Israel steps up censorship and suppression of independent reporting (Committee for Protection of Journalists 12/11/25)]. Also see: Davidson X-post 9/8/26: “Foreign governments are threatening Americans with fines for speech our Constitution protects. They have no business policing what Americans say. I introduced the HOMEFRONT Act today to bar our government from helping enforce their censorship orders. It also gives Americans the right to fight back by suing foreign censors for damages in U.S. courts.”

(LEGISLATING IRS GRACE FOR AMERICANS HELD HOSTAGE) HR 9496: Introduced 6/29/26 by Tenney (R-NY) and 2 cosponsors (both Democrats), the “End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.” Passed by the House Ways and Means Committee 7/1/26 by a vote of 40-0; reported out of committee 9/8/26 (Report #119-797) and placed on the Union Calendar (meaning it can come up for a vote anytime). NOTE: This legislation was first introduced after the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking. Since then, the IRS has repeatedly implemented special tax relief for the broad categories of “taxpayers affected by terroristic action in the State of Israel throughout 2024 and 2025,” “taxpayers affected by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel” and “taxpayers affected by terroristic action in Israel throughout 2023 and 2024.” Taken together, these policies have (so far) postponed tax payments/filings for affected individuals (going well beyond those taken hostage to include potentially a huge number of Israelis) for three years.

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation

HR 4795 – Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 [which was passed by the House on 9/3/26 by a vote of 237-169; see last week’s Round-Up for details]

  • Floor consideration of the bill 9/3/26 – including statements for and against the measure – is here.
  • Franklin (R-FL) 9/10/26: X-post – “Antisemitism has no place on our college campuses. They should be places of learning, not hatred or discrimination. Last week, I voted for @virginiafoxx’s Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act to hold federally funded universities accountable, protect academic freedom and stand with Israel.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/9/26: X-post w/ video clip – “237 House members, including 33 Democrats, voted to strip federal funding from universities where students speak out against the Israeli government. This is an assault on the First Amendment. We need to stand with students with the courage to call out the genocide in Gaza.”
  • Edwards (R-NC) 9/9/26: X-post – “Antisemitic incidents on college campuses are nearly three times higher than they were in 2021, and a 2026 survey found 42% of Jewish college students report experiencing antisemitism firsthand. I voted in support of H.R. 4795, which says colleges that turn anti-Israel activism into official policy, commercial boycotts of Israel, blacklisting Israeli students and scholars, risk losing federal student aid eligibility. This isn’t about campus debate or free speech. It’s about taxpayer dollars not subsidizing institutional discrimination.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Congress voted to punish students who are boycotting a foreign government, Israel, by cutting federal student aid. Students should be able to boycott genocides, wars and apartheid regimes.”
  • South Florida Sun Sentinel 9/8/26: US House passes bill stripping federal funds from universities that boycott Israel
  • Algemeiner 9/8/26: Jewish Groups Praise US House for Passing Bill to Cut Aid From Colleges Promoting BDS, Antisemitism
  • FIRE 9/4/26: X-thread – “Yesterday, the U.S. House passed H.R. 4795, which seeks to crackdown on boycotts of Israel by prohibiting colleges receiving federal funding from boycotting Israel or Israeli entities—threatening First Amendment rights. FIRE strongly opposes this bill. Political boycotts sit at the intersection of speech, petition, assembly, and association. On campus, vendor, contract, or investment decisions often flow from protected student and faculty advocacy, as well as institutional expression and association. Calling these disputes “nonexpressive commercial boycotts” does not fix the problem. Campus boycott debates are rarely just procurement fights. They often involve political advocacy, faculty governance, public criticism, and institutional expression. The bill also addresses student and faculty participation in academic programs involving Israeli institutions. FIRE supports the academic freedom rights of students and faculty to engage in educational activities across borders. But protecting students and faculty only against boycotts of Israeli institutions, and not institutions in any other country, raises its own First Amendment concerns. Congress should protect academic freedom without singling out one political dispute. FIRE is watching this bill closely. The Senate must not pass this bill in its current form.”
  • Davidson (R-OH) 9/4/26: X-post – “I strongly disagree with efforts to boycott, divest, or sanction Israel.” said Rep. Davidson. “Nevertheless, the 1st Amendment protects freedom of association, including the right to make lawful decisions people find personally offensive. We can’t restore a government small enough to fit within the Constitution by ignoring the Constitution.”
  • Columbia Spectator 9/4/26: House passes bill to withhold funding from universities that boycott Israel after Columbia rejected divestment proposals
  • Davidson (R-OH) 9/4/26: X-post – “‘I strongly disagree with efforts to boycott, divest, or sanction Israel.’ said Rep. Davidson. ‘Nevertheless, the 1st Amendment protects freedom of association, including the right to make lawful decisions people find personally offensive. We can’t restore a government small enough to fit within the Constitution by ignoring the Constitution.’”
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/4/26: X-post – “This week I voted NO on a bill to block universities who boycott Israel from receiving federal funding. No university or student should be punished for refusing to support a foreign nation and a genocide.”
  • NewsGram 9/4/26: 33 Dems Help Pass House Bill That Would Strip Funds From Colleges That Boycott Israel
  • Reason 9/3/26: Congress Is Trying (Again) To Ban Boycotting Israel [“The bipartisan bill, which passed the House, takes aim at university boycotts of any ‘major strategic partner.‘”]
  • Responsible Statecraft 9/3/26: House to universities: Don’t you dare boycott Israel
  • Common Dreams 9/3/26: 33 Dems Help Pass House Bill That Would Strip Funds From Colleges That Boycott Israel
  • Ground News 9/3/26: US House passes bill to crack down on university boycotts of Israel
  • Mondoweiss 9/3/26: The Shift: House passes bill blocking schools from boycotting Israel
  • Jewish Insider 9/3/26: House passes anti-BDS measure, even as most Democrats voted against it
  • AIPAC X-post 9/3/26: “Thank you @RepJoshG and @virginiafoxx for leading this important bipartisan effort to counter the dangerous BDS campaign and safeguard academic engagement with Israel. This legislation helps protect pro-Israel students from discriminatory boycotts and efforts to deny them the ability to study in Israel or learn from Israeli professors, while fully protecting First Amendment rights. We urge the Senate to take up and pass this bipartisan bill when it returns from recess.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 9/3/26: X-post – “Congress did one and only one thing today. The House passed a bill to withhold money from universities if they don’t play nice with Israel. I voted No. It’s not proper for our federal government to coerce universities into engaging with any particular foreign country.”
  • Foushee (D-NC) 9/3/26: X-post – “I voted against the bill to block universities from receiving funds if they are engaging in boycotts of Israel. Refusing to support a genocide, or refusing to support a foreign nation, should not result in the loss of federal funding for a university.”
  • Castro (D-TX) 9/3/26: X-post – “Israeli settlers are committing record levels of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Instead of confronting them, the House of Representatives just passed a bill that would threaten the education of American citizen’s to protect Israeli settlements. I voted No.” Also see video clip.
  • Foxx (R-NC) 9/3/26: X-post – “The House just passed my bipartisan bill, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, that takes a strong stand against the BDS movement on college campuses across the nation. Thank you, @RepJoshG, for your partnership in helping lead this legislation alongside me. This legislation has true teeth and completely severs any possible taxpayer support of these concrete campaigns of antisemitism in the form of BDS and academic boycotts of Israel. The Senate should take it up immediately!”
  • McClain (R-MI) 9/3/26: X-post – “This House just passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act — and it’s about time. Taxpayers should NOT fund schools that single out Israel or shut students out of academic opportunities for political reasons. Colleges and universities should be places where ideas are debated, not where discrimination becomes institutional policy.”
  • Harris (R-NC) 9/3/26: X-post – “Amid the rise of antisemitism, we must protect Jewish students and ensure taxpayer dollars don’t reward colleges hostile to Israel. Our campuses must remain a place where EVERY student’s right to free speech and discrimination-free learning is protected.”
  • Haaretz 9/3/26: House Passes Bill to Restrict University Boycotts of Israel
  • The Guardian 9/3/26: US House passes bill penalizing universities that participate in boycott of Israel

Other stuff:

  • [HR 9211] Goldman (D-NY) 9/3/26: X-post – “My bipartisan, bicameral Jewish American Security Act would increase the non-profit security grant program to $1 billion — and it is available to any non-profits with security concerns. It also provides guidance, processes and training for educational institutions to combat antisemitism, and requires transparency from social media companies about antisemitism online. Let’s pass this narrowly targeted bill before year-end.”
  • [HR 8800 // S. 4784] Reuters 9/3/26: Rights groups urge US lawmakers to drop provision to deepen defense ties with Israel

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex & politics

We Will NOT Permit ANY Nation to Boycott Israel or Settlements!

  • Fine (R-FL) 9/10/26: X-post – “The @UKLabour government hates Jews. They imported people who do not share British values and now pander to the crowd that wants Israel destroyed. That is a warning for America. If we refuse to take this threat seriously, we will get the same result.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “Canada and France’s embrace of Muslim terror will not exempt them from Florida’s anti-BDS law. If they want to end their access to the third largest state in the number one market in the world, that is certainly their choice, but Florida has spoken almost unanimously. Boycott Israel and Florida boycotts you.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/8/26: X-post – “Learning nothing from history, the UK is leading other countries to take the Neville Chamberlain approach of appeasing terrorists. It is incredible that the nation of Churchill refuses to stand with our ally Israel and instead chooses to side with Hamas and Hezbollah. I’ve already urged @USTreasury to invoke Section 999 of the IRS Code against anti-Israel boycott measures in Ireland and Spain. Every other country joining them MUST face the same penalties.” [Yes, Tenney is comparing holding Israel accountable to UK & intl law to appeasing HITLER].
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “Hamas & it’s terrorist criminals invaded & massacred thousands of Israelis on October 7th — it was not the other way around. As a Member of the Armed Services Committee in the US Congress, I have voted countless times to supply Ukraine with weapons to defend itself against Putin’s illegal, brutal invasion. The European Union continues to undermine its relationship with United States by parroting pathetic, baseless pro-Hamas talking points against the Jewish State of #Israel. @kajakallas attempts to rewrite history to please corrupt, Islamist regimes in the region are not only immoral & unacceptable, but will have major consequences in Washington.”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “America stands with Israel—our strongest and most trusted ally in the Middle East. Actions by the UK, France, and Canada that unfairly target the Jewish State weaken our shared security, strain vital economic ties, and send the wrong message to our allies and adversaries alike. I will always defend the U.S.-Israel alliance, stand against antisemitism, and support the enduring friendship between our nations.”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “These countries are actively undermining their relationship with the US by pursuing these pathetic, pro-Hamas policies against the Jewish State of #Israel. The UK, Spain, France, Canada & co. think they can get rough and get away with it — they won’t. Consequences are in order.”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “The UK, France, Canada continue to undermine their relationship with the US by continuing to carry water for Hamas terrorists who seek to destroy Western civilization — everywhere. The Jewish State of #Israel will always be America’s closest ally & we reject all of these pathetic attacks on our Israeli friends.”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “UK, France, and Canada are engaging in reckless pro-Hamas, BDS policies against the Jewish State of #Israel — which directly impacts American businesses. President Trump is rightfully holding these countries accountable & making them pay their fair share!”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “Totally agree my friend, @RepFine! Countries that boycott our dearest ally, the Jewish State of #Israel, should also be barred from having consulates in Florida! Who are they to think they can just violate our laws, hurt Floridian businesses in Israel, & carry water for pro-Hamas terrorists?!?”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/8/26: X-post – “The State of Florida deeply values & cherishes our relationship with the Jewish State of #Israel. If countries want to engage in pathetic, anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas tactics against Israel they’ll pay a heavy price in #Florida — we have ZERO TOLERANCE for their bigotry here!”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/7/26: X-post – “As the British government considers forcing British companies to boycott portions of Israel, it should be aware that a Florida law that I passed as a member of the Legislature would ban any British company forced to comply from doing business with any state or local government in Florida. It would also end any British business participating in that boycott from doing any business in Florida if it needed any official interaction with state or local government to operate (permits, tax collection). Florida is one of Britain’s largest trading partners. They should understand that their vanity project in support of Muslim terror could cost them billions of dollars. And for those who doubt the power of this policy, it was this same law that broke Airbnb’s misguided effort to boycott portions of Israel in 2019. They realized that this law would have bankrupted their company. Florida has made it clear. Any company — or nation — that boycotts Israel is boycotted by Florida.” Comment from Dylan Williams (CIP) 9/7/26: X-post “Britain is Florida’s top foreign investor, with UK companies providing over 88,000 jobs in the state. Florida accounts for a few percent of Britain’s US trade and investment relationship. Cutting economic ties with the UK would hurt Florida badly, but barely register in London.”

We Support Israel Being Held Accountable for Settlements!

  • Castro (D-TX) 9/8/26: X-post – “The United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions and a trade ban on settlements is a step in the right direction. The expansion of Israeli settlements is an ugly land grab carried out through violence and terrorism. Any American President serious about achieving peace should do the same.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/8/26: X-post – “Finally some European countries are going beyond the ritual denouncing of expanding illegal Israeli settlements & are taking action to uphold international law. It is a modest but important step. While the Trump admin attacks the move, Congress can & must act.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/8/26: X-post – “The UK has taken an important moral step in imposing sanctions and a trade ban on Israel’s illegal settlements. The next American President must do the same and recognize a Palestinian state.”
  • Casar (D-TX) 9/8/26: X-post – “The UK and other allies just imposed a trade ban and sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This is a step in the right direction and toward ending the occupation. The US must do the same.”
  • Garcia (D-IL) 9/8/26: X-post – “I agree and commend the UK and other allies for imposing sanctions and a trade ban on settlements. Israeli-sanctioned terrorism in the occupied West Bank continues unchecked, destroying entire villages and even killing U.S. citizens. The U.S. government must take this long overdue step, and do much more to end its support for Israeli occupation and genocide.”
  • Jackson (D-IL) 9/8/26: X-post – “I wholeheartedly welcome the UK’s decision to ban trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Settlement expansion, land seizures, and settler violence are fueling the forced displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and undermining the possibility of a two-state solution. International law must mean something, and accountability must apply to all.”

Concern for Palestinian Lives/Rights, Israel Right-Wing

  • Foushee (D-NC) 9/10/26: X-post – “Thousands of innocent Palestinians are being displaced and killed by violent and illegal settlements in the West Bank under Israel’s reclassification of certain areas as so-called “disputed” lands. Villages like Umm al-Khair in Masafer Yatta have faced even further violence from emboldened settlers since Israel reclassified their land with no legal basis, transparency, or participation from the people who inhabit the land. This campaign to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from the West Bank and the genocide in Gaza cannot continue. The @StateDept must investigate this sudden reclassification of land in Masafer Yatta and across the West Bank, and Congress must pass legislation to block arms sales immediately.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/9/26: X-post – “Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian pediatrician, has been detained for almost 20 months without charge, in inhumane conditions, after being tortured by IDF soldiers. He must be released immediately! We must put an end to the impunity and violations of U.S. and international law. We can start by passing my Block the Bombs Act!”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/6/26: X-post – “Today marks two years since my constituent, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed by the IDF in the West Bank. There still has been no independent investigation or accountability for her killing, despite calls from her family, her loved ones, and Congress. This is something I will continue to fight for, in her memory and to prevent further tragedy.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/6/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Sama’s parents are living in a nightmare right now. Their daughter has been suffering in an Israeli military prison for three months. It’s very simple: our government must do everything to bring Sama home NOW.”
  • Pallone (D-NJ) 9/5/26: X-post – “I reject any effort by the far-right in the Israeli government, including extremists like Ben-Gvir, to undermine the safety and dignity of Palestinians. Their actions not only undermine efforts to achieve peace through a two-state solution, they have cost Israel support around the world.”  Linked to article: Netanyahu partners renew calls for removal of Gazans as Israeli election nears (Reuters 9/4/26)
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/3/26: X-post – “A day that should be filled with celebrations for a couple’s new beginning turned into devastation. From Palestine to Iran, our bombs are killing innocent women and children. Congress can’t continue to turn a blind eye on Trump and Hegseth’s war crimes. The time to hold warmongers accountable is now. Congress must pass Block the Bombs Act, reclaim our power, and put an end to this endless war.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/3/26: X-post w/ video clip- “The attack on Aida—a Palestinian woman—and journalists by extremist settlers is a troubling reminder that our government and Israel continue to enable violence in the West Bank. And it must end. Perpetrators of settler violence in the West Bank must be held accountable. Congress must act. We can start by passing my Block the Bombs Act and ending impunity for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.”
  • Landsman (D-OH) 9/3/26: X-post – “He’s the absolute worst. Hopefully, Israeli voters pick a new government in a few weeks. The country desperately needs it.” Linked to article, Far-right Israeli minister outlines plan for removal of all Palestinians from Gaza (The Guardian 9/3/26)
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/2/26: X-post – “The destruction of Palestinian homes in the West Bank is not a matter of rogue settlers in isolated incidents. It is a coordinated operation legitimized by Israeli law & protected by Israeli soldiers. This will not end until we stop sending aid & weapons used to kill civilians.”

Piling on Afro-Palestinian Journalist AFTER She Apologized for Problematic Language

During a recent interview, Afro-Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal used language in reference to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) that, whether intentionally or not, unquestionably evokes racist anti-Black tropes. Jebreal, when pressed by the interviewer, clarified the non-racist intentions behind her words, and the issued an apology publicly on X (her X-post appeared on 9/4/26 at 2:49pm ET).

Some context on Jebreal [who I note is a dear friend and someone whom I admire/respect tremendously]: “In 2006, on a major Italian television show, Italy’s (famously) first Black Muslim newscaster was on a panel with Roberto Calderoli, a Minister in Silvio Berlusconi government at the time and a leading member of Liga Norte. The topic was the Iraq War. Rather than address her points, Calderoli directed what the Italian newspaper described as a ‘racially charged insult’ her way, causing a scandal that was reported across the Italian press, including in Italy’s leading newspaper. Calderoli is a notorious racist, with a long record of racist remarks (to give just one other example, in 2013, Caledroli likened Cecile Kyenge, Italy’s first Black Minister, physically, not just metaphorically, to an orangutang). This Black Muslim newscaster’s name was Rula Jebreal. Jebreal had come to Italy from Israel and Palestine, after a famously tragic early life, eventually rising to the top of Italy’s ranks of television anchors. As the daughter of a Nigerian immigrant father and a Palestinian mother, she had endured much anti-Black racist abuse both in Palestine and Israel. And Calderoli was far from her first run-in with an Italian racist (anti-Black racism is of course extremely prevalent in Italian society). Jebreal has long been a prominent global voice for the Palestinian cause. As a leading Afro-Palestinean, journalist, a cousin of lifelong advocate for Afro-Palestinians Mousa Qous, Jebreal been a long time target of anti-Black racist abuse both in Europe and her original homeland. She has been deeply involved in advocating for Afro-Palestinians both in Israel and among her fellow Palestinians. She has also called attention to the Depo-Provera controversy in Israel, where the Israeli government widely used long-acting birth control drugs on Ethiopian Jewish women.”

All of that context plus Jebreal’s apology/apoligies notwithstanding, some Democrats seized the opportunity to pile on in attacks against/denunciations of Jebreal. In contrast, few (if any?) of these same Democrats (or groups) have called out Laura Loomer for using racist language against Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon and other Black women (language that clearly aligns with Loomer’s actual views and language that she has since doubled down on), nor have they spoken out about repeated brazenly Islamophobic comments from members of Congress and political influencers (who, like Loomer, are clear that their INTENTION aligns precisely with their language, and this is language they are using repeatedly). All of which validates the conclusions that the outrage against Jebreal has little to do with the language she used (which she has now repeatedly apologized for), and much more to do with the political views she holds and was expressing (calling out Jeffries — accurately — for consistently standing with/supporting/using his position to implement the pro-Israel, anti-Palestinian agenda of AIPAC). For an excellent discussion of all of this, see: Rula Jebreal, Wajahat Ali and Angela Rye On How Not to Criticize Black Leaders | The Joy Reid Show [9/6/26]. Members & orgs piling on against Rula Jebreal mostly AFTER her apology (and in most cases not even acknowledging her apology):

Free Speech/Right to Protest/Targeting Academia

  • Fallon (R-TX) 9/11/26: X-post – “Take the pro-Hamas crowd seriously when they say they want to ‘globalize the intifada.'”
    Linked to PoliticoEurope X-post – “Hamas planned coordinated terrorist attacks in Berlin and Vienna to mark the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, according to a 214-page indictment filed by Germany’s federal prosecutor.”
  • Stefanick (R-NY) 9/8/26: X-post – “Today, I joined my colleague @RepJoshG at @VanderbiltU in Nashville, TN to launch our new bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses. Our conversation featured higher ed leader Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and five visiting university leaders from @dartmouth @WashU @UTAustin @UofAlabama who are working to save American higher education. From asking moral questions at the most watched hearing in Congressional history with university presidents that led to an earthquake in higher education to passing key legislation to writing the bestselling book Poisoned Ivies, I have been proud to be the leader in Congress on combatting antisemitism and anti-Americanism at our colleges and universities. I am proud to launch this bipartisan Congressional Caucus with my friend and colleague Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) who has been a leading partner and legislator with whom I have worked on this critical issue. We are committed to saving American higher education for the next generation. Thanks to the brave university leaders who have the courage to make it happen.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/9/26: Gottheimer, Stefanik Discuss Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses at Vanderbilt University, Launch New Bipartisan Caucus on Campus Antisemitism
  • Schneider (D-IL) 9/4/26: X-post – “Jewish Americans, like all Americans, deserve to exercise their right to free expression through both speech and philanthropy. As a member of Ways and Means – we should never use the IRS to go after political opponents in partisan witch hunts.” Linked to Times of Israel 7/10/26 article: GOP-led House panel launches probe of umbrella group that backs Israeli progressive causes [Note X-post from Track AIPAC 9/4/26: “My guy, you just voted to undermine the right to free speech YESTERDAY…”]
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/4/26: X-post – “It is gross to see the media normalize this sickening behavior. This guy called to gun down the Jewish people, yet some in the media paint him as the victim. Let’s be clear: his views are antisemitic and anti-American. Antisemitism or hatred of any kind has no place on our college campuses, and no place in our country.”

Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 9/11/26: X-post – “The fight against Sharia is personal to me. After the horrific 9/11 Islamic terrorist attacks, I was recalled to active duty in the Middle East. I saw the barbarism of Sharia firsthand. We can never allow it to take over America.”
  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/9/26: X-post – “The real danger of Sharia comes from desperate politicians trying to distract from their own failures. Good explanation of its true meaning from a Travis County neighbor. Nobody is seeking to impose Sharia law on you, though some of its principles certainly sound worthy.”
  • Nadler (D-NY) 9/9/26: X-post – “New Yorkers elected Mayor Mamdani as their leader, and as such he should be at the memorial to honor the innocent lives that were lost on September 11, 2001. Rudy Giuliani is a hypocrite trying to distract the public from his role in hurting New Yorkers after 9/11 by feeding into ridiculous, hateful, anti-Muslim rhetoric. He’d like the public to reminisce on his days as “America’s Mayor.” Meanwhile, as Mayor, he intentionally hid the truth about the toxins in the air at and around Ground Zero. He stood in the way of my bipartisan legislation to create and fund the World Trade Center Health Program, to help people who were poisoned by the air he claimed was safe. And now, he’s a recipient of this federal program that he didn’t want everyday New Yorkers to access. We must denounce claims like Giuliani’s as the bigoted, anti-Muslim rhetoric that they are.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 9/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Roy: “If the Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio has nothing nefarious to hide, it should welcome transparency into its finances, affiliations, and disavow Sharia before completing its development near a national security facility.””
  • Roy (R-TX) 9/8/26: X-post – “Following the Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio’s (NICSA) response, Rep. Roy reiterated his concerns that their ‘expansion appears to be a Sharia-compliant and Muslim-only community. Sharia has a storied history of treating women, children, and those of other faiths harshly while trying to supplant our Constitution.’ Roy told @TexasScorecard that ‘if NICSA has nothing nefarious to hide, it should welcome transparency into its finances, affiliations, and disavow Sharia before completing its development near a national security facility.’”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 9/7/26: X-post – “Sharia Law is INCOMPATIBLE with American values and the U.S. Constitution.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 9/6/26: X-post – “Socialism and Radical Islam are the two greatest threats to America. They are also the two biggest talking points of the Democrat Party.”
  • Schiff (D-CA) 9/5/26: X-post – “Americans come from all faiths and backgrounds. Muslim Americans are part of the essential fabric of our communities and country. I stand with our Muslim neighbors and strongly condemn this hateful bigotry.” Commenting on Nexus Project post – “At the Jewish American Summit in Los Angeles this weekend, Mosab Hassan Yousef told the crowd: “I don’t want Muslims in America. Get the f*** out of the United States.” A large portion of the crowd applauded and cheered. This is bigotry, and it should never be met with applause in any room, let alone one at a Jewish event. We call on the sponsoring organizations to condemn this without equivocation.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 9/5/26: X-post – “Radical Islam and Sharia Law are a CANCER. We’ve seen it infiltrate and tear down Europe. We CANNOT let this poisonous DEATH CULT tear down America.”
  • Moore (R-AL) 9/4/26: X-post – “Sharia law threatens everything America was founded on. We must ensure it never takes hold in the United States. Proud to stand with @RepKeithSelf to denounce this radical ideology!”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/4/26: X-post – “The left invented “Islamophobia” to silence us while a violent ideology becomes mainstream. As long as I am in Congress, America will stay American. We will NEVER become a Sharia state.”
  • Van Orden (R-WI) 9/4/26: X-post – “Sharia law has no place in the United States. I’m proud to support @RepKeithSelf’s resolution to denounce the imposition of Sharia law in America and stand firmly for our Constitution and the rule of law.”
  • Self (R-TX) 9/4/26: X-post – “In America, you are free to believe as you choose. You are not free to beat your wife, marry off a child, or commit an honor killing and call it religion. Sharia law has absolutely no place in America.”
  • Miller (R-IL) 9/4/26: X-post – “The United States Constitution is the sole, supreme law of our land. Period. Sharia law can never coexist with American sovereignty. Any effort to subvert our constitutional system must be completely dismantled and eradicated.”

  • Brecheen (R-OK) 9/4/26: X-post – “Thank you to @RepKeithSelf for leading a resolution to denounce Sharia Law and preserve America from the spread of radical Islam. Sharia is an ideology completely at odds with our Republic and has no place in our country. Wake up, America!”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 9/3/26: X-post – “I’m hearing troubling reports that the Texas State Board of Education is being pressured by CAIR to whitewash the history of Islamic conquest, expansion, and jihad. To my fellow Texas Republicans on the SBOE: do not back down. Do not bow to pressure. Texans students deserve to know the truth about Islam. The facts are on your side.” Commenting on: Roy (R-TX) 9/3/26: X-post w/ video clip – “.@Julie4TX: “CAIR started showing up at our Texas Board of Education meetings about a year ago…And their demands are pretty clear. They want a complete rewrite of U.S. and Texas history. They want Founding Fathers removed. They want founding documents, the U.S. Constitution, and Declaration of Independence all removed to rewrite history.” CAIR response on X: “Wonderful to see that @SenTedCruz has taken time away from perusing pornography on X and vacationing in Cancun to indulge in his other hobby: obsessing over our civil rights group. We are flattered. For the record, no one asked the Texas State Board of Education to censor history. Public schools should teach history, including the history of global religions. What public schools should not do is force teachers and students to single out and denigrate a particular religion, in this case Islam. We would object just as strongly if a state wanted to force teachers to tell students that Christianity itself is responsible for the genocide of indigenous populations, or the burning of witches, or the mass enslavement and forced conversion of kidnapped Africans, or the cross-burnings of the KKK, or the bombing of abortion clinics. Doing so would be an insult to Christian students, an affront to the education system, and a violation of the First Amendment. The same is true here.”
  • Hageman (R-WY) 9/3/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The 14th Amendment was not meant to give birthright citizenship to the children of Hamas terrorists.”
  • Self (R-TX) 9/3/26: X-post – “BREAKING: I just introduced a resolution to denounce Sharia law. This resolution asserts that the U.S. Constitution is the ONLY rule of law permissible in the United States, and that ‘any legal or political doctrine that places itself above the Constitution threatens the stability and unity of the Nation.’ Every member of Congress must be put on the record: Do you stand with Sharia law or the U.S. Constitution?”
  • Self (R-TX) 9/3/26: X-post – “When citizens boldly oppose an Islamic takeover, there are REAL results. Keep speaking out. Keep showing up to city council meetings. Keep educating yourself on the dangers of Sharia law and political Islam. This is how we defend our communities. This is how we win.”
  • Weber (R-TX) 9/3/26: X-post – “This is AMERICA. We have one Constitution, and we will not surrender our God-given rights to Sharia law or any foreign ideology. Proud to stand with @RepKeithSelf to draw a line in the sand. Sharia law has ZERO place in America.”

Other stuff

  • Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) 9/10/26: X-post – “Jared Kushner was rightly asked why anyone should trust his negotiations: Gaza remains devastated. The Iran war continues. Russia’s war in Ukraine is intensifying. That record speaks for itself.”
  • Levin (D-CA) 9/10/26: X-post – “This Administration is corrupt to the bone. Lewandowski, former DHS Secretary Noem’s right-hand man, has just been exposed for even MORE corruption. In his DHS position, Lewandowski was deciding who got contracts with the U.S. government AT THE SAME TIME that he was asking Qatar and the UAE to hire him. He was reportedly promising these foreign governments help with their contracts, visas, and more. This is the TEXTBOOK DEFINITION of corruption: selling fast-tracked government services and preferential treatment for personal kickbacks. Investigations have just begun, but you better believe we are keeping up the pressure and seeing this through. It is not too much to ask for your government employees to work for YOU and NOT use their positions for personal gain.”
  • Walkinshaw (D-VA) 9/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “NEW reporting reveals that Corey Lewandowski sought private business from Qatar and the UAE while working at DHS. Noem put billions in DHS spending under her office, giving Lewandowski enormous influence over who got contracts. He used that influence to line his own pockets. For this admin, it always seems to come back to one thing: what’s in it for them?”
  • Grassley (R-IA) 9/8/26: X-post – “My oversight work 4 taxpayers continues bc ur $$ shldnt b going 2 terrorist orgs Recently I sent letters 2 Scty Rubio + UN pushing 4 answers into botched UN investigation abt links between UN staff + Hamas American ppl deserve answers on how their $$ is being spent incl @ UN”
  • Ernst (R-IA) 9/7/26: X-post – “I applaud Kosovo for joining the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. Strong allies and partners working together builds a safer, more stable future for all. Thank you, Kosovo, for answering the call.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and more PIKER-MANIA) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Settlement-Related Boycotts

Free Speech/Right to Protest

  • Jewish Insider 9/3/26: Liberal leaders who protested Mahdawi’s deportation silent about his antisemitic, pro-terror posts [Excellent commentary from X account @rach3lburn3tt: “when deportation becomes acceptable for speech one finds offensive, whether supporting palestinian rights or expressing genuine bigotry, we enter into dark, mccarthyist territory. civil liberties must be for everyone, unconditionally, or eventually they will protect no one. stories like these are exactly why i felt so torn up about the way that so much of the defense for mohsen’s civil liberties centered around his work as a peace activist, his thoughtfulness, and his compassion. because on the one hand that is truly the way in which he moves through the world, and it hurts to see someone you know being abused by this cruel administration. but on the other hand, this fight should never have been about putting his character on trial. as one of the ACLU lawyers wrote on skokie: ‘if the government can prevent lawful speech because it is offensive and hateful, then it can prevent any speech that it dislikes. in other words, the power to censor nazis includes the power to censor protesters of all stripes…’ while i appreciate everyone who has spoken out against this miscarriage of justice because it is happening to someone who exudes compassion for all, we need to be prepared to stand up for the principles of liberal democracy and civil rights protections for all, no matter what.”

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Other stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(UNIVERSITIES MUST COOPERATE WITH GREATER ISRAEL – OR ELSE!) HR 4795: Introduced 7/29/25 by Foxx (R-NC) and Gottheimer (D-NJ), “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution that participates in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of Israel from being eligible for certain funds under that Act, to require an institution that participates in certain programs under that Act to certify that students are not unreasonably obstructed from participating in academic programs in Israel, and for other purposes.” As previously reported in the Round-Up, HR 4795 was passed by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce 6/25/26, and reported out of the Committee on Education and Workforce on 8/27/26 with a report – H. Rept. 119-780. PASSED BY THE HOUSE 9/3/26 by a roll call vote of 237-169, with 33 Democrats voting YES and 2 Republicans voting NO. 

  • Foxx (R-NC) X-post celebrating passage of the bill 9/3/26: “The House just passed my bipartisan bill, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, that takes a strong stand against the BDS movement on college campuses across the nation. Thank you, @RepJoshG, for your partnership in helping lead this legislation alongside me. This legislation has true teeth and completely severs any possible taxpayer support of these concrete campaigns of antisemitism in the form of BDS and academic boycotts of Israel. The Senate should take it up immediately!”
  • Gottheimer press release celebrating passage of the bill: House Passes Gottheimer, Foxx Bipartisan Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for Hate-Driven BDS Activity that Targets Jewish Students and Professors — BDS Attacks Academic Freedom; Legislation Protects Free Speech
  • Republican Jewish Coalition X-post celebrating passage of HR 4795: “We commend the Republican-led House of Representatives for passing @virginiafoxx’s H.R. 4795, the Protecting Academic Freedom Act of 2026. For years, the “Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions” (BDS) movement has singled out and targeted Israeli products and Israeli academics in an antisemitic effort to vilify and ultimately destroy the world’s only Jewish State. With this vote, the House affirmed that no taxpayer dollars should support colleges that boycott Israel.  Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of Democrats in the House chose to stand with the haters of Jews and Israel, and opposed H.R. 4795. This is yet another reminder that the Republican Party is the ONLY party that unequivocally stands with the American Jewish community and Jewish students who seek higher education free from antisemitic hate.”
  • My short comment on passage of this bill: “…The road to erasing US right to free speech/protest of ANYTHING in the US is quite literally being paved with laws to protect/promote Greater Israel/Israeli impunity.”

What’s the big deal about HR 4795?

As reported in the 8/1/25 edition of the Round-Up, under this bill, US universities MUST work with Israel/settlements or they will be punished for boycotting, even if they do not have a policy of boycotting.  To review:

  • Forcing Universities to Normalize West Bank Settlements: This language of this legislation – which mirrors language developed in connection with state-level anti-BDS legislation – is clearly designed to apply not only to Israel but also to Israeli entities in settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights (and perhaps some day in Gaza, when Israel starts re-settling there). This is accomplished via the language defining the term “a major strategic partner” to include not only key countries but “an entity licensed or regulated by, or organized under the laws of, such a country.“
  • Forcing Universities to Prove a Negative: This legislation sets up an situation in which the alleged absence of engagement with any Israeli partner/party, including in settlements, will become the basis for an accusation of boycott, putting universities in the position where, if they universities want to avoid being accused of boycotting Israel/settlements, they will need to adopt an affirmative policy of prioritizing maximal engagement/partnership with Israeli entities (including in settlements).
  • Setting Up a Cause for Legal Action: The requirement that universities certify they are not boycotting Israel/settlements leaves universities vulnerable to attacks by ideologically motivated private parties using the False Claims Act [i.e., those parties will search for and point to the absence of some relations with Israel to allege that a university lied in that certification, with the potential for massive financial judgments against the schools, of which they will receive a substantial portion].
  • Cementing in law the dismantlement of any US right to boycott: The Report published by the committee explicitly uses, as the anchor for its logic, a previous ruling on an anti-BDS law. This is the 2022 ruling by the 8th Circuit (en banc), which holds that while the First Amendment protects “expressive” elements of boycott (e.g., calling for boycotts, holding up or posting signs in support of boycotts, stating that one supports boycotts), the actual ACT of boycotting constitutes “non-expressive” conduct that is NOT protected by the First Amendment. Under this ruling — which was celebrated as a victory for Israel and largely overlooked by anyone not focused on Israel/BDS — Americans’ right to boycott ANYTHING based on their deeply held views is dismantled. As I wrote in an analysis for the University of the Pacific’s Law Review: this ruling “is based on an alarming and novel interpretation of the Supreme Court’s prior decisions upholding the right to boycott. According to this interpretation, the Constitution protects a right to call for or express support for boycotts but does not protect the right to actually boycott anything, viewing the act of boycotting not as expressive political speech but as an unprotected economic action. This re-interpretation of Supreme Court precedent, in effect, renders the whole notion of a ‘right to boycott’ meaningless, with alarming implications going far beyond Israel-Palestine issues.”  This dismantling of a core free speech right — undoing what until the 8th Circuit’s 2022 ruling was, since the civil rights era, considered settled law that boycotts are protected free speech — is the foundational justification for HR 4795, and it is the legal principle that HR 4795 is now seeking to cement in U.S. law.

What’s Interesting About the Way HR 4795 Got to the Floor for a Vote?

On 8/28/26, the House Majority Leader published the House schedule for the week of 8/1/26; and included on it a list of measures, including HR 4795, to be considered under suspension of the Rules [reminder: passage of legislation on by the House under suspension of the Rules requires a 2/3 majority]. But then things got even more interesting: on 8/31/26, the House Rules Committee passed H. Res. 1499 – a Rule that to bring HR 4795 (as well as other measures, including a resolution denouncing the DSA) to the floor for votes under normal order (enabling their passage via a simple majority). Republican leaders then brought H. Res. 1499 to the floor, where–in a political shocker that calls into question the current Democratic leadership’s ability to lead–it passed 9/1/26 by a vote of 210-208, thanks to two Democrats, Golden (D-ME) and Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) voting against their party to support the Republican rule (votes that were decisive because 5 Republicans voted “no”).

With the passage of H. Res. 1499, only a simple majority was now required to pass HR 4795 (and the other measures covered by the Rule). This is a very big deal, given that the final vote of HR 4795 was 237-169 — meaning that if the bill had been brought to the floor under suspension of the Rules, it would have FAILED (a 2/3 majority would have meant it needed 270 votes to pass).

And to be clear: the decision of two Democrats to vote with Republicans on this Rule — thereby enabling the Rule to pass, thereby enabling the GOP to pass several pieces of highly controversial legislation — is both highly unusual and a Very Big Deal. As a reminder, the House is a majoritarian body, and House leadership runs the House through the Rules Committee. Membership of the Rules Committee is sufficiently lopsided to guarantee that whatever comes out of the Committee reflects the will/strategy/judgement of House leadership (the Rules Committee is currently composed of 9 Republicans and 4 Democrats). The Rules Committee holds a hearing on the bill and then votes on/approves a RULE governing how the bill will be dealt with on the House floor. The Rule covers things like: which amendments will be considered on the floor; how debate time will be divided; and pretty much anything else the House leadership, working through the Committee, wants to try to get away with. Once this Rule is adopted by the Committee, it is turned into a resolution (an H. Res. XXX), which is then brought to the House floor for a vote. No further action on the underlying legislation is possible until the Rule is passed. Members of the minority are NEVER presumed or expected to support a rule (that just isn’t how the House works). Party-line votes are common on Rules brought to the floor. A speaker who can’t pass a rule on the House floor (meaning he/she cannot corral his/her own caucus to support his/her decisions) can’t run the House.

(Belated) Opposition to HR 4795

The Report that accompanied the bill makes absolutely explicit the intent of the bill (which to be fair was clear already). Notably, while the Minority views (i.e., the views of Democrats on the Committee) included at the end of the report take a strong position on free speech/First Amendment rights, those views also boil down to the complaint that Republicans didn’t work with Democrats to ensure that the bill was formulated in a way that could have gotten bipartisan support [i.e., a formulation that does not so blatantly violate the First Amendment]. Also notably, the Minority views don’t even mention the bill’s conflation of Israel and the West Bank.

As it became clear that HR 4795 was coming to the floor for a vote, opposition to the bill belatedly began to ramp up. This includes from outside groups (including A New Jewish Narrative; MPAC & A New Policy; J Street, CAIR); Democratic Members of the House Education and Workforce Committee; and Rep. Nadler (D-NY). Read Nadler’s 9/2/26 X-post; Nadler’s full statement below. In the end, it was not enough to prevent passage (which was a foregone conclusion once the Rule was passed).

Nadler statement:

“When the House votes on H.R. 4795, I will vote no. H.R. 4795, the so-called Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, prohibits universities from engaging in ‘non-expressive commercial boycotts,’ and requires institutions of higher education to certify they are not boycotting Israel in order to access certain federal funds.

“I strongly oppose the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and I ardently oppose BDS as a strategy to secure change in the Middle East. I also recognize that those who advocate for BDS can veer into antisemitism if they should use antisemitic tropes or stereotypes, hold Jews collectively responsible for Israel’s actions, target or exclude Jews because they are Jewish, use opposition to Israel or Zionism as a proxy for hostility toward Jews, or advance an eliminationist vision that denies Jews in Israel equal rights, physical safety, or the ability to remain in the country as equals.

“But no matter how strongly I oppose the BDS movement, I also believe that those who engage in BDS have a First Amendment right to do so. The First Amendment right to free speech does not apply only to agreeable speech. No matter how much I may disagree with BDS, and find it strategically stupid and morally repugnant, I will always fight to protect Americans’ right to speech with which I disagree. It is the only way to ensure speech I do agree with is equally protected.

“In my view, H.R. 4795 is a direct and gross violation of the First Amendment. The proponents of this bill hide behind an inadequately defined term of ‘non-expressive commercial boycotts,’ but, as the ACLU wrote in a letter to Congress, ‘Many of those engaged in boycotts of Israel do so not for commercial reasons, but because they wish to express their political opposition to the policies of the Israeli government – matters of overwhelming public concern and debate in the present moment. HR 4795’s labeling such boycotts as ‘non-expressive’ does nothing to change this reality.’ Moreover, as the Supreme Court has noted in Chiles v. Salazar, ‘the First Amendment is no word game. And the rights it protects cannot be renamed away or their protections nullified by ‘mere labels.’’

“Additionally, the language in H.R. 4795 treats the entire West Bank as part of Israel, erasing the Green Line and undermining efforts to promote a two-state solution. The United States and Congress must recognize the difference between the State of Israel and the territory it occupies beyond the Green Line. Imposing penalties on institutions of higher education for opposing activities that advance annexation, blur that crucially important distinction, and undermine prospects for a two-state solution would establish a deeply troubling precedent.

“H.R. 4795 is the latest assault by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans on American colleges and universities. Supporting this bill does nothing to support students on campus, prevent hate, or improve the reality in the Middle East. Instead, it feeds the political arson being committed by the Trump Administration against institutions of higher education and endeavors to limit Americans’ First Amendment freedoms in service of Republicans’ partisan political agenda.”

2. Letters & Reports

  • [TARGETING MAX BLUMENTHAL — AKA, TIME TO STOP ASKING WHETHER THE RED SCARE IS BACK. IT IS. AND FOLKS SHOULD RECALL HOW THAT WENT] On 8/29/26, Laura Loomer published a long post on X, opening with: “GOP Members of Congress call for State Department and DOJ to investigate Radical Left Islamic Terror Sympathizer Max Blumenthal Following His Return From Iran.” The post includes gifs (page 1, page 2) of a letter, dated 8/28/26, sent to Secretary of State Rubio and Attorney General Blanche by Reps. Fine (R-FL), Self (R-TX), and Weber (R-TX). The letter urges the Trump Administration to investigate an American journalist, Max Blumenthal, for “participating in Ali Khameni’s funeral in Iran.” The letter goes on to enumerate Blumenthal’s alleged grievous sins, including criticism of Israel and being the son of Sid Blumenthal. It concludes by characterizing Blumenthal as someone who “sympathizes with America’s enemies and is a threat to United States national security.” The letter asks the Trump officials to “promptly investigate” Blumenthal to “ensure the American public is safe from this traitor.” As a reminder: the U.S. law regarding “treason”: “Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.” [See also: Sacco and Vanzetti; Julius and Ethel Rosenberg]. Also see: response from Max Blumenthal on X: “A federal judge has clearly stated that my Fourth Amendment rights were violated through the seizure of my phones. She framed the DHS action as an attack on my First Amendment rights as well, situating it within the Trump administration’s wider assault on press freedom. Loomer and a trio of Israel First backbenchers have responded by escalating their attack on my First Amendment rights. It’s a desperate bid to silence me and The Grayzone – not for breaking any laws, but for journalism which exposes wanton corruption and war crimes. They are particularly incensed by my reporting on the crimes of a certain foreign apartheid state whose lobbying proxies guide their careers. Indeed, their letter is packed with hysterical complaints about my journalism, demanding that I be “investigated” for producing a documentary on Iran’s Jewish community and for clinically exposing official Israeli deceptions about October 7 designed to generate public support for genocide in Gaza. The letter also contains blatantly false, libelous statements. For instance, its authors claim I was “cultivated by an agent of influence by an FTO and current military adversary.” This is textbook defamation, and I don’t think it’s protected by congressional immunity. Finally, it’s impossible to ignore the irony of Randy Fine falsely accusing an American journalist of unspecified crimes just days after Fine was filmed rummaging through a private citizen’s mailbox while he was campaigning for reelection. Breaking into a mailbox is a federal crime. Journalism is not.”; House Republicans Demand Investigation Into Liberal Activist Who Attended Ayatollah’s Funeral (Daily Wire 8/29/26); Republicans Want Probe of Journalist Attending Ayatollah’s Funeral (American Faith 8/31/26); Paid by Hostile Regimes? The Foreign Funding Trail That Should Force Max Blumenthal Onto The FARA Registry (Loomered 8/31/26); MAGA trio’s new probe into journalist gets blistering response: ‘Desperate to silence me’ (Raw Story 8/29/26); The Totalitarian Israel Lobby Comes For Max Blumenthal. (The Dissident 8/29/26);

3. Hearings & Markups

September 1, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa held a hearing entitled, Countering Houthi Terrorism: Protecting U.S. Interests and Security in the Red Sea. Witnesses were: Nadwa Al-Dawsari, Middle East Institute (statement); and Allison Minor, Atlantic Council (statement).

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex & politics

  • Massie (R-KY) 9/1/26: X-post – “Good commentary on my race by @takenaps. Neither of the lobbying organizations bragging about taking me out are saying I was bad for Kentucky or America. They’re saying they did it because I wouldn’t send your money to Israel. Take them at their word.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/1/26: X-post w/ video clip – “AIPAC is spending $50,000 on attack ads against me – and I’m not even on the ballot this year. Why? Because I refuse to give a foreign government a blank check or your tax dollars. Their attacks won’t stop me from standing up for what’s right.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/31/26: X-post – “The attacks on Angie & Abdul are all about being against the genocide of the Palestinian people. The genocide deniers are scared that their “kill them all” position is losing everywhere in our country. They already lost when they have to come after the color of their skin & their faith.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/31/26: X-post w/ video clip from Chris Menahan – “Rep. Randy Fine gloats with the Republican Jewish Coalition that “we” drove Rep. MTG and Rep. Thomas Massie out of the GOP. “If Massie needed a real reason to hate the Jews, well, we gave him one!” “We have expelled [Tucker Carlson] and his filth from the [GOP]!” he boasts. (Trump’s approval rating fell to 33% this month, the lowest of his presidency.)”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/29/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I’d love to get back to the issues elections should be about: making life more affordable and holding the administration accountable. But we can’t ignore that members of our party are embracing a hate spewing streamer like Hasan Piker. We can’t deliver for American families unless we’re willing to call out the hate and stand up for the values of the Democratic Party.”
  • Rogers (R-FL) 8/29/26: X-post – “I’m grateful to have the support of Brian Hermelin and so many significant leaders in Michigan’s Jewish community! Thanks to all of you who have reached out to us. My wife, Kristi, and I could not be more grateful. As antisemitism rises and Jewish families worry for their safety, it’s critical that we have leaders who will confront hatred — not inflame it. That’s where my opponent and I couldn’t be more different. Abdul El-Sayed fans the flames of antisemitism. We’re fighting to extinguish it. He sympathized with the terrorist who tried to mass murder 140 kids in Temple Israel. And refused to disavow Hasan Piker, who called for violence towards American Jews. I have a record of, and will continue to, fight for unconditional support for Israel’s right to defend herself. And work to make sure Jewish Americans do not fear the hate and antisemitism that Abdul and his allies are pushing. I pledge to work for the safety and security of all students, especially the Jewish students in our great Michigan universities.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 8/28/26: X-post – “Ben. You don’t speak for Democratic voters. If you did, I wouldn’t have prevailed in my June primary over an opponent you were strongly backing (he got 15% of the vote). Democratic voters are pro-Israel and pro-peace. As are Moskowitz and I. Notwithstanding your efforts to tear down a Democrat in a toss-up seat, Moskowitz will be an outstanding Ranking Member. I am proud to have given up my position as Ranking Member to allow Moskowitz to take over the subcommittee.” Responding to Ben Rhodes post criticizing the naming of Moskowitz (D-FL) as the new Ranking Minority Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL

  • Banks (R-IN) 9/1/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I was proud to put on the uniform and serve my country in Afghanistan. I am proudly pro-Trump. I am proudly America First. And as a next generation Republican leader, I am proudly and unapologetically pro-Israel.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/30/26: X-post – “Calling for genocide against Israel is despicable. Israel is a great friend and ally of the United States, I’d advise Qatar not to forget that. The real question is how much are they going to shell out to try to paper over this one?”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 8/28/28: X-post – “We cannot hand Gaza’s future to an authority that trains kids to hate Jews and celebrate bloodshed. The Palestinian Authority’s schools prove they remain committed to the same ideology as Hamas. Peace requires removing that poison, not empowering it.”

Concern for Palestinians

  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/2/26: X-post – “The destruction of Palestinian homes in the West Bank is not a matter of rogue settlers in isolated incidents. It is a coordinated operation legitimized by Israeli law & protected by Israeli soldiers. This will not end until we stop sending aid & weapons used to kill civilians.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/2/26: X-post – “After our trip to the Gaza-Egypt border last year, @SenJeffMerkley & I released a report entitled, ‘The Netanyahu Government is Implementing a Plan to Ethnically Cleanse Gaza of Palestinians.’   Now the Israeli Min of Defense confirmed that’s the goal.   We must end our complicity.” Linked to France 24 article: Israel ‘organised and prepared’ to remove Gaza population if US gives green light, Katz says
  • Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) 9/2/26: X-post – “I vehemently condemn the settler violence in the West Bank, which has escalated this year with more than 3,200 Palestinians displaced, 76 killed, and countless more harassed and harmed. For far too long, these violent settlers have acted with impunity. Netanyahu and his government must take immediate action to rein in this violence by stopping settlement expansion in the West Bank and holding perpetrators accountable. The global community, including the U.S., cannot continue turning a blind eye to these atrocities. We must remain committed to a two-state solution that delivers lasting peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 9/1/26: X-post w/ video clip – “More than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza continue to face displacement, destruction, disease, and death. It’s an appalling humanitarian catastrophe, and we have a responsibility to help end the suffering by ensuring the people in Gaza have access to the food, medicine, and aid they need to survive.”
  • Min (D-CA) 9/1/26: press release – “I was pleased to participate in a community forum last week with Jewish American constituents. As I stated clearly at the outset of a forum, I have a long history of condemning antisemitism and will continue to do so. I believe in Israel’s right to exist and defend itself and will keep supporting the provision of defensive weapons so that Israel can protect itself and its people. But I strongly oppose what Netanyahu is doing in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Iran and believe these are contrary to US interests and to Israel’s own long-term stability and peace. The Netanyahu government appears clearly to be seeking to, either through military action or by condoning settler violence, expand Israel’s borders, and to prolong and expand military conflict in the Middle East. These actions run contrary to the longstanding goal of a two state solution with self-determination and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. I will not support US taxpayers providing or subsidizing offensive weapons to Israel unless and until there is a meaningful change in Israeli policy, just as I will not support Trump’s illegal war in Iran. To be clear, my opposition to Netanyahu’s military agenda does not mean I do not care about the safety of Israel, nor does it mean I will be any less vocal about confronting antisemitism and trying to keep Jewish Americans safe here at home. I realize it is a frightening time for Jewish Americans right now. I have heard many of your stories and I am sorry that we are dealing with such a frightening rise in hate right now. But as someone who has been on the front lines, year after year, in efforts to confront hate in Orange County, I know we need as broad a coalition as possible if we want to meaningfully deal with antisemitism. This is something I learned firsthand as we tried to confront the anti-Asian hate epidemic that arose a few years ago. Unfortunately, there are people right now trying to make antisemitism a political wedge issue, including many who have never spoken out against hate before this year. We must reject this message of division and stand together against hate and religious bigotry.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/1/26: X-post – “They pretend they want to make llfe easier for their residents, yet they spend time attacking colleagues instead of Trump who ripped health care away from our families. Why? Because they are also war mongers & will fund genocide before taking on their corporate donors who are the ones really hurting our families.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 8/31/26: X-post – “Listen to the words of retired Israeli generals speaking out against Israeli settlers terrorizing Palestinians in the West Bank. ‘This is ethnic cleansing.’ ‘Once a society behaves this way, that society is doomed.’ Not another nickel for the extremist Netanyahu government.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 8/30/26: X-post – “And maybe the US media should treat covering Gaza and the West Bank more critically under Netanyahu and the Israeli government. This shit ain’t new.” Responding to X-post by Jake Tapper, “Hideous: In “the West Bank town of Jalud, masked settlers attacked an NBC News crew as they were interviewing a Palestinian woman.” Sending prayers to the NBC crew.” [but no prayers for the Palestinian woman who as also attacked and knocked unconscious]
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/30/26: Republican Jewish Coalition X-post w/ video clip – “Congressman @VoteRandyFine, the Hebrew Hammer, received a thunderous standing ovation at the RJC Leadership Summit in Las Vegas: “In the 1930s, there were only two kinds of Jews – those who left, and those who died. Today, both in the State of Israel – and here in the United States – there is a third kind. Those who fight. I am proud to be one of those.”:
  • Gallego (D-AZ) 8/28/26: press release – Gallego Leads Colleagues in Opposing Israeli Government’s E1 Settlement Tenders; also see – Gallego leads Senate Democrats calling for halt to E1 settlement construction plans [“The 30 Senate Democrats called on Israel to rescind the settlement construction permits, halt settlement expansion and take action to halt settler violence”] (Jewish Insider 8/28/26)
  • Warren (D-MA) 8/28/26: X-post – “It’s long past time for the U.S. government to stand up for human rights, investigate this violence against Americans and Palestinians, and hold the perpetrators accountable. I’m grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s leadership and proud to stand with him in pressing for answers.”

Free Speech/Right to Protest

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/2/26: X-post – “Tomorrow, or perhaps even today, targets may include anyone in the United States who exercises their freedom of speech to simply express opinions the government does not like. This downward spiral is antithetical to our Constitution that recognizes our right to speak freely.” — A Judge in San Jose ruling against Donald Trump’s violation of freedom of speech. I came to the U.S. at 16 years old, all alone, to pursue the best education in the world. My parents put everything on the line to give me that opportunity. Today, immigrant students are being forced to choose between speaking their minds and feeling safe in this country. This isn’t just about immigration; it’s about protecting the constitutional right of every person to challenge those in power. Not just for people the government agrees with. For everyone. We cannot let the Trump Administration continue to weaponize immigration law against anyone who disagrees with their policies. We must continue fighting in the courts and everywhere else for the Constitution and the First Amendment.” Linked to screenshot of Associated Press 8/29/26 headline: Trump cannot deport students for criticizing Israel, judge rules

Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 9/1/26: X-post – “Members of a Foreign Terrorist Organization are intimidating Americans on the Texas State Board of Education. This is their playbook: accommodation, intimidation, and then total conquest. BAN SHARIA.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/1/26: X-post – “Nearly 25 years later, NYC’s Mayor is in bed with Muslim terrorists and refuses to call out evil for what it is. Unfortunately, it seems the city forgot when they elected Jihadi Mamdani mayor. But we never will.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/31/26: X-post – “Sharia law has no place in the United States of America.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/31/26: X-post – “Sharia and the Constitution cannot occupy the same country. One of them has to lose and it will NOT be our Constitution.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/31/26: X-post – “NYC’s Mayor is an apologist for Hamas and has made it a priority to advance Islam. Dearborn’s Muslim Mayor said that Christians aren’t welcome in his city. The Democrats Senate candidate in Michigan said that America deserved 9/11 and is supported by Hasan Piker. And now the Governor of New York is wearing a hijab 11 days before the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Don’t try to tell me that the threat of Mainstream Islam isn’t real in the United States of America.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 8/31/26: X-post – “U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday, outlining concerns regarding a ‘planned Islamic development’ being built near U.S. military training base Camp Bullis in San Antonio. In his letter, Roy voiced concern that, in fundraising efforts for the expansion project, NICSA Islamic leaders have partnered with the Muslim Brotherhood.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/31/26: X-post – “To all who have attacked Hasan Piker, I’m going to check to see if you said anything about Laura Loomer calling a Black woman running for Senate in Florida, Representative Angie Nixon, a ghetto b**** and said that she should tug on her leash. I STAND WITH @AngieNixon“
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 8/31/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Laura Loomer is a stone-cold racist, pathological liar and nutjob. We stand with Angie Nixon, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Rep. Pressley and those public servants she attacked. Every single Republican should denounce her vile behavior and end their relationship with this extremist immediately.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/30/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The Governor of New York is now wearing a hijab to appease Islamists 12 days before the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. This is what surrendering to Mainstream Islam looks like. New York has now been conquered.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/30/26: X-post – “Radical Islam is not a race or a religion. It is a DEATH CULT. Americans need to WAKE UP.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/28/26: X-post – “We have one foundation of law in America: the United States Constitution. Everything else—from the federal government to state and local governments—must adhere to our constitutional system and the rule of law. Any effort to establish Sharia law as governing is completely incompatible with this fundamental principle.”

Israel-Greece

  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 8/31/26: X-post – “As Vice Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and member of the Hellenic Israel Alliance Caucus, I’m happy to see Greece and Israel working together to strengthen Greece’s national defense and regional security through the Achilles Shield air defense network. In May, the @HouseForeignGOP Committee overwhelmingly advanced our bipartisan H.R. 8019, the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, to deepen military training, strengthen interoperability, and ensure the United States remains a strong partner as Greece modernizes its armed forces to further contribute to a more secure Eastern Mediterranean.”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 8/30/26: X-post – “In the US Congress, we welcome this phenomenal deal to protect the Mediterranean from threats posed by terrorist extremists funded by the regime in #Iran & Erdogan in #Turkey!”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 8/30/26: X-post – “NEWS—> The new defense partnership between the Jewish State of #Israel & the Hellenic Republic of #Greece is very welcome news in the US Congress. Under Erdogan, #Turkey has abandoned any semblance of democracy & is funding terrorist extremists across the region.”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 8/29/26: X-post – “Erdogan’s continued support of anti-American terrorist groups in the Middle East is a direct to the safety & wellbeing of the American people. Erdogan’s pathetic rhetoric & calls for violence against #Israel undermines #Turkey’s role in NATO & will not be tolerated.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and more PIKER-MANIA) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Massachusetts

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Ohio

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Big Changes on HFAC
3. Letters & Reports
4. PIKER-MANIA is BAAAAAACK
5. Hearings & Markups
6. Selected Members on the Record
7. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

1. Bills & Resolutions

(ISRAEL HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES) S. Res. XXX [resolution text]: On 8/27/26 Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) issued a press release – Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders Announce Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence. Additional original cosponsors are: Merkley (D-OR), Hirono (D-HI), Heinrich (D-NM), Warren (D-MA), Markey (D-MA), Smith (D-MN), Luján (D-NM), and Welch (D-VT). Also see: Democrats to Force Senate Vote on Israel’s Human Rights Practices (New York Times 8/27/26); Senate Resolution Will Demand Answers on Extremist Israeli Settler Violence Against US Citizens (C0mmon Dreams 8/27/26); Senators Look to Compel Vote to Get Report on West Bank Violence (Bloomberg 8/27/26); Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders to introduce resolution on ‘violent Israeli settlers’ (Jewish News Syndicate 8/27/26); Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/27/26: X-post w/ video clip – “In just over 4 years, 9 Americans have been killed in the West Bank with 0 accountability. It’s past time we get answers about their deaths & the constant injustices Palestinians face from the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. I’m introducing a resolution requiring the State Dept to begin to answer these questions & I’ll be bringing it to a vote when Congress returns.”; Fine (R-FL) 8/27/26: X-post – “Democrats care more about protecting Hamas terrorists than putting the American people first. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

(TARGETING FOREIGN INFLUENCE ON US SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS) HR 10166 [bill text]: Introduced 8/27/26 by Luna (R-FL) and 15 cosponsors [13 Republicans plus Moskowitz, D-FL, and Gonzales (D-TX)]. “To amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act to require social media influencers to submit registration statements, and for other purposes,” ake that “Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act.” The bill defines a “social media influencer” as any person who has a monetized social media account on a social media platform.  Also see:

(UNIVERSITIES MUST COOPERATE WITH ISRAEL – OR ELSE!) HR 4795: Introduced 7/29/25 by Foxx (R-NC) and Gottheimer (D-NJ) and passed by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce 6/25/26, the “Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act” aka “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution that participates in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of Israel from being eligible for certain funds under that Act, to require an institution that participates in certain programs under that Act to certify that students are not unreasonably obstructed from participating in academic programs in Israel, and for other purposes.” As reported in the 8/1/25 edition of the Round-Up, under this bill, US universities MUST work with Israel/settlements or they will be punished for boycotting, even if they do not have a policy of boycotting. On 8/27/26, HR 4795 was reported out of the Committee on Education and Workforce with a report – H. Rept. 119-780 [not online yet as of 9am 8/28/26; will eventually show up here), and placed on the Union Calendar (meaning it can be brought to the floor for a vote at any time).

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:

2. Big Changes on HFAC

On 8/25/26, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Minority Member Meeks (D-NY) announced changes on the Committee. Most important, Democratic House leaders have made AIPAC-supported/aligned Moskowitz (D-FL) — arguably the House Democrat who is the most hardline pro-Israel, the most hostile to Palestinians, and the most hawkish on Iran (and pro-Iran War) — the new Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.

This means that, in the event that Democrats win back the House in midterms, Moskowitz will become chairman of the key House decision-making body dealing with Israel/Palestine/Iran.

And in that same vein, Meeks announced that two other strongly pro-Israel/AIPAC-aligned Democrats were being added to the committee: Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Bell (D-MO). Also joining the Committee is Pocan (D-WI), who is a strong defender of Palestinian rights. Meeks also named Jackson (D-IL) as Ranking Member of the Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee. Also see:

Media & journalists coverage/comments:

  • Prem Thakker (Zeteo) 8/25/26: X-post – “After new polling shows Democrats in all six of the first 2028 primary states overwhelmingly in support of sanctioning & cutting weapons to Israel, Hakeem Jeffries elevates one of the most pro-Israel Democrats in Congress to lead the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee”
  • Ali Harb 8/25/26: X-post – “If Dems retake the House, a congressman who proclaims himself to be the right of JD Vance and Steve Witkoff on Iran, will chair the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East. He immediately promised ‘to strengthen America’s relationships with Israel.’”
  • DropSite News 8/25/26: X-post – “Democratic Party chooses bench to oversee genocide in Gaza — House Democrats are stacking key foreign-policy posts in Congress with some of the most reliable defenders of Israel’s genocidal project in Palestine and the broader region. On Tuesday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee named Jared Moskowitz its top Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, succeeding longtime Israel hawk Brad Sherman. Meanwhile, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Wesley Bell newly joined the full committee. Moskowitz backs continued unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel; Wasserman Schultz has called her support “unwavering” and pledged to keep using U.S. taxpayer funds to arm Israel’s military. Bell reached Congress after AIPAC’s super PAC spent a massive $8.5 million to defeat ceasefire advocate Cori Bush in 2024, the most expensive primary ever at the time.”
  • Akbar Shahid Ahmed 8/25/26: X-post – “Notable on Dem leadership from a key voice in conversations about the party’s foreign policy. Moskowitz’s appointment reflects the sense among some power players a return to old Isr-Pal policy is possible. But fierce+ crucially open pushback reflects a serious, organized bid to avoid the experience of Trump 1 into Biden: traditional tendencies (fear of being seen as “weak” or “radical”) driving policy. Biden echoed Trump on I/P—to disastrous results there+domestically. Also reflected: continued establishment refusal to see Gaza sentiment as serious.”

Members of Congress comment:

  • Moskowitz (D-FL) 8/25/26: X-post – “I’m honored to be named Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. At a moment of enormous change across the region, I’ll work to strengthen America’s relationships with Israel and our Gulf allies, expand regional peace, advance American diplomacy, and ensure our foreign policy is grounded in strength, security, and reality. I’m ready to get to work” Commenting on Moskowitz’s post, Jamal Abdi (NIAC) 8/26/26: X-post – “Why do so many people believe that Democrats winning back Congress will change nothing?”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 8/25/26: X-post – “Congratulations to my friend @RepMoskowitz on his appointment as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. As Chair, I look forward to partnering with him to protect America’s interests in the region, combat Iran and its malign influence and terror proxy network, and stand resolute in support of a strong US-Israel relationship.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 8/25/26: X-post – “I know that Jared will do an excellent job on the Subcommittee this year and in the years to come.”

Other statements/commentary:

  • Justice Democrats 8/26/26: X-post – “Democratic voters: Please stop giving our tax dollars to Israel | Democratic leadership: What if we give three AIPAC Democrats more power over our foreign policy instead?”
  • CAIR 8/26/26: press release – CAIR Calls House Democrats’ Appointment of Israel’s ‘Most Committed Enablers’ to Foreign Affairs Committee an Insult to Voters and Desperate Attempt to Shield Israel from Accountability
  • Ted Deutch/American Jewish Committee 8/25/26: X-post – “Congratulations to my friend and fellow Floridan @RepMoskowitz, as he’s set to lead the Democrats on the @HouseForeign subcommittee for the Middle East and North Africa.   In a moment marked by instability, violence, and increasing demonization of Israel, Jared’s leadership, communication skills, and moral clarity will help Congress advance meaningful steps toward peace and security throughout the region.”
  • Democratic Majority for Israel 8/25/26: X-post – “Congratulations to Rep. Jared Moskowitz on his selection as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East & North Africa. We look forward to his leadership in strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance and advancing peace and security across the region.”
  • A New Policy 8/25/26: X-post –“If Democrats retake the House, many Americans will expect them to hold Hearings on U.S. policy on Israel & Israel’s actions in Gaza & across the region. Selecting one of Israel’s biggest cheerleaders to run the relevant Committee is a deliberate move to shut down that avenue.”
  • IMEU Policy Project 8/25/26: X-post – “Just as the Democratic Party is asking its voters to donate and volunteer for the midterms, party leadership in Congress elevated one of its most out-of-step members to block the changes most Democratic voters are demanding. This encapsulates so much about what’s wrong with today’s Democratic Party leadership.”
  • Just Foreign Policy 8/25/25: X-post – “Just Foreign Policy condemns this deeply divisive & immoral move by @HouseDemocrats to name Moskowitz as top @HouseForeign Dem for Mideast @RepMoskowitz @DWStweets @WesleyBell4MO are fringe, pro-war, Israel First voices who don’t represent the views of Americans or the Dem base”
  • Margaret Zaknoen DeReus/IMEU 8/25/26: X-post – “Israel has become a 90/10 issue for Democrats. Yet someone aligned with the 10 percent has been chosen for this role. Why does Democratic leadership seem so hellbent on ignoring its own voters, despite the overwhelming evidence that doing so on this particular issue played a big role in losing so spectacularly to Donald Trump?”
  • Rob Flaherty [former Biden/Harris team] 8/25/26: X-post – “A baffling direction on the merits, but doubly baffling to not even care enough about the optics to even mention Gaza in passing. Leadership has their head in the sand about where the public is here.”
  • Ben Rhodes 8/25/26: X-post – “Really disappointing from Meeks. I cannot believe he actually opposes the war in Iran if he puts one of the only Dems who supported the war in Iran in charge of the subcommittee responsible for it.”
  • Ben Rhodes 8/25/26: X-post – “Dems are counting on people not noticing how they approach governing. Appointments on HFAC are a signal of what the party cares about and the disregard for war crimes and voter concerns could not be clearer.”
  • Ben Rhodes 8/25/26: X-post – “Democratic voters are expected to knock on doors donate, make phone calls, vote, and deliver a majority. And then have their views completely ignored.”

3. Letters & Reports

4. PIKER-MANIA Is BAAAAAACK!!!!!

After going dormant for a short period, the Democrats’ “LET’S-SHIFT-ALL-FOCUS-AWAY-FROM-REAL-ISSUES-TO-A-TOTALLY-MANUFACTURED-HASAN-PIKER-CENTERED-CONTROVERSY-IN-FURTHERANCE-OF-UNDERMINING-PROGRESSIVES-AND-ESPECIALLY-CRITICS-OF-ISRAEL/ZIONISM“ campaign (henceforth referred to as PIKER-MANIA) is back — and with a vengeance that appears directly proportional to the shock/outrage/fear felt in various quarters over: the successes in U.S. primaries of candidates who are openly critical of Israel/Zionism; the rising radioactivity of AIPAC; the rapidly expanding grassroots opposition to U.S. support for Israel; and the growing power of DSA as a force in Democratic politics, at the expense of legacy Democratic party leaders and power-holders.

WHAT IS THIS MANUFACTURED CONTROVERSY OSTENSIBLY ABOUT?

The hook for this round of PIKER-MANIA is a live stream Piker did on Twitch last week, during which he offered some stream-of-consciousness thoughts on antisemitism and Israel, sparked by a clip of (Jewish) authors Eli Clifton and Ian Lustick discussing their new book, Israel’s Lobby, on Mehdi Hassan’s show. In the course of these comments Piker also displayed a photo of Michigan State Senator Jeremy Moss, who has of late been caught up in controversy over a viral audio clip — which Moss says is fake — in which a voice that is purported to be Moss says that the entire purpose of his campaign for the U.S. House is to ensure America continues to support Israel.

Critics of Piker are accusing him of saying a lot of things that, in fact, he didn’t say. So it is important, as a starting point, to review what he DID say. Note: this transcript was prepared by me – not by an AI and not taken from any other source – based on my listening to/watching the relevant part of the livestream over and over and over. For clarity I have left out repeated words and other sounds/interjections that are not germane to his comments. I have also left out — where you see ellipses — where he was reading aloud from listeners comments [much of what he said was in direct answer to and in some cases rebuttal/rejection of such comments]:

  • “This has been my demand – for prominent American Jews who have connections to the state of Israel to varying degrees, to come out and loudly declare Zionism to be a separate thing from Judaism… It is very important to break through this media framing device that has been used to defend Israel over and over again, [claiming] that all Jews are united in their defense of Israel, that Zionism and Judaism are inseparable. It’s bullshit. No one is monolithic. Jews are not a monolithic people in their defense of Israel… This notion that Jews behave in this tribalistic manner, all they care about is Israel – you’re [the listener who sent the comment] falling for the media propaganda. To me, I’m not going to listen to Jake Tapper on this issue, because he presents it in the same way as Nick Fuentes does. They both believe Jews operate in a monolithic manner, and that they have a singular investment in the continuation of the state of Israel. Of course Jake Tapper would simultaneously say that is very antisemitic when Nick Fuentes says it, but he says it himself. I don’t agree with that…”
  • “The anti-Zionist Jews in my community, you have a very tough job ahead of you. …you have to go back to your communities and try to get your elderly relatives to understand that this connection between Israel and Zionism that is expressed over and over again through a lot of these Jewish institutions is teaching people the idea that Jews ARE monolithic — and this is a dangerous mode of propaganda. And you want to know why? Because people don’t fuck with Israel any longer – and if Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone’s going to come around and take action — not against the state of Israel, mind you, but against American Jews. …We’re teaching people the wrong lesson. At the end of the day, American Jews do not prioritize Israel, but they do prioritize antisemitism. And that’s precisely the reason why a lot of this propaganda that is facing the American Jewish side from a lot of these Jewish outlets will tie the two, all the time…”
  • “American Jews do care about antisemitism – it’s understandable to care about antisemitism. They don’t care about Israel. So how do you tie the two? You say, ‘well, Israel is the only thing standing in the way of the next Holocaust happening.’ That’s how you do it. That’s how you do it. So every single time you have prominent Zionist Jews come out and be, like, ‘no, this is antisemitic, to oppose Israel is antisemitic,’ you’re teaching people the trope of dual loyalty. That’s what you’re teaching people. After you teach them that, you can’t turn around and say, ‘oh, well this is dual loyalty, this is antisemitic’ — cuz at a certain point people are not going to give a shit. And we’re already past that point. It’s that simple… They’re not going to give up on claiming that people are antisemitic, of course. They’re gonna keep doing that cuz there’s a lot of  institutional value — there are a lot of institutions that will still take action once the antisemitism allegation is brought up…”
  • “I don’t know how people don’t recognize how dangerous this predicament is, how dangerous this is for Jews. You’re running around basically tying your entire identity to a country that inevitably will be seen as basically Jewish ISIS, and you’re saying, ‘as Jews this is all we care about.’ You’re making antisemitism worse.”

One can agree or disagree with some or all of Piker’s take, but self-evidently nothing he said represents a call to attack Jews, endorsement of attacking Jews, or justification for attacking Jews. Rather, Piker is warning that the conflation of Israel/Zionism with Judaism/Jews is DANGEROUS in that it quite literally creates a permission structure in which people who are angry with Israel/Zionism may feel justified in directing their anger NOT at Israel but at Jews. And notably, this same warning has been articulated previously, in various words/framing, by many, many Jewish experts, academics, pundits, etc. —  including the likes of Hannah Arendt, Ezra Klein, Tony Judt, David Klion, Tom Friedman, Sam Seder, and Norman Solomon. For a sampling of additional insightful/non-insane Jewish commentary on the current manufactured  controversy, see: Dov Waxman [also here], Leah Greenberg, Glenn Greenwald, Rafael Shimunov, Aaron Regunberg [also here], Arno Rosenfeld, Madeline Summerville, Justin Kanew. Also see: Jewish News Syndicate 6/25/26: Conflating Judaism and Zionism fuels antisemitism, experts tell gov panel [“’Anti-Zionism can be a framework for justifying anti-Jewish hostility,’ Rafaela Dancygier, of Princeton University, told the New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.”]

Also, from the “there’s always a tweet” archives, check out this 7/7/26 X-post from Neera Tanden (who, unsurprisingly, has been joining in on the PIKER-MANIA this week): “Here @netanyahu, who hopefully will lose his job, here attacks @HaleyforMI, for stating the obvious fact that @netanyahu is making Jews in America and the world less safe.” She was commenting on post w/ video clip from Andrew Bates: “.@Netanyahu melts down at @HaleyforMI’s quote calling him out for his war crimes putting American Jews in danger. Accuses her of somehow excusing antisemitism before getting fact checked by @DanaBashCNN.” And as a reminder, Rep. Stevens responded to Netanyahu’s criticism with: “It is very clear that Mr. Netanyahu has not made us safer, has not brought us closer to peace. And he’s endangered Jews here in America and around the world.”

WHAT, SPECIFICALLY, KICKED OFF THIS PIKER-MANIA?

Piker’s livestream took place days before this crisis broke out. So what kicked off the mania? Political Research Associates’ Ben Lorber sought to answer that question, in an X-thread 8/26/26 (emphasis added by me):

  • By joining the pile-on against Hasan Piker, Democrats & liberals are running the Right’s disinformation playbook for them– the same playbook the Right uses before every election. This time around the moral panic was created by a far-right pro-Israel account named Max Nordau [screen shots of the posts are included]
  • Nordau regularly posts vitriolic xenophobia, white supremacy & Islamophobia alongside his main focus on defending Israel’s genocide. He deceptively edited Hasan Piker’s monologue to make it seem like a threat to American Jews. It wasn’t. Full clip here–https://x.com/ogreboy6/status/2092634343038759363. [with screen shots of examples of xenophobic, white supremacists, and Islamophobic posts from this account]
  • We have seen the same bad-faith disinfo attacks for a decade now against so many progressive leaders of color, from AOC, Ilhan Omar & the Women’s March in 2018 to AES, Piker & many others today. Many of the people who joined the pile-on this time around claim to know better.
  • This is a deliberate strategy by the Right to demonize their opponents before the midterms. The playbook is so effective because centrist & liberals on the other side of the aisle keep falling for it. Stop doing MAGA’s work for them!
  • During the Trump 1.0 midterms, MAGA faced an image crisis. Unite the Right exposed their extremism. Pointing the finger at Women’s March helped them change the narrative. Now antisemitism was an equal threat on ‘both sides’. Dems played right along. Same thing happening now
  • They want every ‘respectable’ liberal between now and November to have to condemn Hasan Piker every time they open their mouth to condemn Nick Fuentes. They hope this will dampen turnout enough to blunt a blue wave at the ballot box. Don’t fall for it!”

HOW ARE DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS REACTING?

In what has felt very much like an orchestrated response, this week has witnessed a slew of Democrats (from both the House and Senate) go all-in on PIKER-MANIA. These statements have employed ever-escalating language that self-evidently has NOTHING to do with what Piker actually said, suggesting that the members in question either (a) don’t know what he said, because they didn’t bother to confirm what he said before denoucing him, (b) they know what he said, but decided, for their own purposes, to deliberately mispresent his words: 

  • Ossoff (D-GA): Ossoff ‘unreservedly rejects’ Piker’s comments on Jewish support for Israel (Jewish Insider 8/27/26)[in statement to media; Ossoff has not published a separate statement or post on social media as of this writing]
  • Sherman (D-CA) 8/25/26: X-post – “Hasan Piker is trying to encourage and justify violence against American Jews. And he’s saying that if violence does occur, it’s the fault of those in the Jewish community who publicly support Israel. We faced tougher threats than those of Mr. Piker, who’s literally a piker. We will not be silenced.”
  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 8/26/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I rejected his rhetoric before his recent call to violence against an American Jew, and now I’ll be even more direct: every Democrat needs to be condemning Hasan Piker’s hate against Jews.” Arno Rosenfeld/Haaretz responding to Auchincloss 8/27/26: X-post – “This is not what Piker said — there’s plenty to take issue with about how Piker described the parameters of Jewish safety but this has turned into a very strange game of telephone”’ Dave Weigel responding to Auchincloss 8/27/26: X-post – “Piker didn’t issue a ‘call to violence against an American Jew.’ Interesting that the post claims that, as Auchincloss doesn’t say it in the clip.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/26/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Blaming Jews for the violence targeting them is the oldest, ugliest lie there is, and straight out of the Nazi playbook. Any politician who shares a stage with a hate-peddling grifter like Hasan Piker owns every bit of it.”
  • Panetta (D-CA) 8/26/26: X-post – “The suggestion that Jewish Americans who publicly support Israel bear responsibility for violence against the broader Jewish community is wrong, reckless, and antisemitic. With a platform reaching millions of people, Hasan Piker’s rhetoric that blames Jews for the hatred and violence directed against them gives cover to those committing anti-Jewish hate crimes. We can thoughtfully debate the policies of the Israeli government and American foreign policy, but political disagreement can never justify violence against individuals or their communities. We must unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms and stand with Jewish communities in America and around the world.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/26/26: X-post – “This bromance is a buddy movie about defending Hamas + a parade of deeply antisemitic rhetoric. ‘Two BIG thumbs up!’ – Iran” With screenshot of National Review article – No Daylight Between Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker
  • Booker (D-NJ) 8/25/26; X-post – “Hasan Piker’s dangerous and hateful language targeting Jewish Americans has no place in our civic discourse. Suggesting that Jewish Americans bear responsibility for hatred or violence directed against them is wrong, dangerous, and antisemitic. We can, and should, argue fiercely over policy. We should have meaningful dialogue and debate about the policies and actions of the Israeli government and American foreign policy. That is the lifeblood of democracy. But that’s not what this is. No American should be told that their political beliefs make them responsible for hatred or violence directed against them. There is a bright line between vigorous debate and rhetoric that stokes hatred toward our neighbors. Mr. Piker has crossed that line, repeatedly and unmistakably.” Commenting on Booker’s post: Matt Lieb 8/25/26: X-post – “I love that the entire democratic establishment just invented an antisemitic statement to smear Hasan with.” Also commenting on Booker’s X-post – Tennessee Holler 8/26/26: “Quiet everyone! The guy who voted to confirm Kushner’s convicted felon dad as our ambassador to France has some thoughts about morality”
  • Aguilar (D-CA) 8/25/26: X-post – “Comments that blame American Jews for threats against them are incredibly harmful and dangerous. There is no place for violence in this country. As leaders we must stand up to hate and antisemitism wherever we see it.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 8/25/26: X-post – “Hasan Piker is trying to encourage and justify violence against American Jews. And he’s saying that if violence does occur, it’s the fault of those in the Jewish community who publicly support Israel. We faced tougher threats than those of Mr. Piker, who’s literally a piker. We will not be silenced.” Responding to Sherman’s X-post – Mehdi Hassan 8/26/26: “He has neither ‘encouraged’ nor ‘justified’ violence against American Jews. Literally zero evidence for that. That these pro-Israel Dems never actually quote him in their condemnations tells you everything you need to know about their deliberate dishonesty and gaslighting.”
  • Stanton (D-AZ) 8/25/26: X-post – “Framing violence against Jewish Americans as something they brought on themselves shifts the blame from the perpetrators onto the very people they want to harm. That’s dangerous, and it makes our communities less safe. We must reject antisemitism and intolerance in all its forms.”
  • Slotkin (D-MI) 8/25/26: X-post – “In response to Hasan Piker’s recent comments on Jews in America being targeted because of their views on Israel: This shouldn’t be hard: no community should face the threat violence for their political views. Period. That goes if you’re pro-Israel, pro-Palestine, pro-choice, pro-life or any other cause you care about. And blaming the victims of violence for bringing it on themselves only further endangers people. In a time where political violence and anti-semitism has been spiking— and where just 6 months ago Michigan had a nearly deadly event of anti-semitic mass violence at Temple Israel — no one should causally be suggesting that anyone, Jews or otherwise, are to blame for being targeted.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/25/26: X-post w/ Fox News video clip – “Telling millions of followers that Jewish Americans are bringing violence on themselves is blatantly antisemitic and one of the oldest tropes in the book. Anyone who campaigns with Piker or elevates him is complicit in the rising antisemitism and anti-American hatred in this country. There’s no room for it in the Democratic Party.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 8/25/26: X-post – “The extremes of American politics love to blame Jews for antisemitism rather than the antisemites themselves. Let me put it plainly: there is absolutely no justification for antisemitism. There never has been, and there never will be. No amount of victim-blaming or gaslighting by Hasan Piker can shift moral responsibility away from where it belongs: the antisemites who commit acts of violence and terror against Jews.”
  • Schneider (D-IL) 8/25/26: X-post – “All of us should strive to be a light against the darkness of hate and work toward a brighter future where everyone can thrive without threat of violence. My full statement on Hasan Piker’s call to violence against American Jews.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 8/25/26: X-post – “Hasan Piker has been trafficking in antisemitic tropes for a while but even this is a new low. Blaming Jewish Americans for the violence and hate they’re facing is not just wrong, it provides an excuse to those perpetuating these anti-Jewish hate crimes. Let me be absolutely clear: crimes against Jews for being Jews is antisemitism plain and simple. There’s no excuse for it.”
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 8/25/26 on CNN: on Piker’s comments – “those comments were dangerous, malicious and antisemitic and should not be tolerated by anyone in the public square. What we’ve seen is a startling rise of hate crimes all across the United States of America, but particularly in this moment directed against our Jewish brothers and sisters. And everybody, regardless of ideological perspective, should be willing to denounce this rise of antisemitic rhetoric, hate crimes and bigotry and actually try to move us to a society where we embrace everyone. Even where there are differences on issues, be they foreign or domestic, the notion that people should be targeted because of their religious beliefs or ethnicity or race, whatever the case may be, that’s fundamentally inconsistent with who we are in this country.“
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 8/24/26: X-post – “The malicious claim that American Jews are inviting violence against themselves is dangerous and antisemitic. There is zero justification for threats against the safety of our Jewish brothers and sisters at a moment of rising hate. We will fight the cancer of antisemitism with the fierce urgency of now.” Hasan Piker 8/24/26: responding to Jeffries – “do not let a coordinated republican smear campaign become “reality.” my argument against the dangerous false conflation between zionism and judaism which in turn increases antisemitism is now turned on it’s head. zionism is not judaism. antizionism is not antisemitism.”
  • Scholten (D-MI) 8/24/26: X-post – “Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten issued the following statement after Twitch streamer Hasan Piker said that American Jews who support Israel are inviting violence…In his stream, Piker directly discussed and targeted Michigan State Senator Jeremy Moss, showing his picture while stating that “eventually someone will come around and take action not against Israel, but against American Jews.” Hasan Piker response to Scholten 8/24/26: X-post – “if i was an israel 1st congresswoman with a possible cheating scandal with a republican in the state, i wouldn’t spend so much time vying for the spotlight by actively defaming a prominent antizionist voice to harm the dem senate majority chances over a 90/10 issue.”
  • Scholten (D-MI) 8/24/26: press release – “Hasan Piker’s talk of violence against American Jews, and directly naming a Michigan elected official, and future member of Congress, Jeremy Moss, is unacceptable. Full stop. Piker is a hack who thrives on hate, shock and awe because he lacks substance. It’s dangerous for everyone. We should all be calling out this disgusting rhetoric so it loses its grip on our politics once and for all. It has no place in Michigan, and no place in our country.”
  • Lee (D-NV) 8/24/26: X-post – “Claims that American Jews are responsible for the violence being committed against their communities are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. It’s dangerous and antisemitic. We must stand up to the scourge of antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/23/26: X-post – “The only one inciting violence against American Jews is Piker and his rhetoric. For the future of our party, Democrats have to call out his hate and condemn these dangerous views. Anyone campaigning with him is part of the problem.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 8/24/26: X-post – “Trump-pardoned January 6 rioter Jake Lang is in Michigan targeting Abdul El-Sayed, burning Qurans and calling Muslims ‘insidious parasites.’ Will Mike Rogers and the Republican leadership condemn Lang’s bigotry and hatred—or will they continue to fan the flames of Islamophobia?” Rogers (R-MI) 8/24/26 X-post  in response: “Hey Bernie — unlike Abdul El-Sayed, I have no issue disavowing fringe extremists who promote violence and seek to divide our state and country. Jake Lang is all of those things. While I have your attention, I would like to know if Abdul will definitely say that he will not affiliate with people like Hasan Piker — who thinks that America deserved 9/11, self identifies as a racist, and calls for the public execution of American capitalists.  Could you check in with your boy on that and let us know where he stands?”

HOW ARE REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS REACTING?

Republicans in Congress are so far largely staying on the sidelines of this round of PIKER-MANIA, where they are likely celebrating as mainstream Democrats go all-in trying to destroy their own progressives. Not to mention the added bonus that this PIKER-MANIA is feeding/validating the narrative that it is Democrats, not Republicans, that have an “antisemitism problem” and completely erasing from the public debate any focus on the Islamophobia that surging in the U.S., both in general and, in particular, in connection with midterms.

  • Fox News 8/27/26: Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Dems have a big problem named Hasan Piker
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/27/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Democrats lined up behind Hasan Piker, now they’re losing it when anyone asks about him. This is the same guy who openly supports Muslim terror and wants Republicans dead. We must get him out of America.”
  • McClain (R-MI) 8/26/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Hasan Piker said people will ‘take action against American Jews for supporting Israel. He’s antisemitic and dangerous. The Democrats OWN Piker —this is who they are.”
  • Senate Republicans 8/25/26: X-post – “Hasan Piker’s threats against Jewish Americans aren’t new. Neither is Abdul El-Sayed running cover for him. ‘They are taking things out of context he’s said… he has taken great pains to condemn antisemitism.’”
  • Rogers (R-MI) 8/24/26: X-post – “Let me be clear: I’m in no way expecting you to support me — but in the Senate, I will defend your right to safety regardless. Meanwhile, Abdul won’t call out the ‘twitch streamer’ threatening you and other American Jews.”
  • Rogers (R-MI) 8/23/26: X-post – “More calls for violence coming out of the El-Sayed campaign… Here is his running mate, Hasan Piker, saying that if AMERICAN JEWS support Israel, they will be violently targeted because of it. This is all in reaction to Michigan Democratic Congressional candidate Jeremy Moss, who happens to be Jewish, saying he is unsure if he will be able to support Abdul for these very reasons. Absolutely DISGUSTING. If Abdul El-Sayed had any courage at all, he would call this out and disavow Hasan Piker once and for all. We’re waiting, Abdul…”

CALLING B.S. ON THE LIES/SPIN AT THE ROOT OF THIS PIKER-MANIA

Ryan Grim/DropSite 8/27/26: X-thread:“Hasan Piker has now been condemned by dozens of Democratic senators and members of Congress, which must mean that his comments were so horrifying they would shock anyone with a conscience. According to these fairly scripted denunciations, Piker said that American Jews ‘deserve’ or ‘bear responsibility’ for rising antisemitism. Here’s how Sen. Cory Booker put it: ‘Suggesting that Jewish Americans bear responsibility for hatred or violence directed against them is wrong, dangerous, and antisemitic.’ Rep. Jimmy Panetta edited it slightly, saying: ‘The suggestion that Jewish Americans who publicly support Israel bear responsibility for violence against the broader Jewish community is wrong, reckless, and antisemitic.’ So if Hasan Piker’s remarks were severe enough to warrant this extensive round of condemnation, it should be easy to pick them out. See if you can find his below. (The answer is in the reply.)

  • ‘You can’t have the kind of policies the government of Israel is engaged in and not expect that there’s gonna be pushback and backlash. The people that say that people that disagree with the policies of the government of Israel are antisemites are frankly full of shit and they need to be told that.; 1
  • ‘Anti-Zionism is rising as a response to what Israel is doing. It will simply not be possible to treat it as a marginal viewpoint that can be shamed or shunned into invisibility. Yes, antisemitism often cloaks itself in anti-Zionism. So don’t do the antisemites’ work for them. If you keep telling people that if they oppose the Jewish state then they must hate the Jewish people, eventually, they will believe you.’ 2
  • ‘Look, the anti-Zionist Jews in my community, you have a very tough job ahead of you, where you have to go back to your communities and try to get your elderly relatives to understand that this connection between Israel and Zionism that is expressed over and over again through a lot of these Jewish institutions . . . is teaching people the idea that Jews are monolithic. And this is a dangerous…mode of propaganda…If Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone’s going to come around and take action. Not against the State of Israel, mind you, but against American Jews…I don’t know how many different ways I can explain this. I don’t know how people don’t recognize how dangerous this predicament is, how dangerous this is for Jews.; ‘3
  • ‘A lot of the actions by [Netanyahu and his] government are making Jews in the United States unsafe.’ 4
  • ‘Benjamin Netanyahu has made us less safe. He has frankly put Jews in an uncomfortable position across the country.’ 5
  • It is an ‘obvious fact that Netanyahu is making Jews in America and the world less safe.’ 6

Here’s who said each of these: 1. James Carville 2. Ezra Klein 3. Hasan Piker 4. Dana Bash, speaking to Netanyahu 5. Haley Stevens, quoted by Dana Bash 6. Neera Tanden”

  • 8/27/26: Video commentary on this whole thing on X, from an account called @Rhir0gue – “First commentary video! It’s a bit rough around the edges but I’ll get better. On the condemnations of Hasan and how Zionism foments antisemitism“
  • Hasan Piker 8/27/26: X-post – “a lot of this frenzy cynically revolves around the bigoted idea that a muslim antizionist can’t possibly sincerely care about antisemitism no matter how much evidence there is to prove we do.“
  • Matt Duss/CIP 8/27/26: X-post – “There’s a massive effort right now to convince you that a movement that worked like hell to elect the first Jewish president is actually antisemitic. Don’t fall for it.”
  • Adam Johnson 8/27/26: X-post – “Can’t believe we’re on our 800th iteration of the Corbyn playbook. All smoke, zero fire. These “antisemitism crises” are complete confections that exist entirely to discipline critics of Israel, and Left projects more broadly. They cynically weaponize liberalism against itself.“
  • Ryan Grim/DropSite 8/26/26: X-post – “I do feel like the Dem party leadership crossed into some new level of mendacity with this week’s blatant and deliberate twisting of Hasan Piker’s words. To get mad about something he said is one thing. To fabricate something and then claim to be mad about it is a declaration of war against an internal coalition rival. Because the left won the major Senate primaries this cycle, they have to focus on beating Republicans first, but the party leadership made clear this week that they are not up for sharing power, that it’s going to have to be a fierce and dirty battle”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/26/26: X-post – “Too many demotivated Democrats stayed home in 2016 and 2024. We can’t repeat past mistakes. In this upcoming election, we need to: Quit calling @BernieSanders an “antisemite.” | Stop wasting time attacking Hasan Piker instead of Trump’s robber baron corruption. | Don’t put Israel hawks out of touch with our voters in charge of our Middle East policy. | It is time for a reckoning: are we a party that represents corporate interests and super PACs, or will we represent the American people?”
  • Pastor Ben Dixon: “There is no question that the Democratic Party Establishment has coordinated more attacks on Hasan Piker than they have coordinated opposition to Donald Trump and his destruction of the Republic.“
  • <Prem Thakker (Zeteo) 8/24/26: X-post – “One look at the Michigan numbers and you see exactly why they are resorting to lying about El-Sayed and Hasan this hard”
  • Aaron Regunberg 8/25/26: X-post – “Wild to see establishment Dems fighting a Twitch streamer harder than they’re fighting Trump. Putting out statements attacking @hasanthehun while meeting with Jared Kushner. It’s so obviously playing into the right’s midterm strategy of distracting people from rising costs.”
  • Matt Duss (CIP) 8/25/26: X-post – “Conservative Democrats can’t convincingly claim to ‘just want to beat Republicans’ while continuing to stoke the media frenzy around Hasan Piker by blatantly twisting his words. Stop helping the GOP write attack ads.”
  • Matt Duss (CIP) 8/25/26: X-post – “You’ve never seen corporate Democrats fighting as hard and as on message against Trump as they are against Hasan right now. It’s insane.”
  • Andrew Mercado 8/25/26: X-post – “DEMOCRATS FOUND THEIR URGENCY: CONDEMNING A TWITCH STREAMER — All week, establishment Democrats who support Israel and accept AIPAC money have lined up to condemn Hasan Piker while pressuring anti-establishment candidates to condemn him too. His underlying point is one they refuse to confront: forcing American Jews to identify with the State of Israel and treating them as responsible for its actions is dangerous. As Israel loses support among Americans, that conflation will only worsen antisemitism. Antisemitism is real and must be fought, but tying Jewish identity to a foreign government does not protect Jewish people. It puts them at greater risk. It is a warning about what fuels antisemitism. Meanwhile, where is this coordinated urgency against ICE? Against Trump’s economic war on Canada? Against the war in Iran? Where are their actual plans to make rent, food, health care and daily life affordable? We have seen nothing of substance, but they have endless time to punch left and turn a Twitch streamer into a midterm loyalty test. Then they demand unity. Unity cannot mean unconditional allegiance to Israel, obedience to donors and forcing everyone outside the establishment to denounce one another. Hasan Piker is a Twitch streamer. Donald Trump is President. Start fighting the people with actual power.”

PIKER-MANIA, FED & FUELED BY MAINSTREAM & PRO-ISRAEL MEDIA

PIKER-MANIA also ran wild in the media this week, with many mainstream journalists/commentators – like their counterparts in Congress — either (a) themselves misrepresenting what Piker actually said, and/or (b) actively validating, or failing to challenge, members of Congress for mis-representing what Piker said:

5. Hearings & Markups

September 1, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa will hold a hearing entitled, Countering Houthi Terrorism: Protecting U.S. Interests and Security in the Red Sea. As of this writing, scheduled witnesses are: Nadwa Al-Dawsari, Middle East Institute; and Allison Minor, Atlantic Council.

6. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/Palestine in US politics/elex – general (non-Hasan Piker)

  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/26/26: X-post – “.@MarkRuffalo worked with @BernieSanders & me to stop the war in Yemen & pass the first War Powers Resolution in American history. Mark has stood up for clean water & a livable climate. Mark has called out the genocide in Gaza. Smearing him as an antisemite is ignorance. He is one of the great humanitarians of our time.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/26/26: X-post – “If you are calling Bernie Sanders, the most popular politician in America, anti-semitic, you have lost the plot. I was a co-chair for Bernie’s 2020 campaign and I genuinely don’t know who Joel Rubin is.” Responding to Joel Rubin (American Jewish Congress) op-ed in Jewish Insider, Bernie Sanders’ 2020 Jewish liaison says his old boss is promoting antisemitism
  • Daines (R-MT) 8/26/26: X-post – “Anti-American. Anti-Michigan. Not fit to serve.” Linked to Washington Reporter article: EXCLUSIVE: Abdul El-Sayed received $3,000 from ‘Ms. Rachel,’ anti-Israel activist campaigning to shut down ICE detention centers
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/22/26: X-post – “Imagine if our government invested in clean air and water, childcare, and healthcare like it invests in death and destruction abroad. Imagine if it cared about building schools here more than bombing them in Gaza. What kind of world would we be able to create for our children?”

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL & AGAINST PALESTINIANS, UNRWA, ETC

  • Fallon (R-TX) 8/26/26: X-post – “This is evil. The Palestinian Authority turned the rape, torture, and slaughter of over 1,200 Israelis into a curriculum for elementary school students. Their math worksheets cheer the body count and school ceremonies praise the killers.” Linked to Washington Free Beacon 8/25/26: ‘Open Your Door, We Are Death’: Palestinian Authority Schools Glorify Oct 7 in Disturbing New Footage as West Bank Government Angles for Power in Gaza
  • Fallon (R-TX) 8/25/26: X-post – “Americans deserve to know that their tax dollars won’t line the pockets of terrorists. UNRWA is used as a tool by rogue states and bad actors who want to sow chaos, death, and destruction as a means to undermine the West.”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 8/21/26: X-post – “It was great to meet with Israeli Consul General Eitan Weiss for a productive conversation about the war with Iran and the security challenges facing Israel, the United States, and the free world. At a moment this consequential, American leadership matters. Confronting threats to our shared security, and projecting strength are how we protect peace and stability around the world. This is peace through strength.”

Concern for Palestinians &/or Criticizing (even meekly) Israeli policies/actions

  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/27/26: X-post – “When I was in the West Bank last year, I heard firsthand about Netanyahu government’s failure to hold extremist settlers accountable for harassment and violence. Palestinians, including Palestinian Americans, are being cut off from their homes, threatened, and attacked—encouraged by the Netanyahu government. Wrong under every moral code.” Linked to BBC 8/21/26 article: How Israel is expanding settlements in drive to reshape West Bank
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/26/26: X-post – “Ben-Gvir & extremists in the Israeli govt want to get rid of UNRWA with the hopes of ensuring that there is no such thing as a Palestinian refugee. The world should not continue to sit back & let this happen to UNRWA.” With link to Haaretz article: Israeli Police Launch Major Raid on Last Remaining UNRWA Facility in Jerusalem
  • Meeks (D-NY) 8/25/26: Meeks Calls on Trump to Intervene in Israel’s West Bank Settlement Expansion
  • Whitehouse (D-RI) 8/25/26: X-post – “Netanyahu has done more to damage U.S./Israel relations than any person in Israel’s history. He chose instead to have Israel’s far right connive with the U.S. far right. And, to stay a wartime prime minister, he sabotages peace.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 8/25/26: X-post – “The genocide has not ended. And U.S. made and supplied bombs continue to kill children in Palestine. Not one more dollar, not one more excuse, not one more bomb! Let’s pass my Block the Bombs Act NOW.”
  • Quigley (D-IL) 8/23/26: X-post – “Under Marco Rubio, the U.S. State Department has blocked ventilators, prosthetics, sanitation supplies, and other lifesaving equipment from reaching people suffering in Gaza. This cannot stand. I’m joining 64 of my colleagues in demanding humanitarian supplies for Palestinian civilians.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 8/21/26: X-post – “Just like we can’t trust ICE to investigate itself, we can’t trust the perpetrators of a genocide to investigate their crimes. We demand an independent investigation into the war crimes committed by Israel. Hind Rajab and the thousands of Palestinians who have been murdered in Gaza and the West Bank deserve real justice and accountability. We must hold ALL perpetrators accountable. The violence and genocide of Palestinians must end and Congress can start by passing the Block the Bombs Act.”
  • Green (D-TX) 8/21/26: X-post – “IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Jerusalem Post article below, titled ‘Jewish violence in the West Bank is terrorism – and Israel must admit it – opinion,’ speaks for itself. You can access the article by clicking the link here:” link to article

Islamophobia

  • Mace (R-SC) 8/27/26: X-post – “Sharia law has no place in America.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/27/26: X-post – “It was an honor to host a Sharia-Free America Caucus roundtable with members of the Sharia-Free Texas Caucus, strengthening collaboration between federal and state efforts to combat the expansion of Sharia law. We discussed legislative efforts aimed at protecting our Constitution and preserving the rule of law. Thank you to our special guest speakers: Karen Lugo, author of Mosques in America and constitutional law attorney with expertise in federal Religious Land Use, and Frank Gaffney, founder of the Center for Security Policy. Protecting our constitutional republic requires vigilance, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to the Christian principles upon which America was founded.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/26/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The Sharia-Free America Caucus stands behind President Trump. Sharia law is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and must be banned. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump!”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/26/26: X-post w/ video clip: “I call it the United Islamic Kingdom. They let people who hate their values take over because of suicidal empathy. Every illegal in America must be deported, no exceptions. The UK is dying because they refuse to do the same.”
  • Emmer (R-MN) 8/26/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with our laws and the American way of life. We must keep America Sharia-free with @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy!”
  • Roy (R-TX) 8/26/26: X-post – “NEW: Rep. Roy sounds the alarm over a planned Islamic development near Camp Bullis, a U.S. military training base in San Antonio. Under no circumstances should Sharia, or any foreign legal code, be practiced on U.S. soil…As a congressional representative who has the privilege of representing those who honorably serve in our armed forces and fulfill their duties at Camp Bullis, I have an obligation to ensure their safety and the safety of my constituents in the surrounding area.” With link to article in Daily Signal: EXCLUSIVE: Chip Roy Sounds Alarm Over Islamic Development Near Military Base
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/26/26: X-post – “I agree! Sharia Law teaches its followers to ‘kill all infidels.’ That CULTIST ideology is fundamentally incompatible with our American way of life. That is why I introduced the No Sharia Act and the Sharia Free America Act — to protect American values and preserve our God-given rights.” Commenting on X-post quoting Trump saying: “I would absolutely prohibit the Sharia Law thing. It is happening in this country a little bit, and where we see it, we take it out… We have one system.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 8/25/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Democrat Abdul: ‘Nobody is trying to push Sharia law.’ How long before ‘Real Sharia law has never been tried’?”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/25/26: X-post – “Women are SOLD, RAPED, and TRAFFICKED under Sharia Law. In the UK, Islamists have been running sex trafficking rings involving nearly 250,000 young girls. Yet here in the US, our young girls are being encouraged to visit mosques. Unbelievable.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/24/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Residents of McKinney will not back down in our fight to eradicate the influence of Sharia law in our community. We cannot and will not allow a culture or system inherently opposed to the rule of law to dictate how we live. DEFEND THE RULE OF LAW AT ALL COSTS.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/24/26: X-post – “Is a burqa now a required part of the uniform? Sad to see an organization that serves girls submitting to one that subjugates them around the world. We must put a stop to this.” Boosting article: Girl Scouts of America troops offer Muslim badges to be earned by learning pillars of Islam, visiting mosques (Post Millennial 8/24/26)
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/24/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The alliance between socialism and radical Islam exists because these losers are stupid. Years of worthless degrees and gibberish left them living in a fantasy world — now they’re embracing an ideology that wants them DEAD. Islamists know exactly what they’re doing, and leftists are being led right to the slaughter. SAD!”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/24/26: X-post – “These Islamists seek to destroy western civilization. I filed the bill that led to the Governor designating CAIR a terrorist organization. They don’t want coexistence, they are evil, and they must be defeated. I will never stop fighting them.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/24/26: X-post – “Ban Sharia law.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/23/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Islamophobia is on the rise all across America. Families in Dearborn should be back-to-school shopping. Instead, they’re being terrorized by racists with AR-15s. We can’t normalize this. Democratic and Republican leadership must speak out against this Anti-Muslim fueled hate.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/22/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Clowns like ‘Sharia Anthony’ Sabatini are trying to Islamify Lake County. They want to expand Islamic centers in rural Florida and put foot washing stations in city buildings. I’ve got a newsflash for Sharia Sabatini: take that craziness back to New York, we’re not putting up with it here.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/22/26: X-post – “BAN SHARIA LAW”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/21/26: X-post – “Sharia has no place in America.”
  • Moore (R-AL) 8/21/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with the Constitution, and we must never let it take hold in the United States. BAN SHARIA LAW NOW!”

Other

  • Markey (D-MA) 8/26/26: press release – Senator Markey Urges Congress to Reject Trump-Saudi Nuclear Deal
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/24/26: X-post – “I love it. Inflicting maximum damage on the regime committed to destroying America and Israel is a good thing.” With screenshot of AP headline: Iran’s currency hits new record low as U.S. prepares to announce more sanctions
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 8/23/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Erdogan continues to actively support violent Hamas terrorists who have American blood on their hands. Erdogan continues to undermine #Turkey’s relationship within #NATO & must be held to account!”

7. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Massachusetts

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

[note: Piker-related articles are included in the “PIKER-MANIA” section, above).

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Oklahoma

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

HOW DARE anyone question the conflation of criticism/protest of Israel & antisemitism!!!

Other Stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 8/18/26: How Powerful Is Israel’s Lobby?, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Eli Clifton and Ian Lustick, co-authors of the new book Israel’s Lobby: America in the Grip of a Foreign Power. They discuss the priorities and mechanisms used by what the call the Israel Lobby and whether it always gets its way; how to talk about the Israel lobby without being a conspiracy theorist; and the possibilities for the Israel lobby’s future.

1. Bills & Resolutions

(LEGISLATING/ENFORCING IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM) HR 8476: Introduced 4/23/26 by Fine (R-FL) and presently having 16 cosponsors (all Republicans), the “No Antisemitism in Education Act of 2026.“ This bill, which seeks to condition federal aid to educational institutions on the implemention/enforcement of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples conflating criticism of Israel/Zionism with antisemitism, was marked up in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce back on 6/25/26, where it passed by a vote of 20-12 (see the 6/26/26 edition of the Round-Up for coverage of that markup). UPDATE: On 8/2/0/26, HR 8476 was reported out of that committee with a report – H. Rept. 119-759, Part I (not online as of this writing – it will eventually be posted here), and was placed on the Union Calendar (meaning it can be brought to the floor for a vote at any time, if House leadership wants to do so).

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:

  • JINSA 8/18/26: Shifting the Center of Gravity: Transforming the U.S.-Israel Security Partnership [a report calling for a new US-Israel 10-year MOU that BOTH continues $3.8 billion in annual US military funding for Israel, AND implements, in effect, Sec, 219 of the NDAA and even goes beyond it, including calling for expanding the US military presence in Israel. NOTE: It is not clear if this report is genuine maximalist demand that JINSA hopes to see implemented (or believes plausibly could be adopted) or if this is a tactical move intended to jump-start a narrative/advocacy effort to frame Sec. 219 of the NDAA as not merely NOT a big deal, but in fact as reasonable middle ground/compromise the acceptance of which involves significant Israeli sacrifice for which, frankly, the US should be grateful.]
  • Demand Progress 8/18/26: New Poll: Voters Oppose Integrating Israeli Military into Pentagon
  • Semaphor 8/17/26: Progressive Democrats eye Israel policy shift in 2027 [“Capitol Hill progressives are homing in on the ‘Block the Bombs Act’ as they prepare for a potential overhaul of Israel policy under a Democratic majority. The legislation would block certain weapons transfers to Israel and is cosponsored by more than a third of House Democrats. Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, said his bloc would push for it to come to the floor in a Democrat-controlled House and would oppose bills that ‘subsidize weaponry for a military that’s been out of control.’ He framed it as a way for Democrats to rebuild relationships with voters that had frayed over the Biden administration’s handling of Israel relations. ‘If we want to regain voters’ trust, we have to say that the Democratic Party position in the past just has not worked,’ Casar said.“]. Also see: House Progressives Mounting New Push to Pass Bill Blocking Arms to Israel (TruthOut 8/18/26)
  • Lankford (R-OK) 8/17/26: Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Statement on 2025 FBI Hate Crimes Report [“Our bipartisan Jewish American Security Act will take important steps to protect Jewish Americans where they are targeted – on campus, in their communities, and online. We will continue working to pass this bill and take action at the federal level to protect Jewish Americans.”]

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC/Islamophobia (separately & combined) in US Elex & politics

  • Rogers (R-MI) 8/20/26: X-post – “Senator Schumer, by “new energy,” do you mean antisemitism?” Responding to CSPAN post w/ video clip – “.@SenSchumer on U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed: ‘El-Sayed has brought in new energy and new talent into the Democratic party but also in Michigan itself.’”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/20/26: X-post – “Communism & Islamism are not new.” Responding to Libs of TikTok post w/ video clip – “Chuck Schumer is DOUBLING DOWN on his support for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed: ‘El-Sayed has brought in new energy and new talent into the Democratic Party’ Democrats are officially the party of radical Socialism”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/20/26: X-post – “Huge congratulations to CA Sen. @aishabbwahab for winning this special election to Congress! Her grassroots, people-powered campaign fought millions from AIPAC and dark money groups afraid of her courage and leadership.  That’s exactly why my Medicare For All PAC invested $225,000 to help her cross the finish line. She is an amazing advocate for kids, working people, and for the glorious diversity that is our country. She can’t be bought and she’ll fight back even when it’s tough. I can’t wait to work with her to get #MedicareForAll so everyone has healthcare, to fight back against ICE’s cruelty, and to end forever wars. CA-14, thank you for showing up! I can’t wait to welcome Aisha to Congress!”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/18/26: X-post – “Corporate PACs, dark money, and AIPAC have spent $4.9 million in trying to stop a progressive grassroots fighter in this special election. But they can’t buy momentum, and @AishabbWahab has won both primaries with real support. Voters know she’s a fighter with a record of fighting for working people, and money can’t buy that. When we organize, we win.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/18/26: X-post w/ video clip – “While AIPAC and corporate PACs spent millions on ads, our people were knocking doors. Two primary wins later, the results speak for themselves. You cannot out-organize people who are fighting for their own communities. We are ready to bring it home in the special election today for @AishabbWahab today!”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/18/26: X-post – “Every time you think the Abdul El-Sayed story can’t get worse, another page of the family resume drops.” Responding to a post accusing El-Sayed’s mother of support for a “designated terror group” for working at a U.S. non-profit organization at a time when it was NOT designated by the U.S. government [that is – she worked for the organization when it was entirely legal to do so, and even the people promoting this story admit she was never charged with any crime or as a co-conspirator (nor were any of her colleagues)].
  • Torres (D-NY) 8/17/26: X-post leveraging outrage over an antisemitic Floridan GOP candidate to attack critics of Israel/Zionism – “The most extreme expression of unrepentant antisemitism in American politics is Dan Bilzerian, who has drawn far less public opprobrium than he deserves. Discarding the usual code words such as ‘Zionists,’ Bilzerian scapegoats Jews by name, openly declaring: ‘It is not red against blue. It is us against Jew.’ When he is not trafficking in Holocaust denial, he releases AI-generated campaign videos suggesting that our view of Hitler—whom he whitewashes as an “Austrian painter”—should be “revisited.” What distinguishes Dan Bilzerian from others who share his pathological preoccupation with the Jewish people and the Jewish state? His conspiratorial Jew-hatred is unfiltered by euphemism. He makes no attempt to hide it. He flaunts it. For he is proud of it. The rest of us should be ashamed.” [emphasis added]
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/17/26: X-post – “This is meaningless virtue signaling. Republicans will keep our house clean of antisemites. This race is not even close. How about the antisemites, Nazis, and Islamists who won Democrat primaries and Democrats are trying to send to Congress?” Responding to Jeffries (D-NY) X-post calling out antisemitic campaign of the candidate challenging Fine (R-FL).
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/14/26: X-post – “She seems nice. Abdul’s sister complains that Bernie needs to be even MORE pro-Hamas.” Linked to post by Abdul El-Sayed’s half-sister.
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/14/26: X-post – “When they tell you who they are…believe them.” Linked to video clip of Abdul El-Sayed’s half-sister.

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL

  • McCormick (R-PA) 8/21/26: X-post – “It was great to meet with Israeli Consul General Eitan Weiss for a productive conversation about the war with Iran and the security challenges facing Israel, the United States, and the free world. At a moment this consequential, American leadership matters. Confronting threats to our shared security, and projecting strength are how we protect peace and stability around the world. This is peace through strength.”
  • Scott (R-SC) 8/19/26: X-post – “It’s clear Israel gave Turkey advanced warning, and Ankara ignored it. Israel has the right and the duty to defend itself from threats.   Turkey needs to stop playing around, stop shilling for terrorists, and start acting like the NATO ‘ally’ they pretend to be.” Linked to Jerusalem Post article, Israel’s Syria strike risked scrambling Turkish jets, military escalation, US envoy tells ‘Post’
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/19/26: X-post – “Israeli companies are betting big on Texas, investing $3.2 billion and creating more than 4,200 jobs across our state. Now that investment is expanding into AI, cyber, defense, water, and agriculture. Texas gets the jobs, the capital, and the technology. That’s a partnership worth growing.” With screenshots from an 8/18/26 Times of Israel blogpost by an Israeli entrepreneur, $4 Billion Is Just One Data Point: The Next Wave of Israel-Texas Innovation

Concern for Palestinians

  • Green (D-TX) 8/21/26: X-post – “IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Jerusalem Post article below, titled ‘Jewish violence in the West Bank is terrorism – and Israel must admit it – opinion,’ speaks for itself.” Link to article.
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 8/21/26: X-post – “Just like we can’t trust ICE to investigate itself, we can’t trust the perpetrators of a genocide to investigate their crimes. We demand an independent investigation into the war crimes committed by Israel. Hind Rajab and the thousands of Palestinians who have been murdered in Gaza and the West Bank deserve real justice and accountability. We must hold ALL perpetrators accountable. The violence and genocide of Palestinians must end and Congress can start by passing the Block the Bombs Act.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 8/20/26: X-post – “More than 64,000 children have been killed or injured in Gaza since the start of the war. They deserve justice just like Hind Rajab does.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/19/26: X-post – “Over two years ago, the Israeli military killed 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family. The Israeli government is now opening an ‘investigation’ into their deaths. But this is not enough. There must be accountability for the thousands of children killed by the IDF and the targeting of innocent civilians must be stopped.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/20/26: X-post – “After years of lies, we’re now expected to believe a genocidal military will investigate itself. We need real justice for Hind and the tens of thousands of children murdered in Gaza. War criminals must be investigated and tried by the ICC and in every jurisdiction.” Commenting on Associated Press story: Israeli military launches criminal probes into killings of Hind Rajab and Palestinian paramedics
  • Slotkin (D-MI) 8/20/26: X-post – “Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has once again made violent, dehumanizing comments about innocent civilians in Gaza. It is abhorrent and a shameful part of the Netanyahu government. He should be long gone from any government role and publicly condemned by anyone who claims to care about civilians, Israeli or Palestinian, in the region.” [Me: “The righteous rage being carefully articulated by US electeds/orgs/pundits over Ben-Gvir’s words calling for Israel to kill more Palestinians in Gaza is belied by their continued abject silence over Israel ACTUAL KILLING more Palestinians in Gaza.”]
  • Quigley (D-IL) 8/20/26: X-post – “After campaigning to be the “Pro-Peace President,” Trump has enabled Israel to cause further destruction to Gaza while blocking crucial aid. The American people deserve answers, and the world needs a path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I’m proud to join 62 of my colleagues in pushing Trump to uphold the Gaza Peace Plan and ensure lasting peace, humanitarian aid, and a path to Palestinian self-determination.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/19/26: X-post – “The solutions to many of our problems have already been identified. Now, we just need elected officials to have the courage to pass them into law. We can start with raising the minimum wage to $25/hr, passing Medicare for All, and ending the genocide in Gaza.”
  • Slotkin (D-MI) 8/19/26: X-post – “There have been hundreds of settler attacks this year alone in the West Bank resulting in death and injuries — including awful incidents this past weekend. Settlers have killed Palestinian and American civilians, surrounded homes, burned down villages and mosques, thrown stones at residents, and kept innocent civilians from food and water. The cycle of settler expansion and violence with no consequences must end. And responsibility falls squarely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government, who either turn a blind eye or openly support this kind of violence. For a Jewish state to support such violence, given the history of Jewish people fleeing similar terror just a few generations ago, is reprehensible. And Congress should use all the tools we have to demand basic accountability.There have been hundreds of settler attacks this year alone in the West Bank resulting in death and injuries — including awful incidents this past weekend. Settlers have killed Palestinian and American civilians, surrounded homes, burned down villages and mosques, thrown stones at residents, and kept innocent civilians from food and water. The cycle of settler expansion and violence with no consequences must end. And responsibility falls squarely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government, who either turn a blind eye or openly support this kind of violence. For a Jewish state to support such violence, given the history of Jewish people fleeing similar terror just a few generations ago, is reprehensible. And Congress should use all the tools we have to demand basic accountability.” Linked to PBS article: Settler siege of Palestinian homes in the West Bank a ‘horrific act of terror,’ U.S. ambassador says [Me: “Great to see members of Congress speaking up – but after decades of occupation/apartheid/escalating state-enabled Jewish-Israeli terrorism in the West Bank, denouncing ‘settler attacks’ by making it all about Bibi is unforgivably disingenuous & politically cowardly framing.”]
  • Boyle (D-PA) 8/18/26: X-post – “Amb @usembassyjlm – As you know, I wrote to you on Aug 13 seeking the immediate release of my constituent, a US citizen who was harassed and detained for no apparent reason. While I’m glad he’s been released, we still deserve answers as to why a US citizen was treated like this.“
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 8/17/26: X-post – “The ongoing siege of Palestinian homes in the West Bank by violent, lawbreaking settlers is unacceptable. Enough. The Trump administration must compel the Israeli government to protect the lives, property and livelihood of innocent Palestinian civilians.” [Me: “The right message, regrettably – & unforgivably – almost 3 years of genocide/ethnic cleansing, & decades of occupation/apartheid, with all the violations of Palestinian rights that has involved, too late.“]
  • Green (D-TX) 8/17/26: ICYMI: The Jerusalem Post article below, titled “Israel should kill ‘30-40’ Gazans every night, Ben-Gvir says on ex-hostage’s podcast.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 8/16/26: X-post – “These comments are horrific and completely indefensible. Anyone advocating for acts of violence against innocent civilians should not be in an official government position. I believe Ben Gvir must resign, and I urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to denounce these remarks and reaffirm to the world that this is not the government’s position.” [Me: “The right message, regrettably – & unforgivably – almost 3 years of support for genocide/ethnic cleansing, & decades of occupation/apartheid, with all the violations of Palestinian rights that has involved, too late.“]

Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 8/21/26: X-post – “Sharia has no place in America.” With gif reading: AMERICAN LAW ONLY
  • Gill (R-TX) 8/20/26: X-post – “Stop Islamic immigration now, or our children pay the price.” With gif reading: “Mass Islamic immigration is incompatible with American Culture – Congressman Brandon Gill”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/20/26: X-post – “LAKE COUNTY ISLAMIFICATION ALERT: Stop Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini’s crusade to build a Sharia Center!” Responding to Laura Loomer post – “I have obtained a copy of a letter signed by @AnthonySabatini, a Lake County, Florida Commissioner and failed Congressional candidate which shows he supports the Florida Islamic Center in Lake County, Florida, which is trying to expand…If you live in Lake County, Florida, (where I previously ran for US Congress) you need to tell your commissioners to vote NO on the Islamic center’s expansion. If I was representing this district, I’d have the entire Islamic center shut down. RECEIPTS”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/20/26: X-post – “You love to see it. Florida will not be conquered by those who don’t share our values.” Responding to Libs of TikTok post – “BREAKING: Florida AG says he shut down a mini tax-payer funded mosque in Orlando International Airport”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/20/26: X-post – “Muslim foot washing stations should not be put in public places in America. PERIOD.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 8/19/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Rep. Roy: ‘The American people can see how out of touch Democrats are with their values. We’re talking about whether you think boys should be in girls’ bathrooms, whether or not boys should compete against girls in sports, whether or not we should have an Islamic state in the United States. That’s why Democrats are polling so low.’”
  • Min (D-CA) 8/19/26: X-post – “The online threats of violence against the Islamic Center of Irvine are unacceptable, and we must call this out together. Hate has no place in Irvine, Orange County, or anywhere else…”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/19/26: X-post w/ video clip – “There are 1,400 years of history proving that once Sharia takes root in a country, it conquers and dominates. We know their plans for Texas. We know what they intend to do to America because we have seen the consequences unfold elsewhere. DEFEND THE WEST.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/19/26: X-post “.@detroitnews has a writer who drew this racist cartoon below. I am not surprised that they downplay anti-Muslim hate.” With screenshot of cartoon of a caricatured Tlaib sitting behind a desk with a word bubble reading: “Odd. My pager just exploded.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/18/26: X-post – “The Marxist-Islamic alliance is trying to kill the ‘last best hope for mankind.’”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/18/26: press release – Rep. Tlaib responds to targeting of Michigan Muslim families
  • Dingell (D-MI) 8/18/26: X-post – “I join Dearborn in standing up to anti-Muslim hate and those seeking to divide us. Hate has no home in Michigan.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/18/26: X-post – “We cannot allow radical Islamic JIHADISTS to destroy our great country.”
  • Lee (R-UT) 8/17/26: X-post – “Who among us didn’t go to school with a guy named ‘Abdullah Hussein Hammoud’?” Responding to a post/video clip from the account “End Wokeness”, “Dearborn’s mayor, with a straight face: “Abdullah Hussein Hammoud is a name that is as American as any“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/17/26: X-post – “Islamophobia is a problem among both Democrats and Republicans. The silence in Michigan among state leaders while one of the largest cities in the state is being terrorized by Islamophobes is shameful.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/17/26: X-post – “The Islamization of Texas is real. Streets named after Muslims. Mayor of Houston deems Easter a ‘spring holiday,’ while openly naming and celebrating Eid Al-Fitr. Islamic Tribunal Court in Dallas asserts its decisions have the support of the Texas judicial system. We will not accommodate those who refuse to assimilate into American society or reject our constitutional rule of law. SHUT DOWN SHARIA.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/17/26: X-post – “There are nearly 40 ‘Mini Mamdanis’ who have already won congressional primaries across America per @SpeakerJohnson. If you don’t think the rise of Muslim terror is a serious problem, you’re not paying attention. We can’t allow the halls of Congress to be turned into Dearborn.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/17/26: X-post – “The rapid spread of political Islam and radical Islamists who seek to impose Sharia law is on the rise—especially in Texas. We must stand firm on the principle that there is only one supreme law in America: the United States Constitution. Texas needs us to stand strong and defend it.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/19/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Political Islam is very clear in its aims: infiltrate and influence local government in an effort to undermine the rule of law and impose its own legal system. Citizens across North Texas rightfully refuse to stay silent about the threat of Sharia. Keep speaking up!”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/17/26: X-post – “Nobody wants to see you washing your feet in the airport. Keep it moving.”
  • Gillibrand (D-NY) 8/17/26: X-post – “This Islamophobic vandalism is unacceptable and has no place in New York. Every New Yorker deserves to practice their faith without fear, and we must stand united against hate in all its forms.” Linked to article: Hate Crimes Unit investigating graffiti at Islamic center construction site in Shirley
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/16/26: X-post – “Jihadi Mamdani does not belong as Mayor of NYC. He needs to be denaturalized and sent back home to Uganda. I’ve had enough of his garbage.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/16/26: X-post – “Michigan is unrecognizable. It’s happening one county at a time. Not one elected official born in America. Not one who shares American values. This will soon be the entire United States if we don’t change course. The time for action is NOW.” Commenting on post from an account called “End Wokeness”: “Hamtramck’s City Council in Michigan. 0 out of 6 were born in America.” With a pic of members of that city council, all of whom have names suggesting Muslim Arab or South Asian backgrounds.
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/15/26: X-post – “Jews and Christians live out their faith without forcing it on anyone else. Too much of mainstream Islam demands the opposite: convert or submit. That’s the fundamental difference. We must stop the Islamification of America.”

Other

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/18/26: X-post – “This is a total abuse of power. Once again Rubio is sucking up to Netanyahu – Trump himself said as much earlier this year. Will EU leaders and others stand up to this farce?” Commenting on latest attack on ICC judges/lawyers by the Trump Admin, and posting a screenshot of a Reuters 7/31/26 headline: Trump says ICC campaign aimed at defending Netanyahu, not himself
  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/18/26: X-post – “I agree with @USAMBTurkiye. Continued one-sided aggression is detrimental to peace and stability. Syria has demonstrated a genuine desire for dialogue with Israel and continues to intercept weapons smuggled from Iraq, intended for Hezbollah in Lebanon to threaten Israel.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Alaska

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Massachusetts

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – South Carolina

Other Stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast & FMEP in other podcasts:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5334: Introduced 9/11/25 by Panetta (D-CA) [as the “Supporting Early-childhood Educators’ Deductions Act of 2025”]; passed by the Senate 8/7/26 after the Senate adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute (deleting the entire text and replacing it with the text of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Sent back to the House 8/10/26 [see HR 10076, bel0w].

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 10076: Introduced 8/10/26 by McCaul (R-TX) and 17 bipartisan cosponsors, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.”  Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Rules, and Energy and Commerce.

(LEGALLY REQUIRE & ENFORCE MASSIVE EXPANSION OF US INTELL SHARING & COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) S. 4615: Introduced 5/20/26 by Cotton (R-AR, the “Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.” As reported in last week’s Round-Up, on 8/5/26, Cotton filed a written report on the bill (Report Number 119-133), and additional and Minority views were also filed (not online last week). As a reminder: The bill includes an expansive new provision — Section 622 —  entitled “United States-Israel intelligence sharing enhancement.” Maybe you think this is the best idea ever! Maybe you think it is a terrible idea. Regardless, it is a HUGE deal and arguably should be understood/discussed/debated rather than just quietly slipping into law unnoticed. For further details see the June 5, 2026 edition of the Round-Up. UPDATE: That report is now public – Report Number 119-133. In it, Cotton makes the case for Sec. 622 while egregiously downplaying the actual impact Sec. 622 would have on U.S. intelligence; Minority views do NOT include any opposition to Sec. 622 and implicitly appear to support it.

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex & politics

  • Massie (R-KY) 8/11/26: X-post – “They should rename it Dual-Citizens United after Israeli Miriam Adelson spent her millions to beat me.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Democrats support Hamas sympathizers, defunding the police, open borders, and communism masked as socialism. The American people reject this garbage. We won’t allow these clowns to destroy our country.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 8/10/26: X-post – “.@elonmusk flagging this to help your platform get better. X is my favorite. Eyal is an op.” Commenting on 8/6/26 post noting: “Eyal Yakoby posted about Hamas 7,000 times. To recap: Israel 7,000 times, Iran 7,000 times, and Hamas 7,000 times. That’s 21,000 in total from one account. More than once every hour.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/10/26: X-post – “Why won’t fellow Democrats condemn these abhorrent views from DSA? How is embracing Hamas a “big tent” issue for Democrats?” With pic of Times of Israel headline, Co-chair of Democratic Socialists of America defends rallying for Hamas [NOTE: The DSA co-chair neither “embraced” Hamas nor defended “rallying for Hamas” in this interview. The description of the October 8th rally – which occurred after Israel had already launched massive retaliation targeting all of Gaza – as “pro-Hamas” reflected the views/words of the interviewer (and apparently the author of the Times of Israel piece, and Fetterman), NOT the views/words of the DSA co-chair — you can listen to the interview or read the transcript here; and note that even Jewish Insider did not describe the rally as “pro-Hamas” in its coverage of the same interview.
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/8/26: X-post – “The next administration must be anti-empire to reclaim our sovereignty and for economic justice. This begins with no aid to Israel. America will no longer underwrite permanent domination anywhere. Just as we should not have overthrown Mossadegh, Árbenz, or Lumumba, we should not bankroll the indefinite denial of Palestinian self-determination. This means an America that respects sovereignty and does not threaten to seize Greenland, strangle Cuba, or invade another country in the Middle East. And the next administration must be for Medicare for All. Of all the economic bill of rights, health is first because health is life. A Democratic Party that chooses healthcare over war is a party worthy of our nation’s freedom struggles.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/7/26: X-post – “Medicare for All No Aid to Israel Healthcare over War That is what Democratic voters are saying.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/7/26: Free Beacon article – Josh Gottheimer: The Democratic Party Is Being Hijacked by Socialists
  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/7/26: Congresswoman Tenney Releases 2026 Israel and Iran Plan

Concern for Palestinians

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/13/26: X-post – “Despite the ceasefire agreement from October 2025, the violence and hunger in Gaza have continued. We cannot turn a blind eye to this destruction. Watch the full episode of my podcast, The Power You Have, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/12/26: X-post w/ video clip – “‘So many people are dying there. I have no right to live.’ Listen to Dr. Tanya Shah’s experience serving patients in Gaza and her life-threatening case of pneumonia upon returning to the U.S. The full episode of The Power You Have is available wherever you get your podcasts.”
  • Pressley (D-MA) 8/11/26: X-post – “It has now been more than two months since 20-year-old Palestinian American Sama Safi—a U.S. citizen—was abducted in the middle of the night from her family home in the West Bank by armed Israeli soldiers. I recently met with Sama’s parents to hear their story. Amidst profound trauma, they summoned great clarity and courage to advocate for their child, who reports having endured inhumane conditions in detention. According to Sama’s attorney, there is little credible evidence that would warrant her continued detention, and with every day that passes, her chronic health condition worsens. I’ve been calling on the Trump Administration to secure Sama’s immediate release, continued access to medical care, and end all unjust and arbitrary detentions. And I’ll keep fighting for Sama’s release and demanding accountability from the Israeli government and the Trump Administration.”
  • Warren (D-MA) 8/10/26: X-post – “Donald Trump lifted sanctions against Israeli settlers who are seizing homes in the West Bank. Now, the violence is worse, and even more Palestinians—and four Americans—have been killed by settlers and security forces. This is deeply wrong. These families deserve justice.” With link to Guardian article, Top Democrats accuse Trump officials over Israeli settlers’ ‘unbridled violence’
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/10/26: X-post with video clip – “A US ambassador’s job is to protect & defend the citizens & interests of the United States. @USAmbIsrael Mike Huckabee has failed to do so. As violence consumes the West Bank & extremists call for a Greater Israel, he’s become a mouthpiece for the Israeli govt. He should resign.” NOTE: THIS POST IS BEING SUPPRESSED ON X (in North America — no idea if elsewhere), If you are not logged into X as adult neither the post nor the totally-not-graphic video documenting, among other things, settler violence, is NOT VIEWABLE – all you can see is a warning: “Age-restricted adult content. This content might not be appropriate for people under 18 years old. To view this media, you’ll need to log in to X. Learn more”. Also see: Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/10/26: press release with video – “Mike Huckabee must resign.” Huckabee responded on X 8/11/26: “I’m doing something right! Sen Chris Van Hollen (Wasting Away in Margaritaville) & Pro-Hamas CAIR want me to resign. Senator, I will if YOU will. I’ll go see my grandkids & you can take MS-13 gangbangers out for Margaritas like you did before.” With link to CAIR press release – CAIR Applauds Sen. Van Hollen’s Call for U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee to Resign
  • Quigley (D-IL) 8/9/26: X-post – “After campaigning to be the “Pro-Peace President,” Trump has enabled Israel to cause further destruction to Gaza while blocking crucial aid. The American people deserve answers, and the world needs a path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I’m proud to join 62 of my colleagues in pushing Trump to uphold the Gaza Peace Plan and ensure lasting peace, humanitarian aid, and a path to Palestinian self-determination.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “We cannot ignore what is happening to the Palestinian people. Let their courage and resilience inspire us to demand action from our government. Listen or watch the full episode of my podcast, The Power You Have, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/7/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The genocide in Gaza is not only a product of warfare, but also of hunger and lack of medical care as humanitarian aid continues to stall. Listen to my conversation with Dr. Tanya Shah, a doctor who went to Gaza, on my YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts.”
  • McCollum (D-MN) 8/7/26: X-post – “I am outraged by new reporting documenting the abuse of activists who were detained in Israeli custody while trying to bring food and humanitarian aid into Gaza. This cruel treatment is far too common and must stop.” Linked to New York Times article – Seized on Their Way to Gaza, Activists Tell of Abuse in Israeli Custody
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 8/7/26: X-post – “In July, I led my colleagues to call out the corruption, mismanagement, and unconstitutionality of Trump’s so-called ‘Board of Peace.’ I am clear: the Board of Peace isn’t about peace or aid; it’s about profit. The future of Palestine must be led and directed by the Palestinian people, not Trump, not Kushner, and not their billionaire friends.”

Defending Israel’s Actions in Gaza

Islamophobia

  • Fine (R-FL) 8/13/26: X-post – “It’s no longer Republicans vs. Democrats. It’s Americans who love this country vs. terrorists who want to destroy it.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/13/26: X-post – “Hate to break it to Jihadi Mamdani and Ilhan Omar, but America will never be a Muslim country. We were founded on Judeo-Christian principles, and that’s not changing.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 8/13/26: X-post – “Republicans must DELIVER on the promises we made to the American people. That means at a minimum: -Codify Trump’s border policies -PAUSE all immigration -Pass SAVE America Act -Fight Sharia Law -Ban congressional stock trading -Pass term limits”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/13/26: X-post – “Backyard animal sacrifice is third-world, barbaric behavior that has absolutely no place in America or any civilized society for that matter. BAN SHARIA.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/13/26: X-post – “Islamic foot-washing stations are coming soon to DFW. This isn’t accommodation, it’s conquest. And it’s only the beginning. The Sharia takeover happening right before our eyes must be stopped!”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/12/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Last night was a masterclass in the total collapse of common sense. Minnesota jumped off a cliff re-electing Ilhan Omar and nominating a Bernie bro for the Senate. If we don’t start building a wall around Minnesota soon, it’s going to infect the rest of the country.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/12/26: X-post – “Muslim groups are using our own government to stack the deck, rewrite the rules, and put their people in power—all on our dime and with outside money. These mainstream Muslims don’t want to be Americans. They want to conquer America. It is time to get serious about the threat and stop it cold. NOW.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/12/26: X-post consisting of screenshot of post from an account called “Republican Army” reading – “Democrats Think They Are Using Muslims To Usher in Socialism. The Truth Is… Muslims Are Using Democrats To Usher in Radical Islam.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/11/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Last weekend I offended Pramila Jayapal with my warning words about Islam. When women are r*ped and m*rdered by Iran’s regime, there is no outrage by the Left. There is a real danger with those who sympathize with communism, terrorism, and r*ping of women and girls. I’m exposing Jayapal with her own words. Tonight, I am asking the question no one in Congress wants to answer.”
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/11/26: X-post – “Radical Islam is a DEATH CULT that’s wants EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN DEAD. BAN SHARIA LAW.”
  • Self (R-TX) 8/11/26: X-post – “In 1948, Winston Churchill wrote in The Gathering Storm: ‘If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.’ As we continue to battle Sharia law and radical Islam, we must remember this quote as we prevail against the invasion—an invasion with every intention of conquering America. This is a long-term fight to protect the rule of law and Western civilization that we MUST win.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Under no circumstances should sworn enemies of the United States come to our country to spread their radical, anti-American views.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/10/26: X-post – “We cannot coexist with people who want to kill us.”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/10/26: X-post – “Sharia law is fundamentally incompatible with the Constitution. We should stop pretending the people advancing it are harmless.” Responding to 8/10/26 X-post w/ video clip from Senate Republicans – “At a CAIR event in 2022, Abdul El-Sayed openly defended Sharia Law in the United States. El-Sayed has taken over $115,000 from the foreign terrorist organization CAIR — including from his father-in-law who serves on the CAIR-Michigan board.” [NOTE: CAIR is NOT a US-designated foreign terrorist organization and certainly wasn’t one in 2022]
  • Roy (R-TX) 8/10/26: X-post – “Sharia law is a direct threat to our Constitution and way of life. Rep. Roy’s Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act (H.R.5722) would BAN the entry of aliens who adhere to Sharia law. Congress must act quickly before it’s too late for our Republic.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/9/26: X-post w/ video clip – “You cannot pledge allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and Sharia Law at the same time. One is a roadmap for freedom, the other is a blueprint for tyranny. Islam has no place in Western society.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/9/26: X-post – “Why are liberal white women traitors to women? They claim to be “liberated,” yet they vote for radical socialists who sympathize with Hamas and take cues from the Ayatollah, regimes where women are treated as property. They prioritize the ‘feelings’ of invaders over the safety of our daughters. They’d rather be called ‘inclusive’ than defend women’s sports and private spaces. Real women protect their own.”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 8/8/26: X-post – “Radical Islam is incompatible with Western Civilization.” Responding to post from Senate Republicans 8/7/26: “INSANE: The official website of the Muslim Brotherhood is celebrating Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan. Their article is titled “Abdul Rahman al-Sayyid conquers the Zionists and runs for the Senate” [note: the article appears to be straight reporting, not a celebration of El-Sayed’s win]
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/8/26: X-post – “We introduced a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to ban anyone born outside the United States from serving in Congress or as a federal judge. If the President must be born here, so should the rest of our government. There cannot be a question of loyalty. It must be with America. America ONLY.” [with photo of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/7/26: X-post – “Every single Muslim holding public office in America is a trojan horse, and a threat to both national security and our republic. We refuse to be silent.” Jayapal (D-WA) responded 8/8/26: X-post – “This is absolutely disgusting and dangerous. Republicans must denounce this blatant Islamophobia. To Muslim communities across America: I will always stand with you.” Mace responded to Jayapal, “She’s right. I don’t want to get stabbed or blown up by a suicide bomber – nor do I want to hear the call to prayer five times a day in the United States of America. Total Islamaphobe here.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/7/26: X-post – “Not even 25 years after Muslim terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers, New York City is being overrun by the very people who want to see this country burn. This is an invasion. There is no other way to put it. Every American who watched this country get attacked on its own soil and said ‘never again’ deserved better than this.”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/7/26: X-post – “When terrorists are celebrating who your candidate is…it ain’t good.” Responding to post from Senate Republicans 8/7/26: “INSANE: The official website of the Muslim Brotherhood is celebrating Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan. Their article is titled “Abdul Rahman al-Sayyid conquers the Zionists and runs for the Senate” [note: the article appears to be straight reporting, not a celebration of El-Sayed’s win]

Other

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/13/26: X-post – “As a Member of the Judiciary Committee, I have been absolutely clear that free speech is a Constitutional right that we must all stand up and protect. I have been communicating my concerns about the cancellation of the Hasan Piker event directly to the University, and they have informed me that they are doing an internal review to ensure this never happens again. I encourage student groups who want to hear from Mr. Piker to work with the University to ensure that they can proceed.” With link to 8/13/26 Seattle Times article – Hasan Piker says UW canceled speaking event because of views on Israel. Goldman (D-NY) responded on X: “As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I too believe in the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. But a university has obligations under Title VI to ensure that its own sanctioned events do not create a hostile environment for any student, including Jewish students [NOTE: pretty sure Goldman would NOT apply this standard to Palestinian students arguing that former IDF soldiers and Israeli officials speaking on campus creates a hostile environment for them…]. Given his repeated and overtly antisemitic (and anti-American) statements, no federally funded university should sanction a platform for Piker to speak.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 8/9/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I will support a bad deal to end this war. Because we need to cut Trump’s hemorrhaging losses now. But the supposed deal on the table pays Iran $100 billion to open the Strait. And no concessions on their nuclear program. What an unmitigated disaster.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 8/7/26: Murphy to Trump: Stop Gaslighting Americans on Iran, Stop Using the War for Your Corrupt Market Manipulation

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Connecticut

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Hawaii

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Minnesota

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Missouri

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nevada

  • Jewish Insider 8/13/26: Nevada GOP candidate took max-out contribution from ‘Protocols’-promoting activist [“Reached for comment, Flippo’s campaign described the candidate as an ‘an ardent supporter and close ally of the Jewish community,’ noting that he serves as a member of the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership council and that he started a charity after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel to send food to Israelis in need…The Flippo campaign also told JI that his Democratic opponent, former state Rep. Teresa Benitez-Thompson, has ‘given into the rising anti-semitism of her own party by refusing donations from American citizens who support Israel’; Benitez-Thompson has vowed on the campaign trail to reject support from AIPAC and accused Israel of genocide. On her campaign site, she calls for the U.S. to phase out military aid to Israel and to place conditions on any further arms sales to the Jewish state. The Flippo campaign noted that Benitez-Thompson has received donations from a prominent local politician affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America which ‘engages in blood libel by calling Israel’s actions to defend itself genocide, celebrated the October 7th attack, and falsely describes Israel as an apartheid state.'”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Ohio

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – South Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Tennessee

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Washington State

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Wisconson

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Wyoming

Other Stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(PLACES OF WORSHIP BUFFER ZONES) HR 10052 // S. 5289 [bill text]: Introduced 8/7/26 in the House by Knott (R-NC) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Cruz (R-TX) and Slotkin (D-MI), “To protect the right to the free exercise of religion,” aka the “Right to Worship Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Judiciary.

  • NOTE: This legislation is ostensibly intended to prevent the disruption of and/or attendance at religious services at houses of worship [hence the name: Right to Worship Act]. HOWEVER, it should be kept in mind that there have been protests/disruptions targeting houses of worship for many years [in particular anti-LGBTQ+ protests], without Congress taking action. What’s driving action today is something totally different, and that has nothing to do with the right to worship. A key driver (arguably THEY key driver) of this legislation is the goal of preventing protest of events held at houses of worship that have nothing to do with religious services — i.e., protesting real estate fairs held at U.S. synagogues, at which real estate in Israeli settlements is being marketed. The press release from the ADL – a key proponent of this legislation – touting the bills makes this crystal clear: it cites as evidence for why the legislation is needed, protests of two Israel real estate events held at synagogues; one on a Tuesday night, the other on a Monday night — neither on Shabbat nor in any way in conjunction with religious worship — unless one had decided to officially pervert the definition of Jewish religious worship to include the marketing/purchase of real estate in Israel and/or settlements. With this in mind, the bill’s definition of what qualifies as a “religious service” is key. That definition reads: “The term ‘religious service’ includes any collective worship or prayer service, class, or other event [emphasis added], at which individuals congregate to worship, study, or otherwise exercise, their religion [emphasis added].” Should this bill pass into law, the question will be: will U.S. law enforcement adopt the conflation of support for Israel/Zionism with Jewish religious practice, and therefore treat Israeli real estate fairs – at which land in West Bank settlements is being marketed/sold –  as “religious services” at which protest will be criminalized?
  • Learn more about these real estate fairs: Trafficking in Israel’s War Crimes in a Midtown Manhattan Synagogue (Lawfare 8/6/26) – excerpt: “Inevitably, pro-Palestinian activists have protested outside the synagogues hosting these events. In response, pro-Israel advocates and lobbying organizations—such as the Anti-Defamation League—have branded these demonstrations as inherently antisemitic attempts to intimidate Jewish worshippers and stifle the First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion. In public statements and demands for law enforcement intervention, these groups routinely conflate the physical venue (a house of worship) with the commercial activity occurring inside it, arguing that any protest on synagogue grounds is a prima facie violation of religious freedom and civil rights. These criticisms fail on multiple legal fronts. To begin with, the First Amendment applies to state action, not to the conduct of private, non-state demonstrators exercising their own First Amendment rights. Furthermore, not all activities occurring inside a house of worship constitute a protected exercise of religious freedom. A “church” that promotes a distinct criminal enterprise receives no constitutional shield because the underlying act is a crime—just as the commercial appropriation of occupied territory is a crime. The criticism that demonstrators exhibit their inherent antisemitism by holding their demonstrations at synagogues, thus blaming all Jews for Israeli policy, also falls flat. Quite obviously, the demonstrations are at synagogues because that’s where the illegal land promotions are being held. If anyone is equating Israeli policies with Judaism, it is the organizers of these events. Finally, while the broader pro-Palestinian movement is certainly not immune to antisemitism, one need not be antisemitic to oppose these events. The prominent presence of Jewish activists among the demonstrators, alongside formal opposition from organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and IfNotNow attests to a simpler truth: These protests are explicitly framed around international and domestic law, not religious identity. When a coalition of local residents and Jewish activists gathers to protest, their public mandates, signs, and legal briefs focus squarely on violations of the Geneva Conventions and domestic anti-discrimination laws. One need not even be pro-Palestinian to object to these fairs; one need only be anti-war crime.”

Also see:

(SANCTIONS ON LEBANON) S.5356: Introduced 8/6/26 by Shaheen (D-NG) and Lankford (R-OK), “A bill to support Lebanon’s rule of law and democratic institutions through sanctions and support, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. NOTE: As of this writing (8/7/26, 11am EDT) no text is available, nor are there any press releases from the sponsor/cosponsor.

(IRAN WAR POWERS) S. J. Res. 211: Introduced 8/6/26 by Hickenlooper (D-CO) and 10 cosponsors (all Democrats), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Hickenlooper Introduces War Powers Resolution to End Iran War

(TELL THE TRUTH ABOOUT IRAN WAR CASUALTIES) S. 5300 [bill text]: Introduced 8/6/26 by Duckworth (D-IL) and 17 cosponsors (all Democrats), “A bill to ensure the transparency and integrity of casualty accounting and benefits and awards for military and civilian personnel during military operations, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Also see Duckworth press release – Duckworth Leads Colleagues in Push to Stop Trump from Hiding the True Cost of the Iran War and Dishonoring the Sacrifices of Our Heroes

(LEGALLY REQUIRE & ENFORCE MASSIVE EXPANSION OF US INTELL SHARING & COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) S. 4615: Introduced 5/20/26 by Cotton (R-AR, the “Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.” On 8/5/26, Cotton filed a written report on the bill (Report Number 119-133), and additional and Minority views were also filed. NOTE: the written report has not yet been published online – it should eventually show up here.  As a reminder: The bill includes an expansive new provision — Section 622 —  entitled “United States-Israel intelligence sharing enhancement.” Maybe you think this is the best idea ever! Maybe you think it is a terrible idea. Regardless, it is a HUGE deal and arguably should be understood/discussed/debated rather than just quietly slipping into law unnoticed. For details see the June 5, 2026 edition of the Round-Up.

Reporting/posts on key Israel-related provisions in House & Senate FY27 NDAA (and also Senate FY27 Intelligence Authorization bill):

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

August 5, 2026: The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights held a kangaroo court-style hearing targeting US Muslim groups (especially CAIR, and including — no joke — Emgage), the DSA, and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed) entitled, Hidden in Plain Sight: Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood Network in America [VIDEO]. Witnesses for the prosecution were: Lara Burns, Retired FBI Special Agent/GWU Program on Extremism (statement -including on pages 41-42 detailed recommendations for law/policy changes in support of criminal prosecution of targeted orgs); Arielle F. Klepach, National Jewish Advocacy Center (statement); and Kyle Shideler, Center for Security Policy (statement & appendices) [note that CSP is designated by the SPLC as an extremist organization]. Democrats on the Subcommittee boycotted the hearing. Democrats boycotted the farce-of-a-hearing, so there was not witness who was not 100% aligned with the views of committee Republicans. Also see:

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex & politics

  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/7/26: X-post – “The Iranian regime is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. My 2026 Israel and Iran Plan outlines a commonsense strategy to confront Iran, support Israel, and prevent a nuclear-armed Iran from threatening America and our allies.” Her plan – excerpt: “I am also committed to standing with our ally Israel and ensuring the United States supports Israel as it advances American national security interests by dismantling Iran’s terrorist proxies and partners. This means providing Israel with the resources necessary to prevail, defending it against international campaigns intended to delegitimize it, and preserving its fundamental right to defend itself. I have also been a leading voice in Congress in support of Israel’s rightful historical claims to Judea and Samaria and in promoting religious freedom for all upon the Temple Mount…“
  • Moulton (D-MA) 8/6/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Israel has committed war crimes. Don’t lecture me on what a war crime is, @EdMarkey, when you voted to send me to Iraq to see the horrors of war for myself.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/5/26: X-post – “Can we stop electing terrorists into office in America?”
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 8/5/26: X-post – “I appreciate AIPAC proving it doesn’t belong in the Dem Party and especially our primaries. From endorsing Jan 6th members to ensuring Congress remains in the hands of a 34-count felon, AIPAC is an org committed to undermining democracy at home and abroad. See you in November.” AIPAC responded with an X-essay: “Congresswoman: Trying to score political points by demonizing pro-Israel Americans – including millions of Democrats who are AIPAC members – is outrageous, transparent, and pathetic. Your obsession with singling out our members and their rights to participate in the political process undermines democracy. Yes, AIPAC members have serious policy and political disagreements with you. Our members fight to help elect leaders who share their values – including scores of Democrats and members of the Progressive Caucus; while you fight for the Democratic Party tent to be big enough to include those who say America deserved 9/11, but small enough to exclude those who want America to stand with our democratic ally. AIPAC members advocate for strengthening a U.S.-Israel relationship that makes Americans safer, stronger, and more prosperous; while you advocate to weaken America and an alliance that advances our interests. AIPAC members back elected leaders who support a partnership that helps protect our troops and homeland, creates American jobs, and provides us with innovations that improve Americans’ healthcare and access to cleaner water and safer food; while you want to break off the bilateral programs that benefit America and individual citizens in every state and district – including your own. AIPAC members support elected leaders who promote an alliance built on shared values of democracy, women’s rights, free speech, equality, and opportunity for all its citizens no matter their faith, race, or background; while you want America to distance itself from the only stable and diverse democracy in a region where most will never have the chance to cast a vote. AIPAC members support elected leaders who stand with a partner who is painfully confronting terrorists who pride themselves on killing as many Israelis – and Americans – as possible; while you want to prevent our military from working together with an ally that can help keep us safe in an increasingly dangerous and ever-changing world. AIPAC members support elected leaders who work together with Israel to bring peace and coexistence to a region that has known far too much war and death; while you want to spread dangerous lies about Israel and isolate it from the world. AIPAC members are proud Americans who will continue to fully participate in our democracy, whether you like it or not.
“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 8/4/26: X-post – “AIPAC consists of Americans who want a strong U.S. and Israel partnership. I support that. No apologies.”
  • Moulton (D-MA) 8/3/26: X-post – “I’ve consistently demanded strategy and accountability instead of handing out blank checks with taxpayer dollars because we’ve seen Israel commit war crimes in Gaza. I voted YES on the Massie Amendment (H.R. 8595) to cut $3.3 billion in unconditioned Foreign Military Financing. And I voted NO on Standalone Israel Aid (H.R. 7217), opposing blank-check aid packages that lacked strategy or Gaza humanitarian support.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/3/26: X-post – “This Michigan Imam and big El-Sayed backer: Pro- [check] Hamas [check] Hezbollah [check] Iran This explains why they were both ‘sad’ after we incinerated Khamenei.” With screenshot of Washington Free Beacon headline: Extremist Michigan Imam Who Hosted El-Sayed Urges Followers To Turn Out To Vote and ‘Deal the Zionist a Blow,’ Frames Primary as Epic Fight Against ‘Puppet’ of Israel
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/3/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Tonight, @CNN let Hasan piker and others spew bile under the guise of “journalism.” Piker actually said he would vote for Hamas over Israel. I’m not surprised that a man who says I should be killed would say that. BUT I am surprised CNN would give this garbage a platform.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 7/31/26: X-post – “Comments about a candidate’s accent, gender, appearance or intelligence are personal. Comments about a candidate’s political statements or views are not personal. Enough with the whataboutism and false equivalencies.” Goldman was responding to Mehdi Hassan‘s 7/31/26 post: “So to be clear: Abdul El-Sayed put out a tweet asking his followers not to be personally abusive or insulting about Haley Stevens. Stevens put out a tweet personally attacking El-Sayed for being a person who blames his defeats on Jewish Americans. Just a disgusting slander.” Hassan was responding to Stevens (D-MI) 7/30/26 post: “Abdul, we were both on the ballot in 2018. I was capable of winning my competitive primary and general election. You lost.. You lost by over twenty points to Gretchen Whitmer and you will lose to Mike Rogers by talking like this. Everyone in America understands you want to blame all of your problems on Jewish Americans. But buddy, let me be very clear, I will lower the costs of groceries, ban stock trading for elected officials, stop Trump’s abuses of power, and protect Michigan manufacturing. And you’ll just be a celebrity whining and writing books to get even richer. You’re part of the complainer class, looking for their next book or podcast deal. Bro, I just want to work for Michigan.” Stevens was responding to a 7/30/26 post (w/ video clip: “Abdul El-Sayed to AIPAC: ‘Come for me! You picked [Haley Stevens] the least capable candidate in America. If you think you can beat money out of politics, money in your pocket, medicare for all, come. I’ll tell you what people dont want: money in a foreign govt’”.

Concern for Palestinians

  • Ramirez (D-IL) 8/6/26: X-post – “From Texas to Israel, imprisoning children is morally bankrupt. Our children do NOT belong in cages. Adam Wajeh Abdelfattah Karakrah, a 16-year-old with family in Chicago, remains detained in an Israeli prison notorious for abuse. The Trump administration must demand that both Adam and Sama Safi are safety returned to their families.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/6/26: X-post – “Enough is enough. This time an 82-year-old American man has been left bloodied & injured by the IDF. And another attempt to hide evidence. This has to end. If @USAmbIsrael can’t protect American citizens from this kind of violence, he needs to resign.” Responding to post with video clip from Zeteo journalist Prem Thakker: “NEW: An 82-year-old American has been left bleeding from his head after Israeli soldiers flashbanged him in the village of Turmusayya, in the West Bank. Soldiers then confiscated bystander phones & deleted footage of the incident. Trump just welcomed Netanyahu for the 8th time.” Note: If you try to view Thakker’s post – which includes a video of an elderly Palestinian-American man lying on the ground with his head bleeding (not especially graphic) as Israeli soldiers mill around him with nobody offering treatment, without being logged in as an adult on X, it is blocked, and you get the following message: “Age-restricted adult content. This content might not be appropriate for people under 18 years old. To view this media, you’ll need to log in to X.” This is an example of selective censorship of posts on X that show Israel in an unfavorable light.
  • Foushee (D-NC) 8/5/26: X-post – “I am deeply concerned about the rising violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. These actions are claiming the lives of innocent civilians and undermine prospects for a Palestinian state. As a cosponsor of the Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act, I continue to call on the United States to cease arms sales to Israel and take steps to properly defend the human rights of Palestinians.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/4/26: X-post w/ video clip – “In the occupied West Bank, 14 year-old Aws al-Nasaan was killed in a school shooting. Then, the Israeli army fired tear gas at students. His principal told me the police never even talked to anyone at the school. They have no reason to believe the killer was brought to justice.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/4/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Dr. Tanya Shah worked at Nasser Hospital in Gaza, and now she’s telling the stories of the horrors she witnessed. We must continue to raise the alarm about the horrors happening to the people of Gaza and put an end to this destruction.”
  • Doggett (D-TX) 8/3/26: X-post – “Another misleading claim to distract from his failures in the foolish Iranian war— just the latest broken promise of relief for Palestinians. Trump’s phony Board of Peace deal was rejected by Israel’s National Security Minister as “not acceptable” while insisting that “targeted killings in Gaza must continue.”
  • Green (D-TX) 8/1/26: ICYMI: The Jerusalem Post article below, titled “Israeli lawyer advocates killing Palestinians to BBC week after Gilad Farm deadly shooting.” [Also see: X-post]
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 7/31/26: X-post – “NEW POD: I was joined by Dr. Tanya Shah, one of my constituents who chose to work in a hospital in Gaza and bore witness to the genocide. She is the truest example of using the power you have to make change. This is an important conversation – watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts!” With link to YouTube video
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 7/31/26: X-thread – “The Trump administration’s announcement that Hamas would disarm in exchange for an eventual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is an encouraging step in the peace process. However, more needs to be done for the 20-point plan to move forward – let this be the end of excuses. Hamas and the Israeli government must allow humanitarian aid to enter all parts of the territory it controls. The people of Gaza are still in desperate need of food, medicine, and shelter supplies. Israel must also cease its attacks in Gaza that are in violation of the ceasefire. As I have said, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be the first priority of all parties before any meaningful progress can be made toward peace.” With link to Washington Post article: Trump claims breakthrough on Hamas disarmament, Gaza transition”

Targeting Palestinians // UN // ICC

  • Cruz (R-TX) 8/3/26: X-post – “American taxpayer dollars should never pay for the salaries of Hamas terrorists, but the United Nations systematically blocks American oversight meant to prevent that. In April, I raised the U.N.’s failure to cooperate with the USAID inspector general with Ambassador Waltz. He agreed with these deep concerns. It’s long past time to hold the U.N. accountable and limit their funding.”

Celebrating Trump Admin’s Gaza Policy, Etc.

  • Scott (R-SC) 7/31/26: X-post – “The agreement by Hamas to disarm in Gaza is a meaningful step forward for establishing stability in the region. Grateful for President Trump’s leadership, the hard work of his team, and the Board of Peace in securing this breakthrough to make sure the tragedy of October 7th never happens again.”

Morocco/Spain/Ceuta

[SOME CONTEXT: How the Ceuta migration crisis became fodder for anti-Israel conspiracy theorists (The Forward 8/3/26) v. Israel’s Ceuta mistake could cost it a pro-Israel Spanish government in 2027 (Jewish News Syndicate 8/3/26)]

  • Massie (R-KY) 8/2/26: X-post – “2 weeks before migrants from Morocco invaded Ceuta, the GOP passed a bill with $40 million for Morocco and a committee report advising: Spanish-administered cities of Ceuta and Melilla are located in Moroccan territory and remain the subject of Morocco’s longstanding claim.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 8/1/26: X-post – “Don’t fall for the fake Fox/GOP outrage. Two weeks ago the House passed a bill that greenlighted the transfer of Spanish territory to Morocco. Every Republican except me voted for it, but now THEY are acting shocked at the invasion.” Linked to text of HR 8595 (FY27 NSPR Approps bill) and text of HR 9495 (text of FY 27 Defense Approps bill), and with screenshot from report accompanying HR 8595 (pertaining directly to Ceuta) and of the 7/15/26 vote on HR 8595.
  • Mace (R-SC) 7/31/26: X-post – “In the past 24 hours, around 60,000 Muslim ‘migrants’ from Morocco have INVADED Spain. Do not let the media fool you. These are criminals and their culture is incompatible with Western civilization. These are all military-age men breaking into homes, looting businesses, setting vehicles on fire, and clashing with police. This is only the start. If we do not drop the mindset of being too afraid of being called Islamophobic or racist, this will happen everywhere.”
  • Luna (R-FL) 7/31/26: X-post – “.@SecRubio needs to immediately put pauses on all visas from Morocco if their country cannot STOP the invasion of Spain. Why reward the bad behavior?”

Other

  • Markey (D-MA) 8/6/26: Ranking Member Markey Releases New Data Underscoring the Rising Cost of Trump’s Iran War for Americans at the Pump as Big Oil and Gas Profit

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Colorado

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Hawaii

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Kansas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Massachusetts

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Missouri

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – South Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Washington State

Saudi Arabia Nuclear Deal

  • AIPAC Memo 8/3/26: Reviewing Saudi Nuclear Cooperation [“…U.S. law requires that any nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia be presented to Congress for review before going into effect. Congress must carefully review the agreement to ensure it forecloses any potential Saudi pathway to nuclear weapons. Any agreement that fails to expressly prohibit domestic uranium enrichment in the Kingdom would raise serious concerns. Congress must also continue to press Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel and enter the Abraham Accords.“]

Other Stuff