FMEP Legislative Round-Up: October 5, 2023

Resource

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(NO WAIVER OF IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 3028 (pdf): Introduced 10/4/23 by Ernst (R-IA) and 14 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to continue in effect certain Executive orders imposing sanctions with respect to Iran, to prevent the waiver of certain sanctions imposed by the United States with respect to Iran until the Government of Iran ceases to attempt to assassinate United States officials, other United States citizens, and Iranian nationals residing in the United States, and for other purposes,” aka the ‘‘Preventing Underhanded and Nefarious Iranian Supported Homicides Act of 2023,’’ aks the ‘‘PUNISH Act of 2023’’. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. This legislation would, in effect, wipe out all presidential waiver authority for all Iran sanctions, and impose an across-the-board ban on waiving/removing any sanctions until “30 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress the certification described in section 401(a) of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8551(a)).” Under that section of law, the President must certify to Congress that: “(1) the Government of Iran has ceased providing support for acts of international terrorism and no longer satisfies the requirements for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism…” and “(2) Iran has ceased the pursuit, acquisition, and development of, and verifiably dismantled its, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch technology.”

Also see:

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5826 (pdf): Introduced 9/28/23 by Wilson (R-SC) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act of 2023.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. This bill is a kitchen-sink approach, combining a wish-list of Iran-related policies:

  • It would require a report/certification every 6 months for the next 6 years on funds the Biden Administration returned to Iran as part of the recent prisoner exchange;
  • It would require an annual review and report – for the next 6 years – on Iranian hostage-taking of Americans during the prior 10 years and foreign persons with responsibility for these actions, and a report on sanctions imposed for these actions;
  • It would bar the U.S. from granting visas to permit entry to the US of Iranian officials or their family members, including with respect to coming to the UN (in violation of the UN Headquarters agreement), and require an annual report for the next 6 years on compliance with this requirement;
  • It would require a detailed annual report, for the next 6 years, on Iranian assets blocked by the U.S.;
  • It would require a detailed annual report, for the next 6 years, on efforts to “freeze and seize” additional Iranian assets;
  • It would require an annual report, for the next 6 years, on whether travel by American citizens to Iran “presents an imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of United States travelers” and whether “the Secretary of State is excercising his authority to declare United States passports invalid for travel to, in, or through Iran“;
  • It would require the submission of a detailed strategy to “deter and prevent wrongful detention and hostage-taking by United State adversaries, identifying clear United States Government policies barring the payment of ransom, an detailing plans to coorarnate with United States allies and partiers on such strategy.”

Also see:

(ANNIVERSARY OF KHASHOGGI MURDER) H. Res. 753 and S. J. Res. 46: Introduced 9/30/23 by Connolly (D-VA) and 31 cosponsors (all Democrats), and in the Senate by Kaine (D-VA) and 16 cosponsors (all Democrats plus Sanders, I-VT), “Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and calling for accountability.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release: Connolly, Kaine, Warner Introduce Resolution to Commemorate 5th Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

(KHASHOGGI LEGACY IN LAW) HR 5855: Intoduced 9/29/23 by Schiff (D-CA) and 3 cosponsors (all Democrats), “To enshrine the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi by protecting activists and journalists, codifying the Khashoggi Ban, and introducing the Khashoggi Amendment to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

 

Letters

(REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAUDI DEAL) Murphy et al letter to Biden: On 10/4/23 Sen. Murphy (D-CT) led a letter, cosigned by 19 fellow Senate Democrats, to President Biden, “regarding reports of U.S.-backed efforts to facilitate the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.” In the letter the senators share the “views on the parameters of any potential proposal that aligns with U.S. security goals and advances your stated goals for long term peace, stability and justice in the region.” Specifically:

  • “A high degree of proof would be required to show that a binding defense treaty with Saudi Arabia – an authoritarian regime which regularly undermines U.S. interests in the region, has a deeply concerning human rights record, and has pursued an aggressive and reckless foreign policy agenda – aligns with U.S. interests, especially if such a commitment requires the U.S. to deploy substantial new permanent resources to the region.”
  • “While we should seriously consider whether it is in U.S. interests to help Saudi Arabia develop a domestic nuclear program, we should always maintain the high bar of the ‘gold standard’ 123 Agreement and insist on adherence to the Additional Protocol. And as the devastating war in Yemen has shown, the provision of more advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia should be done with careful deliberation to ensure that such equipment only be used for truly defensive purposes and does not contribute to a regional arms race.“
  • “To the extent the United States is considering the precedent-breaking upgrade to our security relationship with Saudi Arabia outlined above as part of a comprehensive security and recognition areement between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, the agreement should include meaningful, clearly defined and enforceable provisions to achieve your stated objective of preserving the option of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to ensure that there be ‘equal measures of dignity and security’ for both Israelis and Palestinians. This should include, among other measures, a commitment by Israel not to annex any or all of the West Bank; to halt settlement construction and expansion; to dismantle illegal outposts (including those that have been retroactively “legalized”); and to allow the natural growth of Palestinian towns, cities and population centers and the ability to travel without interference between and among contiguous Palestinian areas.”

Also see:

(“PROTECT” JEWISH STUDENTS FROM…CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) Scott letter to Univ of South Florida: On 10/4/23 Sen. Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to the president of the University of South Florida to “reiterate USF Hillel’s concerns with the “First Annual Tampa Bay BDS Conference” taking place on USF’s campus this month.” Scott writes: “I understand this event is organized by Students for Socialism (SFS) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), and respect these students’ rights to free speech. However, I was proud to lead an effort as governor to implement Florida’s anti-BDS law, which prohibits public entities from entering into contracts with companies that boycott Israel to show the world that Florida does not support those who boycott Israel.” Scott goes on to note (in language that can be read both as helpful and threatening), “You may be aware that there are federal resources for educational institutions such as the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which offers technical assistance regarding Title VI’s prohibition of antisemitic discrimination. OCR may also be able to assist with the filing of discrimination complaints. Additionally, the Department of Education offers funding and resources through its technical assistance centers. And as always, my team stands ready to assist with accessing any of the resources above. I am confident that, with your leadership and commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment, the USF can navigate these challenges effectively.”

Also see:

(SUSPEND DOD OFFICIAL’S CLEARANCE FOR [alleged] IRAN TIES) Wicker et al letter  to SecDef Austin: On 9/29/23 Sen. Wicker (R-MS) led a letter to SecDef Austin, cosigned by 30 colleagues (all Republicans), regarding allegations of links to Iran made in the press against DOD official Ariane Tabatabai. The letter express concern that an individual who “allegedly served as part of an Iranian Foreign Ministry information operation is currently serving in a senior Department of Defense position” and urges Austin to “take immediate action to ensure that the Department has not been compromised.” The letter goes on: “The fact that the Department initially responded to these latest allegations by rushing a full-throated defense of Ms. Tabatabai, rather than taking the time to ensure that our national security has not been compromised, suggests that you are protecting hiring missteps rather than prioritizing national security.” The letter urges DOD to “suspend Ms. Tabatabai’s security clearance immediately pending further review, as the State Department did with her former supervisor, Robert Malley,” in addition to asking for answers to a list of questions about Tabatabai’s security clearance process, due by October 6.

Also see:

(FULL TRANSPARENCY RE: INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED IRAN-LINKED DOD EMPLOYEE) Stefanik et al letter to SecDef Austin: On 9/29/23 Rep. Stefanik (R-NY) led a letter to SecDef Austin, cosigned by 9 fellow House Republicans, expressing concerns “over reports that a current Department of Defense (DOD) employee played an integral role in propagating Tehran’s narrative throughout the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiations…” The letter goes on to argue that “It is shocking and unacceptable that the DOD is employing someone who worked so closely with the Iranian regime…“, citing recent allegations made against Arianna Tabatabai.  The letter adds, “The allegations that a current Department of Defense employee has worked with Tehran to advance their narratives highlights the clear failure within DOD to property vet employees. Following this concerning reporting, we are requesting that the DOD immediately suspend the security clearance of Ms. Tabatabai.” It closes: “We are demanding the DOD’s full cooperation with Congress on this investigation [of Tabatabai’s hiring and her work] to ensure transparency and accountability into these matters are taken seriously. We are also requesting that you provide a briefing on the hiring and employment history of Ms. Tabatabai along with the status of your investigation by October 13, 2023.”

Also see:

2. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle

  • Progressive Democrats in Congress Have Had Our Backs. Now We Need to Have Theirs. [“Leaders like Summer Lee, Jamaal Bowman, and Ilhan Omar have been on the front lines of the fight for workers’ rights, racial justice, a just foreign policy, action on climate change, reproductive freedom, housing justice, student debt cancellation, and so much more. Their voices in Congress are invaluable as megaphones for our people-powered movement. That’s why AIPAC is directly targeting them—because they’re fighting for everything the GOP opposes.”] (The Nation 10/4/23)
  •  With Feinstein’s death, pro-Israel Senate makeup may be in jeopardy, experts say (Jewish News Syndicate 10/4/23)
  •  Bowman faces renewed vulnerability back home after pulling fire alarm [“…the incident has brought renewed attention to George Latimer, the popular Westchester County executive, who has previously met with AIPAC about launching a campaign. Latimer, a veteran Democratic legislator, has long delayed publicly revealing his plans for the race, even as AIPAC officials remain convinced that he is the best candidate to oppose Bowman, according to a local Jewish activist familiar with the pro-Israel group’s thinking. ‘They think he’s very beatable, even more so in the last few days,’ the activist, who requested anonymity to discuss private deliberations, told Jewish Insider on Monday, adding that AIPAC believes ‘everyone should be encouraging’ Latimer to enter the race. Pro-Israel advocates are now increasing pressure on Latimer to make a decision soon as Bowman continues to face scrutiny for activating a fire alarm in a House office building just before lawmakers approved a stopgap government funding bill.“] (Jewish Insider 10/3/23)
  •  Bowman’s fire alarm fallout resonates back home and in Washington [“…Those close to Bowman said he was embarrassed by the confusion and was cooperating with investigators. And that Republicans frothing at the mouth should release the security video, not just a still. But Latimer’s name quickly started making the rounds. This is politics, after all, and the Democratic Westchester County executive and proven vote-getter has notably not ruled out that he’s running against Bowman in 2024, as AIPAC looks for a challenger more aligned with the group’s position on Israel. ‘I’m interested if AIPAC says anything,’ one House staffer who requested anonymity to discuss the situation said, ‘and it’s not like (Bowman) was the most popular figure previously.’”] (Politico 10/2/23)

3. Hearings & Markups

Nothing.

4. Media & Reports

Menendez/Egypt Aid

Khashoggi Murder/Saudi Arabia

Iran

Other

5. Members on the Record

Israel [House Chaos – CR & Leadership Battle]

Amir Ohana (speaker of the Knesset) 10/3/23: X-post – “Kevin McCarthy is a true friend of Israel, in every role he has served. As Speaker of the House, he did more than any other to strengthen the bond between our legislatures, and chose the Knesset to be the first parliament he visited outside of America. As Speaker of the Knesset, I am grateful for everything he has done to promote US-Israel relations and Knesset-Congress ties  I’m sure there is more to come. Thank you Kevin.“@SpeakerMcCarthy

Stefanik (R-NY) 10/3/23: as part of floor statement in support of McCarthy (R-CA), “Under Kevin’s leadership, he has brought hundreds and hundreds of bipartisan Members of Congress to Israel, our greatest ally.”

DeLauro (D-CT) 9/30/23: in context of the battle over keeping the government open, “Yesterday, Republicans voted to defund our support for our allies in the Middle East, including a billion-dollar cut to Israel, with a further cut to Jordan. That did not work, so today, the target is Ukraine, despite the fact that it is the majority’s will, demonstrated several times this week, to provide support for Ukraine’s self-defense.”

Schneider (D-IL) 9/29/23: X-post – “In an attempt to pass Speaker McCarthy’s extreme bill to fund the government, 90% of House Republicans voted to cut Israel’s security funding. The other 10% voted that the cut was not big enough. Israel’s security is America’s security. This vote was disgraceful.”

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/29/23: X-post – “Not only will the far-right’s legislation to stop a shutdown hurt our children, military, seniors, and veterans, but it will cut security assistance to Israel — our key ally in the Middle East. Our relationship is critical to protecting our national security and fighting terror.”

Jackson Lee (D-TX) 9/29/23: floor statement – “Of course, they are not recognizing the needs of energy support for those low-income families and not helping those communities that are suffering every day from natural disasters. We know the West has suffered from fires. We in the southwest have suffered from floods. Of course, they are disrespecting the needs of Israel and Ukraine.”

DeLauro (D-CT) 9/29/23: floor statement – “This bill would slash investments in cancer research, leave communities recovering from natural disasters out to dry, and undercut allies with a $1 billion cut to Israel and further cuts to our support of Ukraine. It defunds law enforcement by 30 percent and makes our communities less safe. It takes food out of the mouths of millions.” And later: “Mr. Speaker, I find it unbelievable that the gentlewoman from New York would support a bill that cuts $1 billion from our ally in the Middle East–that is, from Israel.” And “Let’s take a look at our allies. We speak about Israel and Ukraine. Israel will receive a $1 billion cut in the funds that the U.S. provides. We talk about Israel as being our closest ally in the Middle East.”

Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 9/29/23: floor statement – “the gutting cuts in this bill do not continue current funding like we have historically done in continuing resolutions. Instead, this so-called CR slashes cancer and Alzheimer’s research, defunds the police, and undercuts allies like Israel and Ukraine.”

Israel [general]

Sinema (D-AZ) 10/4/23: press release – Following Sinema’s Calls, Departments of State & Homeland Security Announce Inclusion of Israel in Visa Waiver Program

Pannetta (D-CA) 10/4/23: X-post – “Wonderful to welcome Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog to discuss the ironclad alliance and partnership between our two countries as we work toward greater democracy in Israel and stability, peace, and prosperity throughout the Middle East.“

Tenney (R-NY) 10/2/23: X-post (with video clip) – “At a time when Israel faces some of its greatest threats, such as Iran and Palestinian terrorism, we must stand resolute with our greatest ally in the Middle East. My amendment, which passed the House, prevents funds from being used to relocate our embassy out of Jerusalem!” [covered in last week’s Round-Up]

Egypt

Doggett (D-TX) 10/5/23: X-post – “Egypt’s authoritarian leader ‘presides over a rotating system of rights violations.’ The US should not reward a regime that routinely ignores the rule of law, jails journalists & political opponents, and violates human rights. It’s long past time to pause military aid to Egypt.” Linked to article, The Senate begins to stand up to Egypt’s dictator (Washington Post editorial board 10/3/23)

Omar (D-MN) 10/4/23: X-post – press release – Rep. Omar Statement on Egyptian Elections [“Dozens of opposition leaders detained. Buying off votes. Bribing so-called supporters. This is not how a democracy works. This is only the latest in a long line of rampant anti-democratic measures and human rights abuses under 2013 Egyptian coup leader and current dictator Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.“]

“I am grateful to Senator Cardin for taking a first step and placing $320 million in aid on hold. There must be full accountability and consequences from the U.S.—and a halt to military aid—particularly ahead of another expected sham election.”

Cardin (D-MD) 10/4/23: X-post – “As Chairman of @SFRCdems, I believe it is imperative that we continue to hold the government of Egypt, and all governments, accountable for their human rights violations.”

Lee (D-CA) 10/4/23: X-post – “It is overdue for Congress to put a spotlight on human rights abuses in Egypt and question our military assistance. US partnerships must be based both on shared interests and shared values. I thank @SenatorCardin for his focus on human rights.”

Cardin (D-MD) 10/3/23: Chairman Cardin Statement on Foreign Military Financing to Egypt [“The United States and Egypt share strategic interests that are long-standing, starting with Egypt’s region-changing decision to be the first Arab nation to make peace with the State of Israel, to its critical efforts today to de-escalate tensions in the region in pursuit of a comprehensive peace. Egypt’s stability is in the U.S. national interest, and that interest is best served when the Egyptian government is taking sustainable, concrete, and meaningful steps to improve respect for the human rights of its citizens. Congress has been clear, through the law, that the government of Egypt’s record on a range of critical human rights issues, good governance, and the rule of law must improve if our bilateral relationship is to be sustained. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I believe it is imperative that we continue to hold the government of Egypt, and all governments, accountable for their human rights violations. I intend to exercise fully the Committee’s oversight responsibilities and my authorities to hold foreign military funds and the sale of arms to the government of Egypt, if it does not take concrete, meaningful, and sustainable steps to improve the human rights conditions in the country. Specifically, we must see progress on efforts to: reform and improve significantly its pre-trial detention practices, accelerate the pardon and release of political prisoners, which include thousands imprisoned for their speech and association, and provide space for human rights defenders, civil society advocates, political opposition, and independent media in Egypt. I have spoken with Secretary Blinken, and I look forward to working with the Biden administration on our shared goal of protecting and expanding human rights in Egypt. My hold on current funds will remain until specific human rights progress is made.”] Also see Cardin/SFRC X-post

Meeks (D-NY) 9/29/23: press release – Meeks Calls for Pause on U.S. Military Financing to Egypt (also see X-post)

Beyer (D-VA) 9/29/23: X-post – “Thank you @RepGregoryMeeks for making the right call here. I continue to urge the Biden Administration to revisit its decision and withhold the full amount of military assistance, given Egypt’s awful human rights abuses and recent revelations of covert activities on U.S. soil.” Linked to Meeks X-post

Jacobs (D-CA) 9/29/23: X-post – “Very glad to see this important step forward so we can conduct a full evaluation of the U.S.-Egypt relationship to ensure that we’re living up to our values.” Linked to Meeks X-post

Saudi Arabia

Connolly (D-VA) 10/3/23: X-post- “Five years ago, my constituent Jamal Khashoggi was murdered at the hands of the Saudi regime. We must honor him by ensuring that his death marks a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the protection of Saudi dissidents around the world.” Linked to Connolly’s 10/2/23 op-ed in The Hill

Gallego (D-AZ) 10/2/23: X-post – “Saudi Arabia should never have been able to steal AZ’s water. I applaud Gov. Hobbs for terminating Fondomente’s lease, but we need to pass my Domestic Water Protection Act to ensure this never happens in our state again. That’s how we can forever keep AZ’s water for Arizonans.“

Kaine (D-NV) 10/2/23: X-post – “Five years ago today, journalist and Virginia resident Jamal Khashoggi was murdered at the hands of the Saudi government for exposing their human rights abuses. No matter how much time passes, I’ll keep fighting for justice for him and his loved ones.“

Cardin (D-MD) 10/2/23: X-post – “Today marks five years since Jamal Khashoggi’s horrific murder in a Saudi consulate. A brilliant journalist and advocate, we honor and remember Jamal best by seeking justice for him and his family, and demanding accountability for #HumanRights violators anywhere and everywhere.”

Schiff (D-CA) 10/2/23: X-post – “It has been 5 years since the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi with no accountability for Saudi Arabia or the Crown Prince. I’m introducing legislation to commemorate his legacy and protect journalists from being silenced for doing their job.”

Titus (D-NV) 10/2/23: X-post – “Five years ago today, the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered by the Saudi regime. As the struggle to protect and expand press freedom around the world continues, his life and legacy cannot be forgotten.”

Shaheen (D-NH) 10/2/23: X-post – “Five years ago, journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered by Saudi officials after his reporting shed light on human rights abuses committed by Saudi Arabia. We must hold Riyadh accountable for this brutal murder and all targeting of journalists.”

Gallego (D-AZ) 10/23: X-post – “Saudi Arabia should never have been able to steal AZ’s water. I applaud Gov. Hobbs for terminating Fondomente’s lease, but we need to pass my Domestic Water Protection Act to ensure this never happens in our state again. That’s how we can forever keep AZ’s water for Arizonans.”

Garcia (D-CA) 10/1/23: X-post – “I will continue to be focused on the family corruption of the Kushners. We won’t stop until we get answers about the $2 Billion Jared received from the Saudis. We are just getting started.”

Cramer (R-ND) 10/1/23: X-post – “Israel & Saudi Arabia may be close to normalizing relations – a move which would’ve been unthinkable before the Abraham Accords. Israel is one of the strongest democracies & our strongest friends in the Middle East. Republicans & Democrats should be united in standing with them.”

Bahrain

Ernst (R-IA) 10/3/23: X-post – “.@POTUS refuses to designate the Houthis as terrorists – giving them free rein to attack our #AbrhamAccords partner Bahrain. Biden’s ongoing appeasement of Iran & its proxies has enabled these senseless deaths & continues to jeopardize America’s security.”

Iran

McCaul (R-TX) 10/4/23: X-post – “CHM @RepMcCaul ‘I applaud the USG’s reported decision to send seized Iranian weapons & ammo to help Ukraine. It is good to see these weapons finally used for an honorable cause, as Vladimir Putin has long benefitted from the Iranian regime’s weapons.’“

Ernst (R-IA) 10/4/23: X-post – “I joined @ChadFWolf  and @Jhogangidley to discuss the #AbrahamAccords and my work to build upon this historic partnership to counter the ongoing threat of Iran.   Listen to my conversation with @A1Policy podcast.americafirstpolicy.com“

Rogers (R-AL) 10/4/23: X-post – “The Department of Defense just blew past the October 3rd deadline. We need answers on Ariane Tabatabai’s employment, her security clearance, and her relationship with the Iranian regime. The Iranian regime’s unfettered access to the Biden administration is unacceptable.” [referring to the deadline in his 10/26/23 letter, covering in last week’s Round-Up)

Tenney (R-NY) 10/4/23: X-post – “In two weeks, critical UN sanctions on Iran are set to expire. These sanctions restrict Iran’s ballistic missiles, drones, and its nuclear program. @RishiSunak @EmmanuelMacron and @Bundeskanzler must reverse course and use UNSCR 2231 to initiate snapback sanctions on Iran before it’s too late!“

Bacon (R-NE) 10/4/23: X-post – “Our government should not have paid $6B to Iran… it was ransom money. We exchanged prisoners, and then added the $6B. This money is used to fund the IRGC and terrorist. Paying ransom incentivizes more hostage taking.”

Bacon (R-NE) 10/4/23: X-post – “Iran’s regime is an enemy to its own people, committing human rights violations against those who dissent or don’t reflect its desired religious practices. The largest exporter of terror is also a threat to its neighbors and Israel.” Linked to X-post from UN Watch, “16-year-old Armita Geravand is now in a coma after being beaten by the morality police of the Islamic regime (which the New York Times said was disbanded). On November 2nd, the Islamic regime will be Chair of the U.N. Human Rights Council Social Forum. Why, @antonioguterres?“

Hinson (R-IA) 10/4/23: X-post – “Disturbed by reports that a senior employee at Biden’s Pentagon was implicated in an influence scheme with the Iranian government. @SenJoniErnst is getting answers for Iowans and demanding accountability!“

Ernst (R-IA) 10/4/23: X-post – “President Biden has allowed Iran loyalists to influence U.S. policy. His admin does not take the threat of Iran seriously. I’m demanding accountability and oversight.“

Ernst (R-IA) 10/3/23: X-post – “Biden’s White House was infiltrated by an Iranian influence operation – multiple times. The Biden administration fails to take the threat of Iran seriously. The American people deserve to know the truth behind these relationships.“ Linked to article, Member of Iranian Influence Network Visited Biden White House Five Times (Free Beacon 10/3/23)

Stefanik (R-NY) 10/2/23: X-post – “Make no mistake, Iran is advancing their long-range ballistic technology. To ensure our homeland is defended from this growing threat, we need to enhance our missile defense architecture. It is long past time to start constructing a missile defense site at Fort Drum, the DOD’s designated preferred East Coast site.” Linked to article, Iran says it launched Noor 3 satellite into orbit (Reuters9/27/23)

Hagerty (R-TN) 10/2/23: X-post – “The existence of the Zarif-masterminded Iran Expert Initiative raises new questions about the controversial backchannel engagements of former SECSTATE John Kerry, @RobMalley & their IEI associates during the Trump years like this.” Linked to article, John Kerry held backchannel talks with Iran, Javad Zarif (Washington Times 2/21/21)

Blackburn (R-TN) 10/2/23: press release – Blackburn To DoD: Senior Official’s Iranian Ties Are Dangerous [letter covered in last week’s Round-Up] also see X-post

Ernst (R-IA) 10/2/23: X-post – “The Biden admin claims it does “not have any reason to believe an Iranian influence operation infiltrated the U.S. government.” The facts say otherwise. This admin must stop covering up for Iran.“

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/30/23: X-post (with video clip) – “No individual affiliated with the Iranian regime should have access to sensitive information or influence over U.S. foreign policy.” Also see: floor statement in the Congressional Record