FMEP Legislative Round-Up January 30, 2026

Resource

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

UPDATE: Last week’s Round-Up reported in detail on the introduction of HR 7156, legislation to amend existing law to establish additional grounds for denaturalization, linked to alleged connections to a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), fraud, or the commission of aggravated felonies or acts of espionage. Missed in that Round-Up was the introduction of the Senate version of the bill on 1/15/26 – S. 3674. As a reminder: the new criteria related to fraud, felonies, and espionage all are triggered by people being convicted of (or admitting to) the offenses in question; with respect to the criteria related to FTOs, all that is required is the allegation that the targeted naturalized citizen ““associates with, conspires with, aids, or abets any foreign terrorist organization (as designated under section 219(a)).” The bill omits any mention of who would make this finding and how it would be made, but states that it will be considered “prima facie and sufficient evidence” that a person’s naturalization “was obtained by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation” — suggesting that a naturalized citizen targeted with this new deportation power would, from start to finish (finish being the moment they are stripped of their citizenship and deported) be denied any legal recourse and even the thinnest pretense of due process.

(SAVE THE KURDS!) S. 3740: Introduced 1/29/26 by Graham (R-SC) and Blumenthal (D-CT), “A bill to impose sanctions and other measures with respect to the Government of Syria, and for other purposes” aka the “Save the Kurds Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Also see: Graham press release – Graham, Blumenthal Introduce Save The Kurds Act & Graham X-post – “Today, @SenBlumenthal and I introduced the Save the Kurds Act. I believe that there is strong bipartisan support for the idea of protecting the Kurds in Syria and beyond because they have been such a reliable ally to the United States. The SDF – with a large Kurdish element – took the brunt of the fight to defeat ISIS in President Trump’s first term. I realize Syria is complicated culturally, ethnically and politically. However, attacking the Kurds greatly diminishes the United States’ standing and will hinder Syria’s ability to grow as a country. To those countries or groups who believe it is open season on the Kurds in Syria without consequence, you will be sadly mistaken.”

(NO UNAUTHORIZED US WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 104: Introduced 1/29/26 by Kaine (D-VA) and Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(INTERNET FREEDOM FOR IRAN) S. 3360:  Introduced 12/4/25 in the House by Min (D-CA) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Rosen (D-NV) and McCormick (R-PA), “To require a report on internet freedom in Iran,” aka the “FREEDOM Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.  On 1/29/26, reported out of the Committee on Foreign Relations favorably, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Also see: McCormick X-post – “As a @SenateForeign member, I’m proud to stand with the people of Iran. That’s why I joined @SenJackyRosen to introduce the FREEDOM Act to boost internet freedom in Iran by directing US agencies to assess direct-to-cell tech that can expand access to info and free expression beyond government censorship.”

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

January 28, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing entitled, “U.S. Policy Towards Venezuela“ (video embedded at link).  The sole witness was Secretary of State Rubio (statement). Note that much of the hearing dealt with Iran – for example see: Rubio: Iranian regime is ‘weaker than it has ever been’ but protest crackdown has been effective (Jewish Insider 1/28/26); Cornyn Questions Sec. Rubio on Potential Fall of Iranian Regime, Middle East Posture (Cornyn press release 1/28/26)

February 3, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism will hold a hearing entitled, “Countering Terrorism in North Africa: Opportunities and Challenges.” Witnesses will be: Robert J. Palladino, official in the Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joel Borkert, Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism.

February 3, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled “U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon: Obstacles to Dismantling Hezbollah’s Grip on Power.” The hearing will showcase a wide array of views/perspective with…three witness ALL FROM THE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE FOR NEAR EAST POLICY, aka WINEP [seriously]: David Schenker, Hanin Ghaddar, and Dana Stroul.

February 3, 2026: The Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) will hold a hearing entitled, “Securing Syria’s Transformation by Diminishing Russia’s Influence.” Witnesses will be: Anna Borschevskaya, WINEP [yes, WINEP will have FOUR people testifying on the Hill on 2/3/26],  Michael Doran, The Hudson Institute; and Richard Outzen, The Atlantic Council.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Note: Many, many members of Congress (both chambers, both parties) made statements celebrating Israel’s retrieval of the remains of the final Israeli hostage from Gaza. If you want to see who said what, check members’ websites and social media.

Gaza/West Bank

  • Welch (D-VT) 1/29/26: X-post – “It’s been two years since 5-year-old Hind Rajab and six members of her family were killed by Israeli tank and machine gun fire. Two Red Crescent workers sent to rescue them were also killed. I will continue to fight for justice for her and so many other Palestinians who have died.“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Republican) 1/29/26: X-post – “Hamas terrorists cannot be reasoned with, negotiated with, or trusted. @USAmbUN is right, they don’t belong anywhere near the next government in Gaza.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 1/29/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Violent settlers in the West Bank are burning Palestinian villages & beating residents with impunity. These attacks have been met w/ silence from the Trump Admin & Netanyahu govt. US taxpayers shouldn’t be giving the Netanyahu govt an annual $3 billion blank check for weapons.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/26/26: X-post – “I’m very grateful that the remains of the last hostage, a real hero of Israel, were found so he could be buried in his homeland. As to Hamas, nothing has changed. They are religious Nazis bent on the destruction of the Jewish state and oppressing the Palestinian people. They don’t seek peace. They only seek destruction. One decent thing doesn’t change who they are. Mr. President, you’re right to seek immediate disarmament. This has gone on too long. If Hamas doesn’t disarm, allow Israel to finish the job. There will never be peace with Hamas in power or in play.“

Israel in Congress & in US Elex

  • Bost (R-IL) 1/29/26: X-post – “It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel. I believe it is important to have close and continued communication with our closest ally in the Middle East regarding our shared security interests, lingering instability in Gaza, and continued threats from Iran and its proxies. This trip, which included in-depth briefings from government leaders and military officials, reinforced why the United States must remain firmly committed to this important partnership.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 1/27/26: X-post – “All but one Dem candidate say they’ll refuse support from U.S. citizens who want a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship. The Dem party is increasingly anti-Israel. I hate to see this become partisan. Bipartisan support is best for the only democracy in region.“
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 1/24/26: X-post – “Today’s debate between @JamesTalarico and @JasmineForUS showed just how out of touch the Democrat Party is with Texans. They want to abolish ICE, bankrupt our country with Medicare for All, and cut funding to Israel. Their polices are dangerous and will not prevail in Texas.“

Iran

  • Graham (R-SC) 1/29/26: X-post – “The Iranian religious Nazi murderous regime and a fair nuclear deal do not go in the same sentence. The protestors who have been dying by the thousands are not seeking a fair nuclear deal for the ayatollah. They are seeking to end the ayatollah’s repressive regime so they can have a life with freedom and without fear. Keep protesting. Help is on the way.”
  • Self (R-TX) 1/29/26: X-post – “I applaud the EU for its moral clarity today in designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization—an army with the blood of thousands of Iranians on its hands and a primary supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah.   It is now past time for the United Kingdom to follow suit with a designation as the Iranian people continue their struggle for freedom.”
  • Markey (D-PA) 1/28/26: X-post – “First Venezuela. Then Greenland. Now more reckless saber rattling from Trump. Attacking Iran would be illegal, dangerous, and unwise. No more endless wars.”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 1/27/26: X-post – “We should be arming the protesters in Iran. NOW. For the Iranian people to overthrow the Ayatollah—a tyrant who routinely chants “death to America”—would make America much, much safer.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/27/26: X-post – “Mr. President… I hope so. As long as it’s a good deal. Well done. Keep standing by the protestors in Iran. They can be our friends. The ayatollah will never be our friend.“
  • Carter (R-GA) 1/26/26: X-post – “Good riddance. Patient care has improved in Georgia now that this individual with ties to violent terrorists is no longer entrusted to protect our health and livelihoods.” Linked to New York Post 1/25/26 article: Daughter of top Iranian official ousted from Emory University following massive public outrage, CA Post pressure

Iraq

  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/28/26: X-post – “Grateful to support the spectacular efforts of President Donald Trump and Special Envoy @Mark_Savaya on Iraq and work hand in hand with both to Make Iraq Great Again and Free Iraq from Iran. It is critical that Iraqi leaders do not repeat the mistakes of the past by misreading the position of the United States as ambiguous or negotiable. Under President Donald J Trump the position of the United States is clear and unequivocal. Iranian influence in Iraq will no longer be tolerated. The era in which outside actors imposed prime ministers on Iraq is over. The new prime minister and government must serve only the interests of the Iraqi people. The practice of sacrificing Iraq’s wealth sovereignty and stability to serve external agendas has ended. Any new Iraqi government must place Iraq and its people first by meeting the following requirements. Fully disarm and dismantle all Iranian aligned militia groups within six to twelve months. Tackle corruption and money laundering immediately and systematically across Iraq with no exceptions. Establish a genuinely independent judiciary. The judiciary must not be influenced by any individual political party or faction. It must serve the rule of law exclusively and must never be used as a political weapon. Sever Iranian influence in Iraqi affairs. All Iranian advisers operatives and agents must be removed from Iraq and from all Iraqi institutions. Institutionalize and clearly define the role of the Popular Mobilization Forces under the Iraqi Armed Forces and official security institutions. There must be unified command and control with no parallel or uncontrolled structures. Ensure that all cabinet members are competent professional and loyal to the state not to parties factions or individuals. Commit to building strong durable and strategic economic and security ties with the United States. As stated previously Special Envoy Savaya will play a decisive role in helping Iraq restore its sovereignty stability and national strength. No More Iranian influence in Iraq. Free Iraq from Iran.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/27/26: X-post – “As usual Mr. President, you’re dead right about what’s going on in Iraq. I had a front row seat to the al-Maliki prime ministership — a complete disaster for all concerned. You’re right to weigh in because America First requires us to have reliable partners in countries that matter like Iraq. Iraq has a lot of potential still and it’s up to the Iraqi people to decide their future. However, I believe this would be a giant step backward regarding the Iraq-U.S. relationship. Mr. President, you’re right to let Iraq know America has its own interests that have to be protected. Well done.” Linked to Trump post on TruthSocial 1/27/26: “I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/27/26: X-post – “I told you Trump would fix it! Make Iraq Great Again” Linked to Trump post on TruthSocial 1/27/26: “I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!“

Targeting Academia

  • Stefanik (R-NY) 1/24/26: X-post – ““This kind of skewed, racist brainwashing feeds division and hostility not just on campuses but at corporations, government, the media and other key institutions. It’s the kind of depraved curricula that fueled the pro-terrorist, antisemitic encampments after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and surely underlies some of the anti-ICE riots today.'” Quoting from linked New York Post editorial, Woke colleges are still wasting young American minds

Just Straight-up Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 1/29/26: X-post – “The nationwide strike against ICE is being fueled by CAIR, a terrorist organization pushing radical Islam. America will not bow to Islamic extremism. We will enforce the law, defend our sovereignty, and stand with ICE.“
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 1/25/26: X-post – “Sharia Law and Radical Islam have NO PLACE in America. We CANNOT allow the United States to become the “United Caliphate of America.” We must BAN SHARIA LAW.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 1/25/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with the West.“

Other Stuff

  • Graham (R-SC) 1/29/26: X-post- “The thumbs up tour continues. Great meeting with the Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman.   Wow, these people are clever.“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 1/29/26: X-p0st – “Honored and grateful to meet with Elizabeth Tsurkov after her release. She was held captive by Iran-controlled Kata’ib Hezbollah terrorists for over 900 days. Her courage is an inspiration.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

  • World Israel News 1/30/26: WATCH: Sen. Fetterman discusses rising antisemitism in Congress and expresses support for action against Iran
  • Arutz Sheva 1/29/26: PM Netanyahu meets with AIPAC congressional delegation [“Taking part in the meeting were Rep. Don Davis, Rep. Jake Ellzey, Rep. Mike Bost, Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, Rep. Ryan Zinke, AIPAC Senior Vice President Mark Waldman, and AIPAC Israel director Dr. Cameron Brown.“]
  • Jewish News Syndicate 1/29/26: Netanyahu meets with bipartisan delegation of Congress members [“The prime minister ‘thanked the delegation members for their consistent support for the State of Israel, and said that Israel is the model of a true ally.‘”]
  • Office of the Israeli Prime Minister 1/29/26: PM Netanyahu meets with US Congress members delegation organized by AIPAC
  • Moment Magazine 1/29/26: Is Elissa Slotkin Leading the Angry Middle? [“…Anger over U.S. foreign policy positions regarding Gaza following the thousands of deaths and casualties there led some 13 percent of Arab American voters in Michigan to show their discontent in the 2024 presidential primary; instead of voting for a candidate, they marked their ballots “uncommitted.” This should have been a warning sign to the Biden and later the Harris campaigns, says Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and former director of the Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services for Wayne County who is running as a Democrat for the other U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. In the final tally, Arab Americans in the state steered toward Trump or the Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Or they just stayed home. In the end, Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to win in the city of Dearborn since 2000. The dynamic presented a unique challenge for Slotkin. ‘A lot of folks ask: How did Slotkin win when the presidential ticket lost? She had the courage of showing up and having hard conversations,’ says El-Sayed, referring to the outreach she did to the Arab-American community. ‘I respect the way she goes about behaving when her constituents are going to disagree.’ Slotkin has been vocal in her support for Israel since October 7, but as the months passed and casualty numbers in Gaza climbed, she joined other moderates in beginning to criticize Israel’s actions. Last summer, 27 Democrats voted to limit sales of offensive arms to Israel. Slotkin was out of town taping an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but afterward, she said she would have voted for the measure. Slotkin linked her shifting opinions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza… On October 21, Slotkin joined 45 other Democrats in calling on Trump to oppose Israeli annexation of the West Bank.“]
  • Washington Times 1/28/26: House Democrats in New York suffer ‘Mamdani effect’ with new wave of far-left primary challengers
  • Jewish News Syndicate 1/27/26: US Jewish groups spent a lot more on lobbying in 2025 than in prior years 

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

  • Times of Israel 1/30/26: Tahesha Way is the leader we need in Congress [“Lt. Gov. Way has stood with us in her unequivocal support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism – the consensus position among New Jersey’s Jewish community, despite efforts by some in our state to undermine it.“]
  • Mondoweiss 1/29/26: The Shift: AIPAC targets former ally in New Jersey
  • Punchbowl News 1/28/26: AIPAC makes first big 2026 move [“AIPAC is making its first major midterm play with its super PAC dropping $1.5 million and counting to defeat former Rep. Tom Malinowski’s (D-N.J.) comeback bid in a special election next week. The move has sent shockwaves through New Jersey political circles ahead of the Feb. 5 primary, mostly because AIPAC backed Malinowski in past campaigns. Now it’s running attack ads against him. United Democracy Project, the AIPAC-affiliated super PAC, said it turned on Malinowski because ‘he talks about conditioning aid’ to Israel. ‘That’s not a pro-Israel position, and he knows it. There are other candidates in the race who are far more pro-Israel than Tom Malinowski,’ said Patrick Dorton, a spokesman for the group. This is a significant highlighting of a 2026 red line for AIPAC, as well as a warning to others who might take a similar stance on aid to Israel. Malinowski’s position has become much more widespread among Democrats as the death toll in Gaza rises. ‘It’s a mainstream position in the pro-Israel Jewish community,’ Malinowski said of conditions on aid. ‘But AIPAC is sending a message to the party here that it’s not enough to be pro-Israel. You have to toe the line 100%.’“]
  • Daily Record 1/28/26: What Democrats must know about NJ-11’s negative ad blitz [“A group named the United Democracy Project, or UDP, has played an important role in the negative ad blitz, spending at least $1,450,000 so far. UDP was formed in 2022 by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, to further the group’s desired outcomes in Congressional elections, particularly in Democratic primaries. It masks AIPAC’s agenda, which is to push for a foreign policy of unlimited support for the current far-right government of Israel. Its largest donors, including Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus and hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer (big Trump supporters, like almost all the others), routinely dump millions into the UDP to meddle in Democratic Party politics, even as the same group backs Republicans in Congress who still deny that Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.“]
  • New Jersey Spotlight News 1/28/26: Race for Sherrill’s congressional seat fuels $7.1 million in spending [“…he’s targeted by United Democracy Project, the super PAC of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. The group spent $1.45 million on broadcast and internet ads, direct mail and robocalls, accusing him of voting for a bill to give $200 million more to ‘Trump’s deportation force.’…It’s unclear whether United Democracy Project has a preferred candidate, but a group spokesman told The New York Times that it opposes Malinowski because he would seek to put conditions on aid to Israel.”]
  • New Jersey Globe 1/27/26: AIPAC now going after Malinowski on stock trades – Malinowski says ‘slimy’ ad is being funded by ‘Trump-supporting billionaires’
  • New Jersey Globe 1/27/26: Promising to ‘choose courage,’ Mussab Ali launches primary challenge against Rob Menendez [“‘Democrats need to step up and become the party where we abandon corporate PACs, we won’t take money from groups like AIPAC, and we need to be accountable to everyday people,’ Ali said. ‘If the same people who are funding Democrats are funding Republicans, how do we ever expect progress?’”]
  • New Jersey Globe 1/26/26: Malinowski leads fundraising pack in expensive NJ-11 race [“The race’s biggest spender, and its most controversial one, is United Democracy Project, the campaign spending arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. UDP, which has committed its enormously well-funded operation to defeating Malinowski for reasons that are still somewhat unclear, has spent $1,450,002 so far on an ad blitz targeting the former congressman.”]
  • Jewish Insider 1/26/26: Tahesha Way campaigns as close ally of Jewish community in pivotal N.J. special election
  • Insider NJ 1/26/26: Ad Has Malinowski ‘F…… Furious” [“Referring to an attack ad funded by AIPAC (the American Israel Political Action Committee) falsely accusing him of supporting ICE, Tom Malinowski said last week that all candidates in the special CD-11 Democratic primary should condemn it…Malinowski said the ad was “incredibly disturbing,” because it was a lie and also because it was attacking him. He said his support for Israel is a mainstream position in the Democratic Party. He again called for his fellow candidates to condemn it.”]
  • New York Times 1/25/26: Pro-Israel Group Targets a Former Ally in an Early Congressional Race [“A super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee is running ads against Tom Malinowski, who is hoping to replace Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey in the House.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nebraska

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

  • Jewish Insider 1/28/26: Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, a Republican, hopes shift to right will push him to victory against Moskowitz [“‘What concerns me is in the Democratic Party — and I think it’s concerning a lot of voters, including historic Democratic voters and mainstream voters — is the outrageous and moral failings of Democratic leadership to to confront or contradict claims of genocide when Israel was brutally attacked by terrible terrorists who created committed horrific crimes against women and children — murdering, raping, strangling, kidnapping and torturing,’ Singer continued, referencing the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. Asked how he’d describe Moskowitz’s own record on these issues — the two-term Democratic lawmaker has been vocally supportive of Israel and has broken with many in his party on the issue — Singer offered little direct criticism for Moskowitz, instead arguing that he has limited power against what Singer described as a dominant anti-Israel current in the Democratic Party.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Virginia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Colorado

Saudi Arabia, Iran

Other stuff