FMEP Legislative Round-Up November 7, 2025

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

New FMEP Podcasts:

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

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

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

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

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

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

Jewish Insider 11/6/25: Senators air grievances with Elbridge Colby for second time this week

Warren (D-MA) 11/4/25: At Hearing, Warren Presses Defense Nominee on Ceasefire and Urges More Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

4. Selected Members on the Record

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

US Politics/Elex & Israel

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

Remains of Israeli-American IDF Soldiers Held By Hamas Returned

WE LOVE & STAND WITH ISRAEL

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

Sudan Genocide/UAE

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

Gaza

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

West Bank/Umm Al-Kheir

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

Other stuff

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

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex

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

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

Other stuff

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

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

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

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

October 28, 2025: The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing entitled, “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Chad Wolf, America First Policy Institute (testimony); William Braniff, American University (testimony); Michael Knowles, Daily Wire (testimony); Daniel Hodges, Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department (testimony); and Kyle Shideler, Center for Security Policy (testimony).

4. Selected Members on the Record

We Stand with Israel, Incl on Ceasefire Violations

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

Hizballah/Iran As Pretext for Trump Waging War on Venezuela

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

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

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

Concern for Palestinians, Incl Palestinian-Americans

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

UAE-Binance, UAE-RSF

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

Some GOP members on Unconditional Support for Israel/Shared Values

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

Other

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

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex

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

Targeting Critics of Israel

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

Other stuff

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

Of note:

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

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

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

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

October 28, 2025: The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution will hold a hearing entitled, “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order”. No further details are yet available.

October 23, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider, among other things, the nomination of Amer Ghalib (mayor of Hamtramck, Mich., who endorsed Trump, only to be attacked for allegedly being insufficiently pro-Israel and antisemitic to be US Ambassador to Kuwait. Also see:

October 21, 2025: The Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control  held a hearing entitled, “Global Gangsters: Hezbollah’s Latin American Drug Trafficking Operations [hearing video]” Witnesses were Nathan Sales, Atlantic Council (statement); Marshall Billingslea, Hudson Institute (statement); Matthew Levitt, WINEP (statement); and Robert F. Clifford, retired FBI (statement). An overarching objective of the hearing seemed to be making the case for additional military action against Iran. Also see:

  • Cornyn’s (R-TX) opening remarks; also see Cornyn’s X-thread – “Hezbollah’s threat to the U.S. & Israel is not geographically confined to the Middle East.   Its illicit activities in Latin America – oil smuggling, money laundering, black market money exchange, counterfeiting, & illegal weapons procurement – are chiefly focused on raising funds for its terrorist operations in the Middle East & elsewhere. @POTUS’ decision to restore maximum pressure on Iran could dry up a key funding source for Hezbollah, which would force it to rely upon its Latin America drug trafficking & money laundering networks further. Our hearing examined that as well as the current threats posed by Hezbollah at our southern border, measures the U.S. government has taken to counter threats, & the best way to respond.   Thank you to our distinguished witnesses for lending your expertise to this conversation.“
  • Senate Hezbollah hearing spotlights Venezuela’s strategic partnership with Iran and terror ties (Jewish Insider 10/22/25)

4. Selected Members on the Record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

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

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

Shifts in Political & Electoral Landscape on Israel & AIPAC

AIPAC/Israel in IL Elex

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

AIPAC/Israel in ME Elex

AIPAC/Israel in elex/politics – General

AIPAC-linked Org Sends Members to Israel

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

Other stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

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

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

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

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

October 21, 2025: The Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control will hold a hearing entitled, “Global Gangsters: Hezbollah’s Latin American Drug Trafficking Operations.” Witnesses will be Nathan Sales, Atlantic Council; Marshall Billingslea, Hudson Institute; Matthew Levitt, WINEP; and Robert F. Clifford, retired FBI.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Trump “peace” agreement, “ceasefire” & release of Israeli & Palestinian hostages

Many, many members of both the House and Senate made statements and/or posted on social media about the Trump “peace” agreement, Gaza “ceasefire,” and the release of Israeli & Palestinian hostages–the overwhelming majority making clear their focus is exclusively (or nearly exclusively) Israeli concerns and equities (e.g., return of hostages, defeat/destruction of Hamas), with at best the barest mention or pretense of concern for Palestinian concerns/rights/equities (e.g., release of Palestinian hostages held by Israel, opening Gaza to journalists and humanitarian aid, ensuring Palestinian agency/leadership of efforts to rebuild and govern Gaza in the future, accountability for Israeli violations of international law in Gaza, etc.). To see what a specific member said, check that member’s website and social media accounts.

AIPAC/Israel in US elex & politics

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

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


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

Other stuff

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

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

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

Other stuff

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

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

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

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

Other stuff

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

2. Letters

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

2nd Anniversary of 10/7/23 Hamas Attack on Israel

It feels like almost every member of both the House and Senate made a statement or posted on social media to mark the 2nd anniversary of the 10/7/23 Hamas attack — including lots of members who have notably had nothing to say about the ongoing massacres, destruction, displacement, ethnic cleansing, and GENOCIDE that Israel has been carrying out EVERY DAY SINCE that attack through the present. To see what a specific member said, check member websites and social media accounts. For one example of the kind of thing out there, see this gem from Grassley (R-IA), “I get confronted by Palestinian sympathizers walking the halls of congress who want to talk about deaths of ppl in Gaza I remind them that Hamas is responsible for all the deaths in Gaza This never would hv happened if Hamas hadn’t invaded the sovereign state of Israel” — exemplifying the politically popular hasbara framing that holds, in effect, that “nothing justifies the Hamas 10/7/23 attack on Israel [and anyone suggesting that Israel’s Gaza policies pre-10/7/23 had anything to do with those attacks is clearly a supporter of or apologist of terrorism], but 10/7/23 justifies anything/everything Israel has done or will do to Gaza and its population.”

Trump peace efforts & “peace plan”

Many, many members of both the House and Senate are making statements or posting on social media about the announced US-backed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas — the overwhelming majority of which make clear that really the only thing most members of Congress care about are Israeli concerns (i.e, return of hostages, defeat/destruction of Hamas), with at best the barest mention of Palestinian concerns (i.e., ending or at least pausing the destruction and genocide that Israel has been wreaking on every man, woman, and child in Gaza every day for the past 2 years). To see what a specific member said, check member websites and social media accounts.

Campaign for Trump to Get Nobel Peace Prize

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

Concern for Palestinians

  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/6/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Doctor Ahmad and Hamawy, both American citizens, treated young kids in Gaza and now are sounding the alarm on the need to have 5,000 children in need of urgent care transferred to the East Jerusalem hospital network. Please raise your voice to make this happen.”

The Flotilla

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

Free Speech/Protest

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

Other stuff

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

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

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

Other stuff

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

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Letters

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

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

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

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

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

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Politics/Elex/AIPAC

  • Greene (R-GA) 10/3/25: X-post – “100%“; commenting on post: “Most of America has Israel fatigue because America is falling apart, our cities are gross, inflation is way up, quality is down, nothing is affordable, insurance is a scam, 3/4th of the nation is in debt, the youth can’t afford a house & politicians talk about Israel all day.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/3/25: X-post – “You call me an ‘Israel hating extremist bigot’ & say you will not vote for Democrats like me. I do not believe that standing up for human rights, for justice, for peace, for two states, is hating anyone. It’s offering hope for a better world.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/2/25: X-post – “.@RepStenyHoyer did you really call @AIPAC to defend you? And you wonder why the majority of Democrats are fed up with our leaders & are done with the status quo. Step aide, make way for new leaders.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/2/25: X-post – “The press has been hammering me saying my appearance at ArabCon & call for a Palestinian state will ‘haunt my political future.’ I disagree. I believe our party’s base has had it with our establishment. Who do you stand with?“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/2/25: X-post w/ screenshot of Hoyer comments re Israel & AIPAC – “.⁦@StenyHoyer your comments are why our base thinks Democratic leaders are out of touch. It’s hard b/c I like you. But the old guard is why our numbers are in the tank! It’s time to be bold & speak this blunt truth & for a new generation to lead a rebirth of our party.“
  • Greene (R-GA) 10/2/25: X-post – “God I love this woman. For all you DC consultants trying to figure out if she’s an anomaly or what kind of polling and garbage propaganda you have to do to stop her message, you can’t and will fail miserably. She’s saying exactly what real Americans think and feel. And I agree!!!” Linked to post from @shipwreckshow (with video clip) reading: “Ted Cruz is fighting for his life to maintain his pro Israel money…“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/1/25: X-post – “I was sabotaged by someone in my own party for calling for Palestinian peace and statehood. The corrupt elite are trying to take me down for exposing their Epstein ties. I get publicly mocked by both sides for being a lone vote against defense contractor handouts. The elite see me as a threat to their greed & power, so they’re doing everything they can to stop me. Because they can’t control me like they control other members. I won’t be intimidated.“

Trump peace efforts & “peace plan”

  • Fine (R-FL) 10/3/25: X-post – “Peace… or bombs away. One will start on Sunday at 6PM. Thank you, President Trump.“
  • Budd (R-NC) 10/3/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Since his release from Gaza, NC native Keith Siegel has bravely advocated for remaining hostages. He’s exactly right. @POTUS’s offer to Hamas, supported by key leaders across the region, is the best path to peace. Hamas must end the war or face the consequences.”
  • Meeks (D-NY) 10/3/25: Meeks Urges Hamas to Accept Agreement, Israel to Refrain from Escalations in Gaza City
  • Daines (R-MT) 10/2/25: X-post w/ video clip – “.@POTUS’s peace deal is an incredible framework that will help bring an end to this conflict between Israel & Palestine, & Hamas should accept it…“
  • Moore (D-WI) 10/2/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I’ve had a chance to review the recent framework to bring peace to the Middle East. It’s time to end the needless suffering of the people in Gaza, and I implore the children of Abraham to let peace prevail.“
  • Budd (R-NC) 10/1/25: X-post – “.@POTUS, Israel, and our Arab Allies are united behind a deal to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and end the war. Hamas must accept this deal or face the consequences.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 10/1/25: X-post w/ video clip – “ICYMI: Israel has tried for decades to meet in the middle, but Hamas would rather die than make peace. Thank you @NewsNation for having me on.“
  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 10/1/25: X-post – “The President’s 20-point peace plan is more of a concept than a plan. Particularly challenging is #16, which, while rightly acknowledging that Israel cannot occupy or annex Gaza, relies on vague “standards, milestones, and timeframes” set by Netanyahu to determine when Israel will withdraw. The framework is reasonable, but America and the Arab League will need to be assertively engaged to stand up better governance in Gaza, release the hostages, and end the war.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/30/25: X-post – “Trump and War Criminal Netanyahu, perpetrators of the genocide, do not get to decide the future of Gaza. Palestinians get to determine the future of Palestine.”
  • Salazar (R-FL) 9/30/25: X-post – “Thanks to @POTUS’s leadership, we now have a real opportunity to bring every hostage home and end the reign of Hamas once and for all. His decisive and comprehensive plan guarantees Israel’s security and opens the door to lasting peace in the Middle East.“
  • Sherman (D-CA) 10/2/25: X-post – “This February, @RepCasten and I led 144 of our House colleagues in urging President #DonaldTrump to retract his statements that the civilian Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip should be permanently relocated and the United States should take control of the region. I am glad that our effort was successful and that @POTUS has abandoned this foolish policy. His peace plan guarantees that Palestinians will NOT be forced to permanently relocate.“
  • Costa (D-CA) 10/1/25: X-post – “Any effort to seek resolution and peace in Gaza is welcomed. The release of the hostages and a ceasefire must be implemented first. A credible plan is essential to ending the hostilities between the Palestinians and Jewish people. The goal of a two-state solution, I believe, is essential. I hope the Administration’s efforts are successful. For too long, people in the region have endured immense suffering. This plan offers a renewed sense of hope and an opportunity to finally move toward lasting peace.“
  • Frankel (D-FL) 9/30/25: “On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a war on Israel with a horrific attack. This has resulted in unimaginable violence and suffering for innocent Israelis and Palestinians alike. With that said, I welcome the President’s proposal to finally bring this war to an end. Israel has already accepted the deal. The decision now rests with Hamas. If Hamas agrees, this brutal war can end, the remaining hostages will be reunited with their families, Gazans will have a chance to have their communities rebuilt, and we will take an important step toward peace in the Middle East.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/30/25: X-post – “Israel has tried for decades to meet in the middle, but Hamas would rather die than make peace.“
  • Cassidy (R-LA) 9/29/25: X-post – “President Trump has presented a deal to bring peace to a war that has gone on for far too long. Hamas is a terrorist organization. It’s time for them to agree to this deal and give up. The hostages need to come home NOW!!”
  • Graham (R-SC) 9/30/25: X-post – “After yesterday’s announcement of the 20 point plan for peace, which Israel has accepted, I believe the ball is now in Hamas’ court. It is my understanding that President Trump intends this to be a ‘take it or leave it’ proposal for Hamas. I hope that Hamas will choose wisely and quickly.   As to Qatar, I appreciate their efforts to broker this proposal, but if Hamas rejects the Trump plan, I would expect Qatar to take swift action to include expelling Hamas leadership from Qatar.   Anything less would send a terrible signal.“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/30/25: Meeks Welcomes White House’s Unveiling of a Gaza Peace Plan
  • Warner (D-VA) 9/29/25: Warner and Colleagues Issue Statement Urging Trump in Monday Meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu to End the War, Bring Home the Hostages, End the Suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, and Take Annexation Off the Table
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/29/25: X-post – “Free Palestine… from Hamas.“
  • Donalds (R-FL) 9/29/25: X-post – “The President of PEACE. May today’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” become reality. May there be peace in the Middle East once and for all.“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/29/25: X-post – “President Trump just concluded a crucial meeting laying out a real plan to end Hamas’ rein of terror in Gaza. Trump is the President of Peace the world needs & the world knows it. I’ve officially nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, & I have done so twice. Once again he proves why he deserves it.“
  • Luna (R-FL) 9/29/25: X-post – “The war in GAZA needs to end. Hoping POTUS can secure a peace deal.“
  • Shaheen (D-NH) 9/29/25: “I am pleased that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has accepted President Trump’s proposal to finally end the conflict in Gaza and begin the long road to peace and recovery. This announcement is long overdue and comes after Prime Minister Netanyahu has needlessly prolonged this war and caused enormous suffering by denying Gazans badly needed humanitarian assistance. As we approach the two-year anniversary of the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, it is clear that Israel cannot bring home its hostages nor increase its long-term security by continuing large-scale military operations in Gaza. As families of the hostages have long called for, these operations must end. I call on Hamas to accept, and Israel to faithfully implement, the proposal laid out by the United States. The elements of this plan provide a meaningful path to restore regional peace and stability, ensure hostages return to their families and set the groundwork for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live with dignity and security.”
  • Barr (R-KY) 9/29/25: X-post – “President Trump’s art-of-the-deal delivered the greatest Middle East peace breakthrough in a generation. Instead of rewarding Hamas with recognition, our allies should follow Trump’s lead, stand with Israel, expand the Abraham Accords, and isolate Hamas.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/29/25: Lawler Applauds Historic Middle East Peace Deal, Warns Hamas: Accept Peace or Face Devastating Consequences
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/29/25: X-post – “This is a watershed moment for peace in the Middle East. After years of bloodshed, innocent lives lost, and families torn apart, the United States, Israel, and our Arab partners have offered a serious framework to end this conflict. Now the onus is on Hamas to step forward and embrace peace, not destruction.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 9/29/25: X-post – “I applaud President Trump and his hardworking team for their extensive work on this plan that presents a real opportunity for peace in the Middle East. We all want what this plan offers: an end to the fighting in Gaza, a return of every hostage taken by Hamas terrorists, and a path forward for the Palestinian people to live in prosperity — free from Hamas’ brutal grip. But it can only be successful if our partners across the Middle East step up to the plate. I urge them to join this effort and take hold of a better future for the Arab world.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 9/29/25: X-post – “The Peace Proposal just accepted by Prime Minister Netanyahu is a critical opportunity to bring home the hostages, end the war, surge humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and take a step forward for a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. All those who have called for a ceasefire must urge with one voice that Hamas accepts this proposal and finally end the war they started with their October 7th massacre.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 9/29/25: X-post – “I fully share President Trump’s vision of peace and prosperity in the Middle East, ending constant war, which benefits those acting against American interests. Hamas and its backers should accept this good-faith effort, supported by allies and partners in the region. Grateful that release of all hostages, living and deceased, remains the immediate priority.“
  • Schneider (D-IL) 9/29/25: X-post – “The ball is clearly in Hamas’s court. If Hamas accepts this proposal, the war will be over, the hostages returned to their families, and the people of Gaza will be free to build their their lives and communities to the benefit of themselves and their children. If Hamas rejects the deal, the suffering will only worsen and Gaza’s future prospects dimmed.“

Free Speech/Protest

  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/28/25: X-post – “Confirming what the American people have suspected for years: George Soros funneled $80 million into groups tied to extremist violence.   His Open Society Foundation funded Antifa’s violent Stop Cop City campaign where activists face terrorism & RICO charges.  Accountability is coming.” Linked to article from “Just the News”, Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to ‘extremist violence’

US Citizens killed & detained by Israel

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/27/25: X-post with video – “ICYMI: I stood with the families of those killed and detained by the Israeli government and settlers to demand justice, accountability, and action by the U.S. government. Please take a moment to listen to their stories:“

Recognition of Palestine, Concern for Palestinians

  • Panetta (D-CA) 9/29/25: Rep. Panetta Urges Against Israeli Annexation of West Bank
  • Green (R-TX) 9/29/25: X-post – “IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The CNN article below, titled “Israel’s far-right finance minister suggests a real estate ‘bonanza’ in Gaza will follow the war,” speaks for itself. You can access the article by clicking the link here“; linked to CNN article, Israel’s far-right finance minister suggests a real estate ‘bonanza’ in Gaza will follow the war
  • Green (R-TX) 9/29/25: X-post – “IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Washington Post article below, titled “Netanyahu tells U.N. that war will continue amid global backlash,” speaks for itself. You can access the article by clicking the link here“; linked to Washington Post article, Netanyahu tells U.N. that war will continue amid global backlash
  • Garcia (D-CA) 9/28/25: “Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated, ‘There will never be a Palestinian state. This place is ours.’ This is an incredibly dangerous and irresponsible statement. Each day brings new horrors from Prime Minister Netanyahu. He and his right-wing government continue their attacks and settlement expansion in the West Bank, with no progress toward a ceasefire in Gaza — which I called for almost two years ago. And we are no closer to freeing the hostages. Israel must change course, and we must apply real pressure, which is why I’m supporting H.R. 3565, which would limit the transfer of certain offensive weapons to Israel. This bill will pressure Netanyahu to end this war and to make clear that the United States does not support his actions or government. I believe in a secure Israeli and Jewish state, free from terror. And a Palestinian state free of Hamas, with self-determination for its people. My support for this bill comes precisely because Netanyahu’s actions are making Israel less safe — both now and in the future. At the same time, I will continue to support programs like the Iron Dome and renewed diplomatic achievements such as the Abraham Accords. I understand the fear and anguish felt by my Jewish friends and community. Antisemitism is spreading, and is too often ignored or brushed aside. Our strategic goal must be a safe and secure Israel and Palestine — and a country here at home where Jewish Americans, Palestinian Americans, both Christian and Muslim, live free from antisemitism, Islamophobia, and discrimination. If this war does not end, Netanyahu risks Israel’s security and the international support it has long depended on. We must do everything in our power to bring peace and security to the region. We must bring the hostages home and end the suffering. Together, we must build a lasting peace for both Israel and Palestine…”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/27/25: X-post – “Hamas calling the murder, rape, & kidnapping of more than 1,200 people — including dozens of Americans — a ‘golden moment’ is disgusting. This proves that Western states recognizing a Palestinian state only serves to empower Hamas. We must crush Hamas, secure the release of the hostages, & stand with Israel, our key democratic ally.“

The Flotilla

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

Iran

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

WE WILL NOT STAND FOR ANYONE IMPOSING ANY CONSEQUENCES ON ISRAEL

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

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL

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

Turkey

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

Islamophobia

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

Other stuff

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

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

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

Trump “peace” efforts & “peace” plan

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

NOTE: Apologies of last week’s missing Round-Up (I was on travel). This edition covers September 12-26, 2025.

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(RECOGNIZE PALESTINE!) S. Res. 410: Introduced 9/18/25 by Merkley (D-OR) and having 9 cosponsors (8 Democrats, 1 Independent), “A resolution calling on the President to recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine, as consistent with international law and the principles of a two-state solution, alongside a secure State of Israel.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

(TARGET SOUTH AFRICA FOR ITS ISRAEL POLICIES) S. 2752: Introduced 9/10/25 by Kennedy (R-LA), the “U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see Kennedy press release 9/15/25: Kennedy introduces bill to hold South Africa accountable for anti-U.S. actions

(PROHIBITING ARREST IN US OF ISRAELIS INDICTED BY THE ICC) HR 5411 [bill text]: Introduced 9/16/25 by Stefanik (R-NY) and Lawler (R-NY), the “Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act,” aka “To prohibit State and local law enforcement from arresting foreign nationals within the United States solely on the basis of an indictment, warrant, or request issued by the International Criminal Court, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Stefanik press release – Stefanik Leads Bill to Prohibit Zohran Mamdani’s Plan to Arrest PM Benjamin Netanyahu if He Comes to NYC; Stefanik X-post – “Antisemite Communist Mamdani pledged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu if he came to NYC. The United States is not part of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and their antisemitic hatred must not supersede the laws of the United States. That is why I introduced the Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act to protect American sovereignty and prohibit radicals like Mamdani from arresting the leader of our democratic ally and friend Israel.“; Stefanik introduces legislation to prevent future NY officials from arresting Netanyahu (Jewish News Syndicate 9/17/25)

(TARGETING IRAN AT THE UN) HR 5495 / S. 2893: Introduced 9/18/25 in the House by Tenney (R-NY), Ogles (R-TN) and Salazar (R-FL), and in the Senate by Cruz (R-TX) and 7 all-Republican cosponsors,  “To require the denial of admission to the United States for individuals subject to sanctions pursuant to Executive Order 13876, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary. Also see press release – Congresswoman Tenney, Senator Cruz Reintroduce Bill to Block Entry of Iranian Regime Officials into the United States; GOP senators move to block sanctioned Iranian officials from entering US (Jewish News Syndicate 9/25/25)

(STOKING ISLAMOPHOBIA) HR 5512: Introduced 9/19/25 by Fine (R-FL), “To prohibit the application of Shari’a in the United States where such application would violate constitutional rights, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

(FY26 NDAA – Senate) S. 2296: This week the Senate continued its consideration of S. 2296, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The base text includes (as always) some key provisions related to the Middle East and funding for Israel. Also, as always, a huge number of amendments to the bill were offered (760 total as of 10am 9/5/25), including many related to the Middle East and Israel. Many/most of these likely will not be considered, but they are all worth paying attention to, since NDAA amendments are always good indicators of members’ priorities (with respect to both policy and grandstanding). For a full account of  Middle East/Israel-related provisions in the base bill, as well as Middle East/Israel-related proposed amendments, see my comprehensive analysis (published 8/8/25; updated 9/25/25).

Members/media re: Legislation:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

September 17, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a markup entitled, State Reauthorization Bills Markup (videos of the two-say, multi-part markup are all on the linked page). This markup included HR 5300, “To guide the foreign policy of the United States, and for other purposes.” As summarized in the 9/12/25 edition of the Round-Up, the original text of the bill included:

  • a terrifying provision – Sec 226: “No passports for terrorists & traffickers” – to allow passport denial/revocation for anyone charged (not convicted) with supporting an FTO, or who SecState “determines” has “knowingly aided, assisted, abetted, or otherwise provided material support to an FTO.” Under this provision, the ONLY recourse for someone targeted with this wholly subjective/unaccountable determination is to request/be granted an appeal hearing at which they can try to convince SecState–acting as judge, jury, & executioner–to change his mind.
  • SEC. 323. American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act.”
  • SEC. 404. Foreign Military Financing program with regard to Jordan.
  • SEC. 405. Extension of War Reserve Stockpile Allies-Israel. [“For fiscal year 2026, section 514(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not apply to defense articles to be set aside, earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as reserve stocks in stockpiles in the State of Israel.”]
  • SEC. 609. Report on country United Nations voting practices. [report to include: “a listing of all plenary votes cast by member countries of the United Nations in the General Assembly which provides a comparison of the votes cast by each member country with the vote cast by the United States, including a separate listing of all plenary votes cast by member countries of the United Nations in the General Assembly on resolutions specifically related to Israel that are opposed by the United States“]
  • SEC. 612. Prohibition on United States contributions to the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. [“No funds are authorized to be made available for any grant, payment or other contribution to the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.”]

In committee, Sec 226 was removed thanks to an amendment in the nature of substitute offered be Mast. In addition, a large number of Middle East-related amendments were offered during the mark-up. My intention had been to cover all of these amendments in excruciating detail in this edition of the Round-Up (because as anyone who follows the Round-Up knows, amendments – even if they are never voted on or don’t pass – offer valuable information about members’ plans and aspirations), but as of this writing the link on the HFAC website leads to an “error” page. If that is fixed at some point in the future, I may try to cover the amendments then (or maybe not). But thankfully, some fellow Hill watchers were tracking these amendments in real time. Check out: truly superb, details coverage, live-streamed by Josh Paul at A New Policy – day 1 coverage, day 2 coverage; Dylan Williams at Center for International Policy 9/18/25; Seth Binder at Middle East DC.

Media:

September 17, 2025: The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) held a briefing entitled, Conspiracy Theories, Antisemitism, and Democratic Decline. Panelists were: James Kirchick, author and journalist;  Izabella Tabarovsky, fellow, Wilson Center; and Brian Hughes, director, Countering Antisemitism Lab, USC Shoah Foundation. Hearing video is here.

Other hearing-related news:

4. Selected Members on the Record

Politics/Elex/AIPAC

  • Massie (R-KY) 9/23/25: X-post – “Speaker Johnson just met privately with the Kentucky AIPAC guy who’s been trying to defeat me for many years because I won’t fund foreign wars and I don’t vote for foreign aid to any country…“
  • Greene (R-GA) 9/22/25: X-post – “This is worth a watch, even though I don’t agree with every sentiment said. I continue to condemn what happened on Oct 7th and at the same time I continue to condemn the genocide/ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza. And, I condemn America being used as the big brother bully and bankrolling it. I’m not against any type of people group. I’m a Christian and I want love and peace for everyone. But I’m also, unapologetically American. My focus is America Only. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that no matter which party is in charge, the secular government of Israel always gets its way. And that obvious fact is what myself and now the majority of Americans see as a problem. We don’t want to fight foreign wars anymore and we don’t want to pay for them. We can’t. We are broke at $37 trillion in debt and counting. And cost of living is making living feel more like slavery to many, who no matter how hard they work, they can never get ahead. Americans care about the problems they face at home and we have plenty of our own problems to deal with. There is no pr campaign big enough to change the trajectory of American’s extreme distaste of America last governing. It’s got to change.”

Gaza & West Bank 

  • Kaptur (D-OH) 9/25/25: X-post – “Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in Gaza. I continue to call on the Israeli government to allow safe delivery of aid and I pray for the safety of innocents and those putting their lives on the line in the service of peace.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/24/25: X-post – “For decades, the U.S. has advocated for a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel. But the Trump Administration has shifted course to support Netanyahu’s warpath. We must reverse course and build on France and Saudi Arabia’s push for peace at the U.N. General Assembly.“
  • Panetta (D-CA) 9/22/25: X-post – Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on Netanyahu’s Expansion into the West Bank
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/21/25: X-post – “America is already complicit in Netanyahu’s campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, and now Trump wants to send him $6.4B more in offensive weapons. Our priority should be ending the war and returning the hostages  — not funneling MORE taxpayer dollars to Netanyahu to bomb starving Gaza.“
  • Warren (D-MA) 9/19/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s assault on Gaza City only worsens the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. There is no excuse for starving Palestinian children and killing innocent people. The U.S. should not send a single penny to fund Netanyahu’s war machine.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/19/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Communities throughout our country want the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to stop. I’m demanding that our government stops funding this genocide. I submitted all the names of the Palestinians killed in Gaza into the congressional record. We must end this genocide.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/18/25: floor statement – Genocide in Gaza
  • Fernandez (D-NM) 9/18/25: X-post – “We cannot look at the horrors in Gaza and pretend they are anything less than what they are: evidence of war crimes that should be prosecuted” [full statement here]
  • McGovern (D-MA) 9/18/25: X-post – “The world has a moral and legal obligation to call atrocities by their name. What is happening in Gaza is genocide. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide criminalizes acts committed with the intention to destroy a group in whole or in part. Leading experts and human rights organizations—Israeli, Palestinian, and international alike—continue to conclude that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet that legal threshold. That conclusion is now reinforced by the determination of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry. Its findings are clear: Prime Minister Netanyahu must end his military operations and policy of starvation in Gaza. All states are obligated to take action to bring the genocide to an end. As Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I have long argued that U.S. foreign policy must be grounded in international law and the defense of human dignity. Our country cannot turn a blind eye to such blatant violations of these principles. Nor can we continue to arm and fund a government engaged in such crimes. The United States must forcefully demand an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, a release of all hostages, and a diplomatic solution that secures safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/18/25: X-post w/ video – “If you are wondering what you can do to stop the atrocities in Gaza, I have a bill for that. This Block the Bombs Act would withhold weapons to Israel and demand they comply with US and international human rights laws. Is your member of Congress a sponsor?“
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/18/25: X-post w/ video – “Whatever you call what is happening in Gaza, one thing is clear: Prime Minister Netanyahu’s war campaign must end.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 9/18/25: X-post w/ video – “I invited Dr. Adil Husain to my office to share his recent experience treating patients in Gaza. His story is a gut-wrenching reminder that we cannot continue to use our tax dollars to fund a genocide. It’s why I am co-leading the Block the Bombs Act!“
  • Schatz (D-HI) 9/17/25: X-thread – “Just met with Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan. We discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 1/5 While GHF has proven to be a failure, Jordan is a valued security partner in the region, and they, the UN, and other partners have the capability and capacity to surge aid into Gaza. 2/5 Hundreds of trucks, screening personnel, and tons of food and water aid are standing by ready to go into Gaza. Flooding Gaza with desperately needed humanitarian aid is the only way to blunt the spreading famine. 3/5 PM Netanyahu must immediately commit to working with our partners in the region to effectively screen aid rapidly and permit its entry into Gaza. 4/5 This is a humanitarian emergency. The United States and @SecRubio must make it clear to Israel that this cannot continue. 5/5“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/17/25: Sanders: It is Genocide
  • Balint (D-VT) 9/17/25: Rep. Becca Balint: “I believe Israel is Committing a Genocide in Gaza”
  • Balint (D-VT) 9/17/25: X-post – “The suffering in Gaza goes beyond the tragic loss of life inherent to war; at this point, the Netanyahu government’s actions appear to be a systematic, intentional destruction of the Palestinian people.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/17/25: X-post – “I agree with the UN commission’s heartbreaking finding that there is a genocide in Gaza. What matters is what we do about it — stop military sales that are being used to kill civilians and recognize a Palestinian state.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/16/25: X-post – “As the apartheid regime accelerates its destruction and ethnic cleansing of Gaza, the UN has concluded what we’ve already known: Israel, with full U.S. support, is committing genocide in Palestine. Boycott, Divest, Sanction. An arms embargo is the bare minimum. Free Palestine.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/16/25: X-post – “The UN report makes plain what so many families in Gaza have been living through: the deliberate destruction of Palestinians. We have a moral responsibility to stop enabling this genocide and hold Israel accountable.”
  • Escobar (D-TX) 9/16/25: Congresswoman Escobar Releases Statement on Genocide in Gaza
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/16/25: X-post – “The evidence just keeps mounting that Israel’s government is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. As Israel expands its ground invasion into Gaza City, our government cannot continue to deny what so many clearly see. It is time for members of Congress to take a stand and cosponsor my Block the Bombs Act. Americans do not want to be complicit in the atrocities. We must act! Not one more dollar. Not one more bomb. Not one more excuse.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/16/25: X-post – “The Israeli govt is continuing its destruction of Gaza, now with a ground operation into Gaza City. How many more people have to die before this ends? The US must end our complicity in this genocide & stop supplying Israel with weapons. #BlockTheBombs
  • Coons (D-DE) 9/16/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s ground invasion of Gaza City is a dangerous mistake that will worsen the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I will always stand for Israel’s right to self-defense, but this move risks thousands of innocent lives and only makes the return of hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire harder to achieve.”
  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/15/25: X-post – “Important report from @ChrisVanHollen and @SenJeffMerkley on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their findings lead to the inescapable conclusion that the extremist Netanyahu government has gone far beyond its justified goal of defeating Hamas to pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing. Ongoing U.S. complicity in these crimes must end.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/15/25: X-post – “Netanyahu & his cabinet of war criminals are planning for ‘voluntary’ migration of Palestinians from Gaza. Having starved them and bombed their homes, schools and hospitals, how can it be voluntary? This is ethnic cleansing. It’s a war crime. NO MORE US MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.“
  • Goldman (D-NY) 9/12/25: Statement from Rep. Dan Goldman on Netanyahu’s Extremist West Bank Explansion Plan
  • Levin (D-CA) 9/12/24: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Approval of New Settlement Construction in the West Bank
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 9/12/24: X-post – “Netanyahu will never be a partner for peace because his goal is complete occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Abandoning a two-state solution means endless conflict, which the Israeli people should reject.“

Mahmoud Khalil/Free Speech/Protest

  • Welch (D-VT) 9/19/25: X-post – “We can’t allow our government to revoke someone’s legal status for exercising their freedom of speech. The Trump Administration’s targeting of Mahmoud Khalil is unconstitutional and needs to end.“
  • Pressley (D-MA) 9/19/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil’s abduction & ongoing targeting by Trump is egregious. Trump is weaponizing our courts to persecute students exercising their First Amendment rights—just as a dictator would do.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/19/25: X-post w/ video – “Trump’s ICE kidnapped Rümeysa Öztürk and detained her for 45 days, just for writing an op-ed that called on her university to divest from Israel. It was an authoritarian attack on the First Amendment and all of our free speech rights.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/17/25: X-post – “The courts are being weaponized to persecute Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., for exercising his 1st Amendment rights. Our taxpayers’ dollars are paying for the erosion of our civil and Constitutional rights. Tell us again how the Trump Administration is not an authoritarian regime.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 9/25/25: X-post – “Wikipedia isn’t just biased, it’s becoming a breeding ground for antisemitism. We’re stepping in with @gopoversight Chairman @RepJamesComer. America deserves the truth, not hate disguised as facts.“
  • Owens (R-UT) 9/19/25: X-post – “Had a productive visit with leaders from the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America to discuss @EdWorkforceCmte’s work to root out antisemitism – especially on college campuses, in K-12 classrooms, and in the workplace.“
  • House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 9/17/25: X-post – “Back in 2023, @MIT’s president testified before the Committee because of the school’s extreme failure to address antisemitism on campus. Since then, it seems antisemitism has gotten WORSE, leading to the open harassment of students and faculty who even APPEAR to be Jewish or Israeli. University leaders across the country are failing to follow the law and do something so simple: prevent harassment on their own campuses.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/15/25: X-post – “Great speaking with @Princeton President Eisgruber again to discuss critical challenges facing higher education. We addressed federal research funding, campus free speech, and combating antisemitism.“

US Citizens killed & detained by Israel

  • Beyer (D-VA) 9/25/25: X-thread – “I recently met with families of Americans killed by Israeli forces and extremist settler violence. I join their call for accountability for their loved ones’ deaths and urge the release of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Florida boy jailed for 6 months without trial. 1/ Justice has been denied to the families of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, Sayfollah Musallet, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, Rachel Corrie for far too long. Impunity is not the foundation of a rational alliance. Decades of Israeli government impunity must end. 2/2“
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/25/25: X-post w/ video: “The grief and outrage of the families of American citizens killed and detained by Israeli forces was palpable. I am so grateful for their courage and advocacy driven by the hope that more families do not have to experience the pain they do. We cannot have different systems of treatment for one group of folks over another.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/21/25: X-post – “U.S. citizens abroad deserve to be safe, and when they are killed, we must demand answers and accountability. For Ayşenur, for Rachel, for Sayfollah, for Tawfic, for Mohammed — we will keep demanding justice for those killed in Israel while peacefully protesting.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/19/25: X-post – “Americans abroad deserve to be safe, and when a U.S. citizen is killed in another country, our government has a responsibility to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Nine Americans have been killed by the IDF or Israeli settlers since 2022. This must end.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/17/25: X-post – “A 16-year-old American citizen has been trapped in an Israeli prison for 7 months. He has lost over 30 pounds and developed scabies. The Israeli government should not be able to take our children like this and not be held accountable. His family needs him home. Free Mohammed Ibrahim today.“
  • Garcia (D-IL) 9/17/25: X-post w/ video – “Khamis Ayyad should still be alive today—just like the other 9 U.S. citizens killed by the IDF or Israeli settlers. It’s time to stop using our dollars to fund this violence and it’s time our government leads credible, thorough investigations into the death of its own citizens.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/17/25: X-post w/ video – “Americans were killed by the Israeli government and our own government looks the other way. There has been no justice for Shireen Abu Akleh, Rachel Corrie, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, Sayfollah Musallet, and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar. Yesterday, I demanded that our government stops funding and supporting the Israeli government’s war crimes so that what has happened to their families never happens again.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 9/16/25: X-post – “Since 2022, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 10 Americans in the West Bank & Gaza. No one has been held accountable. I’m joining the families in demanding the U.S. do what it would anywhere else: conduct independent investigations and hold the killers responsible.“
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/16/25: X-post – “Today I stood with the families of Rachel, Ayşenur, Tawfic, Sayfollah, and Mohammed—all American citizens who have been killed or detained by Israeli forces or settlers. They deserve to be home with their loved ones, and to have been protected by our laws, our Constitution, and our government. We will continue to push for accountability and justice for these families, and freedom for 16-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim, because protecting the Israeli government cannot and should not matter more than saving lives.“
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/16/25: Rep. Summer Lee Stands with American Families Demanding Justice and Accountability for Loved Ones Killed or Detained by Israeli Forces and Settlers
  • Beyer (D-VA) 9/16/25: X-thread – “Palestinian civilians continue to be killed with American weapons, Israeli hostages are no closer to freedom, and people in this country and around the globe are rightfully horrified that their leaders refuse to see what is obvious to everyone else. 1/2 The American blank check for Netanyahu’s Gaza City operation does not serve our interests. We are mired in a moral and strategic morass, and the only way out is a fundamental alteration of the broken U.S.-Israeli relationship. 2/2″

Recognition of Palestine

  • Senate Republicans 9/25/25: X-post – “Nearly two years ago, Hamas terrorists murdered dozens of Americans and thousands of Israelis. The Democrats who seek to reward them with statehood today will not only prolong this war but also encourage more acts of terror.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/25/25: X-post – “The nations that recognized a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds 48 hostages for nearly two years made a grave mistake. They’re rewarding terrorism conducted on 7 Oct. The fact they did the recognition on a Jewish holy day was insulting. Further, where are the Palestinian leaders who recognize Israel as a Jewish state? There are none. They don’t want Israel to exist“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/23/25: X-post – “Recognizing ‘Palestine’ is a transparent attempt to appease Islamists in Europe, and it will only make peace less likely. We should continue backing Israel in its just war against Hamas to free the hostages.“
  • Mast (R-FL) 9/23/25: X-post – “Hamas terrorists should not be rewarded for their horrific and barbaric actions. Recognizing a “State of Palestine” will not lead to peace, it’ll only bring more bloodshed. Hamas can end the war today by releasing ALL the hostages.”
  • Schneider (D-IL) 9/23/25: “I am a lifelong believer in the legitimacy of the national aspirations of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people. That is why I must unequivocally condemn the premature, misguided, and unhelpful decisions this week by our allies Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and six other countries to formally recognize the State of Palestine…”
  • Hudson (R-NC) 9/23/25: X-post – “I unequivocally stand with Israel and am disappointed by the decision by Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Portugal, and others to recognize a so-called Palestinian state. Gaza is controlled by the murderous terrorist group Hamas — who still hold hostages, steal food aid, and are directly responsible for the mass starvation and suffering in Gaza.   The recognition of a so-called Palestinian state does nothing more than reward Hamas who is the cause the chaos. The recognition of such a state would require a leader chosen by the people and able provide basic services, stability and who will act in good faith and civility within the region. Hamas is not this leader and recognizing them as such is playing with fire.   This move doesn’t advance peace; it rewards terrorism, ignores the hostages, and undermines our ally Israel. The United States must reject this naïve appeasement and instead stand firmly with Israel and for our values.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/23/25: X-post w/ video – “It’s beyond time the United States joined a majority of UN nations in recognizing Palestinian Statehood and calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza.“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 9/23/25: X-post w/ video – “Recognizing the Palestinian state only further emboldens Hamas to commit acts of terror and destabilize the Middle East. Thankfully, @POTUS has brought back America First principles and is refusing to recognize and reward terrorism. I joined @Varneyco on @FoxBusiness to discuss.”
  • Feenstra (R-IA) 9/23/25: X-post -“Recognizing a Palestinian state while Hamas terrorists kill innocent Israelis and hold hostages with no remorse is wrong. I’m grateful that President Trump is working nonstop to secure the release of the hostages and advance peace through strength across the globe.”
  • Perry (R-PA) 9/22/25: X-post – “The leader of Hamas said that the ‘fruits’ of October 7th would be recognition by Western nations of a Palestinian state. Sadly, Canada and other nations are choosing to side with terrorists instead of Israel.“
  • Steube (R-FL) 9/22/25: X-post – “Palestine is not a state; it has never been a state, and a two-state solution is not possible when Palestinians don’t believe that Israel should exist. Recognizing a Palestinian state, especially while hostages remain in Gaza, only rewards Hamas and signals to every terrorist that violence pays...”
  • Barr (R-KY) 9/22/25: X-post – “Australia, France and the U.K. are key allies of the United States. But they are making a historic mistake. Diplomatic recognition of a “Palestinian state” is a reward for Hamas.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/22/25: “I have long supported a two-state solution. Any formal recognition of a Palestinian state requires direct negotiations involving Israelis and Palestinians, not unilateral declarations by Western leaders. Unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state without engaging in meaningful talks does nothing to change the situation on the ground or to bring the region closer to a viable, lasting peace. Worse, these empty announcements only reward Hamas terrorism while doing nothing for Palestinian families. In fact, Hamas is openly celebrating these recognitions as ‘the fruits’ of October 7 — when terrorists brutally kidnapped, raped, and murdered more than 1,200 people, including dozens of Americans. With these performative actions, Western leaders are feeding into Hamas’s narrative that their violence has successfully brought about change. A viable Palestinian state requires forward-looking leaders, stable institutions, and a commitment to peace. Hamas cannot remain in power in any capacity and, right now, the Palestinian Authority falls short on all three. Our focus should be on creating the conditions that make peace possible, including the defeat of Hamas and reform of the Palestinian Authority, not on empty words or performative actions that only empower terrorists.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/22/25: X-post – “October 7 was a massacre, not a pretext for rewarding terrorists with legitimization and recognition. Caving to extremists in their countries, the UK, France, Canada, and Australia betray Israel and reward Hamas. They abandon the Western values they once defended.”
  • Harris (R-MD) 9/22/25: X-post – “It is a grave mistake for any nation to unilaterally recognize ‘Palestine’ as a state. Such decisions not only reward terrorism — they undermine the security of our ally Israel and embolden violent actors like Hamas who have no interest in peace.“
  • Fedorchak (R-ND) 9/22/25: X-post – “The UK, Canada, & Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds hostages is not a step toward peace. Instead, it rewards terror, emboldens Hamas, and deepens their stranglehold on innocent Palestinians they use as pawns in their war to eradicate Israel.“
  • Smith (R-NE) 9/22/25: X-post – “As we approach two years since the Oct. 7th terror attack, this sends the wrong signal to our allies and adversaries alike. Hamas continues to hold innocent civilians hostage and threaten Israel’s right to exist. The immediate, safe return of all remaining hostages and unconditional surrender of Hamas must be the first steps to peace.“
  • Davidson (R-OH) 9/22/25: X-post – “Many of the same globalists pushing for a Palestinian state (rewarding Hamas aggression), obstruct peace for Ukraine claiming it would reward Russian aggression. Maybe the globalists just want more wars in more places.“
  • Calvert (R-CA) 9/22/25: X-post – “The decision by the U.K., Australia and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state is both dangerous and irresponsible. We cannot reward Hamas for its barbaric attack on Israel and inhumane conduct. The U.S. will continue to stand by our ally Israel.”
  • Lankford (R-OK) 9/22/25: X-post – “As Jews across America and around the world prepare to celebrate the High Holidays, the terrorists of Hamas continue to hold Jewish hostages. Instead of insisting on the immediate release of the hostages, some nations have determined that right now is the moment to recognize a Palestinian state, with no agreed upon leader, which gives into the demands of Hamas and encourages more violence to achieve their goals.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 9/22/25: Risch Statement on Allies’ Recognition of a Palestinian State
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/22/25: X-post – “AI Overview – Bonjour Hamas, we have a special gift for you!“
  • Risch (R-ID) 9/21/25: X-post – “I applaud Japan for its decision to not join the bandwagon effort to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. It is gross diplomatic malpractice to reward Hamas for October 7.”
  • Scott (R-SC) 9/21/25: X-p0st – “The UK, Canada, and Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state rewards Hamas for the October 7 terrorist attack. Hamas leaders are already calling the move ‘the fruits of October 7.’ This reckless decision appeases and emboldens terrorists around the world while doing nothing to secure the release of the remaining 48 hostages.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/21/25: X-post – “Don’t be fooled—Hamas is a force of pure evil. These terrorists have tortured innocent hostages for 716 days, while stealing critical humanitarian aid from the people of Gaza. Hamas should never be recognized as anything other than terrorists. We must hold them accountable for this cruelty and bring every last hostage home.“
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/21/25: X-post – “Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. While @Keir_Starmer stands with Hamas & their violence, the United States will ALWAYS stand with the Jewish State of Israel!”
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/21/25: X-post – “The socialist, leftist governments of Canada, Australia, and the UK all rush to take advantage of trade deals with America & later stab us in the back by siding with Hamas. In the U.S. Congress, we will not take this pathetic betrayal lightly.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/21/25: X-post – “This reckless decision by the UK, Canada, and Australia is a betrayal of our ally Israel and a gift to Hamas and Iran’s terror proxies. Rewarding terrorism with premature recognition does nothing to advance peace and will only embolden extremists whose stated goal is the destruction of Israel. Just today, senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad admitted that this recognition is ‘one of the fruits of October 7.’ These countries are legitimizing terrorism and validating the mass murder of innocent civilians. It is shameful and dangerous. Israel has every right to defend itself and determine its own future without foreign governments dictating terms. As I have said before, the path to peace is simple: Hamas must surrender, release all hostages, and renounce its mission to wipe Israel off the map. Anything less is appeasement and puts innocent lives at risk. America must stand firm with Israel and reject these misguided moves by our allies. The United States cannot and should not follow suit. Peace in the Middle East will never be achieved by rewarding violence.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/19/25: X-post – “France, Senate Democrats or anyone: Recognizing Palestine is the ‘best way’ to reward Hamas for killing and raping over 1200 Israelis, and keeping hostages underground for two years. When Hamas is cheering for your decision, you really should reconsider your core values.”

The Flotilla

  • McGovern (D-MA) 9/18/25: X-post – “I wholeheartedly agree with my colleagues in the Senate. @SecRubio, we must guarantee the right of Americans to peacefully navigate international waters. The Netanyahu government has already carried out drone strikes against American citizens who are simply trying to help get humanitarian aid into Gaza. You must act now to protect them.“
  • Simon (D-CA) 9/16/25: X-post – “Thank you to the #GlobalSumudFlotilla —including an individual from the East Bay who is traveling on the flotilla—for leading a peaceful humanitarian mission to end man-made famine and genocide in Gaza. I urge the Israeli government to end the blockade and let desperately needed humanitarian aid in immediately.“

Lebanon & Syria

  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/24/25: Meeks Meets with Lebanese President Aoun & Foreign Minister Rajji on Sidelines of UN General Assembly
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/23/25: X-post – “On top of the horrific genocide in Gaza, the Israeli government continues to bomb civilians in multiple countries, including near-daily attacks on Lebanon. This week, one of those bombs killed a young family with ties to the Charara family in our district. Three beautiful children—Hadi, Silan, and Celine—were murdered alongside their father with weapons funded by our government. Our country must end this support for endless war crimes.“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/22/25: Ranking Members Meeks, Shaheen Meet with Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sidelines of UN General Assembly

We Stand 100% with Israel on everything

  • Cammack (R-FL) 9/23/25: X-post – “The UN has become the epicenter of antisemitism. Holding a Gaza meeting on Rosh Hashanah isn’t a coincidence—it’s a message: isolate the Jewish people, deny them a seat at the table and silence them. Totally unacceptable.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/23/25: X-post – “For 718 days, Hamas has waged a war on Israel and held innocent hostages to inflict pain and suffering. Let me be clear: Hamas will not win – evil never does. @SecRubio is right that peace is achievable once every last hostage is released and Hamas is destroyed.“
  • Alford (R-MO) 9/23/25: X-post w/ video – “Israel has every right to live in peace and finish the job against Hamas. Rebuilding with strong, responsible leadership from Arab neighbors in the region must follow“
  • Cotton (R-IN) 9/17/25: X-post – “The United States has zero business supporting the Palestinian Authority, which pays terrorists to kill American civilians in Israel.“
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 9/17/25: X-post – “This morning, I joined @SpeakerJohnson for a roundtable with Friends of Israel to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, security in the region, and the fight against antisemitism. I am grateful to serve as Chairman of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group and continue this important work.“
  • Cotton (R-IN) 9/16/25: X-post – “Hamas has terrorized Israel and the Middle East for far too long. We should let our Israeli allies win the war in Gaza and to totally and completely destroy Hamas.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/16/25: Op-ed in the Daily Caller – A Roadmap For The US-Israel Alliance
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/25: X-post – “Our commitment to the remaining American and Israeli hostages and their families must be clear: we never leave anyone behind. I was honored to host a roundtable last week with released hostage, Raz Ben Ami, and families of hostages still held by Hamas terrorists. I will keep fighting until every hostage is brought home.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/15/25: Daines Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Attends Ceremony Unveiling Pilgrim’s Road
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/25: X-post – “Our commitment to the remaining American and Israeli hostages and their families must be clear: we never leave anyone behind. I was honored to host a roundtable last week with released hostage, Raz Ben Ami, and families of hostages still held by Hamas terrorists. I will keep fighting until every hostage is brought home.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/15/25: X-post – “Senator @ChrisVanHollen and @SenJeffMerkley’s report on Gaza is outright wrong. Israel is fighting Hamas, a terror group that steals aid and hides behind civilians. Calling this “collective punishment” distorts reality — Israel is at war with an enemy that hides among 2 million people without regard for their lives. Civilians are suffering, which is why we must surge protected aid. The UN admits up to 90% of its aid never reaches civilians — I saw it firsthand at the Gaza border, where food piles up without a plan to ensure delivery. That’s why I called on the UN in a recent op-ed to work alongside GHF to protect its aid and get food directly to families faster, not Hamas fighters. Senators Van Hollen and Merkley should use their roles to advance a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. Claims of ‘ethnic cleansing’ are false and do nothing to change the situation on the ground.“

Turkey

  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 9/25/25: X-post – “Let us reiterate that it’s a VERY BAD idea to sell Erdogan— who aligns himself with Vladimir Putin, harbors Hamas leadership, continues to illegally occupy Cyprus, conducts illegal overflights above Greek islands and threatens to invade Israel—American F-35 jets!“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/25/25: X-post – “Turkey cannot be trusted with America’s most advanced fighter jets. President Erdogan has cozied up to Hamas and Putin while threatening our allies: Israel, Greece, & Cyprus. The Trump Administration must block Turkey’s dangerous push to rejoin the F-35 program.“
  • Bilirakis (R-FL) 9/22/25: Hellenic Caucus Issues Statement of Concern Regarding Negotiations with Erdogan Regime. Also see: Bipartisan group of House lawmakers urge Trump to be ‘very careful’ in Erdogan talks (Jewish Insider 9/22/25)
  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 9/22/25: Malliotakis Statement Opposing Turkey’s Return to F-35 Program
  • Titus (D-NC) 9/19/25: X-post – “In just the last few years, President Erdogan has acquired S-400s from Russia, threatened to invade Israel, and continued his antagonism toward Greece and Cyprus. Any progress in discussions toward Turkey’s readmission to the F-35 program will be unacceptable. I forcefully urge @POTUS to recalibrate and see Erdogan for who he is: a spoiler in the NATO alliance.”

Rosh Hashanah Wishes (for Israel)

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/23/25: X-post – “To all Jewish communities celebrating Rosh Hashanah across PA, our nation, and the world: My thoughts are with the hostages, IDF soldiers, and Israel on this sacred time.   Shanah Tovah!“

Abraham Accords

  • Ernst (R-IA) 9/15/25: Ernst Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of Abraham Accords
  • Wagner (R-MO) 9/15/25: X-post – “It has been five years since the historic signing of the Abraham Accords created an unprecedented new partnership between Israel and its neighbors. As Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I am honored to advance one of President Trump’s most significant foreign policy accomplishments. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and our counterparts abroad to achieve greater stability and peace in the Middle East, counter destructive regimes, and strengthen our U.S. national security interests.”
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 9/15/25: X-post – “Five years ago today, @POTUS did what the experts said could never happen: he brokered peace in the Middle East. The Abraham Accords brought Israel and Arab nations to the same table, proving that American strength can make possible what the foreign policy class never even dared to imagine.“
  • Haridopolos (R-FL) 9/15/25: X-post – “Five years ago today, President Trump made history by signing the Abraham Accords with Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, the boldest step for peace the Middle East had ever witnessed. This was achieved because America led with strength and vision, and it should be a foundation for future peace in the region.“
  • Lankford (R-OK) 9/15/25: X-post – “Today marks the five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords have transformed the Middle East, opening the door to unprecedented normalization between Israel and several Arab nations. As the Middle East continues to face turmoil, the US should build on the Accords and foster ongoing dialogue to advance peace in the region. Let’s keep working together to secure lasting peace.“
  • Budd (R-NC) 9/15/25: X-post – “Today marks 5 years since the Abraham Accords—a historic breakthrough for peace & economic partnership. In the face of Iran & its terrorist proxies’ escalating attacks on Israel, the Accords are more vital than ever to advance security, prosperity, & lasting peace.“

Islamophobia

  • Fine (R-FL) 9/25/25: X-post – “Muslims blasting their ‘prayers’ in an American city at 5 AM isn’t a call to worship, it’s a call to action. This is their warning siren. We should listen. No different than the German Stuka dive bomber scream of WWII.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/17/25: X-post – “We need to stop pretending Islam is compatible with American values.“

Other stuff

  • Welch (D-VT) 9/23/25: Welch Statement on the French-Saudi Summit on the Two-State Solution
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/23/25: X-post – “Al Jazeera is not a news organization, it’s a mouthpiece for Hamas. American AI companies shouldn’t rely on terrorist-sympathizing networks as a trusted source.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 9/23/25: X-post – “I am very pleased that @POTUS highlighted the fact that Christians throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East, are under siege. Lebanon and Israel are some of the only places where Christians can worship freely without fear in the Middle East. The persecution of Christians should be more forcefully addressed by the civilized world.   I’m grateful to President Trump for shedding light on this issue.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/19/25: X-post – “The Israeli government continues to violate international law — this time, killing 31 journalists in a strike on Yemen in the second deadliest attack on the press ever recorded. The U.S. cannot keep funding and supplying weapons for this destruction.“

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

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

Gaza/West Bank

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest/Academia

CONGRESS STANDS WITH ISRAEL (including against US right to free speech/protest)

Syria

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

Of note:

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING US PASSPORTS & MORE IN NEW STATE DEPT BILL) HR 5300: Introduced 9/11/25 by Mast (R-FL), the “Department of State Policy Provisions Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. HR 5300 is scheduled to be marked up in HFAC next week, 10/17/25. The bill includes

  • a terrifying provision – Sec 226: “No passports for terrorists & traffickers” – to allow passport denial/revocation for anyone charged (not convicted) with supporting an FTO, or who SecState “determines” has “knowingly aided, assisted, abetted, or otherwise provided material support to an FTO.” Under this provision, the ONLY recourse for someone targeted with this wholly subjective/unaccountable determination is to request/be granted an appeal hearing at which they can try to convince SecState–acting as judge, jury, & executioner–to change his mind. Based on the way this Admin and some in Congress have been throwing the term “terror” around — accusing people of views and protest that “align” with terrorists, etc — it seems clear that this provision would in effect enable, and likely be used, to target ANY/ALL American citizens who hold disfavored views and/or engaged in disfavored speech/protest, and to either ban them from travel or effectively strand/exile them abroad, at will, with no meaningful recourse.
  • SEC. 323. American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act.”
  • SEC. 404. Foreign Military Financing program with regard to Jordan.
  • SEC. 405. Extension of War Reserve Stockpile Allies-Israel. [“For fiscal year 2026, section 514(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not apply to defense articles to be set aside, earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as reserve stocks in stockpiles in the State of Israel.”]
  • SEC. 609. Report on country United Nations voting practices. [report to include: “a listing of all plenary votes cast by member countries of the United Nations in the General Assembly which provides a comparison of the votes cast by each member country with the vote cast by the United States, including a separate listing of all plenary votes cast by member countries of the United Nations in the General Assembly on resolutions specifically related to Israel that are opposed by the United States“]
  • SEC. 612. Prohibition on United States contributions to the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. [“No funds are authorized to be made available for any grant, payment or other contribution to the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.”]
  • Also see: House committee releases legislative package aimed at reorganizing, reforming State Department [“One provision would allow the department to revoke the passport of anyone the secretary of state deems to be supporting a terrorist organization“] (Jewish Insider 9/12/25)

(TARGETING ACADEMIA – FREE SPEECH/CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) HR XXXX [bill text, pre-amendments in full committee]: On 9/9/25, the House Appropriations Committee passed the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill. The text, as passed by the Committee (which now head to the House floor) includes Section 536: “SEC . 536. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to a United States institution of higher education unless and until such institution adopts a prohibition on antisemitic conduct that creates a hostile environment in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in all documents relating to student or employee conduct. (b) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to a United States institution of higher education that has failed to take administrative action against any student, staff member, or student group that commits acts of antisemitism while utilizing the facilities, grounds, or resources of such institution.” In addition, the report accompanying the bill includes:

  • a requirement for a “Report on Antisemitism in Health Care“
  • a declaration that the Committee “supports efforts by the Office for Civil Rights to provide technical assistance regarding antisemitism on campuses and to complete pending investigations of complaints relating to antisemitism under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964“;
  • a section entitled “Antisemitism Investigations” which reads: “The Committee remains concerned by instances of antisemitism on campuses and commends the new Administration for taking steps to address this increase. Following the explosion of antisemitism at IHEs across the U.S. after the terrorist attack on Israel and the subsequent failure of some IHEs to address antisemitic conduct on campus, it was unclear what actions OCR took under the prior Administration to respond to submitted complaints. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2027 congressional justification on such efforts, including the processing of shared ancestry investigations, responses to complaints, investigation completions, and related activities to address antisemitism.”
  • A note that “The Committee provides $4,000,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2024 enacted level and $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 budget request, for a bilateral cooperative program with the Government of Israel for the development of health technologies.“

(FY26 NDAA – Senate) S. 2296: This week the Senate continued its consideration of  S. 2296, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As previously covered in the Round-Up, the base text includes (as always) some key provisions related to the Middle East and funding for Israel. Also, as always, a huge number of amendments to the bill were offered (832 total as of 10am 9/11/25), including many related to the Middle East and Israel. Many/most of these likely will not be considered, but they are all worth paying attention to, since NDAA amendments are always good indicators of members’ priorities (with respect to both policy and grandstanding). For a full account of  Middle East/Israel-related provisions in the base bill, as well as Middle East/Israel-related proposed amendments, see my comprehensive analysis (published 8/8/25; updated 9/11/25). NOTE:  S. Amdt. 3748, an amendment in the nature of a substitute proposed by Wicker (R-MS), is now for all intents and purposes the base text under consideration.

(FY26 NDAA – HOUSE) HR 3838: Introduced 6/9/25 by Rogers (R-AL), the “Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.” On 9/8/25, the House Rules Committee met (hearing part 1, hearing part 2) to consider amendments submitted to the bill (final total: 1170), ruling a total of 298 amendments “in order” [i.e., to be considered/vote on by the full House), with 10 minutes allotted for debate on each of them, plus one hour of general debate/statements/grandstanding on the overall bill. Also see: Rules Committee Report (which includes text of all amendments ruled “in order”). The table below lays out the Israel/Middle East-related amendments that were ruled “in order” and their fate on the House floor. To see the rest of the Middle East/Israel-related amendments that were NOT made “in order“, see last week’s edition of the Round-Up.  As always, regardless of whether a given amendment gets a vote and/or is ultimately attached to the bill, it is useful to pay attention to all the amendments, since they offer valuable information about members’ priorities and intentions. The House Armed Services Committee website has a useful page with FY26 NDAA resources. The House passed HR 3838 9/10/25 by a vote of 231-196. 

Media: House passes 2026 defense bill, including repeal of Iraq war powers [“Other passed amendments aimed to counter the BDS movement, strengthen the U.S.-Israel defense partnership and counter the Iranian regime“] (Jewish Insider 9/11/25); The House Just Passed a Bill Punishing “Politically Motivated” Boycotts of Israel (The Intercept 9/11/25)

Fate of amendments specifically noted in past Round-Ups:

  • PASSED Gottheimer (D-NJ) amendment to bar DOD contracts with any party that boycotts Israel or settlements.
  • NOT RULED “IN ORDER” – Lawler (R-NY) and Gottheimer (D-NJ)amendment to add the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act” (HR 867) – the current iteration of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act (IABA) to the NDAA.
  • NOT RULED “IN ORDER” – Goldman (D-NY) amendment to enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the foundation for mandatory antisemitism training for all Department of Defense personnel.
  • NOT RULED “IN ORDER” – Tenney (R-NY) amendment to compel DOD to use the term “Judea and Samaria” instead of “the West Bank.”
  • NOT RULED “IN ORDER” – Gottheimer (D-NJ) amendment to attach the “STOP HATE” Act to the NDAA (legislation targeting free speech/criticism of Israel, for details see the 7/25/25 edition of the Round-Up).

All Middle East/Israel-related Amendments Submitted to HR 3838 MADE IN ORDER according to the Rule adopted by the Rules Committee

# in Rule (original number) Committee
Amdt # (Rule #)		 Topic Sponsors & link to text Short description What happened?
1 (150) The ICC/international law/Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Includes a sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Defense and State must use every opportunity at forums involving NATO or major non-NATO allies to ensure that such allied countries do not enforce warrants issued by the ICC against members of the armed forces of the U.S. or of its other allies.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #1
2 (844) Israel Ogles (R-TN) “Establishes the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense and its agencies should not participate in international defense exhibitions if they or the jurisdictions in which they are held block the participation of Israeli companies or use restrictions or the threat of restrictions as a means of deterring Israel from defending itself.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #1
3 (1022) Israel Boebert (R-CO) “Late Prohibits the entering into contracts with entities engaged in a boycott of the state of Israel.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #1
4 (542) Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires briefing on the status of deliveries to the Government of Israel of any military aircraft or air-launched munitions approved for transfer that are undelivered or partially delivered.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #1
34 (806) AUMF Meeks (D-NY), Roy (TX), Jacobs (CA), Massie (KY) “Inserts the text of H.R. 1488, repealing the 2002 and 1991 AUMFs.”  Passed by roll call vote of 261-167
137 (683) Iran, Israel Gonzales (R-TX) “Authorizes the award of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, to be known as the ‘Operation Midnight Hammer Medal,’ to eligible personnel who served during the 2025 Iran–Israel conflict, including Operation Midnight Hammer.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #2
140 (265) Jordan Gosar (R-AZ) “Requires expeditious disclosure of all records relating to the January 28, 2024, attack on Tower 22 in Jordan.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #3
143 (548) Israel/Egypt Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires a study on steps Israel, the U.S., and Egypt can take to enhance international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure Hamas and other actors cannot use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods. Additionally, report will outline/ map existing tunnel networks.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #3
222 (929) Israel Nunn (R-IA) “This amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a report outlining the status of integrated air and missile defense in the CENTOM AOR, particularly Israel. This report is requested so U.S. and Israeli military commanders can update their operational plans in relation to drone attacks, THAD missile production capabilities, and further expansion of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam capabilities.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #4
223 (835) Israel Nunn (R-IA), Davis (D-NC) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to work with our counterparts in the Israeli Ministry of Defense to establish a DIU field office within Israeli territory. This effort increases hands-on RDT&E, allows for faster communication, provides live feedback from the field, and shortens go-to-market time for new defense products. This effort is a continuation of 22 U.S.C. §8606. United States-Israel cooperation on energy, water, homeland security, agriculture, and alternative fuel technologies, in particular under the Statutory Note Strategic Partnership on Defense Industrial Priorities Between the United States and Israel.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #4
233 (824) Israel Ogles (R-TN) “Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the DNI to conduct a continual assessment of the impact of arms embargoes, sanctions, restrictions, or limitations imposed by foreign states or international organizations on Israel’s defense capabilities.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #4
242 (329) Iran Panetta (CA), Wilson (SC), Zinke (MT), Kim (CA) “Leverages the Defense Departments cyber pilot program (section 398a of title 10 USC) to enhance the cyber capabilities of foreign security forces and other entities to conduct cyber operations aligned with U.S. national security interests, by identifying and vetting Iranian organizations with cyber expertise that could weaken the regime’s ability to control information and repress dissent.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #4
270 (365) Iran/Hezbollah/Lebanon Shreve (R-IN) “Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran’s and Hezbollah’s propaganda, missionary networks, and influence operations in Latin America. Identical to H.R. 4531 (119th Congress).” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #5
278 (571) Israel Stefanik (R-NY) “Convenes the U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group to study the potential for defense industrial base integration between the United States and Israel, including the possibility of inclusion into the national technology and industrial base (as defined in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code).” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #5
280 (537) Iran Steube (R-FL) “Extends and modifies annual report on Iranian military.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #5
282 (744) Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires report on U.S.-Israel cooperation on increased production capacity and inventory of the Arrow interceptor.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #5
283 (520) Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires annual report on U.S.-Israel military exercises, emphasizes mutual benefit of U.S.-Israel relationship.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #5
297 (633) Iran Wilson (R-SC) “Requires Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to be submitted to Congress, aimed at encouraging defections by senior Iranian security officials and members of the armed forces.” Adopted as part of En Bloc Amdt #5

 

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

September 17, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a markup entitled, State Reauthorization Bills Markup. Bills on the agenda include HR 3300,  “To guide the foreign policy of the United States, and for other purposes,” which includes a number of Israel/Middle East-related provisions, in addition to a stunning/terrifying provision to empower the Secretary of State to deny/revoke the US passport of any US citizen based merely on being charged (but not convicted) of support for a terrorist organization, or merely on the Secretary of State “determining” – a subjective, unaccountable determination – that the person supports terrorism. See Section 1, above, for more details.

September 17, 2025: The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) will hold a briefing entitled, Conspiracy Theories, Antisemitism, and Democratic Decline. Panelists will be: James Kirchick, author and journalist;  Izabella Tabarovsky, fellow, Wilson Center; and Brian Hughes, director, Countering Antisemitism Lab, USC Shoah Foundation.

September 11, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on an number of Trump Administration nominations [hearing video], including on nominees for US Ambassador to Jordan (meaning the hearing included discussion of Jordan/Israel/Middle East). Also see: Risch (R-ID) opening statement;

September 10, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s  Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing entitled, “From Playground to Classroom: The Spread of Antisemitism in K-12 Schools“ [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Nicole Neily, Defending Education (statement); Brandy Shufutinsky, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (statement); Rabbi Jill Jacobs, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights (statement); and Rachel Lerman, The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law (statement).

Also see:

  • Chairman Kiley (R-CA) opening statement; hearing re-cap posted by Committee GOP
  • X-posts & statements: House Committee on Education & the Workforce 9/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “@nickineily tells @RepMarkHarrisNC about the MANY examples of teachers unions promoting antisemitism in classrooms—brainwashing teachers into promoting antisemitic tropes and making Jewish students and families feel unsafe.“; Owens (R-UT) 9/10/25: X-post – “Antisemitism is spreading in America’s K–12 schools, making Jewish students feel unsafe and teaching kids to judge each other by race, creed, color, or culture. @EdWorkforceCmte is fighting to make sure classrooms are for learning, not activism.” House Committee on Education & the Workforce 10/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Throughout today’s hearing on antisemitism in K-12 schools, Democrats accused us of being too focused on antisemitism and defended unions and teacher colleges for PUSHING antisemitism in the classroom. Republicans are steadfast in our efforts to protect Jewish students in all stages of their education journey.“; House Committee on Education & the Workforce 10/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Today’s Democrat-invited witness confirmed 69% of hate crimes in America are committed against Jews. Yet she criticized Republicans for being “hyper-focused” on antisemitism. No regrets. Because antisemitism is evil, and we must stop it.“

September 9, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing entitled, “Unmasking Union Antisemitism (hearing video)” Witnesses were: Kyle Koeppel Mann, New York Legal Assistance Group (statement); David Rubinstein, Ph.D. Candidate, Cornell University (statement); Joseph McCartin, Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor, Georgetown University (statement); and Glenn Taubman, National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation (statement). Also see:

  • Chairman Allen (R-GA) opening statement; Hearing re-cap posted by the Committee (GOP)
  • Committee member Statements & X-posts (GOP): House Committee on Education & the Workforce 9/9/25 (with video clip of Stefanik, R-NY, speaking) – “Unions like @NEAToday and @AFTunion are “all about power and money” while member representation is an afterthought, one of today’s witnesses tells @RepStefanik. Unions have in fact weaponized labor law in their campaign against Israel and Jewish people. Instead of defending workers, unions are defending antisemitic activity and it is shameful.”; Owens (R-UT) 9/9/25 w/ video clip: “It’s disgusting that some unions are pushing antisemitic and anti-Israel priorities instead of protecting their members. As @EdWorkforceCmte exposed today, unions must defend ALL workers, not funnel dues into hate, discrimination, and political agendas.”;  House Committee on Education & the Workforce 9/9/25: “Unions were created to advocate for better working conditions for employees. Over the years, many unions have strayed from this mission and have become political messaging arms for topics far beyond wages and safer working conditions. Unfortunately, anti-Israel policies have infested several unions—fostering hostility toward Jewish workers.“; House Committee on Education & the Workforce 9/9/25: “Not wanting to join a union, that doesn’t represent your values, isn’t radical. Witness Glenn Taubman calls it what it is: “Free choice in America.” You should never be FORCED to join unions that represent radical terror groups like Hamas. And unions shouldn’t be able to get you fired because of that.”;  House Committee on Education & the Workforce 9/9/25 (w/ video clip of Foxx comments): “‘PUSHED INTO OUR OWN LITTLE JEWISH GHETTO.’ Kyle Koeppel Mann describes how she and her Jewish colleagues are ostracized and isolated simply for being Jewish. All while her colleagues are allowed to openly promote antisemitism in the workplace.“; Fine (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “Muslim terrorists started spewing their propaganda way before Israel even responded to the October 7 attacks.  This is the kind of evil we are dealing with, and this evil has seeped into our academic institutions.  Schools will be held accountable for abandoning Jewish students.”; Fine (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “Universities have failed Jewish students on college campuses, turning a blind eye to the antisemitism raging on school grounds.  We are coming for the Universities that let antisemitism run rampant on their campuses. @Cornell, you’re next.”; House Committee on Education & the Workforce 9/9/25 (w/ video clip): X-post – “.@RepFine hears from a Jewish Ph.D. student at Cornell who says he has been harassed and intimidated — and that Jewish students have to beg unions not to use their funds for pro-Hamas activism. Too often, they’re ignored.“
  • Committee member Statements & X-posts (Dems): DeSaulnier (D-CA) 9/9/25: X-post – “Antisemitism anywhere is wrong. Full stop. At today’s @EdWorkforceDems subcommittee hearing, my Republican colleagues once again tried to weaponize this issue to undermine civil liberties, this time attacking American workers and their unions. What they seem to misunderstand is that the labor movement has been central in the fights to end hate of all kinds, including antisemitism. I’ll continue to stand against hate and with American workers.”; Nadler (D-NY) 9/9/25 – responding to an attack on American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten, by Walberg (R-MI), “My friend @rweingarten is a courageous trailblazer and a celebrated American Jewish icon. She has fearlessly stood up to confront antisemitism in America and around the world time and time again, as you can see from the receipts below. By attacking Randi and claiming she “has not said anything about antisemitism,” @RepWalberg’s true motives are showing—he is simply a capitulating pawn in the Trump Administration’s dystopian and chilling attack on academic freedom in our country. America deserves an Education Committee Chairman who will take seriously the constitutionally-mandated Congressional oversight responsibility—not a partisan puppet who exploits the dangerous and deadly rise in antisemitism in America to actualize an abhorrent assault on higher education, in service of a repugnant ideological agenda. His words today show us who he really is and are disqualifying as a credible antisemitism investigator.“
  • Press releases: Stefanik – ICYMI: Stefanik Questions Legal Experts on Unions Discriminating Against Pro-Jewish Educators;
  • MEDIA: House hearing to address ways labor laws ‘warped’ to advance Jew-hatred [“A spokesman for the House Committee on Education and Workforce told JNS that the hearing will reveal how ‘unions are escalating antisemitic discrimination.’”] (Jewish News Syndicate 9/8/25); Union leaders put Jew-hatred ahead of protecting members, witnesses tell House panel [“‘Silence and inaction in the face of hate are no longer acceptable,’ Steve Rosenberg, of the North American Values Institute, told JNS. ‘Unions must be safe for all members including Jews.‘”] (Jewish News Syndicate 9/9/25); Teachers union head Randi Weingarten rejects congressman’s claim that she’s been silent on antisemitism [“Rep. Tim Walberg singled out the American Federation of Teachers leader during a hearing on ‘Unmasking Union Antisemitism’”] (The Forward 9/10/25); Rep. Allen Blasts Unions Over Antisemitism Allegations (Newsmax 9/10/25)

September 9, 2025: The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a two-panel hearing entitled, Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications [hearing video]. Witness will be: Gina Romero, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (statement); Professor Suparna Chaudhry, Lewis & Clark College (statement); Daniel Hegedüs, German Marshall Fund (statement); Ana María Méndez Dardón,  Washington Office on Latin America (statement); Michael Shellenberger, University of Austin (statement); and Almut Rochowanski, Independent researcher; for 20 years manager of U.S., UK and European NGOs for civil society development in former Soviet Union (statement).

4. Selected Members on the Record

Condemning Attack in Jerusalem — too many to include full text of them all, so just a list with links (including lots of folks who haven’t said a word about Israel’s non-stop killing of thousands and thousands of Palestinian civilians for the past nearly 23 months)

The NDAA

  • Carson (D-IN) 9/11/25: X-thread – “The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual bill to determine the policies of the Department of Defense. Yesterday, House Republicans pushed a partisan, extreme NDAA with poison pill amendments. Here’s why I voted no: …It also failed to address the continued flow of US military weapons to kill civilians in Palestine. We should not continue to keep giving a blank check to Israel…“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/12/25: X-post – “Americans have had enough with aiding foreign wars. @RepThomasMassie and my NDAA amendment would have blocked the US from sending 2,000-lb bombs to Israel that too often cause mass civilian tragedy. We did not get a vote on it.”

The Gaza Flotilla

  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/10/25: X-post – “My constituent Greg Stoker and others on the Global Sumud Flotilla should be granted safe passage to deliver critical aid to those starving in Gaza. Threats from extremist Ben-Gvir to criminalize humanitarian action must be rejected. Let’s continue to speak out to stop the killing, help those suffering, and demand compliance with international law.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/9/25: X-post – “Grateful that the brave activists on board the Sumud Flotilla are safe. Any interception or attack on this crew is a violation of international law. They must be granted safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid and end the Israeli government’s blockade of Gaza.“
  • Pressley (D-MA) 9/8/25: X-post – “I stand with the #GlobalSumudFlotilla, including dozens of U.S. citizens, bringing vital aid to Gaza to fight this man-made famine.   This peaceful, humanitarian mission is legal under international law & the Israel govt must guarantee their safety.   End the blockade. Surge aid. Ceasefire now.“

Israel’s Bombing of Qatar (for)

  • Roy (R-TX) 9/10/25: X-post – “Rep. Roy: ‘Any day that Hamas is killed is a good day for Israel, and it’s a good day for America… I trust the president [Trump] to work with Israel to make sure that our national security interests are being represented’“
  • Schneider (D-IL) 9/10/25: “I am following developments on Israel’s strike today targeting senior Hamas officials in Doha. If senior Hamas operatives were killed, I do not mourn them. Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for murdering 1,200 people and taking 250 people hostage on October 7th, 2023. Israel’s strike raises many questions about timing, location, and any possible U.S. involvement. Qatar is a U.S. ally and home to Al Udeid Air Base. Our military presence there enables the U.S. to better project power across the region and protect our national interests, including ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. It is essential we maintain our ability to operate freely from Al Udeid Air Base. I continue to pray that the war in Gaza ends swiftly, the remaining hostages return home immediately, humanitarian aid is urgently surged into and throughout Gaza, and Hamas is removed from power.”
  • Mast (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “Until Hamas returns ALL the hostages, there is no moving on. Less Hamas terrorists = a safer, more prosperous world.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “Good. These terrorists are evil monsters who kidnapped innocent people and murdered Israelis in cold blood. Every Hamas terrorist, in Qatar or anywhere, should take note that you cannot run or hide from justice. 704 days later, these terrorists continue to hold hostages. The world will be safer once these hostages are returned and Hamas is completely destroyed.“
  • Budd (R-NC) 9/9/25: X-post – “The Hamas leaders killed in Qatar today finally met justice for their responsibility in the brutal October 7th attack, including the murder & kidnapping of American citizens. 704 days later, it is more important than ever that 48 hostages in Gaza be freed, including Americans Itay Chen & Omer Neutra. Hamas must immediately lay down their arms & release the remaining hostages.” [not explicitly about Israel’s strike on Qatar but given the timing, it implicitly is]
  • Stutzman (R-NE) 9/9/25: X-post – “Israel is destroying Hamas before our very eyes. Netanyahu has backed up his words with swift and decisive action. Just like the US did with Soleimani, Israel has taken out clear and present threats to their nation!“
  • Bacon (D-NE) 9/9/25: X-post – “No appeasement of Hamas. No appeasement of Putin. No cover-ups on Epstein. America must stand for freedom, allies, and truth. Why are the Hamas leaders getting fat in Gaza while the hostages are starving?”
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “The barbaric savages of Hamas must be stopped. I stand firmly with Israel in doing whatever is necessary to defeat terrorism, which poses existential threats on all fronts.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/9/25: X-post – “There will be no peace in Israel or in Gaza until Hamas is completely eradicated. Hamas started this when they launched their Oct. 7th terror attack, killing nearly 1,200 innocent Israelis. Israel has every right to defend themselves.”
  • Davidson (R-OH) 9/9/25: X-post – “As President Trump noted about Hamas: ‘They pulled out in terms of negotiating. It was too bad. Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die.'”
  • Baumgartner (R-WA) 9/9/25: X-post – “The less Hamas terrorists the better“
  • Graham (R-SC) 9/9/25: X-post – “To those who planned and cheered on the October 7 attack against Israel, the United States’ greatest ally in the region: This is your fate. To the Palestinian people: Your future depends on the political and military demise of Hamas. If Hamas lays down their weapons tomorrow, one of the most promising chapters in the history of the Palestinian people can begin. To those who want this war to end: Insist that Hamas surrender now. To my Israeli friends: I understand your determination to ensure there are no more ‘October 7’ attacks and that those who want to destroy the Jewish state are denied that capability. I will always be your partner in this endeavor. To Lebanon: Hezbollah is on my mind. To Syria: Choose wisely.”
  • Mace (R-SC) 9/9/25: X-post – “Terrorists who slaughter the innocent deserve only one fate: elimination. The Hamas operatives behind October 7 are finally being held to account. Israel has every right to defend its people, and we stand unwaveringly with Israel and the Jewish community.“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/9/25: X-post – “Hamas has the blood of American citizens on their hands and should have no safe harbor. Israel has every right to hunt these terrorists down.“
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “Our dear friend & ally, the democratic, Jewish State of #Israel has a right to defend itself from threats posed by Hamas terrorists, wherever they may be hiding. Hamas must be totally annihilated.“
  • Calvert (R-CA) 9/9/25: X-post – “I support Israel’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the Hamas leaders who orchestrated and celebrated the murder, kidnapping, torture and raping of Israeli civilians. There cannot be peace in the region until these evil monsters are eradicated.”

Israel’s Bombing of Qatar (against)

  • Coons (D-DE) 9/11/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Israel’s strike on Qatar doesn’t advance anyone’s interests. It simply makes clear that Netanyahu is not interested in negotiations.“
  • Crow (D-CO) 9/10/25: X-post – “Israel conducted a military strike in a country that hosts thousands of US troops and military bases (a close US ally) without notification.  It’s an extremely dangerous escalation that endangers US troops and further weakens America. This is the chaos of Trump’s presidency.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 9/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I’ve been tough on Qatar in the wake of their decision to gift a plane to Trump. But Qatar has maintained a relationship with Hamas at the request of the U.S. and Israel. They have tried to broker an end to the war and release of hostages. The strike yesterday is unacceptable.“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 9/10/25: “After speaking with both Ambassador Yechiel Leiter of Israel and Ambassador Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, I remain deeply concerned by recent developments in the Middle East. As I have said before, securing a ceasefire, ensuring the release of all remaining hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza through time-tested and effective mechanisms remains essential to ensuring long-term peace in the region. Israel’s decision to take unilateral action to strike Hamas officials in Qatar—while they were negotiating details of a ceasefire agreement—do not bring us closer to that goal.  I am deeply grateful for the role that Qatar has played as a key intermediary in ceasefire talks—at the request of both the United States and Israel—in an effort to secure the release of all hostages and ensure the delivery of aid to innocent Palestinians in Gaza. As a Major Non-NATO Ally, Qatar has been a vital partner in the region, including through hosting U.S. military personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base.  It is essential for the war in Gaza to end and for all hostages to be returned to their loved ones. Only that will allow us to again chart a path toward a peaceful Middle East, which can only be made possible through a two-state solution. I urge Israel, the Trump administration, and our Arab partners to stay committed to diplomatic efforts and avoid dangerous escalations that set back the cause of peace.”
  • McGovern (D-MA) 9/9/25: X-post – “Israel’s airstrike in Doha brazenly violates Qatari sovereignty & international law. Netanyahu clearly has no interest in peace. We shouldn’t send another cent of military aid for his reckless war. Our priority should be a ceasefire, hostages released & a surge of aid into Gaza.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/9/25: X-post – “Hamas is a terrorist organization, I want them gone. But attacking negotiators in Qatar is not only a violation of international law, it puts the remaining hostages at greater risk and undermines peace negotiations. President Trump should push Israel to end this war.“
  • Marshall (R-KS) 9/9/25: X-post – “I fully agree with President @realDonaldTrump. At the request of the U.S. and Israel, Qatar is mediating a peace agreement. The Israeli attack on allied soil, where approximately 10,000 American troops are stationed, is highly ill-advised. Grateful that @SecRubio is finalizing a Defense Coordination Agreement with Qatar to prevent Israel from repeating this action.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/9/25: X-post – “Today’s attack in Doha shows the Israeli govt once again violating international law even as they continue to starve the Palestinian people. This is exactly why I support the Block the Bombs Act to stop supplying Israel with weapons to enable this.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 9/9/25: X-post – “The extremist Netanyahu government in Israel is out of control, carrying out a missile strike against key negotiators in Qatar at the very moment when peace and hostage talks are most critical. It’s clear Netanyahu has zero interest in actually ending the war or protecting civilians. It’s long past time to use our leverage to pressure Israel to end this genocide and bring the hostages home.“
  • Beyer (D-VA) 9/9/25: X-post – “Netanyahu is so hellbent on sabotaging peace talks designed to stop the killing and free hostages that he is now literally blowing up negotiations. The U.S. should not support what Israel is doing. Trump is either complicit in this strike and lying, or was played for a fool.”
  • McCollum (D-MN) 9/9/25: X-post – “I unequivocally condemn Israel’s attack on Qatar, a neutral nation that has mediated peace talks for nearly two years between Israel and Hamas. This unprovoked attack on the nation of Qatar is a flagrant violation of international law that harms prospects for peace between Israel and Hamas and jeopardizes the return of Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. Israel’s actions today are yet further evidence that the government of Prime Minister Netanyahu has become a destabilizing force in the Middle East.” [statement on website]
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/9/25: X-post – “I condemn Israel’s attack on Qatar. This attack, which violates international law, not only further harms the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas but it also jeopardizes the lives of the remaining hostages. Netanyahu must be held accountable for his war crimes.“
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 9/9/25: X-post – “Israel’s brazen strike in Qatar, a US ally which hosts American troops and has facilitated ceasefire negotiations, shows that Netanyahu has no interest in peace. This reckless attack alienates Israel further and undermines their credibility. Netanyahu’s escalation must stop.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 9/9/25: X-post – “The Israeli government is again attempting to murder ceasefire negotiators, now bombing the capital of a U.S. ally with total impunity. It is clear they have no interest in a ceasefire to end their genocide of Palestinians. We must stop funding and arming this insanity.“

Iran (NY Post article –Iran has no path to producing weapons-grade uranium for first time in 15 years after Trump strikes: experts

  • Kennedy (R-LA) 9/9/25: X-post – “For decades, Iran wanted to destroy Israel and the U.S., and pushed toward a nuclear weapon. That puts countless lives at risk. Thanks to President Trump and our military, Iran’s nuclear program is a shell of its former self—and we’re all safer for it.“
  • Malliotakis (R-NY) 9/9/25: X-post – “.@POTUS Trump took decisive action & eliminated a threat to Israel, the United States and the world.”

Straight-up Islamophobia

  • Fine (R-FL) 9/9/25: X-post – “The three pillars of the modern Democratic Party.” Re-posting a post from Self (R-TX) with an image showing three hands clasped together, labeled “Marxism”, “Islamism”, and “Globalism”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/8/25: X-post – “I’m working on a bill in Congress that would bring this nationwide. Sharia law has no place in America.” Responding to post from Texas Governor Abbott, “SHARIA LAW AND SHARIA CITIES ARE BANNED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/8/25: X-post – “Your daily reminder that Sharia law is incompatible with the West.” Responding to X-post from Self (R-TX), “The radical Islamic takeover of the UK should serve as a warning sign to our country. We must stop Sharia dead in its tracks. It has no place in America.“

Amcits Held by Israel Without Due Process

  • Smith (D-WA) 9/9/25: X-post – “The Trump Administration must work quickly and secure the release of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim – a 16-year-old American citizen who has been detained in Israel since February of this year. The U.S. should not tolerate Israel detaining an American citizen for months on end without adequate due process or sufficient justification. Mohammed has reportedly lost a significant amount of weight and has suffered from scabies while in detention. The United States must ask the Israeli government for the swift release of Mohammed so that he can be reunited with his family.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/8/25: X-post – “The Israeli government is holding Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American citizen, in prison. He has been held without trial for over six months. He must be released.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 9/5/25; X-post – “I’m gratified that Israel is permitting the return to America of Intifada & her son, two U.S. citizens who were detained unfortunately & unnecessarily. I spoke to high ranking Israeli authorities about their case & joined Rep. Hayes in writing to the State Department. 1/ I wish Intifada & her son Musa, a safe, speedy return to be reunited with Mahar.”  Linked to CT Insider article: Palestinian-American mother, son from Meriden allowed to return from Israel after 3 weeks

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL!!!

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/12/25: Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable with Released Hostage, Family Members, Members of Congress
  • Cramer (R-ND) 9/11/25: X-post – “Enjoyed meeting with my good friend Yehuda Neuberger from @AIPAC. We discussed the importance of ensuring Israel is equipped to defend itself and guaranteeing antisemitism is confronted at home and abroad.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/11/25: X-post – “America will always stand with Israel. Thank you @AIPAC for all you do to strengthen our US-Israel alliance!”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/11/25: X-post – “For 706 days, innocent hostages have suffered at the hands of Hamas terrorists. These sick Hamas monsters operate on pure evil and defy every standard of humanity. America must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel to bring every last hostage home.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/10/25: X-post – “It was heartbreaking & moving to hear from Ohad Ben Ami, who was held by Hamas for 491 days, his wife Raz who spent 54 days in captivity, and Ilay & Yeela David, whose brother is still being held, most likely in a tunnel with very little food. It’s time for all Hamas hostages to be released. It’s past time.“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/9/25: Al Jazeera Fault Lines X-post w/ video clip – “A senior #US Senator says ‘Palestine is a made-up fiction,’ denies famine and genocide in #Gaza, and calls the world’s top famine experts ‘left-wing clowns.’ Watch the exchange“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/9/25: X-post – “No appeasement of Hamas. No appeasement of Putin. No cover-ups on Epstein. America must stand for freedom, allies, and truth. Why are the Hamas leaders getting fat in Gaza while the hostages are starving?“
  • Johnson (R-LA) 9/9/25: Speaker Johnson on Violent Crime Across America: “We Do Not Have to Live Like This” [“On UN countries considering giving statehood to Palestine: It’s more important than ever that America maintains a posture of strength because others in the West are flirting with surrender. This week, international leaders will convene at the UN General Assembly in New York, and we’ll be watching if close allies like France and Canada and the UK move ahead with plans to recognize a Palestinian state. It’s equally baffling as it is deeply troubling to have this idea that you would reward Hamas with statehood before they’ve returned every hostage. What message does that send to would be terrorists and tyrants around the world? If you rape and murder and abduct innocent civilians and then cause enough suffering among your own people, then the free world will somehow reward you with international legitimacy? We can’t do that. And I can tell you that President Trump and Republicans in Congress have been very clear that rewarding the carnage that took place on October 7th is a non-starter. It’s unacceptable.”]
  • Graham (R-SC) 9/9/25: X-post – “I just had a very productive and candid meeting with my dear friend @AmbDermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, about today’s events and the way forward in the Middle East writ large. I also spoke with Prime Minister @netanyahu over the phone. Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed to me his admiration for President @realDonaldTrump, calling President Trump’s support for Israel historic, unrivaled and deeply appreciated.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/9/25: X-post – “I met with Ambassador @yechielleiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States. We had a fruitful discussion about the strong bond between our nations, America’s commitment to Israel’s security, & the importance of standing with our ally against growing threats. I will always stand with Israel as they fight against the enemies of Western civilization.“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 9/8/25: X-post – “Let’s be clear: recognizing a Palestinian state will not stop violence, only fuel it. If our allies move forward, Hamas terrorists will be emboldened to continue starving the hostages, blocking aid, & targeting civilians. Appeasing terrorists does not work.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/8/25: X-post – “.@POTUS is the most pro-Israel, pro-peace president in our nation’s history, and he’s been clear: release the hostages or there will be consequences. These innocent people have been held by Hamas terrorists for 703 days — ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Thank God President Trump is taking action to bring them all home!”
  • Budd (R-NC) 9/8/25: X-post – “Under Biden, our adversaries were given the liberty to take Americans hostage, with no consequences. I commend @POTUS’s EO to protect Americans held abroad unjustly. Americans Itay Chen & Omer Neutra remain in Gaza. It’s time to bring all Americans held unjustly home.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/7/25; X-post – “It’s been nearly 2 years since October 7th, 2023. For the last 702 days, our ally Israel has fought to defend its sovereignty and rescue innocent people kidnapped by Hamas. This fight must continue until every hostage is home and Hamas is destroyed!”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/6/25: X-post – “Listen to this call made by a Hamas terrorist on October 7th—bragging about the murder of innocent Jews. If you needed any further proof Hamas are monsters: this is it. And 701 days later, these same monsters continue to hold innocent hostages. It is time these innocent lives are freed from evil’s grasp – we must bring them all home!“

Concern for Palestinians

  • Lee (D-PA) 9/12/25: X-post – “In the past two years, Israel has bombed nation after nation with no repercussions — all while conducting a genocide and manufacturing a famine in Gaza using our taxpayer dollars. It’s past time to block the bombs. We need an arms embargo now.”
  • Green (D-TX) 9/11/25: 60 min floor speech, including: “…Yes, I am going to say it, the President doesn’t deserve the Nobel Peace Prize because he has sanctioned genocide in Gaza. The world sees it, and this Congress sees it, with not one resolution to condemn the genocide taking place in Gaza, not one. There won’t be one. There won’t be one. Not one. Few people are going to come to this floor and say it even exists. We are going to manage genocide in Gaza and condemn what is happening in Ukraine. How can you condemn what is happening in Ukraine and not condemn what is happening in Gaza? You can’t do it, not in a righteous way, not in a righteous way. The Congress of the United States of America ought to be on record condemning what is happening to the Palestinians. For those who would claim that they have no reason to be, that this is just something that we should allow the Israelis and the Palestinians to resolve, here is my retort. Your tax dollars, your tax dollars are fueling the genocide that is taking place. If you wanted to do something about it, you wouldn’t fund it. Those planes are our planes. The munitions are our munitions. Now, someone is going to say that I am somehow creating the fervor, the incitive response that may take place because I speak the truth. Truth has, in and of itself, an absolute defense. Who can deny? Who will deny in good faith that what is happening in Gaza is something other than genocide? It is genocide. We have the blood of what is happening to those innocent people on our hands. I started by talking about innocent people. They are among the innocents. We can’t care more about some babies than other babies. We will allow the killing of Palestinian babies and maybe every now and then say something about how wrong this is, but we are not going to say that about other babies. We want to make sure that people understand that those babies have the right to life, that those babies should grow up, and they should have an opportunity to succeed in the world. Palestinian babies and children haven’t been to school in years now. What is going to happen to them? We have now allowed Mr. Netanyahu to go into Palestine, into Gaza, and go to Gaza City. It is obvious that he is trying to destroy it. Yes, he is trying to destroy it. There will be no home for the Palestinians. They have already destroyed roads, bridges, schools, hospitals. Mr. Netanyahu doesn’t want peace. He wants all of Palestine. I speak in specificities, all of Palestine. He doesn’t want peace. In fact, the Knesset just last year took a vote, and the vote was to say in explicit terms there will be no Palestinian state from the river to the sea, from the river to the sea, not in those exact words. They said west of the Jordan. That is the river, and west of the Jordan is Gaza. From the river to the sea, west of Jordan, West Bank, from the river to the sea. If you say `from the river to the sea,’ you will be sanctioned by this Congress. We can’t say that. The Knesset in Israel can pass in that body legislation saying that there will be no Palestinian state from the river to the sea. Here is my point. From the river to the sea, Palestine and Israel  must be free, both of them, two states. I stand for a two-state solution. There are others who stand for evicting the Palestinians, sending them to some other place. This is their land, their home. They have got every right to live where they live, and this war has gone on too long, taken too many lives. What happened at the genesis of this with the attack on Israel was wrong. It was sinful. It was harmful. It was terrorism. It was something that merited a response, but it didn’t merit collective punishment. It didn’t merit ethnic cleansing, and it didn’t merit genocide. Those are crimes against humanity…”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/11/25: X-post w/ video of press conference – “Today @SenJeffMerkley and I released a report on our recent trip to the Middle East. Our inescapable conclusion: the Netanyahu government is engaged in a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Tune in as we discuss what we saw and where we go from here:“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/11/25: X-post: “@SenJeffMerkley and I just released our report detailing how the Netanyahu government is engaged in a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The U.S. is complicit and the world must stop it. Read it in full here:” link to full report
  • Lee (D-PA) 9/10/25: X-post – “Today I met with advocates for the Block the Bomb Act: Dr. Adil Husain who recently returned from Gaza with devastating stories of children killed by Israeli forces, and @CynthiaNixon and Morgan Spector who are using their platforms to uplift the humanity of Palestinians. Israel is committing a genocide, and there is no excuse to continue sending them bombs. I urge my colleagues to support our bill.“
  • Velazquez (D-NY) 9/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The devastation in Gaza is unbearable. Entire families gone, neighborhoods erased, too often caused by bombs stamped Made in the USA. That’s why I support @repdeliaramirez Block the Bombs Act. No more blank checks for war and US weapons fueling genocide. We must demand peace.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The genocide that we are seeing in Gaza is not a passive act. It is being perpetrated by the Israeli government — and the United States, by sending them $30 BILLION of weapons since the start of this war, is complicit. This can end. This must end. Block the bombs.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 9/10/25: X-post – “The Israeli government continues to use American-supplied weapons to violate international humanitarian law and kill thousands of innocent civilians. The United States’ complicity in this has to end. We must stop supplying Israel with offensive weapons in order to save lives.”
  • McGovern (D-MA) 9/10/25: X-post – “Family is everything. But in Gaza, whole families are being wiped out—sometimes by a single U.S.-made bomb. Today I was proud to speak at a congressional briefing in support of @repdeliaramirez’s Block the Bombs Act, which ensures that not another cent funds this horror. Those who believe in a just, secure future for Israelis & Palestinians must back this bill.“
  • Pressley (D-MA) 9/10/25: X-post w/ video clip – “.@SecRubio, as a father, you must know the cry of a hungry baby. Now imagine a military blockade standing between you and the ability to feed your child. The US must stop sending bombs and surge aid & baby formula into Gaza NOW. Every day you fail to act costs precious lives.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 9/10/25: X-post – “No child should fall asleep wondering if their home will still be standing in the morning. Yet U.S. weapons are fueling that nightmare in Gaza. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor the Block the Bombs Act to finally end blank checks for destruction. STOP. THE. BOMBS.“
  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/10/25: X-post – “Gathered in the rain as weapons made in America rain down on the children of Gaza to say Stop! The horrific crimes of Hamas do not justify crimes being committed against the innocent through endless bombing and using starvation as a weapon of war. The Netanyahu government has abandoned the hostages in favor of perpetual war. Expelling Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank is a recipe for permanent insecurity. Trump is too weak to impose restraint. All who fail to speak out are complicit.“
  • Pressley (D-MA) 9/10/25: WATCH: Pressley, Ramirez, Khalil, Actors Urge Passage of Block the Bombs Act, Demand Aid and End to Genocide in Gaza
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 9/10/25: Congresswoman Ramirez, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Mahmoud Khalil Lead Day of Action for Block the Bombs
  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/9/25: X-post – “Violence against the innocent is always wrong, no matter who perpetrates it. I mourn 6 Israelis murdered by Palestinians at a Jerusalem bus stop, but recognize that on the same day 52 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, and 2 Palestinian teenagers in the West Bank. The extreme Netanyahu government policies leave both Israelis and Palestinians in permanent insecurity.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 9/8/25: X-post w/ video clip – “There is a genocide happening in Gaza. We must act now and use our leverage to stop it. People of good conscience must join me in speaking out. Silence is complicity.” Also see: full Pocan floor statement
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/8/25: X-post – “Turkey supports terrorist groups while cozying up to dictators like Putin. My legislation will block U.S. weapons from going to Turkey until the Administration explains what they are doing to stop Turkey’s repeated violations of our allies’ sovereignty.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/8/25: X-post – “Last week, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa concluded a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Italy, Tunisia, and Morocco. As Chairman of the subcommittee, these delegations provide a vital opportunity to solidify alliances, advance regional resilience, and reinforce the United States’ presence in North Africa and the Mediterranean. In Tunisia, the delegation met with Defense Minister Khaled Sehili and Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Nafti to address military cooperation, counterterrorism, border control, trade, and the growing threat of foreign influence in the region. Congressman Torres and I had the honor of laying a wreath at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis, honoring the sacrifice of American service members in World War II. We will never forget their ultimate sacrifice for our country.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/8/25: X-post – “Following key visits to Italy and Tunisia, our bipartisan Congressional Delegation concluded in Morocco. In Morocco, the delegation held meetings with dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Minister Delegate Abdeltif Loudyi, to deepen bilateral cooperation and reaffirm support for the Abraham Accords. Discussions also centered on the Western Sahara autonomy plan, which is a pragmatic framework for lasting safety and progress. It was an incredible few days to be in Morocco, one of America’s most important diplomatic partners in North Africa and the first country to recognize America’s sovereignty in 1777!“
  • Stansbury (D-NM) 9/6/25: X-post – “Gaza is suffering. Children are starving. Atrocities are being committed. Humanitarian aid, food, and yes baby formula must be allowed to enter Gaza. Thank you to @RepPressley @RepPettersen for leading this effort to help get food to starving children.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/6/25: X-post – “The U.S. should not be selling arms to a country that repeatedly threatens our allies and supports terrorists. We are sending a clear message to Turkey that any threats toward Cyprus, Greece, or Israel will not be tolerated.”
  • Dean (D-PA) 9/6/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Gaza is starving — and we cannot look away. We must do more to end this man-made suffering and save innocent lives.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 9/5/25: X-post – “I am being attacked for speaking at a conference hosted by the Arab American Anti-Discrimination league — the largest gathering of Arab Americans in Dearborn with thousands & @AHammoudMI. I guess Democrats could not show up, never have dialogue towards peace, and keep losing.“

Elizabeth Tsurkov Is Free!!!!!!

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/11/25: X-post – “After being held by Iranian-backed terrorists for more than 900 days in Iraq, I’m glad to see Princeton University graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov has been freed. We must bring home all hostages and crush the terrorists responsible.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 9/9/25: X-post – “Elizabeth Tsurkov has been released after months of brutal captivity by Hezbollah. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s other terror proxies continue to hold innocent people hostage. They must release them all. Now.“
  • Sherman (D-CA) 9/9/25: X-post – “I am deeply relieved to hear that Princeton PhD student Elizabeth Tsurkov has finally been freed after being held hostage by Kataib Hezbollah (the Iran-backed Iraqi terrorist group) for nearly 3 years. Elizabeth’s family, especially @emma_tsurkov, has fought tirelessly to secure her release, and I am proud to have stood with them in that fight. I met with the Iraqi Ambassador in my office in Mar. ’24 and Feb. ’25 to urge the Iraqi government to pressure Kataib Hezbollah to release Elizabeth.“

Other Stuff

  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/11/25: X-post – “A federal judge struck down Trump’s attacks on Harvard, calling it what it was: an ideological attack that risked life-saving research like suicide prevention for veterans. Each time this Administration misuses antisemitism as a smokescreen for attacking civil rights, they degrade its importance. Other schools should follow Harvard’s lead and fight to protect students from Trump’s attempts to silence dissent.”
  • Johnson (R-WI) 9/9/25: X-post – “My subcommittee requested records more than two years ago from @TheJusticeDept and relating to Saudi 9/11 involvement. I am still waiting for a complete response.“

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

Israeli Bombs Qatar 

Gaza/Palestinians/Etc

We Love the Abraham Accords!

CONGRESS STANDS WITH ISRAEL (including against US right to free speech/protest)

Other

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. FY26 NDAA – House & Senate Versions
3. Letters
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Members on the Record
6. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

—————————-

Not to be missed:

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING REP TLAIB FOR DEFENSE OF PALESTINIANS LIVES & RIGHTS – AGAIN) H. Res. 674: Introduced 9/3/25 by Carter (R-GA), “Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting and cheering on terrorism and antisemitism at the People’s Conference for Palestine.“ Referred to the House Committee on Ethics. Also see:

(TARGETING TUNISIA HR 5101: Introduced 9/2/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and Crow (D-CO), “To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to Tunisia, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. [See last week’s Round-Up for coverage of Wilson’s letter targeting US aid to Tunisia as well as his social media posts on the topic].

(TARGETING ACADEMIA – FREE SPEECH/CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) HR XXXX: On 9/2/25, the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a markup of the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill. The text (as introduced and passed by the Committee) includes Section 536: “SEC . 536. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to a United States institution of higher education unless and until such institution adopts a prohibition on antisemitic conduct that creates a hostile environment in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in all documents relating to student or employee conduct. (b) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to a United States institution of higher education that has failed to take administrative action against any student, staff member, or student group that commits acts of antisemitism while utilizing the facilities, grounds, or resources of such institution.” Also see:

(TARGETING FREE SPEECH/PROTEST) HR 3859: Introduced 6/10/25 (text only became public this week), by Crenshaw (R-TX) and 28 cosponsors (all Republicans), the “Returning Illegals over Turmoil Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. This legislation would legislate the deporation of non-US citizens, including legal permanent residents, who are convicted of or “admit to” acts “acts that constitute, incitement to violence or physical participation in a riot or civil disturbance under Federal, State, and local law,” OR acts that involve, “(I) an actual or attempted assault, battery, or use of force against a law enforcement officer, including officers of the United States, a State, municipality, or tribal government; and (II) an actual or attempted assault, battery, or use of force against a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, including during the performance of official duties or while in uniform; or  (III) the willful destruction, defacement, or vandalism of public property, including structures, vehicles, or facilities owned or operated by the Federal Government, a State or local government, including law enforcement or emergency service vehicles, government buildings, transit systems, and monuments.” The legislation makes anyone deported under these terms permantly inadmissable to the US. It also includes provisions to require mandatory denial of any waivers or relief, enhanced enforcement, expedited removal, and mandatory detention. Note: the phrase “admit to” suggests that US authorities could, for example, use social media posts or statements made to media etc as evidence that someone has “admitted to” the alleged acts, obviating the requirement for any due process.

2. FY26 NDAA – House & Senate Versions

(FY26 NDAA – Senate) S. 2296: This week the Senate took up, S. 2296, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) [09/02/2025 – Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure passed 84 – 14; 09/04/25 – Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to 83 – 13]. The base text includes (as always) some key provisions related to the Middle East and funding for Israel. Also, as always, a huge number of amendments to the bill were offered (760 total as of 10am 9/5/25), including many related to the Middle East and Israel. Many/most of these likely will not be considered, but they are all worth paying attention to, since NDAA amendments are always good indicators of members’ priorities (with respect to both policy and grandstanding). For a full account of  Middle East/Israel-related provisions in the base bill, as well as Middle East/Israel-related proposed amendments, see my comprehensive analysis (published 8/8/25; updared 9/5/25).

Middle East/Israel-related Amendments Submitted to S. 2296 (as of 9/5/25)

  • (IRAN) SA 2917, offered by Schatz (D-HI), to add a section, “REPORT ON IMPACTS OF SANCTIONS ON MILITARIES OF CERTAIN ADVERSARIES.” This section would require a report to Congress on “the impacts of sanctions imposed by the United States on the armed forces and proxy forces of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
  • (IRAN) SA 2925, Offered by Coons (D-DE), to add to the bill a new subtitle, “Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics,” aka the “DISPRUPT Act,” targeting Iran, China and North Korea
  • (IRAN, & OTHERS – MAYBE EVEN ISRAEL?) SA 2943, offered by Merkley (D-OR), to add a section entitled, “STATEMENT OF POLICY WITH RESPECT TO DEFINITION OF TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION.” Per this statement, “It is policy of the United States that the term `transnational repression’ refers to a range of tactics deployed by a foreign government, or agents or proxies of a foreign government, to reach beyond their borders to intimidate, silence, harass, coerce, or harm individuals, such as political dissidents, activists, journalists, political opponents, religious and ethnic minority groups, international students, and members of diaspora and exile communities.” NOTE: this definition seemingly could apply to Israeli government efforts to influence US laws and policies in a manner designed to suppress criticism/activism of Israel in the United States…
  • (QATAR) SA 3067, offered by Murphy (D-CT), to add a section entitled, “PROHIBITION ON TRANSFER OF EXECUTIVE AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT OF FOREIGN ORIGIN TO NONGOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES.” The section – which is clearly aimed at Qatar gifting a plane to Trump – states, “No executive airlift aircraft of foreign origin may be transferred to a nongovernmental entity until the aircraft has served as an executive airlift aircraft for at least its entire service life.”
  • (ISRAEL/BOYCOTTS) SA 3103, offered by Scott (R-SC), to add a section entitled,, “REPORTS ON FOREIGN BOYCOTTS OF ISRAEL.”
  • (HEZBOLLAH) SA 3207, offered by Curtis (R-UT) and Rosen (D-NV), to add a section entitled, “KEEPING HEZBOLLAH OUT OF LATIN AMERICA.”
  • (HEZBOLLAH) SA 3229, offered by Curtis (R-UT), to add a section entitled, “STRATEGY TO COUNTER IRANIAN AND HEZBOLLAH INFLUENCE OPERATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA.”
  • (IRAN & FRIENDS, MAYBE EVEN ISRAEL?) SA 3243, offered by Kennedy (R-LA), to add a section entitled, “PROHIBITION ON ALLOCATIONS OF SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS AT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND FOR PERPETRATORS OF GENOCIDE AND STATE SPONSORS OF TERRORISM WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION.”
  • (IRAQ AUMF) SA 3337, offered by Kaine (D-VA) and Young (R-IN), to add a section entitled, “REPEAL OF AUTHORIZATIONS FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ.”
  • (IRAN) SA 3338, offered by Scott (R-SC), to add a section entitled, “REPEAL OF SUNSET OF IRAN SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996.”
  • (TURKEY) SA 3390, offered by Schiff (D-CA), to add a section entitled, “SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO THE ARREST AND CONTINUED DETENTION OF EKREM IMAMOGLU.”
  • (IRAN/YEMEN) SA 3417, offered by Budd (R-NC and Kelly (D-AZ), to add a section entitled, “DISPOSITION OF WEAPONS AND MATERIEL IN TRANSIT FROM IRAN TO HOUTHIS IN YEMEN.”
  • (MIDDLE EAST INTEGRATION/NORMALIZATION) SA 3425, offered by Ernst (R-IA) to add a section entitled, “MIDDLE EAST DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION COOPERATION INITIATIVE.”
  • (SPYWARE – COULD IMPACT ISRAEL) SA 3496, offered by Van Hollen (D-MD) and Blackburn (R-TN), to add a section entitled “FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SPYWARE.”  This section would impose visa restrictions for misuse of foreign commercial spyware and a report on misuse of such spyware.
  • (ARMS EXPORTS/HUMAN RIGHTS – WHAT ABOUT ISRAEL?) SA 3575, offered by Cornyn (R-TX) and Warner (D-VA), to add a section entitled, “REVIEW OF EXPORT CONTROLS ON ITEMS WITH CRITICAL CAPABILITIES TO ENABLE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES.”
  • (NO $$ FOR US MILITARY OPS IN YEMEN W/O CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL) SA 3590, offered by Sanders (I-VT) and Welch (D-VT), to add a section entitled, “LIMITATION ON MILITARY OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN YEMEN.” This section bars the Department of Defense from engaging in military operations or activities “in or affecting the territory, airspace, or waters of the Republic of Yemen, unless such operations or activities have been authorized by Congress.” It also clarifies that this section does not prohibit operations against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or ISIS-Yemen, nor does it “limit or disrupt any non-lethal intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative activities in the Republic of Yemen by the United States Government.”
  • (GAZA HUMANITARIAN) SA 3592, offered by Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT), Schiff (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD) and Kaine (D-VA), to add a section entitled, “SENSE OF CONGRESS ON HUNGER IN GAZA,” stating that it is the sense of Congress that: “(1) the humanitarian crisis and acute suffering of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the suffering of the hostages and hostage families is gravely concerning; and (2) the President, the Secretary of State, and the heads of other relevant United States Government agencies should urgently use all available diplomatic tools to bring about the release of the hostages, immediate cessation of the blockade on food and humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, and a durable end to the conflict in Gaza.”
  • (NO $$ FOR US MILITARY OPS IN GAZA) SA 3593, offered by Sanders (I-VT) and Welch (D-VT), to add a section entitled, entitled “PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO DEPLOY FORCES TO GAZA.” This section bars the use of Dept of Defense 2026 funds “(1) to deploy the United States Armed Forces to Gaza; (2) for any activity, with respect to Palestinians, related to their displacement within or removal from Gaza, or forced transfer to designated zones; or (3) to participate in, fund, approve or concur on a license for, approve or concur on a license for export of United States-origin weapons in support of, issue a contract for, or facilitate armed security activities or services in Gaza by United States persons, unless such activities or services have been authorized by an Act of Congress.”
  • (NO $$ TO SUPPORT ISRAELI ANNEXATION OF WEST BANK) SA 3595, offered by Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT), and Schatz (D-HI), to add a section entitled, ”PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO ASSIST IN ANNEXATION OF THE WEST BANK.” The section bars the use of Dept of Defense 2026 funds “to carry out any activity, including negotiations or policy discussions, that recognizes the sovereignty of Israel over Gaza, the West Bank, or other geographic areas which came under the administration of the Government of Israel after June 5, 1967.”
  • (MIDDLE EAST MILITARY INTEGRATION/NORMALIZATION) SA 3622, offered by Risch (R-ID), to add a section entitled “COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS TO COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS.” Among other things, it authorizes the President “to enter into cooperative project agreements with Israel, Jordan, and countries on the Arabian Peninsula under the authority of section 27 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2767) to carry out research on and development, testing, evaluation, and joint production (including follow-on support) of defense articles and defense services to detect, track, and destroy armed unmanned aerial systems that threaten the United States and its partners in Israel, Jordan, and on the Arabian Peninsula.”
  • (ADDING DOS AUTH BILL TO NDAA) SA 3608, offered by Risch (R-ID and Shaheen (D-NH), to add to the NDAA the full text of the FY26 Department of State Authorization Act, which includes: Sec. 5401, FOREIGN INFORMATION MANIPULATION AND INTERFERENCE STRATEGY; Sec. 5503. Report on security conditions in Damascus, Syria, required for the reopening of the United States diplomatic mission; and Sec. 5744. Repeal of Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.
  • (IRAN) SA 3623, offered by Risch (R-ID and Sullivan (R-AK), to add a section entitled “ENHANCED IRAN SANCTIONS.”
  • (SYRIA) SA 3635, offered by Shaheen (D-NH), to add a section entitled, “CAPACITY BUILDING FOR DEFENSE FORCES,” authorizing the Department of Defense “to provide counter-ISIS support and training assistance to the Syrian authorities– (1) to build their capacity to contribute to counterterrorism needs in Syria; and (2) to support core United States national security objectives.”
  • (SYRIA) SA 3636, offered by Shaheen (D-NH) to add a section entitled, “COUNTERING CAPTAGON PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION.”
  • (SYRIA) SA 3637, offered by Shaheen (D-NH), to add a lengthy new subtitle entitled, “Syria Support Act of 2025.”
  • (SYRIA) SA 3662, offered by Shaheen (D-NH) and Paul (R-KY), to add a section entitled,  “REPEAL OF CAESAR SYRIA CIVILIAN PROTECTION ACT OF 2019.”
  • (WEST BANK) SA 3756: Offered by Kaine (D-VA), to add a section, “PROHIBITION AGAINST THE DEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN GAZA AND THE WEST BANK.”
  • (ANS) SA 3748: Offered by Wicker (R-MS), deleting the entire text and replacing it with an amended version of the entire bill.
  • (STATE AUTH BILL) SA 3767: Offered by Risch (R-ID), to add the full text of the FY26 State Department Authorization Act to the bill, including various provisions related to Iran and Syria.
  • (STATE AUTH BILL) SA 3779: Offered by Risch (R-ID), to add the full text of the FY26 State Department Authorization Act to the bill, including various provisions related to Iran and Syria.
  • (STATE AUTH BILL) SA 3791: Offered by Risch (R-ID), to add the full text of the FY26 State Department Authorization Act to the bill, including various provisions related to Iran and Syria.

(FY26 NDAA – HOUSE) HR 3838: Introduced6/9/25 by Rogers (R-AL), the “Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.” This bill will be marked up in the House Rules Committee the week of September 8. Once passed by the House, HR 3838 will become the basis of negotiations with the Senate over the final text of the NDAA. The deadline for amendments was close of business 8/28/25. As of this writing (1:30pm ET on 9/5/25), 1122 amendments have been submitted (all after #937 are LATE; table below is updated to include late amendments related to Israel/Middle East). As always, many of the submitted amendments deal Israel, Iran, and other areas of the Middle East – see table below for details. And as always, regardless of whether a given amendment gets a vote and/or is ultimately attached to the bill, it is useful to pay attention to all the amendments, since they offer valuable information about members’ priorities and intentions.

Of special note (as highlighted in last week’s Round-Up):

  • Lawler (R-NY) and Gottheimer (D-NJ) offered an amendment to add the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act” (HR 867) – the current iteration of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act (IABA) to the NDAA. As a reminder, on 5/2/25, the GOP House leader published a list of bills to be considered by the House on 5/5/25 under suspension of the rules. That list included HR 867. That announcement sparked backlash on social media, including from some House Republicans and some major Republican influencers. Subsequently, on 5/4/25 the GOP House leader published a new notice listing bills to be considered 5/5/25 under suspension of the Rules – HR 867 was not on that new list. For full details see the 5/9/25 edition of the Round-Up.
  • Goldman (D-NY) has offered an amendment to enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the foundation for mandatory antisemitism training for all Department of Defense personnel.
  • Tenney (R-NY) has offered an amendment to compel DOD to use the term “Judea and Samaria” instead of “the West Bank.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) has offered an amendment to bar DOD contracts with any party that boycotts Israel or settlements.
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) has offered an amendment to attach the “STOP HATE” Act to the NDAA (legislation targeting free speech/criticism of Israel [for details see the 7/25/25 edition of the Round-Up).

Media & Social media:

  • Middle East Eye 9/4/25: US lawmakers target Turkey over Hamas and F-35s, clash with Trump administration
  • Jewish Insider 9/3/25: Lawmakers take aim at Turkey in 2026 defense bill
  • DropSite News 9/3/25: X-post – “NEW: Back in May, the House nearly moved on the so-called ‘IGO Anti-Boycott Act’ — legislation that would punish Americans with up to 20 years in prison or $1 million fines for joining boycotts of Israel or its settlements, if the boycotts are promoted by the UN, EU, or other international bodies. That standalone bill never came to a vote. Now, pro-Israel lawmakers are trying again — this time by tacking the same measure onto the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act for 2026. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) filed amendments to fold the ‘IGO Anti-Boycott Act’ into the NDAA. The markup for the NDAA starts Sept. 8. The amendments will be decided in committee starting next week — and if approved to move forward, they could be debated and voted on by the full House later in September. Rights groups warn these provisions criminalize constitutionally protected political expression and entrench U.S. support for Israeli apartheid and settlement expansion under the guise of “defense policy.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/2/25: X-post – “We must stand up against Turkey’s aggression toward our allies and partners. I’m leading a bipartisan amendment to block the sale or transfer of U.S. weapons to Turkey to stop Turkey’s repeated violations of our allies’ sovereignty. Threats against Cyprus, Greece, or Israel will not be tolerated.”

Middle East/Israel-related Amendments Submitted to HR 3838
(as of 9/5/25)

Rules Committee
Amdt #		 Topic Sponsors & link to text Short description
9 Iran Houlahan (D-PA), Bacon (R-NE), Obernolte (R-CA) “Prohibits export or sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.”
12 Israel/Turkey Titus (D-NV) “Ensures Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge against Turkey.”
40 Syria Titus (D-NV) “Requires an Intelligence Community Assessment on Syria.”
41 Turkey/Syria/Iraq Bilirakis (R-FL) “Requires the Department of Defense and Secretary of State to issue a report assessing the Turkish Government’s activities in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey and whether those actions support terrorist organizations, money laundering, and/or contribute to humanitarian crises among civilians of those nations.”
42 Turkey/Iran Bilirakis (R-FL) “Requires the Department of Defense and Secretary of State to issue a report on Turkish-Iranian cooperation to evade sanctions imposed by the United States.”
44 Turkey Bilirakis (R-FL) “Prevents the sale or license for the export of F-35 aircraft to the Government of Turkey unless the President certifies such sale is in the national interest of the U.S. among other prerequisites.”
46 Israel Omar (D-MN) “Strikes section 1205, “Research, Develpoment, Test, and Evaluation of Emerging Technologies to further the warfighting capabilities of the United States and certain partner countries.'” [This section is focused on defense collaboration with Israel]
57 Israel (& others) Tlaib (D-MI) “Prohibits the use of funds for foreign military sales to any country (a) subject to a case before the International Court of Justice over violations of the Genocide Convention with provisional measures to prevent genocide issued by the court; or (b) the current government of which includes officials that have outstanding arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.”
100 Iran, Saudi Arabia, arguably Israel Omar (D-MN) “Bans arms sales to any country engaged in transnational repression against U.S. citizens.”
101 Israel Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Wilson (R-SC), Schneider (D-IL), Carter (R-GA) “Reauthorizes the United States-Israel Energy Cooperation program and expands the types of eligible energy projects. It is identical to H.R. 2280 (119th Congress).”
145 Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Requires a certification from the Secretary of Defense that no contractor of the Department participates in or is engaged with the BDS movement.”
146 Iran Harrigan (R-NC), Vasquez (R-NM) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy by January 1, 2030, to end reliance on adversarial nations, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus, for key pharmaceutical raw materials.”
147 General Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Requires a report from Treasury that outlines any financial institution that has provided services that support a state sponsor of terrorism and any foreign financial institution that has conducted significant transactions for a person sanctioned by the U.S. for international terrorism or any human rights violation.”
150 The ICC/international law/Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Includes a sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Defense and State must use every opportunity at forums involving NATO or major non-NATO allies to ensure that such allied countries do not enforce warrants issued by the ICC against members of the armed forces of the U.S. or of its other allies.”
157 Turkey Bilirakis (R-FL) “Prohibits the sale or license for the export of F-16 aircraft or F-16 aircraft upgrade technology to the Government of Turkey unless the President certifies such transfer is in the national interest of the United States, among other prerequisites.”
162 UAE Omar (D-MN) “Requires a report on UAE foreign policy in specific countries in East and North Africa, including an assessment on whether U.S.-origin equipment sent to the UAE is being for gross violations of human rights in those countries”
164 Syria Omar (D-MN) “Repeals two different Syria sanctions statutes (Caesar and the Syria parts of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012.).”
169 Israel Omar (D-MN) “Repeals the War Reserve Stockpile Authority for Israel.”
193 IHRA definition of Antisemitism Goldman (D-NY) “Establishes a mandatory antisemitism training program for all personnel of the Department of Defense.” [the amendment explicitly defines “antisemitism” to mean the IHRA definition, including its examples]
197 Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Bacon (R-NE) “Inserts the text of the STOP HATE Act. Requires social media companies to release detailed reports of violations to their terms of service and how they are addressing content generated by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and requires social media companies to explain the standard by which they would judge whether content generated or proliferated by terrorists would be deemed in a violation of the company’s terms of service.”
211 Iran Nadler (D-NY) “Requires a report detailing the battle damage assessment (BDA) of the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the impact on the nuclear program, the remaining capabilities, any resulting difference in breakout time, an assessment of any remaining nuclear material, and an assessment of the impact of the strike on Iranian ballistic missile program and proxy activity.”
224 Syria Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a process to create Women’s Advisory Boards to advise on the U.S. policy response in conflict-affected countries, with the goal of integrating and meaningfully including the perspectives of locally affected women in conflict-resolution activities. This would replicate the UN’s Syrian Women Advisory Board which was created to ensure women had a direct and meaningful role in the peace process.”
239 Turkey/Hamas Goldman (D-NY), Malliotakis (NY), Self (TX), Gottheimer (NJ), Kean (NJ) “Requires a report on the Government of Turkey’s relationship with Hamas and its affiliates, including financial, political and military assistance.”
265 Jordan Gosar (R-AZ) “Requires expeditious disclosure of all records relating to the January 28, 2024, attack on Tower 22 in Jordan.”
287 Iran Ansari (D-AZ) “Establishes a special envoy for Iranian women, girls, and human rights.”
304 Egypt Beyer (D-VA), Doggett (D-TX) “Requires the Department of Defense to provide a detailed policy justification to the appropriate congressional committees for the provision of any DOD funds to the Government of Egypt.”
328 Syria Gosar (R-AZ), Omar (D-MN) “Nullification of Executive Order 13338, National Emergency declaration relating to Syria.”
329 Iran Panetta (CA), Wilson (SC), Zinke (MT), Kim (CA) “Leverages the Defense Departments cyber pilot program (section 398a of title 10 USC) to enhance the cyber capabilities of foreign security forces and other entities to conduct cyber operations aligned with U.S. national security interests, by identifying and vetting Iranian organizations with cyber expertise that could weaken the regime’s ability to control information and repress dissent.”
330 Iran Panetta (D-CA), Wilson (R-SC), Zinke (R-MT) “Directs the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the development of low-cost, easily scalable, and rapidly deployable technologies to counter internet shutdowns or limitations on network access abroad, particularly those imposed by adversary countries such as Iran.”
353 Greece/Cyprus/Israel Malliotakis (R-NY), Gottheimer (NJ), Goldman (NY), Kean (NJ) “Establishes a counterterrorism and maritime security partnership. The amendment also authorizes appropriations for new facilities and equipment at key locations in Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. Identical to H.R. 2510, the ‘American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025.'”
360 Iran Neguse (D-CO) “Prohibits the use of funds to reduce or reallocate funding from NIST’s laboratory programs unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that such changes will not harm U.S. competitiveness in semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum standards or other national security interests. The certification must include a summary of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia’s investments in core national defense technology advancements.”
365 Iran/Hezbollah/Lebanon Shreve (R-IN) “Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran’s and Hezbollah’s propaganda, missionary networks, and influence operations in Latin America. Identical to H.R. 4531 (119th Congress).”
369 Israel/Iran Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lawler (R-NY) “Inserts the text of the bipartisan Bunker Buster Act, legislation that authorizes the president to support Israel’s defense by providing the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), or “bunker buster” bomb, and the aircraft required to deploy it — to take out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure. This transfer of the MOP can only happen if Iran is determined to be in noncompliance with the NPT Safeguards Agreement and IAEA is unable to provide confidence as to Iran’s undeclared nuclear facilities.”
373 Antisemitism/Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lawler (R-NY) “Requires a report on the nature and disposition of the most recent six years of substantiated administrative investigations or instances of antisemitism within the Equal Opportunity Program.”
385 Antisemitism/Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lawler (R-NY) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) includes specific questions to assess the prevalence, nature, and impact of antisemitism within the military service academies.” [doesn’t mention IHRA but for sure that is the intent]
391 Israel, Palestine Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Directs the Treasury to deploy a financial attache to the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to develop and execute the financial and economic policy of the United States Government and the international fight against terrorism, money laundering, and other illicit finance.”
404 Iran, Syria Pfluger (R-TX) “Extends existing State Department post-government employment (PGE) restrictions to more government employees, enacting a permanent lifetime ban for Agency Heads, Deputies, and senate-confirmed employees lobbying on behalf of countries of concern (China, Russia, Iran, N. Korea, Syria, Cuba).”
412 Iran Pfluger (R-TX) “Rescind specific waivers and licenses that allowed the transfer of frozen Iranian funds and prohibits reissuing such waivers or licenses in the future, effectively preventing Iran from accessing those accounts or similar funds. Identical to H.R. 2575 (119th Congress), and H.R.5947 (118th Congress) which passed the house.”
414 Iran Pfluger (R-TX) “Amends existing sanctions law to prohibit Iraq’s government from importing natural gas from Iran.”
421 Saudi Arabia, Iran, arguably Israel Pfluger (R-TX) “Establishes the Transnational Repression Working Group within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor and analyze actions by foreign governments that threaten or intimidate citizens, residents, or other people present in the United States, as well as any related terrorism threats. Identical to H.R. 2158 (119th Congress).”
453 Israel (and others) Tlaib (D-MI) “Prohibits security assistance to any country that has, in the past ten years, used military force against a medical facility, the UN, a refugee camp, aid workers, or journalists, has committed or aided in the commission of the crime of forcible transfer, or impeded the delivery of humanitarian aid.”
481 Iran Pfluger (R-TX) “Imposes additional sanctions and export restrictions concerning Iranian airlines and the provision of US-origin components to Iranian airlines.”
489 Israel/West Bank/settlements McGovern (D-MA) “Requires an annual report from the Secretary of State to Congress, in consultation with Secretary of Defense, that assesses the status of Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank.”
499 Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Expresses support for joint U.S.-Israel cooperation between NASA and the Israel Space Agency, including joint U.S. Air Force and Israel’s newly created Space Force in areas of research, development, test, and evaluation.”
501 Syria Luttrell (R-TX) “Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate the threat posed to the United States by individuals in Syria with ties to Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization (STGT). Identical to HR 1327 (119th Congress).”
510 Turkey Gottheimer (D-NJ), , Malliotakis (NY), Goldman (NY), Kean (NJ) “Prohibits the transfer or license of any defense articles or services to Turkey until the Secretary of State, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Defense, provides a report to Congress detailing the steps taken to ensure that Turkey is no longer violating the sovereignty of any member of NATO, a major non-NATO ally, or Cyprus; the steps taken to prevent Turkey from purchasing defense systems from U.S. adversaries; the steps taken to prevent the use of U.S. arms to facilitate the occupation of Cyprus; and the steps taken by Turkey to prevent future attacks on U.S. servicemembers or their families. The report requirement sunsets once the President certifies to Congress that Turkey is no longer violating the sovereignty of any member of NATO, a major non-NATO ally, or Cyprus.”
520 Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires annual report on U.S.-Israel military exercises, emphasizes mutual benefit of U.S.-Israel relationship.”
525 Lebanon/Iran/Hezbollah Steube (R-FL) “Conditions aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces via an 8-point plan to remove Hezbollah and Iranian influence across Lebanon.”
535 Syria Wilson (R-SC), Panetta (D-CA) “Repeals the Caesar Act.”
537 Iran Steube (R-FL) “Extends and modifies annual report on Iranian military.”
538 Syria Gosar (R-AZ) “Requires the Director of National Intelligence to expeditiously make public all intelligence community records relating to the Timber Sycamore weapons and training program in Syria.”
542 Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires briefing on the status of deliveries to the Government of Israel of any military aircraft or air-launched munitions approved for transfer that are undelivered or partially delivered.”
545 Iran Wilson (R-SC), Cohen (TN), Hudson (NC) “Counters the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian Regime, and the Russian Federation in the nation of Georgia by providing discretionary tools to the President. Identical to HR 36 119th Congress, as passed by the House”
548 Israel/Egypt Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires a study on steps Israel, the U.S., and Egypt can take to enhance international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure Hamas and other actors cannot use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods. Additionally, report will outline/ map existing tunnel networks.”
571 Israel Stefanik (R-NY) “Convenes the U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group to study the potential for defense industrial base integration between the United States and Israel, including the possibility of inclusion into the national technology and industrial base (as defined in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code).”
588 Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Lawler (R-NY), Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to include international governmental organizations (IGOs) in existing anti-boycott laws. This change targets harmful and inherently antisemitic BDS efforts at IGOs, such as the UN, by extending protections already in place for boycotts instigated by foreign countries. [This is the extremely controversial IGO Anti-Boycott Act, which is the current iteration of the extremely controversial Israel Anti-Boycott Act]
594 Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Establishes the United States–Israel Artificial Intelligence Center to leverage the experience, knowledge, and expertise of institutions of higher education and private sector to develop more robust research and development cooperation regarding machine learning, object detection, data labeling, among other key areas in the AI space.”
629 Israel Massie (R-KY), Khanna (D-CA) “Provides that none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026 may be used to transfer MK-84 2000-pound bombs to Israel”
632 Iran Gillen (D-NY) “Adds a Sense of Congress on Iran’s illegal nuclear weapons program and encourages European allies to invoke snapback sanctions on Iran.”
633 Iran Wilson (R-SC) “Requires Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to be submitted to Congress, aimed at encouraging defections by senior Iranian security officials and members of the armed forces.”
643 Iran Lawler (R-NY), Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) “Expands and strengthens secondary sanctions on foreign entities enabling Iran’s illicit oil trade.”
647 Israel, normalization, Iran Lawler (R-NY), Moskowitz (D-FL) “Improves arms sales processes to U.S. partners that have normalized relations with Israel and are actively working with the United States to counter Iran and its terrorist proxies. Specifically, narrows the timeline for congressional consideration after arms sales are accepted, while maintaining existing eligibility criteria for arms sales themselves.”
648 Iran Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security, to produce an annual threat assessment on Iranian-linked sleeper cells within the United States.:
683 Iran, Israel Gonzales (R-TX) “Authorizes the award of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, to be known as the ‘Operation Midnight Hammer Medal,’ to eligible personnel who served during the 2025 Iran–Israel conflict, including Operation Midnight Hammer.”
744 Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires report on U.S.-Israel cooperation on increased production capacity and inventory of the Arrow interceptor.”
747 Iran Gonzales (R-TX) “Prohibits Department of Defense cloud service contractors from employing citizens or nationals of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea in positions with access to DoD networks or environments.”
757 Iran Steube (R-FL) “Sanctions and designates certain Iranian proxies and militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.”
771 Turkey Goldman (D-NY), , Malliotakis (R-NY), Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires a report on the security impacts of Turkey’s illegal occupation of Cyprus to the US, its allies, and partners — including the presence of foreign terrorist organizations, past terror attacks and attempts, and threats to military installations and personnel.”
779 Israel Fine (R-FL), Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Establishes a grant program to increase cooperation on post-traumatic stress disorder research between the United States and Israel.”
793 ICC/Intl Law Cline (R-VA) “Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the role of the Department of Defense in supporting whole-of-government efforts to conduct international legal operations and to counter hostile international legal operations by foreign adversaries and strategic competitors of the United States.”
802 Palestinians/Gaza Sherman (D-CA) “Designates and sanctions the Popular Resistance Committees, which are the 3rd largest terrorist militia in Gaza and have claimed responsibility for the murder of Israeli and American civilians. It is an amendment version of the bipartisan, bicameral Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act (H.R. 2346).”
806 AUMF Meeks (D-NY), Roy (TX), Jacobs (CA), Massie (KY) “Inserts the text of H.R. 1488, repealing the 2002 and 1991 AUMFs.”
824 Israel Ogles (R-TN) “Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the DNI to contduct a continual assessment of the impact of arms embargoes, sanctions, restrictions, or limitations imposed by foreign states or international organizations on Israel’s defense capabilities.”
826 Qatar (gift of plane to Trump) Meeks (D-NY) “Inserts the text of H.R. 3405, requiring the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report regarding the transfer of an aircraft from Qatar.”
829 Israel/West Bank (Greater Israel) Ogles (R-TN) “Establishes that it is the policy of the United States to reject efforts to impose sanctions or other punitive measures against Israel on the basis of its lawful administration of the Judea and Samaria area, its efforts to confront, apprehend, and eliminate terrorist threats, or its status as a Jewish state.”
835 Israel Nunn (R-IA), Davis (D-NC) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to work with our counterparts in the Israeli Ministry of Defense to establish a DIU field office within Israeli territory. This effort increases hands-on RDT&E, allows for faster communication, provides live feedback from the field, and shortens go-to-market time for new defense products. This effort is a continuation of 22 U.S.C. §8606. United States-Israel cooperation on energy, water, homeland security, agriculture, and alternative fuel technologies, in particular under the Statutory Note Strategic Partnership on Defense Industrial Priorities Between the United States and Israel.”
844 Israel Ogles (R-TN) “Establishes the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense and its agencies should not participate in international defense exhibitions if they or the jurisdictions in which they are held block the participation of Israeli companies or use restrictions or the threat of restrictions as a means of deterring Israel from defending itself.”
850 Israel Nunn (R-IA) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to work with Israeli counterparts to determine the feasibility of a broader U.S. military base in the region. Given the ongoing conflicts in the CENTCOM AOR, additional U.S. resources in the region can help detect and deter adversarial aggression, resupply allies, and decrease the timeframe for logistical implementation. This study will allow the DOD to understand what is possible in the region and how to best utilize U.S. resources if deemed necessary.”
862 Iran Tenney (R-NY) “Requires Congressional notification for any sanctions relief on Iran.”
863 Israel/West Bank (Greater Israel) Tenney (R-NY) “Prohibits funding for materials that refer to Judea and Samaria by ‘the West Bank.”
892 Saudi Arabia Sherman (D-CA) “Prevents a nuclear deal or transfer of any nuclear reactors, equipment, or technologies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unless the President certifies that Saudi Arabia has signed and implemented an Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA and is not engaging in nuclear enrichment or reprocessing.”
929 Israel Nunn (R-IA) “This amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a report outlining the status of integrated air and missile defense in the CENTOM AOR, particularly Israel. This report is requested so U.S. and Israeli military commanders can update their operational plans in relation to drone attacks, THAD missile production capabilities, and further expansion of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam capabilities.”
939 Iran Khanna (D-CA) “Late Prohibits unauthorized military force in or against Iran.”
981 Bahrain McCormick (R-GA) “Late Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the strategic importance and potential expansion of the US-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement signed on September 13, 2023.”
1003 Israel Greene (R-GA) “Late Strikes $500 million in missile defense foreign aid to Israel.”
1007 Iraq, Lebanon, Kurdistan, Syria Greene (R-GA) “Late Strikes foreign aid funding to Iraq, Lebanon, Kurdish forces, and Syrian groups.”
1010 Israel Greene (R-GA) “Late Strikes foreign aid funding for US-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation and US-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned systems.”
1022 Israel Boebert (R-CO) “Late Prohibits the entering into contracts with entities engaged in a boycott of the state of Israel.”
1037 Targeting Terrorism but also & almost certainly free speech Edwards (R-NC) “Late Requires the Secretary of Defense to suspend or revoke a security clearance or access to classified information for any retired or active member of the uniformed service or civilian employee of the Department of Defense who expressing support for terrorist organizations or engages in demonstrations that support terrorist organizations.”
1039 Targeting “violent antisemtism” but also & almost certainly Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Vindman (D-VA) “Late Directs DOD to develop a report on the threat posed by violent antisemitism as a component of transnational extremist movements. Text is identical to H.R. 5011, the Violent Antisemitism Threat Assessment Act.”
1073 Iran Mackenzie (R-PA) “Late Eliminates the sunset clause in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.”
1075 The ICC Roy (R-TX) “Late Codifies Executive Order 14203 imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
1094 Tunisia Wilson (R-SC) “Late Amendment to restrict financial assistance from DOD being provided to the government of Tunisia.”
1096 General Omar (D-MN) “Late Expresses the sense of Congress that an FTO designation is not an AUMF.”
1110 Yemen/Saudi Arabia Hoyle (D-OR) “Late Prohibits U.S. funding from being used for unauthorized U.S. military involvement in the war in Yemen if the Saudi-led coalition resumes aerial hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen.”
1112 Gaza Casten (D-IL) “Late Prohibits any funds from being used to provide assistance to or enter into contracts with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and instructs the State Department to coordinate Gaza aid solely through established international organizations that are not linked to terrorist groups and that implement strong vetting and oversight mechanisms.”

 

3. Letters

4. Hearings & Markups 

September 3, 2025: Huckabee briefs House committee on West Bank, Gaza war (Jewish Insider 9/4/25). Also see: Lawler (R-NY) 9/4/25: X-post – “An honor to host a roundtable with U.S. Ambassador to Israel @GovMikeHuckabee. We discussed the current outlook in Judea and Samaria and the West Bank. It was great for members to hear directly from the Ambassador on the current governance structure, the historical significance of this area, and US initiatives to reduce terrorism and violence.”

September 3, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider a number of Trump Administration nominees, including Dan Negrea to be the US Ambassador to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as to be an Alternate US Representative to the UN General Assembly. In his written testimony, Negrea claims that ECOSOC “has strayed into socially divisive programs, has promoted worldviews antithetical to America’s founding ideals, and has drifted into an obsessive anti-Israel bias.” Also see: UN body ‘antithetical’ to US ideals, displays ‘anti-Israel bias,’ US nominee says (Jewish News Syndicate 9/4/25). Also see: hearing video

September 9, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing entitled, “Unmasking Union Antisemitism”.  Also see: House hearing to address ways labor laws ‘warped’ to advance Jew-hatred [“A spokesman for the House Committee on Education and Workforce told JNS that the hearing will reveal how ‘unions are escalating antisemitic discrimination.’”] (Jewish News Syndicate 9/2/25). No witnesses have been announced as of this writing.

September 9, 2025: The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will hold a two-panel hearing entitled, Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications. Witness will be: Gina Romero, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Professor Suparna Chaudhry, Lewis & Clark College; Daniel Hegedüs, German Marshall Fund; Ana María Méndez Dardón,  Washington Office on Latin America; Michael Shellenberger, University of Austin; and Almut Rochowanski, Independent researcher; for 20 years manager of U.S., UK and European NGOs for civil society development in former Soviet Union

September 10, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s  Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education will hold a hearing entitled, “From Playground to Classroom: The Spread of Antisemitism in K-12 Schools“. No witnesses have been announced as of this writing.

5. Selected Members on the Record

Recess travel
  • Wilson (R-SC) 9/3/25: X-post – “As a friend of Israel, I was grateful to speak with @AmichaiStein1 about my recent trip to Syria and efforts to repeal the Caesar Act. A unified and stable Syria benefits Israel, the region, and the world. A fractured Syria will lead to a resurgence of ISIS and Iranian-backed terrorist groups, prolonging conflict. Syrians of all backgrounds suffered horribly under butcher Assad. They deserve a chance to #MakeSyriaGreatAgain“
  • Ernst (R-IA) 9/3/25: X-post – “During my recent visit to @GHFUpdates field operations, I saw firsthand how they’re delivering critical humanitarian aid. They are doing great work to ensure the people of Gaza, not Hamas terrorists, receive food and supplies.“
  • Merkley (D-OR) 9/1/25: X-post – “.@ChrisVanHollen and I visited an airfield in Jordan, where we learned about efforts to get badly needed food into Gaza through airdrops. Everyone agrees that trucks are far more affordable and efficient in delivering food and medicine. But Israel has placed so many obstacles on the delivery of aid by trucks, Jordan is using airdrops to help address the starvation. We need many more trucks entering Gaza — and we need them NOW.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/31/25: X-post w/ video clip – “In 2024 @SenJeffMerkley & I visited the Rafah gate on the Egypt-Gaza border. On the other side was Gaza’s thriving city of Rafah — home to 270K. Today we saw it reduced to rubble. The Netanyahu government has gone beyond targeting Hamas to waging a war of destruction against all Palestinians. It must end.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/30/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Netanyahu is restricting aid trucks into Gaza—the best way to get food to starving people there—so Jordan is delivering some with air drops. The Jordanians said @SenJeffMerkley & I could join one of those flights to see the devastation, but Israel denied authorization for our scheduled flight.“
  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/30/25: X-post – “Over the last year, there has been a massive increase in settlers harassing West Bank Palestinians: blocking access to water, grapes, and olive orchards and threatening and assaulting Palestinian villagers as they go about daily tasks.    Among the victims are Palestinian-Americans who have been injured and killed without accountability or justice for their families. @ChrisVanHollen and I met with their loved ones, who continue to endure harassment and violence. The U.S. government must ensure accountability“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/29/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continues, we cannot look away from rising Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. @SenJeffMerkley and I met families of Americans killed there and visited a town subjected to attacks. Illegal settlements and violence MUST end.“
  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/29/25: X-post – “Israeli authorities are failing to hold extremist settlers accountable for harassment and violence in the West Bank. @ChrisVanHollen and I visited Taybeh, a historic Palestinian Christian village, where residents continue to push back against attacks and press for dignity and security.“
WE STAND WITH ISRAEL &/OR GREATER ISRAEL (& Hamas, Houthis, Etc. bear all blame for everything)
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/5/25: X-post – “Absolutely right, @LeoTerrellDOJ. The United States will ALWAYS stand with the Jewish people and against all forms of antisemitism. We must never forget the evils Hamas terrorists have inflicted on Abigail, her parents, and so many others for 699 days now. These innocent hostages MUST be released NOW!“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/5/25; X-post – “I reject this in the strongest terms. My party’s ongoing and escalating betrayal of Israel is gross and outrageous.” With pic of headline from The Hill, “Pair of Senate Democrats charge Israel with ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Palestinians”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 9/3/25: X-post – “Once again, Israel’s attacks and our Operation Midnight Hammer were both absolutely necessary and just. Fully support another strike, if it becomes necessary, and for Israel to continue to eliminate their nuclear scientists.“
  • Cotton (R-IN) 9/3/25: X-post – “President Trump is right. Hamas terrorists started this war. They could end it today. All the destruction in Gaza is Hamas’s fault.” With GIF of POTUS Truth Social post, “Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 hostages (not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidy. IT WILL END” [a post that directly contradicts what has been the Trump Admin’s position in negotiations].
  • Budd (R-NC) 9/3/25: X-post – “Nearly two years since October 7th, two American citizens, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, remain held in Gaza. All of the hostages must be released immediately!”  With GIF of POTUS Truth Social post, “Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 hostages (not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidy. IT WILL END” [a post that directly contradicts what has been the Trump Admin’s position in negotiations].
  • Bacon (R-NE) 9/2/25: X-post – “Tell Hamas to give up the hostages they’ve had for nearly two years and this will get resolved.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 9/2/25: X-post – “The horrors of October 7th continue as 48 hostages have remained in the hands of Hamas terrorists for 697 days now. It’s been nearly two years. It’s time to bring EVERY hostage home and destroy Hamas!”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 8/31/25: X-post – “Israel did not kill the Prime Minister of Yemen. The Houthi are not the government of Yemen – they are a terrorist organization that is occupying Yemen and terrorizes ships of all nations in the Red Sea.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 8/30/25: X-post – “The Houthi terrorists have attacked American shipping and sailors. They constantly attack Israel. They are religious Nazis. This strike is deserved – with more action to follow. My goal is that 2025 is the year that Iranian proxies are destroyed.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/30/25: X-post – “Thank God another hostage’s family can get closure and finally put their loved one to rest. Every family victimized by Hamas deserves justice and peace. They’ve waited too long. 694 days later, many families still wait for their loved ones’ return. Bring them all home!“
  • Graham (R-SC) 8/29/25: X-post – “Thank you, Mr. Ambassador. God Bless Israel.” Responding to 8/29/25 X-post from the Israeli ambassador to the US – “Senator @LindseyGrahamSC is spot on. 1. Hamas is to blame for the war and for any food shortages in Gaza. 2. ⁠This war will end as soon as Hamas is defeated, which should happen ASAP. 3. ⁠ @GHFUpdates is doing a great job distributing aid to Gazans, not to Hamas…” Linked to article: ‘Blame Hamas’ for humanitarian aid issues in Gaza, Graham says (Jewish News Syndicate 8/29/25)
Some Degree of Concern for Palestinians (in some cases framed as or linked to concern for how genocide etc hurt Israel) & concerns about West Bank annexation
  • Amo (D-RI) 9/5/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s dangerous offensive to flatten Gaza City will only increase the severity of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. He needs to let in a surge of aid for civilians and end this war to stop more death & destruction for Palestinians, while finally securing the release of all the remaining hostages.“
  • Magaziner (D-RI) 9/5/25:  Magaziner Statement on Co-Sponsoring H.R. 3565 to Stop the Transfer of Certain Offensive Weapons to Israel
  • McCollum (D-MN) 9/4/25: X-post – “Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich announced his plan to annex the majority of the West Bank — a move explicitly designed to destroy any possibility of a Palestinian state. I denounce this this far-right attempt to implode prospects for peace.” Linked to New York Times article, Far-Right Israeli Minister Calls for West Bank to Be Annexed
  • Rosen (D-NV) 9/4/25: X-post – “I’ve always been clear that I oppose the annexation of the West Bank. The Abraham Accords is critical to normalization and long-term peace in the Middle East, which annexation would make next to impossible.” Linked to article, New York Times article, Far-Right Israeli Minister Calls for West Bank to Be Annexed
  • Houlahan (D-PA) 9/4/25: X-post – “Weaponization of hunger is a war crime. Targeted killings of innocent civilians is a war crime. It’s long past time for the atrocities in Gaza to end. I mourn for the senseless loss of life that began with Hamas’s unspeakable violence against innocent Israelis on October 7 and continues with the loss of life of tens of thousands in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has the power to stop this now. I’m outraged by his cruelty and disregard for human life. I called on President Biden to stop this war, and now I’m calling on President Trump to do as he has promised and bring peace to the region. There will be no peace in the region without a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a surge of food and medical aid to Gaza.” Linked to AP article, With Israeli advance looming, Palestinians in Gaza City ask when to leave and where to go
  • Doggett (D-TX) 9/4/25: X-post – “The far-right Netanyahu government is rapidly leading Israel down a path of no return. Its prioritization of endless war over the suffering of the hostages and Palestinian civilians—and threats to annex the West Bank and destroy a Palestinian state—all lead to one end: an Israel isolated from the allies it needs to survive.“
  • Green (R-GA) 9/4/25: X-post – “This war is going to have immense devastating effects for generations to come on both sides. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Instead it has led to horrific mass killing of innocent children and people in Gaza, debilitating lifelong PTSD for Israeli soldiers, and Oct 7th hostages are used as the pawns to prolong it all. Silence is complicity. It must end.” With pic of Wall Street Journal headline, “The Israeli Army Is Struggling to Get Reservists to Show Up”
  • Welch (D-VT) 9/3/25: podcast interview with New Jewish Narrative – Sanctions to Stop Settler Violence: U.S. Policy and the Path Forward, with Senator Peter Welch (including transcript)
  • Casten (D-IL) 9/3/25: X-post – “Smotrich’s annexation plan would violate international law, extinguish Palestinian’s right to self-determination, and fuel regional instability. The Israeli government must reject this dangerous proposal, which threatens its own democracy and would severely undermine the U.S.–Israel relationship.“
  • Tran (D-CA) 9/2/25: X-post – “The United States is a beacon of freedom and democracy across the globe. We must honor that commitment and press Israel to allow robust humanitarian aid and reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in security and dignity; U.S. materiel support to its allies and partners should reflect that.“
  • Smith (D-WA) 8/29/25: X-post – “The U.S. must leverage arms sales to push Israel to reach a Gaza ceasefire, surge humanitarian aid and stop settlement expansion in the West Bank. Thankful for the opportunity to be on Pod Save America to discuss.“

Targeting the PLO/PA — and pretty much ALL Palestinians – with Visa Ban

  • Welch (D-VT) 9/4/25: X-post – “President Trump says he wants peace between Israel and Gaza. But he’s denying visas for Palestinian civilian representatives to even attend UN peace discussions in New York. If he truly wants peace, he shouldn’t be scared of peaceful discussions. He should reverse this.”
  • Daines (R-MT) 9/3/25: X-post – “Secure borders & a safe nation- exactly what the American ppl wanted. That’s why I intro’d the GAZA Act, which closes our borders to foreign nat’ls w/ Palestinian Authority passports. Glad to see @POTUS deliver on his promises & put U.S. national security first.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/1/25: X-post – “Send them all home. Foreigners who hate our country should not be allowed to stay here. @SecRubio continues to deliver.” [responding to news of the suspension of visas for virtually anyone traveling on a Palestinian travel document]
  • Risch (R-ID) 8/30/25: X-post – “President Trump’s decision to deny these individuals access to U.S. soil should not come as a surprise. If you choose to support terrorism, the U.S. will not give you a free pass – it’s as simple as that.” Responding to X-post from the State Department Spokesman, “Today the Trump Administration is announcing it will deny and revoke visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly per U.S. law. Before we take them seriously as partners in peace, the PA and PLO must completely reject terrorism and stop counterproductively pursuing the unilateral recognition of a hypothetical state.“
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 8/30/25: X-post – “GREAT. Thank you, @SecRubio. If you support TERRORISTS and the DESTRUCTION OF AMERICA, you shouldn’t be rewarded with a visa.“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/29/25: X-post – “The Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization pay terrorists to kill civilians, including Americans in Israel. The terrorists who run this pay-for-slay scheme have no business setting foot in the United States.” Linked to FoxNews article, Rubio denies visas to Palestinian leaders for UN General Assembly, citing terror support
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/29/25: X-post – “This is a historic decision by @POTUS and @SecRubio to revoke and block PA officials and PLO leaders from attending the UNGA, including the ‘Two-State Solution’ conference, due to their anti-Israel actions.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 9/29/25: X-post – “Why have a State Department bureau on the Middle East if Trump and @SecRubio are taking their orders from Netanyahu? We can save a lot of money by cutting out the middle man.” Linked to CNN article, US announces it will deny visa to Palestinian Authority president and other officials ahead of UN General Assembly
  • Merkley (D-OR) 9/29/25: X-post – “This move gets an “F.” Blocking international diplomats from participating in U.N. debates damages American leadership in the world and undermines the ability of the U.N. to serve as a forum for debating and addressing challenging world issues.” Linked to Reuters article, US bars Palestinian leader Abbas from UN as allies back statehood

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Academia/NGOS/ICC

  • Gimenez (R-FL) 9/4/25: X-post – “Finally!! After over a year of denouncing & exposing the rampant anti-semitism on campus, President Michael Schill has RESIGNED at @NorthwesternU! We hope the university will take concrete steps to put an end to the culture of hate & discrimination on campus.“
  • Owens (R-UT) 9/4/25: X-post – “Even as @NorthwesternU tried to stonewall @EdWorkforceCmte, we exposed how the university caved to antisemitic mobs, empowered anti-Israel activists, and failed to protect Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Michael Schill’s resignation is long overdue.” Linked to New York Post article, Northwestern President Michael Schill resigns after tenure rocked by protests, $800M Trump funding freeze, hazing scandal
  • Cotton (R-AR) 9/4/25: X-post – “Anyone that assists the ICC’s illegitimate investigations into America or our allies should face severe sanctions. I’m glad to see @SecRubio and President Trump sanction these “human rights” groups for trying to undermine Israel’s sovereignty.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 9/4/25: X-post – “I’m glad to see the Trump Administration hold the line on the @IntlCrimCourt<‘s outrageous judicial overreach. Israel and the U.S. are not parties to the Rome Statue and any investigation violates the ICC’s own rules.” [in response to sanctions of 3 Palestinian human rights groups for their engagement with the ICC]
  • Walberg (R-MI) 9/4/25: Chairman Walberg Statement on Resignation of Northwestern University President Schill [“President Schill will leave behind a legacy of not only failing to deter antisemitism on campus but worsening it. These students not only deserve better, but the law requires it. Northwestern’s next president must take prompt and effective action to protect Jewish students from the scourge of antisemitism.”]
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/2/25: X-post – “Boom. Muslim terrorists are not welcome in Florida’s Universities.” Responding to news that a student who was captured on video yelling at another student who was wearing an IDF t-shirt (in comments that were focused 100% on Israel and never mentioned anything to do with Judaism or Jews) and appearing to try to slap the drink he was holding, has been expelled and is also being sued.

Marjorie Taylor Green on AIPAC, Aid to Israel

  • Green (R-GA) 9/5/25: X-post – “The argument of which drives the national debt more, Social Security or U.S. spending on Israel/foreign countries/foreign wars, is fundamentally America First versus America Last…The reality is Americans have been chained in over $37 TRILLION in debt and Americans deserve their Social Security money they were FORCED to pay! The nuclear armed secular government of Israel is such a successful country that they have less than $400 billion in national debt and provide government funded healthcare and education to their citizens. Daily, Israel is proving that on their own, they are more than capable of destroying their enemies with no one’s help, as they not only destroy their enemies, they also destroy innocent lives. Saying stop giving Israel $3.8 billion dollars a year isn’t Jew hatred or antisemitism, it’s just as simple as saying America can’t afford it anymore and shouldn’t have to continue paying. Instead, defending continued funding of Israel over American’s own rights to Social Security is Israel First and America Last.”
  • Greene (R-GA) 8/28/25; X-post – “Instead of lying about me, have all you foreign agents at AIPAC registered under FARA yet? Not only are you a bunch of liars, you are breaking the law.” In response to AIPAC X-post, “.@RepMTG has gone full Squad. Same message, same legislation, same anti-Israel vision. The horrible war is only happening because Hamas refuses to free the hostages & surrender power. Yet, MTG and her friends in the Squad won’t take any action to pressure Hamas to end it. Why?“

Iran

  • Britt (R-AL) 9/4/25: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Highlights National Security Priorities in Senate Banking Committee Nominations Hearing
  • Kennedy (R-LA) 9/4/25: Kennedy on European sanctions against Iran: “Make sure that the world understands that these sanctions are real”
  • Budd (R-NC) 9/3/25: X-post – “Last week, our European allies triggered broad snapback sanctions on Iran due to its continued efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon. The United States and our allies must follow through with maximum pressure until Iran abandons its nuclear program.”
  • Frankel (D-FL) 9/2/25: X-post – “A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel and endangers global security. The E3’s snapback sanctions are a vital step to ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon—our safety, and that of Israel and our allies, depends on it.”
  • Moran (R-TX) 9/2/25: X-post – “I stand in strong support of these sanctions. Iranian oil funneled through shell firms undermines global security by propping up Iran’s terror activities. Striking at Tehran’s ability to fund attacks on America and our allies is critically important to our national security, and to the stability of the Middle East.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 9/2/25: X-post – “Iraq will wither in Iran’s shadow if its leaders do not crack down on Tehran’s schemes. I’m glad to see President Trump’s maximum pressure continue to keep Americans safe by denying Iran funds to destabilize its neighbors and support international terrorism.“

Straight-Up Anti-Muslim Hate & Incitement

  • Fine (R-FL) 9/2/25: X-post – “America is NOT, and will NEVER be, a Muslim country.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/2/25: X-post w/ video clip – “This is the ugly face of Islam in America. Believe them when they say they are just getting started. It’s up to us to stop them.” Video clip shows Rep. Tlaib (D-MI) speaking recently at the People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit [Fine appears to be labeling Tlaib the “ugly face of Islam in America“.]

Other

  • Risch (R-ID) & Shaheen (D-NH) 9/5/25: Risch, Shaheen Urge Lebanon to Disarm Hezbollah
  • Smith (D-WA) 9/4/25: X-thread – “Trump ran as the peace candidate?!! The guy who would end wars? What a joke. He wants a department of war, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza are worse than when he was elected and he’s after starting a war with Venezuela. He’s picking economic fights with every country in the world, driving India into an alliance with Russia, China and NK, gutting US diplomacy and foreign aid and siding with Putin over our allies in Europe. The US is less safe and the world a more dangerous place because of Trump.“
  • Pallone (R-NJ) 9/4/25: X-post – “We lost hundreds of New Jersey neighbors—including many from my district—on 9/11. Their families have waited nearly 25 years for answers. Judge Daniels’ decision to let the case against Saudi Arabia proceed is a long overdue step toward justice and accountability.“

6. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

Congress & Changing Views on Israel

Recess Travel

Defending Israel, No Matter What it Does

Targeting Other Countries & UN  for Not Lining Up with US/Israel

Other

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

—————————-

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(FY26 NDAA – HOUSE) HR 3838: Introduced6/9/25 by Rogers (R-AL), the “Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.” This bill will be marked up in the House Rules Committee the week of September 8. Once passed by the House, HR 3838 will become the basis of negotiations with the Senate over the final text of the NDAA. The deadline for amendments was close of business 8/28/25. As of this writing, 938 amendments have been submitted (and additional amendments will be submitted late). As always, many of the submitted amendments deal Israel, Iran, and other areas of the Middle East – see table below for details. And as always, regardless of whether a given amendment gets a vote and/or is ultimately attached to the bill, it is useful to pay attention to all the amendments, since they offer valuable information about members’ priorities and intentions. Of special note:

  • Lawler (R-NY) and Gottheimer (D-NJ) offered an amendment to add the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act” (HR 867) – the current iteration of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act (IABA) to the NDAA. As a reminder, on 5/2/25, the GOP House leader published a list of bills to be considered by the House on 5/5/25 under suspension of the rules. That list included HR 867. That announcement sparked backlash on social media, including from some House Republicans and some major Republican influencers. Subsequently, on 5/4/25 the GOP House leader published a new notice listing bills to be considered 5/5/25 under suspension of the Rules – HR 867 was not on that new list. For full details see the 5/9/25 edition of the Round-Up.
  • Goldman (D-NY) has offered an amendment to enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the foundation for mandatory antisemitism training for all Department of Defense personnel.
  • Tenney (R-NY) has offered an amendment to compel DOD to use the term “Judea and Samaria” instead of “the West Bank.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) has offered an amendment to bar DOD contracts with any party that boycotts Israel or settlements.
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) has offered an amendment to attach the “STOP HATE” Act to the NDAA (legislation targeting free speech/criticism of Israel [for details see the 7/25/25 edition of the Round-Up).
Rules Committee
Amdt #		 Topic Sponsors & link to text Short description
9 Iran Houlahan (D-PA), Bacon (R-NE), Obernolte (R-CA) “Prohibits export or sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.”
12 Israel/Turkey Titus (D-NV) “Ensures Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge against Turkey.”
40 Syria Titus (D-NV) “Requires an Intelligence Community Assessment on Syria.”
41 Turkey/Syria/Iraq Bilirakis (R-FL) “Requires the Department of Defense and Secretary of State to issue a report assessing the Turkish Government’s activities in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey and whether those actions support terrorist organizations, money laundering, and/or contribute to humanitarian crises among civilians of those nations.”
42 Turkey/Iran Bilirakis (R-FL) “Requires the Department of Defense and Secretary of State to issue a report on Turkish-Iranian cooperation to evade sanctions imposed by the United States.”
44 Turkey Bilirakis (R-FL) “Prevents the sale or license for the export of F-35 aircraft to the Government of Turkey unless the President certifies such sale is in the national interest of the U.S. among other prerequisites.”
46 Israel Omar (D-MN) “Strikes section 1205, “Research, Develpoment, Test, and Evaluation of Emerging Technologies to further the warfighting capabilities of the United States and certain partner countries.'” [This section is focused on defense collaboration with Israel]
57 Israel (& others) Tlaib (D-MI) “Prohibits the use of funds for foreign military sales to any country (a) subject to a case before the International Court of Justice over violations of the Genocide Convention with provisional measures to prevent genocide issued by the court; or (b) the current government of which includes officials that have outstanding arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.”
100 Iran, Saudi Arabia, arguably Israel Omar (D-MN) “Bans arms sales to any country engaged in transnational repression against U.S. citizens.”
101 Israel Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Wilson (R-SC), Schneider (D-IL), Carter (R-GA) “Reauthorizes the United States-Israel Energy Cooperation program and expands the types of eligible energy projects. It is identical to H.R. 2280 (119th Congress).”
145 Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Requires a certification from the Secretary of Defense that no contractor of the Department participates in or is engaged with the BDS movement.”
146 Iran Harrigan (R-NC), Vasquez (R-NM) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy by January 1, 2030, to end reliance on adversarial nations, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus, for key pharmaceutical raw materials.”
147 General Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Requires a report from Treasury that outlines any financial institution that has provided services that support a state sponsor of terrorism and any foreign financial institution that has conducted significant transactions for a person sanctioned by the U.S. for international terrorism or any human rights violation.”
150 The ICC/international law/Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tenney (R-NY) “Includes a sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Defense and State must use every opportunity at forums involving NATO or major non-NATO allies to ensure that such allied countries do not enforce warrants issued by the ICC against members of the armed forces of the U.S. or of its other allies.”
157 Turkey Bilirakis (R-FL) “Prohibits the sale or license for the export of F-16 aircraft or F-16 aircraft upgrade technology to the Government of Turkey unless the President certifies such transfer is in the national interest of the United States, among other prerequisites.”
162 UAE Omar (D-MN) “Requires a report on UAE foreign policy in specific countries in East and North Africa, including an assessment on whether U.S.-origin equipment sent to the UAE is being for gross violations of human rights in those countries”
164 Syria Omar (D-MN) “Repeals two different Syria sanctions statutes (Caesar and the Syria parts of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012.).”
169 Israel Omar (D-MN) “Repeals the War Reserve Stockpile Authority for Israel.”
193 IHRA definition of Antisemitism Goldman (D-NY) “Establishes a mandatory antisemitism training program for all personnel of the Department of Defense.” [the amendment explicitly defines “antisemitism” to mean the IHRA definition, including its examples]
197 Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Bacon (R-NE) “Inserts the text of the STOP HATE Act. Requires social media companies to release detailed reports of violations to their terms of service and how they are addressing content generated by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and requires social media companies to explain the standard by which they would judge whether content generated or proliferated by terrorists would be deemed in a violation of the company’s terms of service.”
211 Iran Nadler (D-NY) “Requires a report detailing the battle damage assessment (BDA) of the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the impact on the nuclear program, the remaining capabilities, any resulting difference in breakout time, an assessment of any remaining nuclear material, and an assessment of the impact of the strike on Iranian ballistic missile program and proxy activity.”
224 Syria Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a process to create Women’s Advisory Boards to advise on the U.S. policy response in conflict-affected countries, with the goal of integrating and meaningfully including the perspectives of locally affected women in conflict-resolution activities. This would replicate the UN’s Syrian Women Advisory Board which was created to ensure women had a direct and meaningful role in the peace process.”
239 Turkey/Hamas Goldman (D-NY), Malliotakis (NY), Self (TX), Gottheimer (NJ), Kean (NJ) “Requires a report on the Government of Turkey’s relationship with Hamas and its affiliates, including financial, political and military assistance.”
265 Jordan Gosar (R-AZ) “Requires expeditious disclosure of all records relating to the January 28, 2024, attack on Tower 22 in Jordan.”
287 Iran Ansari (D-AZ) “Establishes a special envoy for Iranian women, girls, and human rights.”
304 Egypt Beyer (D-VA), Doggett (D-TX) “Requires the Department of Defense to provide a detailed policy justification to the appropriate congressional committees for the provision of any DOD funds to the Government of Egypt.”
328 Syria Gosar (R-AZ), Omar (D-MN) “Nullification of Executive Order 13338, National Emergency declaration relating to Syria.”
329 Iran Panetta (CA), Wilson (SC), Zinke (MT), Kim (CA) “Leverages the Defense Departments cyber pilot program (section 398a of title 10 USC) to enhance the cyber capabilities of foreign security forces and other entities to conduct cyber operations aligned with U.S. national security interests, by identifying and vetting Iranian organizations with cyber expertise that could weaken the regime’s ability to control information and repress dissent.”
330 Iran Panetta (D-CA), Wilson (R-SC), Zinke (R-MT) “Directs the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the development of low-cost, easily scalable, and rapidly deployable technologies to counter internet shutdowns or limitations on network access abroad, particularly those imposed by adversary countries such as Iran.”
353 Greece/Cyprus/Israel Malliotakis (R-NY), Gottheimer (NJ), Goldman (NY), Kean (NJ) “Establishes a counterterrorism and maritime security partnership. The amendment also authorizes appropriations for new facilities and equipment at key locations in Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. Identical to H.R. 2510, the ‘American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025.'”
360 Iran Neguse (D-CO) “Prohibits the use of funds to reduce or reallocate funding from NIST’s laboratory programs unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that such changes will not harm U.S. competitiveness in semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum standards or other national security interests. The certification must include a summary of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia’s investments in core national defense technology advancements.”
365 Iran/Hezbollah/Lebanon Shreve (R-IN) “Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran’s and Hezbollah’s propaganda, missionary networks, and influence operations in Latin America. Identical to H.R. 4531 (119th Congress).”
369 Israel/Iran Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lawler (R-NY) “Inserts the text of the bipartisan Bunker Buster Act, legislation that authorizes the president to support Israel’s defense by providing the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), or “bunker buster” bomb, and the aircraft required to deploy it — to take out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure. This transfer of the MOP can only happen if Iran is determined to be in noncompliance with the NPT Safeguards Agreement and IAEA is unable to provide confidence as to Iran’s undeclared nuclear facilities.”
373 Antisemitism/Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lawler (R-NY) “Requires a report on the nature and disposition of the most recent six years of substantiated administrative investigations or instances of antisemitism within the Equal Opportunity Program.”
385 Antisemitism/Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lawler (R-NY) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) includes specific questions to assess the prevalence, nature, and impact of antisemitism within the military service academies.” [doesn’t mention IHRA but for sure that is the intent]
391 Israel, Palestine Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Directs the Treasury to deploy a financial attache to the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to develop and execute the financial and economic policy of the United States Government and the international fight against terrorism, money laundering, and other illicit finance.”
404 Iran, Syria Pfluger (R-TX) “Extends existing State Department post-government employment (PGE) restrictions to more government employees, enacting a permanent lifetime ban for Agency Heads, Deputies, and senate-confirmed employees lobbying on behalf of countries of concern (China, Russia, Iran, N. Korea, Syria, Cuba).”
412 Iran Pfluger (R-TX) “Rescind specific waivers and licenses that allowed the transfer of frozen Iranian funds and prohibits reissuing such waivers or licenses in the future, effectively preventing Iran from accessing those accounts or similar funds. Identical to H.R. 2575 (119th Congress), and H.R.5947 (118th Congress) which passed the house.”
414 Iran Pfluger (R-TX) “Amends existing sanctions law to prohibit Iraq’s government from importing natural gas from Iran.”
421 Saudi Arabia, Iran, arguably Israel Pfluger (R-TX) “Establishes the Transnational Repression Working Group within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor and analyze actions by foreign governments that threaten or intimidate citizens, residents, or other people present in the United States, as well as any related terrorism threats. Identical to H.R. 2158 (119th Congress).”
453 Israel (and others) Tlaib (D-MI) “Prohibits security assistance to any country that has, in the past ten years, used military force against a medical facility, the UN, a refugee camp, aid workers, or journalists, has committed or aided in the commission of the crime of forcible transfer, or impeded the delivery of humanitarian aid.”
481 Iran Pfluger (R-TX) “Imposes additional sanctions and export restrictions concerning Iranian airlines and the provision of US-origin components to Iranian airlines.”
489 Israel/West Bank/settlements McGovern (D-MA) “Requires an annual report from the Secretary of State to Congress, in consultation with Secretary of Defense, that assesses the status of Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank.”
499 Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Expresses support for joint U.S.-Israel cooperation between NASA and the Israel Space Agency, including joint U.S. Air Force and Israel’s newly created Space Force in areas of research, development, test, and evaluation.”
501 Syria Luttrell (R-TX) “Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate the threat posed to the United States by individuals in Syria with ties to Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization (STGT). Identical to HR 1327 (119th Congress).”
510 Turkey Gottheimer (D-NJ), , Malliotakis (NY), Goldman (NY), Kean (NJ) “Prohibits the transfer or license of any defense articles or services to Turkey until the Secretary of State, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Defense, provides a report to Congress detailing the steps taken to ensure that Turkey is no longer violating the sovereignty of any member of NATO, a major non-NATO ally, or Cyprus; the steps taken to prevent Turkey from purchasing defense systems from U.S. adversaries; the steps taken to prevent the use of U.S. arms to facilitate the occupation of Cyprus; and the steps taken by Turkey to prevent future attacks on U.S. servicemembers or their families. The report requirement sunsets once the President certifies to Congress that Turkey is no longer violating the sovereignty of any member of NATO, a major non-NATO ally, or Cyprus.”
520 Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires annual report on U.S.-Israel military exercises, emphasizes mutual benefit of U.S.-Israel relationship.”
525 Lebanon/Iran/Hezbollah Steube (R-FL) “Conditions aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces via an 8-point plan to remove Hezbollah and Iranian influence across Lebanon.”
535 Syria Wilson (R-SC), Panetta (D-CA) “Repeals the Caesar Act.”
537 Iran Steube (R-FL) “Extends and modifies annual report on Iranian military.”
538 Syria Gosar (R-AZ) “Requires the Director of National Intelligence to expeditiously make public all intelligence community records relating to the Timber Sycamore weapons and training program in Syria.”
542 Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires briefing on the status of deliveries to the Government of Israel of any military aircraft or air-launched munitions approved for transfer that are undelivered or partially delivered.”
545 Iran Wilson (R-SC), Cohen (TN), Hudson (NC) “Counters the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian Regime, and the Russian Federation in the nation of Georgia by providing discretionary tools to the President. Identical to HR 36 119th Congress, as passed by the House”
548 Israel/Egypt Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires a study on steps Israel, the U.S., and Egypt can take to enhance international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure Hamas and other actors cannot use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods. Additionally, report will outline/ map existing tunnel networks.”
571 Israel Stefanik (R-NY) “Convenes the U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group to study the potential for defense industrial base integration between the United States and Israel, including the possibility of inclusion into the national technology and industrial base (as defined in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code).”
588 Free Speech/Protest/Criticism of Israel Lawler (R-NY), Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to include international governmental organizations (IGOs) in existing anti-boycott laws. This change targets harmful and inherently antisemitic BDS efforts at IGOs, such as the UN, by extending protections already in place for boycotts instigated by foreign countries. [This is the extremely controversial IGO Anti-Boycott Act, which is the current iteration of the extremely controversial Israel Anti-Boycott Act]
594 Israel Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Establishes the United States–Israel Artificial Intelligence Center to leverage the experience, knowledge, and expertise of institutions of higher education and private sector to develop more robust research and development cooperation regarding machine learning, object detection, data labeling, among other key areas in the AI space.”
629 Israel Massie (R-KY), Khanna (D-CA) “Provides that none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026 may be used to transfer MK-84 2000-pound bombs to Israel”
632 Iran Gillen (D-NY) “Adds a Sense of Congress on Iran’s illegal nuclear weapons program and encourages European allies to invoke snapback sanctions on Iran.”
633 Iran Wilson (R-SC) “Requires Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to be submitted to Congress, aimed at encouraging defections by senior Iranian security officials and members of the armed forces.”
643 Iran Lawler (R-NY), Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) “Expands and strengthens secondary sanctions on foreign entities enabling Iran’s illicit oil trade.”
647 Israel, normalization, Iran Lawler (R-NY), Moskowitz (D-FL) “Improves arms sales processes to U.S. partners that have normalized relations with Israel and are actively working with the United States to counter Iran and its terrorist proxies. Specifically, narrows the timeline for congressional consideration after arms sales are accepted, while maintaining existing eligibility criteria for arms sales themselves.”
648 Iran Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security, to produce an annual threat assessment on Iranian-linked sleeper cells within the United States.:
683 Iran, Israel Gonzales (R-TX) “Authorizes the award of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, to be known as the ‘Operation Midnight Hammer Medal,’ to eligible personnel who served during the 2025 Iran–Israel conflict, including Operation Midnight Hammer.”
744 Israel Steube (R-FL) “Requires report on U.S.-Israel cooperation on increased production capacity and inventory of the Arrow interceptor.”
747 Iran Gonzales (R-TX) “Prohibits Department of Defense cloud service contractors from employing citizens or nationals of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea in positions with access to DoD networks or environments.”
757 Iran Steube (R-FL) “Sanctions and designates certain Iranian proxies and militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.”
771 Turkey Goldman (D-NY), , Malliotakis (R-NY), Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Requires a report on the security impacts of Turkey’s illegal occupation of Cyprus to the US, its allies, and partners — including the presence of foreign terrorist organizations, past terror attacks and attempts, and threats to military installations and personnel.”
779 Israel Fine (R-FL), Gottheimer (D-NJ) “Establishes a grant program to increase cooperation on post-traumatic stress disorder research between the United States and Israel.”
793 ICC/Intl Law Cline (R-VA) “Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the role of the Department of Defense in supporting whole-of-government efforts to conduct international legal operations and to counter hostile international legal operations by foreign adversaries and strategic competitors of the United States.”
802 Palestinians/Gaza Sherman (D-CA) “Designates and sanctions the Popular Resistance Committees, which are the 3rd largest terrorist militia in Gaza and have claimed responsibility for the murder of Israeli and American civilians. It is an amendment version of the bipartisan, bicameral Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act (H.R. 2346).”
806 AUMF Meeks (D-NY), Roy (TX), Jacobs (CA), Massie (KY) “Inserts the text of H.R. 1488, repealing the 2002 and 1991 AUMFs.”
824 Israel Ogles (R-TN) “Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the DNI to contduct a continual assessment of the impact of arms embargoes, sanctions, restrictions, or limitations imposed by foreign states or international organizations on Israel’s defense capabilities.”
826 Qatar (gift of plane to Trump) Meeks (D-NY) “Inserts the text of H.R. 3405, requiring the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report regarding the transfer of an aircraft from Qatar.”
829 Israel/West Bank (Greater Israel) Ogles (R-TN) “Establishes that it is the policy of the United States to reject efforts to impose sanctions or other punitive measures against Israel on the basis of its lawful administration of the Judea and Samaria area, its efforts to confront, apprehend, and eliminate terrorist threats, or its status as a Jewish state.”
835 Israel Nunn (R-IA), Davis (D-NC) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to work with our counterparts in the Israeli Ministry of Defense to establish a DIU field office within Israeli territory. This effort increases hands-on RDT&E, allows for faster communication, provides live feedback from the field, and shortens go-to-market time for new defense products. This effort is a continuation of 22 U.S.C. §8606. United States-Israel cooperation on energy, water, homeland security, agriculture, and alternative fuel technologies, in particular under the Statutory Note Strategic Partnership on Defense Industrial Priorities Between the United States and Israel.”
844 Israel Ogles (R-TN) “Establishes the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense and its agencies should not participate in international defense exhibitions if they or the jurisdictions in which they are held block the participation of Israeli companies or use restrictions or the threat of restrictions as a means of deterring Israel from defending itself.”
850 Israel Nunn (R-IA) “Directs the Secretary of Defense to work with Israeli counterparts to determine the feasibility of a broader U.S. military base in the region. Given the ongoing conflicts in the CENTCOM AOR, additional U.S. resources in the region can help detect and deter adversarial aggression, resupply allies, and decrease the timeframe for logistical implementation. This study will allow the DOD to understand what is possible in the region and how to best utilize U.S. resources if deemed necessary.”
862 Iran Tenney (R-NY) “Requires Congressional notification for any sanctions relief on Iran.”
863 Israel/West Bank (Greater Israel) Tenney (R-NY) “Prohibits funding for materials that refer to Judea and Samaria by ‘the West Bank.”
892 Saudi Arabia Sherman (D-CA) “Prevents a nuclear deal or transfer of any nuclear reactors, equipment, or technologies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unless the President certifies that Saudi Arabia has signed and implemented an Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA and is not engaging in nuclear enrichment or reprocessing.”
929 Israel Nunn (R-IA) “This amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a report outlining the status of integrated air and missile defense in the CENTOM AOR, particularly Israel. This report is requested so U.S. and Israeli military commanders can update their operational plans in relation to drone attacks, THAD missile production capabilities, and further expansion of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam capabilities.”

 

2. Letters

3. Recess Travel to Israel & West Bank & beyond

Israel & West Bank

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/29/25: X-post w/ video clip – “This week @SenJeffMerkley & I returned to Kfar Aza—a kibbutz brutally attacked by Hamas on Oct 7. We witnessed the evidence of the atrocities committed that day & saw the homes of 2 young men still held hostage. The message from a kibbutz leader: Bring them home and end the war.”
  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/28/25: X-post – “At Ashdod Port, @ChrisVanHollen and I saw how Israel’s onerous screening process blocks badly needed food aid. Gaza is being starved, and @WFP is working tirelessly to get people the food they need.“
  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/28/25: X-post – “We met with families at Hostage Square who have endured unbearable loss. I stand with them in demanding that the Netanyahu government deliver a ceasefire and the immediate return of all the loved ones held in Gaza.“
  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/28/25: X-post – “This week, @ChrisVanHollen and I are traveling to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt to press for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza—where it’s desperately needed as famine sets in—and to continue our calls for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate return of all hostages.”
  • Merkley (D-OR) 8/28/25: X-post w/ video clip – “At Kerem Shalom Crossing, @ChrisVanHollen and I got a rosy briefing about aid reaching Gaza. But the reality is different. Far too little food gets through.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/28/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I visited Kerem Shalom, one of the 2 main crossings between Israel and Gaza, where @SenJeffMerkley & I pointed out that the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s delivery system is fatally flawed. People are starving. The Netanyahu government must let more food into Gaza NOW.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/28/25: X-post – “.@SenJeffMerkley and I were just in Israel to discuss the situation in Gaza and press to end the war and return all the hostages. We visited a @WFP “
  • US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee 8/28/25: X-post – “Senator @LindseyGrahamSC toured @GHFUpdates aid sites to observe first-hand how this U.S.-backed effort delivers humanitarian assistance directly to those who need it most, and keeps it out of the hands of Hamas terrorists.“
  • Israel President Isaac Herzog 8/28/25: X-post – “President @Isaac_Herzog met today with US Senator @LindseyGrahamSC in Jerusalem. The President praised the Senator’s long-standing commitment to progress and cooperation in the region: “You are a true friend of Israel, a true friend of the Jewish people, and a true ambassador for peace and progress in the region. We greatly appreciate your unwavering moral clarity and dedication to building a better future for the Middle East, to bringing the hostages home, to standing up for freedom and against the threat of terror, and to expanding the circle of peace and cooperation.”
  • Reuters 8/28/25: X-post w/ video clip – “US Senator Lindsey Graham speaks in Tel Aviv“
  • Haaretz 8/26/25: Telling Israel ‘This Is Not Right’: Democratic U.S. Senators Meet Gaza Hostage Families in Tel Aviv
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu 8/25/25: X-post w/ pic – “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today with US Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) at his office in Jerusalem“
  • Ernst (R-IA) 8/25/25: X-post w/ pic – “Thank you, @netanyahu for your steadfast support in bringing home all of the hostages.   Israel will always have a friend in America.“
  • Jewish Insider 8/25/25: Rep. John McGuire advised Netanyahu to ‘get the job done’ in Gaza during Israel trip
  • Cisneros (D-CA) 8/22/25: Rep. Cisneros Statement on Trip to Israel [“Along with a group of Democratic Members of Congress, I traveled to Israel to demand answers about the status of the situation in Gaza. We met with Israeli and Palestinian government officials about the continuing conflict. We met with the team from the U.N.’s World Food Program and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on the status of food distribution. I did not go on this trip to kiss the ring of Prime Minister Netanyahu or undermine the suffering happening in both Israel and Palestine; rather, I went to conduct oversight into what is really happening with aid distribution, dispel misinformation, and ask hard questions of both governments. All human life is precious, and no civilian—Israeli or Palestinian—should be subject to fear, starvation, and violence. On the trip we discussed the shortcomings of the current aid systems.  As it stands, the aid deliveries in Gaza are falling unacceptably short of the humanitarian need. It is the duty of Israel, Palestine, and international partners to ensure that aid trucks make it into Gaza quickly and effectively to prevent civilian suffering. In Congress, I have advocated for a two-state solution that would give both Israelis and Palestinians a safe and permanent home. Both the Israeli and Palestinian people want the war to end and all involved parties must work to return the hostages, agree to a ceasefire, and end the suffering.”]

Lebanon

Syria

  • Shaheen (D-NH), Ernst (R-IA), & Wilson (R-SC) 8/28/25: Ranking Member Shaheen, Senator Ernst, Representative Wilson Statement on Israeli Strikes in Damascus [“We just returned from Syria, where we heard directly from interim President Al Sharaa, cabinet ministers and Syrians from across ethnic and religious communities. The message was clear: Syria needs a chance to succeed and move past the violence and strife that consumed the country for over 14 years. Last night’s destabilizing strikes on Syria by Israel make that goal more difficult to achieve. We commend President Trump for taking the bold step of lifting sanctions off Syria earlier this year. Through the work of the President’s Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, a once-unthinkable and historic meeting occurred directly between the Syrian and Israel governments just this month. The Syrians are prepared to move forward with Israel to advance peace. It is unclear how long the door to this opportunity will remain open. We call on Israel to seize the moment and immediately cease hostilities so the progress made by Syrians and Special Envoy Barrack can continue. A stable and secure Syria is the only path toward freedom from Iran’s reach and containment of the ISIS threat.”]
  • Jewish News Syndicate 8/28/25: Legislators call on Israel to ‘cease hostilities’ in Syria after Damascus strikes
  • Jewish Insider 8/28/25: Ernst, Shaheen, Wilson criticize Israel’s Syria strikes as ‘destabilizing’
  • Alsharq Al-Awsat 8/26/25: Bipartisan Pair of US Lawmakers Pushing to Lift Syria Sanctions After Visit
  • Arab News 8/26/25: Senior members of US Congress meet Syrian leader in Damascus
  • SFRC Dems 8/26/25: X-post – “‘Today’s meeting with leaders from many faiths was a testament to the Syrian people’s common cause: a country free from violence where people of many backgrounds can work together toward a brighter future.’ – @SenatorShaheen at the St. Ephraim Monastery“
  • SFRC Dems 8/26/25: X-post w/ video clip – “‘We are here supporting lifting the Caesar sanctions, supporting what we can do to promote Syria’s future, and help @USAMBTurkiye in his efforts.’ – @SenatorShaheen offering a retrospective on leading a bipartisan delegation to at the Monastery of St. Ephraim”
  • Shaheen (D-NH) 8/25/25: READOUT: Ranking Member Shaheen’s Travel to Syria and Meeting with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa
  • SFRC Dems 8/25/25: X-post – “Ranking Member @SenatorShaheen met with Syrian President Al-Sharaa today in Damascus on a bipartisan delegation with @USAMBTurkiye and @RepJoeWilson. They discussed the security situation in Syria and the path to a democratic, prosperous Syria for all Syrians.”
  • SFRC Dems 8/25/25: X-post – “Ranking Member @SenatorShaheen .”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/25/25: X-post – “It was my honor to meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa as part of a bipartisan delegation with @USAMBTurkiye and Ranking Member Shaheen of @SFRCdems to discuss a bright, unified, and stable future for Syria. This trip was particularly meaningful for me, and I am grateful for the warm reception. The time for FULL Caesar repeal is NOW. As a priority of President Trump’s administration, I remain committed to this critical and bipartisan goal. #MakeSyriaGreatAgain”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/25/25: X-post – “I have always been inspired by the Syrian people, those I met in the refugee camps as well as Syrian Americans I met as they advocated for a Free Syria. Assad’s regime declared me an enemy of the state. He is now in Moscow while I, by God’s grace, am in Damascus! #MakeSyriaGreatAgain”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/25/25: X-post – “An honor to join @USAmbTurkiye Tom Barrack and @SFRCDems @SenatorShaheen to meet Syrian Church leaders at a historic interfaith conference featuring religious clerics of all religions and denominations at the St. Ephraim Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Sayadnya, Syria. I am inspired by their efforts to strengthen freedom of religion post-Assad. Make Syria Great Again“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/25/25: X-post – “Grateful for the deep insights of @MorAphremII the Patriarch and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church in Sayadnaya, Syria. The Syrian people are an inspiration. Make Syria Great Again“
  • New York Times 8/25/25: Lawmakers Visit Syria to Push for Repealing Sanctions Law
  • Reuters/US News & World Report 8/25/25: Syrian President Discusses Developments in Syria With US Envoy in Damascus

Jordan

4. Selected Members on the Record

Gaza Famine, Israeli Double-Tap attack on Gaza Hospital, killing 20, including journalists

  • Doggett (D-TX) 8/29/25: X-post – “I salute the courageous rabbis, who are speaking out in opposition to the increasingly outrageous conduct of the Israeli government as it continues to disregard military advice in promoting endless war in Gaza. Those who continue to claim Netanyahu can do no wrong are complicit, not only in the deaths of innocent Palestinians but in causing lasting damage to Israel.“
  • Bonamici (D-OR) 8/28/25: Bonamici Statement on H.R. 3565, the “Block the Bombs Act” [“…I have added my name as a co-sponsor of H.R. 3565, the “Block the Bombs Act” to prohibit the President of the United States from sending certain offensive weapons to Israel without a vote of Congress and without assurance from Israel that the arms will only be used in accordance with international law. This bill is a call for change, and I see it as a moral imperative that we expedite an end to the suffering…”]
  • Kelly (D-AZ) 8/28/25: X-post – “Cindy McCain is right. Kids are starving in Gaza. It doesn’t have to be like this. I’ve been working to get food where it’s needed in Gaza. Thank you to the @WFP for your work to save lives.“
  • Min (D-CA) 8/27/25: X-post – “Enough is enough. It is long past time for this conflict to come to an end.” With link to New York Times article, 20 Killed in Gaza Hospital Strikes. Netanyahu Claims ‘Tragic Mishap.’ plus a statement in a GIF – “While I mourn the brutal attacks of 10/7 and once again call on Hamas to return the remaining Israel hostages, enough is enough. The staggering number of journalists, doctors, and aid workers killed in Gaza is unacceptable. The 3 million Gazans facing starvation must receive aid. The Israeli government mouse provide accountability but I have zero trust or faith in Netanyahu’s motives. It is long past time for this conflict to come to an end.” [emphasis in the original]
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/26/25: X-post – “The Israeli military bombed a Gaza hospital TWICE, killing 5 journalists and at least 15 others. They continue to violate both U.S. and international law. We must end our complicity in this massacre and stop providing the weapons that fuel this genocide.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 8/26/25: X-post – “20 Palestinians—including four journalists—were killed by an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza. When a second group tried to recover the bodies, another airstrike hit them. The U.S. can’t continue to financially support Netanyahu’s cruel war strategy.“
  • Warren (D-MA) 8/26/25: X-post – “etanyahu’s callous disregard for human life is staggering. The U.S. cannot send another penny to the Israeli government to be used to kill innocent Palestinians, doctors, nurses, and the journalists who are working to give each of them a voice.“
  • Baldwin (D-WI) 8/26/25: X-post – “Man-made famine and starving children in this day and age is immoral and unacceptable. Bombing hospitals and killing journalists is immoral and unacceptable. Trump must do more to stop Netanyahu’s war, bring the hostages home, and surge in aid to innocent people in Gaza.“
  • Doggett (D-TX) 8/26/25: X-post – “Linked to article, A glimpse of life in Gaza, through the voices of its children (PBS 8/22/25)
  • Smith (D-WA) 8/26/25: Rep. Smith calls for the U.S. to leverage certain arms sales to Israel [“Israel should implement a ceasefire in Gaza and massively increase the flow of humanitarian aid. They must also stop the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and take serious steps to reduce the violence there. I urge President Trump to directly appeal to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government to take these steps. If Israel does not take these steps, I believe it is time for the United States government to stop the sale of some offensive weapons systems to Israel as leverage to pressure Israel into taking these actions. I support Israel and recognize both the threats they face and the reality that the actions of Hamas and their supporters have driven this conflict. But, right now, it is impossible to see how further military action in Gaza could degrade Hamas’ capabilities to any appreciable degree further than what has already occurred. Yes, the hostages must be returned. It is outrageous that Hamas took the hostages and has continued to hold them. But six months of war since the end of the last ceasefire has done nothing to bring the hostages home. I have been opposed to blocking weapons sales to Israel as leverage in the past, but the situation in the Middle East has changed dramatically in recent months. Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran have all been weakened to the point where they pose a substantially reduced threat to Israel. Assad, a crucial ally for all three, has been removed from power in Syria. These are very positive developments that might not have happened if the US had reduced its support to Israel prior to them occurring. But these developments also mean that Israel faces little if any risk to its security if the US blocks the sale of some weapons now. The other risk of any action that attempts to pressure Israel into ending the war is that such action could simply embolden Hamas to keep fighting. I believe this has happened throughout the war as various international groups have consistently failed to hold Hamas accountable for starting the war and for their actions during it, instead placing all the blame on Israel and empowering Hamas to keep fighting and holding the hostages. I do not agree with that approach. But the war is now in a very different place. It appears near certain that Hamas will not simply walk away in response to military force from the IDF. It is time to pressure Hamas by working with alternative Palestinian leadership to rebuild Gaza and give the Palestinian people some hope for their future. I am not naïve that this approach is somehow guaranteed to work, but simply continuing the war has clearly failed to completely eliminate Hamas or gain the return of the hostages. It is time to try something else. And the situation in Gaza is at a crisis point. Clearly, the world should not blindly trust how Hamas reports that situation, but the scale of the humanitarian crisis cannot be denied. I also believe that if Israel does not end the war in Gaza, they run the risk of being ostracized globally in a way that is a far greater threat to the long-term security of Israel than anything their adversaries are now capable of doing. I do remain concerned that so many people advocating for the US to stop supporting Israel believe that Israel does not have the right to exist as a country. Opposing the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza to stop the war and end the suffering of the Palestinian people is very different from opposing the Israeli government out of a desire to wipe it off the map. Faced with that kind of existential threat, Israel will be far less likely to seek peace in the short term. This broader concern, however, does not change the facts that exist now. Nothing more can be realistically accomplished by Israel continuing the war in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis there must be addressed.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 8/25/25: X-post – “.@Netanyahu is still wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and hundreds of thousands of Israelis are protesting his destruction of Gaza. The tides are turning. Netanyahu must do the right thing and end the mass starvation and killing.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 8/25/25: X-post – “<These ‘tragic mishaps’ that kill journalists, aid workers, and healthcare workers keep happening. Apologies and investigations are not enough. We need a ceasefire as soon as possible to stop the killing, bring hostages home, and provide desperately needed aid to people in Gaza.“
  • Velazquez (D-NY) 8/25/25: X-post – “Israel’s deliberate, horrific strikes on Nasser Hospital killed doctors, journalists, and rescue workers. A hospital should never be a war zone. The U.S. cannot keep funding these war crimes.”
  • Doggett (D-TX) 8/24/25: X-post – “In order to officially declare a famine in Gaza on Friday, the IPC, a technocratic body, determined that each day at least 400 people are starving to death. 132,000 children under the age of 5 are at risk of death from acute malnutrition over coming months. This is Netanyahu’s legacy—war by starvation that kills the innocent including the Israeli hostages that his extremist government has abandoned. The Trump Administration shares responsibility for these deaths as do all who remain silent about this outrage. More information about the famine determination is available at: ipcinfo.org/famine-facts/“
  • Dexter (D-OR) 8/24/25: X-post – “A panel of UN food security experts confirmed that Netanyahu’s weaponization of starvation has driven Gaza into famine. Children are starving to death. The U.S. must use its power to secure an immediate & sustained surge of aid—anything less is complicity.“
  • Shaheen (D-NH) 8/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The reality is that we have people dying because they are systematically being starved to death, because Israel is refusing to allow in the humanitarian aid that people need to stay alive.”
  • Shaheen (D-NH) 8/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “It is a shameful, black mark on humanity that the world has allowed this to happen and that Israel is allowing this to happen.“
  • Quigley (D-IL) 8/23/25: X-post – “Global monitor IPC reported that the crisis in Gaza City is a famine — with over 500,000 people starving. We must get food aid safely into Gaza, we must shutdown the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and we must restore UN oversight of aid operations.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 8/22/25: Senator Andy Kim Statement on Declaration of Famine in Gaza City [“Today’s declaration of famine in Gaza City must be a wake up call to the international community that this conflict needs to end. I have pressed the Netanyahu government to take real steps to ensure the full access and direct delivery of food to Gazans, but they have so far refused to change course and have repeatedly denied the existence of hunger and starvation. We all must condemn Hamas for the continued suffering of hostages like Evyatar David as well as their disregard for the people of Gaza that is fueling the starvation. Still, Hamas’ brutality does not lessen Israel’s responsibility for protecting civilians. These conditions will only be worsened if the Israeli military seeks to further occupy Gaza. The time is now to stop the hunger and this conflict. I call on the Trump and Netanyahu Administrations to immediately reverse the current dangerous trajectory and take action to save lives.“]
  • Goodlander (D-NH) 8/22/25: Goodlander Calls for Immediate Surge in Humanitarian Assistance to Civilians in Gaza: “The unbearable and heartbreaking suffering of civilians in Gaza must end now. This cannot wait.”
  • McGovern (D-MA) 8/22/25: X-thread – “Netanyahu will starve every man, woman & child in Gaza to avoid jail. Hundreds have already died of starvation. As famine spreads, more will follow. My colleagues must look at their faces & decide: end the starvation & mass death—or be remembered for your shameful silence.” With link to Haaretz 8/21/25 article, ‘Starvation Is Everywhere’: Virtual Tours of Gaza Clinics Expose the Scale of the Horror [“In recent weeks we spoke by video with doctors around the Gaza Strip. Through virtual tours of medical facilities, we sought to document the situation in which thousands of children suffer from severe acute malnutrition. What we saw was of catastrophic proportions“]
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/22/25: X-post – “The UN has officially declared famine in Gaza. This is an urgent humanitarian crisis and genocide. The Israeli government must immediately let aid in and stop starving people in Gaza.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 8/22/25: X-post – “The UN says the famine in Gaza is  ‘entirely man-made’ and ‘could be halted & reversed.’ Trump is supposedly a ‘tough guy.’   Well, it’s time for him to have the guts to stand up to Netanyahu and stop sending billions in U.S. tax dollars to Israel to starve children.”
  • Lee (D-PA) 8/22/25: X-post – “This man-made famine was preventable. Israel continues to block food, medication, and essentials to starve Palestinians. Half a million people, including children, are dying and our tax dollars are paying for it. The US must hold the Israeli government accountable. Let aid in. End the genocide now.”

American Citizen Minor Detained by Israel for 6 Months Without Due Process

  • Castor (D-FL) 8/25/25: X-post – “>My statement on the detention of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim:” with text of a statement in a GIF (that statement was NOT posted anywhere on her website as of 8/27/25 at 10am EST) reading: “I urge the Trump Administration to do everything in its power to obtain the release of Mohammed Ibrahim 0 a child, an American citizen and Floridian. I am deeply concerned about his well-being following reports of his prolonged detention without charges or trial. The United States has a responsibility to advocate for its citizens abroad, and I respectfully urge the President and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to work for his swift release and return to his family. My office has been in touch with the administration about Mohammed’s case, and will continue pressing for his release.” Also note: from DropSite News – X-post 8/26/25: “PA President Abbas met U.S. senators Van Hollen and Merkley in Ramallah today. Journalist @infinite_jaz reports the senators also met with the parents of imprisoned American Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim and murdered American Sayfollah Musallet, along with families of other Palestinian Americans killed in the illegally occupied West Bank. They reportedly vowed to press US Ambassador Huckabee to demand Israel free 16-year-old Ibrahim from the notorious Megiddo torture camp, and seek justice for the others.“

West Bank, Including E-1 Settlement Plan

  • Smith (D-WA) 8/25/25: Rep. Adam Smith Statement on Advancement of the E1 Settlement Plan [“The advancement of the long-stalled E1 settlement project is deeply alarming and destabilizing. This plan, which would add 3,400 housing units near East Jerusalem, would effectively split the West Bank into two regions and make the prospect of a viable Palestinian state significantly more difficult. The development of E1 flies in the face of long-standing U.S. and international opposition, undermines Israel’s own security, jeopardizes the future of the Palestinian people, and further erodes the possibility of a two-state solution, which is the only realistic path towards lasting peace. Finance Minister Smotrich’s declaration that this project is meant to ‘bury’ the idea of a Palestinian state makes the intention of this extremist plan clear. It is a direct rejection of peace efforts and a provocation that threatens to fuel further violence. I call on the Israeli government to reverse course and halt this reckless, dangerous plan. Continued unfettered settlement expansion threatens to push Israelis and Palestinians further from peace and jeopardizes the stability of the region.”]

Members of Congress v. AIPAC & friends & Orthodoxy of UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/27/26: X-post – “You have forfeited your right to use the phrase “moral clarity” @aipac. A number of your former leaders support me, and it’s sad you have become more a front for Ben Gvir, Smotrich & the right wing fringe than mainstream Jewish Americans.” Responding to AIPAC X-post – “Weakening Israel and rewarding Hamas isn’t moral clarity, @RoKhanna. Standing with our democratic ally that is fighting a genocidal terror group is moral clarity. Taking actions that pressure Hamas to end this war by freeing the hostages and surrendering power is moral clarity.” That AIPAC post was a response to Khanna’s X-post – “This is not complicated. Our party needs moral clarity. 1. No sales of military weapons used to kill civilians (Sanders res). 2. Recognition of a Palestinian state (my letter). 3. No Hamas, elections, & release of all hostages.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/26/25: X-post – “Democrats continuing to ignore their base on the Palestine issue is insane. They will continue to lose.” Responding to post from Zeteo’s Prem Thakker, “New Quinnipiac Poll — 50% of voters say Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Includes *77%* of Democrats, 51% of independents, and 20% of Republicans. 60% of voters oppose sending more aid to Israel. Includes 75% of Democrats, 66% of independents, and 37% of Republicans.“
  • Greene (R-GA) 8/25/25: X-post – “Many prominent “America first” social media influencers are clearly getting paid by a foreign government aligned people to literally influence your opinion about me by lying about me and slandering me! Thank you Brian Glenn for setting the record strait!! I’m UNAPOLOGETICALLY AMERICA ONLY!!! That is what the entire U.S. House of Representatives should be!! Any U.S. elected official and American who puts the SECULAR (NOT BIBLICAL) Government of Israel FIRST is NOT America First!!! They should register under FARA – Foreign Agents Registration Act, a U.S. law that requires individuals and entities acting on behalf of foreign interests to disclose their relationships and activities to the Department of Justice. MANY PEOPLE are absolutely fed up with this to the point they are going to question future candidates running for office if they will refuse to take AIPAC donations. America is my home and it’s the ONLY COUNTRY I’M FIGHTING FOR!!!“
  • Massie (R-KY) 8/24/25: X-post – “You will not win support for Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza by falsely branding Americans opposed to the continuation of the war, and the civilian casualties inflicted by the war, as anti-Semitic.” Responding to post from former Trump ambassador to Israel David Friedman, “A few months ago, @RepMTG and @RepThomasMassie .”
  • Greene (R-GA) 8/23/25: X-post – “If America was being bombed day and night because of something horrific our government did, and many innocent Americans and American children were being killed and traumatically injured, and we begged for mercy, but the rest of the world said, “Americans voted for their government so they deserve it, their government is bad so all Americans are bad, therefore this is what they get and must be done” And the world was silent to our suffering. And no one came to our aid. And our cities and homes were bombed and turned to rubble. And our infrastructure was destroyed, no farms, no grocery stores, no more organized society. And no one helped our injured and hungry children. How would you feel? What would you think? What would you do? This is what is happening to Gaza where in spite of what we have all been told, many innocent people and children are being killed and they are not Hamas. Does Hamas deserve it? Yes. Do innocent people and children deserve it? No. The innocent people in Gaza did not kill and kidnap the innocent people in Israel on Oct 7th. Just as we spoke out and had compassion for the victims and families of Oct7, how can Americans not speak out and have compassion for the masses of innocent people and children in Gaza? Is one type of innocent life worthy and another type of innocent life worth nothing? For me, I think God sees all innocent lives the same and he loves them all. As a matter of fact, He sent his own son for all people, that’s how much He loves us. America funds Israel $3.8 billion annually for military aid. Actually correction. U.S. taxpayers fund Israel $3.8 billion annually for military aid. That means every U.S. tax payer is contributing to Israel’s military actions. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to pay for genocide in a foreign country against a foreign people for a foreign war that I had nothing to do with. And I will not be silent about it.“
  • Massie (R-KY) 8/23/25: X-post – “Regardless of how many politicians you contribute to, Israel is losing the public relations campaign for its war in Gaza due to its indiscriminate bombing and tens of thousands of civilian casualties.” Responding to AIPAC post (which was a response to a Greene, R-GA, post) – “.@RepMTG has gone full Squad. Same message, same legislation, same anti-Israel vision. The horrible war is only happening because Hamas refuses to free the hostages & surrender power. Yet, MTG and her friends in the Squad won’t take any action to pressure Hamas to end it. Why?“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/23/25: X-post – “.@jkirchick has been one of the loudest apologists for Netanyahu’s war in Gaza and claimed that journalists being killed in Gaza were actually combatants. Being criticized by him is a badge of honor. He has the same care for Epstein’s victims as civilians in Gaza.” Responding to James Kirchick X-post – “Congress is a repository for the attention-starved, and its thirstiest members–@mtgreenee @rokhanna @RepThomasMassie @SenAdamSchiff etc.—are the loudest ones peddling conspiracy theories. Stop giving them your attention. Read my latest for @nytopinion:” Linked to his NYT article, Why Epstein’s Furious Grip on Washington Holds
  • Greene (R-GA) 8/22/25: X-post – “It’s not antisemitic to disagree with the secular government of Israel and Netanyahu. Many Jews disagree with the secular government of Israel and Netanyahu. However, it’s something else, entirely sinister, to coordinate a smear campaign with lies and name calling against those of us who disagree with the secular government of Israel and want to end all forms of U.S. foreign aid and funding of foreign wars for all foreign countries. I’ve never attacked Jewish people and they know it, yet they still prosecute me publicly with lies and slander for the crime of criticizing the secular government of Israel and their wars. But their arrows fall short and their swords are dull and don’t penetrate. I can and will criticize any government I want, including my own!! There are good hearted people of all kinds in America, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and more, and I am striving to steer clear of the stereotypes we’ve had shoved into our minds by mass programming for decades. “United we stand, divided we fall.” I will always speak out against and fight against evil, murder especially murder of children, all types of terrorism, criminals, monsters whose victims are children, and those who abuse their power and crush the innocent. However by joining with all Americans, regardless of race religion or political affiliation, who desperately want us to save America by fighting for America ONLY, this is how we will stand UNITED, not fall, become an unstoppable force for good, and in the end PREVAIL. This is the movement they always feared. This is the movement they always fought to stop by generating all types of schemes to divide us all. And the movement is bigger than I could have ever imagined. The horse is out of the gate.”

WE LOVE ISRAEL,  & ANYTHING BAD IN GAZA IS A LIE &/OR 100% THE FAULT OF HAMAS

  • Budd (R-NC) 8/29/25: X-post – “Today, the @IDF retrieved the bodies of two hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023. I am praying for the families as they continue to grieve the death of their loved ones.   Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, including two Americans. We must continue to exert all forms of pressure on Hamas leadership until they release every hostage in Gaza—both living and deceased.”
  • [daily X-post] Scott (R-FL) 8/28/25: X-post – “After 692 days, Hamas terrorists have yet to free 50 hostages. Every day in captivity means more pain and more time stolen from the hostages and their families. Hamas is evil and should be destroyed. We must bring every hostage home!“
  • Graham (R-SC) 8/28/25: X-post – “It is not lost on me that Israel is in a war for its very survival, the equivalent of trying to achieve a Berlin airlift-type operation while the Nazis still control parts of Berlin. That is not an easy task. During the month of August, the system has been working much better and food prices have dropped dramatically in Gaza. I believe the meeting between the World Food Program and Prime Minister Netanyahu will make the system even more efficient in the future. I applaud the efforts of both parties to work in better coordination. As a result of this meeting, I expect better outcomes.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/27/25: X-post – “Everything about the ‘Palestinian’ cause is a lie. Everything.”
  • Haridpolos (R-FL) 8/27/25: Mike Haridopolos warns targeting Israeli firms while funding China is ‘virtue signaling’
  • Cloud (R-TX) 8/27/25: X-post – “Hamas cannot stay in power in Gaza. That’s a non-starter of a conversation. They’re not good for the people of Israel who are trying to live in peace. They do no favors for the people in Gaza. They have shown how evil they are and lost any moral authority to regain power.“
  • Hoeven (R-ND) 8/25/25: X-post – “Joined @JonScottFNC on @FoxNews this weekend to talk about the crisis in Gaza. The culprit is clear: Hamas is a terrorist organization; blocking aid, using civilians as human shields and prolonging the conflict. Israel is doing everything it can to get food and medicine to those in need. This ends when Hamas is defeated.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 8/24/25: X-post – “Happy birthday to @GovMikeHuckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel and a dear friend. You’re in the right place at the right time to help the United States and your beloved Israel. Enjoy your birthday!“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/24/25: X-post – “If Hamas raped and butchered 1,200 French citizens; then starved and kept French hostages underground for nearly 700 days… How enthusiastic would Macron be for a Palestinian state now?“
  • Higgins (R-LA) 8/24/25: X-post – “GAZA is only 25 miles long and 5 miles wide. The weather is perfect and it’s on the Mediterranean Sea where every year, 2 million tons of fish are harvested. 1.8 million people live in GAZA and they’ve received $20 billion… that’s twenty thousand million dollars… in charity over the last decade. The culture is ancient and by their own account the people are brilliant. Yet, despite living in a land of abundance, the people of GAZA are impoverished and starving. I’ll give you three reasons why… Hamas. Hamas. Hamas.”

Revoking Visas for PA & PLO Officials

  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/29/25: X-post – “The Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization pay terrorists to kill civilians, including Americans in Israel. The terrorists who run this pay-for-slay scheme have no business setting foot in the United States.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/29/25: X-post – “This is a historic decision by @POTUS and @SecRubio to revoke and block PA officials and PLO leaders from attending the UNGA, including the “Two-State Solution”conference, due to their anti-Israel actions.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 8/29/25: X-post – “We introduced the No Amnesty For Hamas Sympathizers Act for exactly this reason. We cannot welcome t*rrorists into our country with open arms. We need to keep them out. Thank you <@SecRubio for putting the safety of America first.“

Targeting Other Countries & UN  for Not Lining Up with US/Israel

  • Lankford (R-OK) 8/29/25: X-post – “The UN’s decision to wind down its peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, in southern Lebanon is a good thing for Lebanon, Israel, and the region as a whole. Despite UNIFIL’s presence, Hezbollah flourished. Empowering Lebanon to root out Hezbollah and be the sole security guarantor for the Lebanese people is the right call, and a win for Israeli security.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 8/28/25: X-post – “To those who run Norway’s sovereign wealth fund: if you cannot do business with Caterpillar because Israel uses their products, maybe it’s time you’re made aware that doing business or visiting America is a privilege, not a right. Maybe it’s time to put tariffs on countries who refuse to do business with great American companies. Or maybe we shouldn’t give visas to individuals who run organizations that attempt to punish American companies for geopolitical differences. I would urge you to reconsider your shortsighted decision.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 8/27/25: X-post – “To Norway’s sovereign wealth fund –which is the largest in the world: Your decision to punish Caterpillar, an American company, because Israel uses their product is beyond offensive. Your BS decision will not go unanswered.” Linked to Wall Street Journal X-post – “Norway’s Sovereign-Wealth Fund to Shed Caterpillar Stake Amid Humanitarian Risks”
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 8/25/25: X-post – “Thank you to my good friend, @USAmbFrance Charlie Kushner, for urging France to do more to counter antisemitism & offering to work with President Macron & leaders of French society to counter this resurging threat. Leadership matters!”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/24/25: X-post – “It’s time to shut down UNIFIL.” With link to Wall Street Journal article with that same headline, by the Kohelet Forum’s Eugene Kontorovich
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/23/25: X-post – “If Ireland wants to start treating their people with Palestinian medicines, that’s their right. Oh, wait…” with pic of Irish Times headline, “More than 50 consultants urge State to stop using Israeli medicines where ‘viable alternative’ exist”

Islamophobia In Action

  • Fine (R-FL) 8/27/25: X-post – “Thank you @LauraLoomer for being a one-woman army exposing the threat of Muslim terror inside and outside our government!” Linked to Loomer post celebrating Fine for calling for a Muslim-American employee of the State Department to be fired
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/26/25: X-post – “Fire“. Linked to Loomer post targeting a Muslim-American employee of the State Department
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/24/25: X-post – “Radical Islam is a major threat to the West. We must do everything in our power to eradicate it and save western civilization.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/23/25: X-post – “When Hamas killed innocent women and children on October 7th, the Muslim Brotherhood cheered on and supported radical jihadists. It’s time to call out evil for what it is and designate them a terrorist organization. I’m proud to cosponsor @MarioDB’s and @RepMoskowitz’s bill that will get this done. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” [reminder – X-thread w/ links by @JonathanACBrown 8/16/25: “Everyone should be aware of the newest US government effort to designate “the Muslim Brotherhood” (whatever that means, considering that there are dozens of national organizations of different degrees of relation to the original Egyptian org) a terrorist organization. The reason that Islamophobes/Pro-Israel activists have been pushing this for 20 years is that it would allow US law enforcement to threaten basically every single Muslim activist, intellectual or organization in the West, since almost all of them have some link, especially back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, with one of these many “Muslim brotherhood” organizations. It would be the equivalent of Democrats making “conservative activism” a terrorist organization to go after Republicans. For example, if you were a member of the Muslim Student Association in college, well the MSA was founded back in 1963 by students from Iraq, Lebanon etc. who had been in their countries’ MB branches. As part of this effort, Sec. of State Rubio is also discussing designating the main American organization that advocates for American Muslim rights, CAIR, a terrorist organization.”]

Targeting Academia/Free Speech/Protest of Israel/Protest in General

  • Crane (R-AZ) 8/28/25: X-post – “The Soros Crime Family has unleashed terror on We the People for far too long. Thank you for taking action, President Trump.” Responding to Trump post on Truth Social calling for prosecution of George Soros and his son using RICO for funding protests.
  • Nehls (R-TX) 8/27/25: X-post – “Liberal billionaire George Soros and his son are the architects of violent protests and riots that we’ve seen across the country. They should be held accountable. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Responding to Trump post on Truth Social calling for prosecution of George Soros and his son using RICO for funding protests.
  • Ogles (R-TN) 8/27/25: X-post – “There is no doubt that George Soros has funded violent insurrection and riots in America. Charge him.” Responding to Trump post on Truth Social calling for prosecution of George Soros and his son using RICO for funding protests.
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 8/27/25: X-post – “UM students and workers organizing for divestment from Israel’s genocide and a Free Palestine have been met with violent suppression, surveillance, and slander from UM officials. Today I joined community members to demand an end to UM’s biased, targeted retribution campaign.”
  • Lankford (R-OK) & Rosen (D-NV) 8/25/25: As New School Year Begins, Chairs of Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Call on Universities to Protect Jewish Students
  • Barrett (R-MI) 8/22/25: X-post – “America is under no obligation to allow convicted criminals and terrorists into our country to incite violence and antisemitism. That’s why I joined @RepMoolenaar in sending a letter urging the administration to prevent extremist Hussam Shaheen from traveling to Michigan to speak at the People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit.” [covered in last week’s Round-Up]
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/22/25: X-post – “The ADL reported 719 antisemitic incidents in New Jersey last year alone. That’s why I’m fighting to make the IHRA definition of antisemitism law in Jersey and across the country. We must do more to protect our Jewish community from the record levels of antisemitism.“
  • Bilirakis (R-FL) 8/22/25: X-post – “As Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I’m proud to see my friend @TheLeoTerrell taking a bold stand against antisemitism. He’s made it clear: universities will be held accountable for protecting the rights and safety of Jewish students. There is absolutely no place for antisemitism in our country — not on campus, not anywhere.“

Iran

  • House Foreign Affairs Committee-GOP 8/29/25: X-post – “Positive step by our European allies. A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to the entire world.”
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 8/29/25: X-post – “The snap-back decision is a victory for U.S. diplomacy, and President Trump can keep the pressure on Iran by finally enforcing oil sanctions.“
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 8/29/25: X-post – “I applaud our European allies for triggering snapback sanctions on Iran. Strength is the only language the ayatollahs understand, and this move starves their terror network while tightening the vise on their nuclear ambitions.“
  • Lankford (R-OK) 8/29/25: X-post – “The UN’s decision to wind down its peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, in southern Lebanon is a good thing for Lebanon, Israel, and the region as a whole. Despite UNIFIL’s presence, Hezbollah flourished. Empowering Lebanon to root out Hezbollah and be the sole security guarantor for the Lebanese people is the right call, and a win for Israeli security.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 8/29/25: X-post – “I applaud the decision by the UK, France, and Germany to reinstate sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, and today’s announcement is an important step in that effort.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/29/25: X-post – “Iran’s nuclear program and support for terror threaten Israel, our allies, and the entire world. I’ve long called for our European partners to issue snapback sanctions, and I’m glad to see them follow through. We must all stand together in the fight against Iran’s reign of terror.“
  • Markey (D-MA) 8/28/25: X-post – “Trump’s military attacks on Iran did not stop its nuclear program. Hitting Iran with more sanctions now will only escalate the crisis. Instead of provoking Iran, the EU should work with Iran to resume full international inspections. Only diplomacy—not more war—can solve this.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/28/25: X-post – “Grateful that our European partners have triggered the snapback mechanism reimposing all UN sanctions on the Iranian regime! This is the first time in a decade since full UN sanctions have been imposed on Iran! Iran’s regime is on the ropes and the Iranian people will soon show the region the way forward in their efforts for freedom.“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/28/25: X-post – “If true, this is huge. I have led the charge for two years to get the E3 to invoke snapback sanctions through numerous letters, resolutions, & meetings. Snapback reimposes all UN sanctions on Iran, including their nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This will help keep the U.S. & the entire Western world safe.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 8/28/25: X-thread – “I am pleased our European allies are taking steps to initiate proceedings to ‘snapback’ UN sanctions on Iran. These sanctions—which until 2022 included an arms embargo and missile ban, in addition to nuclear restrictions—should never have been lifted to begin with. The Iranian regime has a proven disinterest in peace. Since the JCPOA was signed, Iran has only bolstered its nuclear program and leveraged its terrorist proxies to wreak havoc throughout the Middle East.I urge the UN Security Council to judge Iran not on empty words, but on these consistent disruptive and destabilizing actions, in clear violation of its JCPOA commitments. Only sustained global pressure can force Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. That is exactly why it’s vital that all UN sanctions be fully reimposed in 30 days time.“
  • Nunn (R-IA) 8/28/25: X-post – “Snapback sanctions are a good first step. In Congress, we’re leading the Maximum Pressure Act—the toughest sanctions ever proposed in Congress—to cut off Tehran’s cash flow, prevent a nuclear Iran, and dismantle its global terrorist network.”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 8/28/25: X-post – “Now that our European allies have invoked the “snapback” sanctions against Iran over its illicit nuclear program, it is imperative that the United States ensure the old UN sanctions regime is enforced among all UN member states. This is critical to ensuring Iran cannot revive its nuclear program and curtailing its ballistic missile development.“
  • Tillis (R-NC) 8/28/25: X-post – “I applaud @POTUS Trump and @SecRubio for working with our European allies to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. The Iranian regime continues to act in bad faith, and we must ensure that it can never build a nuclear weapon.“
  • Self (R-TX) 8/28/25: X-post – “I applaud the E3—Germany, France, and Great Britain—for its “snapback” of the pre-2015 nuclear deal sanctions against Iran.   The United States and its closest allies must remain united against Iran’s global support for terrorism and nuclear blackmail.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 8/28/25: Risch Statement on the European Snapback of UN Sanctions against Iran
  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/28/25: Cotton Applauds Initiation of Snapback Sanctions on Iran
  • Lankford (R-OK) 8/28/25: X-post – “For decades, Tehran has fueled attacks on Americans, Israel, and our allies. The United States must fully support the reinstatement of snapback sanctions to ensure Iran never has the ability to produce a nuclear weapon. These crippling measures will cut off the regime’s ability to finance terror and remind Iran that the world will not tolerate threats against Americans, Israel, or our allies.“

Other stuff

  • Fine (R-FL) 8/27/25: X-post – “Devastated to learn about the attack in Minneapolis. On October 7th, it was Jews they targeted. Today it was a Christian school. Having served during Parkland, my heart breaks for the victims. We have got to speak with one voice against evil.“

5. Selected Media

Politics/Elex

Opposing Israeli Actions/Policies, or At Least Being Concerned About Them

Defending Israel, No Matter What it Does

Targeting Other Countries & UN  for Not Lining Up with US/Israel

Free Speech/Protest

Other