FMEP Legislative Round-Up January 10, 2025

Resource

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

Of note:

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting the ICC

(PUNISHING/DESTROYING THE ICC FOR DARING TO TRY TO HOLD ISRAEL ACCOUNTABLE TO INT’L LAW) HR 23: Introduced 1/3/25 by Roy (R-TX) and having 29 cosponsors (all Republicans), the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.” While technically this bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary Committee, and Appropriations, on 1/3/25 the House passed H. Res. 5, the Republican leadership resolution “Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, and for other purposes“. That resolution included a list of bills to be immediately brought directly to the floor for votes, with time for consideration limited to 1 hour and no amendments permitted. HR 23 was #8 on that list. Subsequently, on 1/9/24, House leaders brought HR 23 to the floor, where there was an hour for debate — which consisted of Republican grandstanding in support of Israel and against the ICC and critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza (including Republicans bashing Democrats) on one side; and on the other side Rep. McGovern (D-MA) valiantly defending the ICC and international law/accountability; objecting to Israel’s actions in Gaza, and objecting to the partisan intent/process behind HR 23, along with a statement late in the debate from Green (R-TX). The bill was subsequently passed by a roll call vote of 243-140, with 1 voting “present” and 50 not voting.

Also see:

  • Excerpt from McGovern (D-MA) on the House floor: “I want to be very clear here, Mr. Speaker. Prime Minister Netanyahu has an absolute right to defend his people, but there is no international right to vengeance, and what we are seeing in Gaza is vengeance. I mean, where is our humanity? Have we just given up on the idea of human rights? At least 45,000 people have been killed in the war in Gaza, and I fear that number is much higher. Mr. Speaker, 85 percent of the people there have been forcibly displaced, often repeatedly. Last September, a group of physicians estimated 62,000 had died of starvation. Hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, and libraries have all been destroyed.  Food is not getting in. Water is not getting in. Medicine is not getting in. People are dying. Children are dying. Babies are dying, some of them from the bombs, some from starvation, some from the cold. The war has not shrunk. It expanded to Lebanon, where I hope the recent truce continues to hold.  Mr. Speaker, I have sharply critiqued my own government for our conduct when we have been at war because right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter what side you are on.  What is going on in Gaza right now is wrong, and I especially call it out because if we stand for freedom and human rights, then we need to stand for freedom and human rights all the time, not just when it is convenient. That is why the nations of the world set up the International Criminal Court in the first place. This is an institution designed to make sure the horrors that we saw all too often in the 20th century do not repeat themselves in the 21st century. We have international humanitarian law to prevent this kind and this scale of destruction. Just because someone doesn’t like the law doesn’t mean they get to break the law. As a court of last resort, the ICC can only become involved when and where a country has demonstrated unwillingness or inability to hold its people to account for crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction…“
  • Massie (R-KY) on the Record on X: “The U.S. House did only one thing today. We passed a bill to protect Israeli PM Netanyahu from the International Criminal Court. I voted present. The ICC has no authority over the United States, but we should not get involved in disputes between other countries. Focus on [US flag gif]!”
  • Other Members on the Record: In addition to floor statements, many, many, many members issued press release, posted statements on social media, or claimed time on the House floor to grandstand in support of HR 23 and against the evils of the ICC (including members who voted “no,” like Hoyer, D-MD). Check members’ websites/social media for yourself. Special mention– Tlaib (D-MI) 1/9/25 X-post: “What’s their top priority the first week of the new Congress? Lowering costs? Addressing the housing crisis? No, it’s sanctioning the International Criminal Court to protect genocidal maniac Netanyahu so he can continue the genocide in Gaza.”
  • Next up – the Senate: Thune (R-SD) 1/8/25: Thune Previews Senate Agenda, Key Priorities [“Mr. President, we’re also going to be taking a vote to support our ally Israel – something my friends across the aisle seem to struggle with from time to time.  After the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister and former defense minister in November, I called on the Democrat leader to bring up an ICC sanctions bill that had already passed the House – again with bipartisan support.  The ICC’s rogue actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map – and they cannot be allowed to stand unchecked. In November, I promised that if Leader Schumer wouldn’t bring the ICC sanctions bill to the floor, Republicans would.  And we’ll soon fulfill that promise and have a vote to support our ally Israel.“; Graham (R-SC) 1/10/25 X-post: “I am very pleased that the House, in a bipartisan fashion, has approved sanctions against the International Criminal Court for its outrageous conduct against the State of Israel. The court is biased and corrupt when it comes to Israel. Neither the United States nor Israel are members of the court. By standing up to the ICC now on behalf of Israel, we are protecting America’s servicemembers and diplomats in the future. I urge my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to vote for this important piece of legislation to not only protect our ally Israel but to protect our own nation. Well done to all those who have pushed this cause.”; Punchbowl News 1/7/25: Senate Republicans eye votes on immigration, Israel; Jewish Insider 1/9/25: Can ICC sanctions get to 60 votes in the Senate? [“There are early signals that some Democrats will back the bill, but none are telegraphing their views yet”]; Jewish Insider 1/8/25: Thune preparing to bring up ICC sanctions bill [“The Senate majority leader says the Senate, which is taking up Laken Riley Act this and next week, will proceed on the ICC legislation soon“];
  • AIPAC et al support: press release 1/6/25: Rep. Roy, Chairman Mast reintroduce bill to protect Israel from illegitimate international lawfare [“The bill is also supported by Christians United for Israel (CUFI), American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action.”] AIPAC has been active on X promoting HR 23 – some examples — here (attacking J St), here (action alert), here (example of message applauding a member for supporting HR 23). Also see AIPAC press release applauding passage of the bill.
  • Amnesty International Response: “It is deeply disappointing that H.R. 23 passed the House of Representatives, which would permit U.S. sanctions on staff of the ICC, an independent judicial institution dedicated to combating impunity for the gravest crimes known to humanity. The ICC is part of a global system of international justice of which the U.S. was a chief architect at Nuremberg and beyond. If the Senate follows suit, it will do grave harm to the interests of all victims globally and to the U.S. government’s ability to champion human rights and the cause of justice.”
  • Media: There are tons of articles this week on this bill (including speculative reports/analysis from both it passed and reports on its passage) — too many to bother trying to gather for the Round-Up.

(WE TRULY HATE THE ICC & DEFEND LITERALLY ANYTHING ISRAEL DOES) H. Res. 9: Introduced 1/3/25 by Biggs (R-AZ), “Reaffirming that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Resolved clauses of this resolution read: “the House of Representatives (1) reaffirms that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court;(2) condemns the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant; and (3) reiterates its unwavering support for the State of Israel and its right to defend itself and its leaders from unwarranted international legal actions.”

Other Stuff

  • (TARGETING HAMAS & ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH HAMAS) HR 176: Introduced 1/3/25 by McClintock (R-CA) and having 12 cosponsor (all Republicans), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel”, aka the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Text of the bill is not yet online, but per McClintock’s press release, “The bill prohibits any non-U.S. national who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks from seeking any immigration-related relief or protections, including protection from being deported to a country where the individual’s life or freedom would be threatened, or asylum in the United States.“
  • (TARGETING TURKEY) H. Res. 17: Introduced 1/7/25 by Malliotakis (R-NY) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Condemning Turkey for its illegal occupation of Cyprus and encouraging President Trump to make the resolution of the Cyprus problem a top foreign policy priority.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • (TARGETING TURKEY) HR 298: Introduced 1/9/25 by Malliotakis (R-NY) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To eliminate certain limitations and exclusions regarding defense articles and requirements regarding security assistance and sales with respect to the Republic of Cyprus.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • (DON’T MAKE AMCITS EVACUATED FROM ISRAEL PAY BACK THE US TAXPAYERS) HR 270: Introduced 1/9/25 by Dunn (R-FL), “To authorize the waiver of costs of activities relating to evacuation of United States citizens when their lives are endangered by war or acts of terrorism.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: This bill was originally introduced 10/30/23 by Dunn and 2 cosponsors (bipartisan) as HR 6115. See 2023 press release – Representatives Dunn, Mills, and Moskowitz Fight to Waive Evacuation Costs for Americans Escaping Terrorism in Israel
  • (PROTECTING RIGHTS OF PROTESTERS) HR 277: Introduced 1/9/25 by Green (R-GA) and Massie (R-KY), “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide protections for nonviolent political protesters, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select). NOTE: This bill was previously introduced in the 117th Congress (12/15/22) by Gohmert (R-TX) and Green (R-GA) as HR 9583, and in the 118th Congress (3/5/24) by Greene and no cosponsors, as HR 7540. The short title of the bill is the Matthew Lawrence Perna Act, named for an individual charged and found guilty in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots (witness tampering, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and two counts of disorderly conduct) who committed suicide while awaiting sentencing. Notably, while the clear intent behind the legislation is to support a specific set of protesters, the protections in the bill would apply to ALL protesters. Also see: Gohmert’s 2022 press release; Greene’s 2023 press release.

Update – Lobby Priorities for Pro-Israel Orgs in 2025

Jewish Insider 1/6/25: Antisemitism Awareness Act faces bumpy path in Republican-controlled Washington — Senate Republican leaders pledge to bring the bill up in the new Congress, but there are growing pockets of right-wing opposition [Reminder: there has been significant opposition to the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA)  — from the across the right-wing political spectrum — since the bill passed the House last year. That opposition was left out of the narrative crafted by those promoting passage of the bill in the Senate in the latter half of 2024, seeking to frame failure to pass the bill in terms of Democrats being “soft” on antisemitism. Most media coverage of the story in the last half of 2024 chose to simply parrot that false, pro-AAA framing, notwithstanding the fact that the right-wing opposition to the bill was out in the open (and, indeed, had been pulled together for super easy reference, with links).

Jerusalem Post 1/5/25: Jewish groups engage new Congress on Israel, antisemitism, and security. Excerpts:

  • American Jewish Committee – “…She outlined legislative priorities relating to antisemitism, such as the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which stalled in the Senate for months under the last Congress. It needs to be reevaluated and refreshed in the coming Congress, she said. Rayman said there were many questions about how the incoming Trump administration will utilize education policy for combating antisemitism, and it is unclear what the Department of Education will look like and how it will enforce Title VI policy…Regarding Israel policy, Rayman said the AJC’s political team is thinking about how Congress can support what they assume will be a continued effort by the second Trump administration to ‘promote regional integration and Israel’s place in the neighborhood’ with strengthening and expanding the Abraham Accords.“
  • Jewish Federations of North America – “Jewish Federations of North America is focused on combating antisemitism, including a significant push to call attention to antisemitism in the medical and healthcare space, Paikin Barall said.”
  • JINSA – “Kenney cited Congress’s priority legislation to rein in the International Criminal Court with a bill that would impose visa and property blocking sanctions against ICC officials. While the legislation easily passed the House last summer, it failed to clear the then-Democratic controlled Senate... Kenney said he also expects to see much focus on the 2,000-pound bombs President Joe Biden embargoed for Israel, as well as the apparent slowing of deliveries of 10,000-lb. and 5,000-lb. bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munition kits…Kenney said he would soon begin outreach on JINSA’s paper “A Day 1 Priority: Strategy for the Next Administration to Prevent a Nuclear Iran,” which it released just before Congress’s holiday recess last month. “

Members’ plans/priorities for 119th Congress

2. Letters

  • (ICC MUST EXEMPT ISRAEL FROM ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER INTL LAW) 1/9/25: Letter led by Vindman (D-VA) and Schneider (D-IL), arguing that the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant, “severely undermines the principles of justice and threatens to politicize the Court’s critical mission to prosecute the world’s most egregious crimes.” It goes on to argue that the the ICC should not act with respect to Israel because “Israel is a democracy governed by the rule of law, with an independent judiciary capable of addressing allegations of misconduct.” It also asserts that the decision to issue these warrants “diverts attention and resources from prosecuting genuine war criminals. It also sends a chilling message to democracies combating terrorism, potentially endangering broader international cooperation.” The signers “strongly” urge the ICC “to reconsider these arrest warrants, refocus its efforts on clear cases of atrocity crimes, and uphold the integrity of its mandate.” The letter is signed by a total of 42 House Democrats, some of whom voted “yes” on HR 23, some of whom voted “no” and some of wome did not vote. See: letter text; Brown (D-OH) press release.
  • (PREVENT EXTRADITION OF POET TO UAE) 1/7/25: Letter to Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) signed by a long list of civil society groups  Joint Letter Calls for Urgent Congressional Action to Prevent Extradition of Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi
  • (QUESTIONS ABOUT SECDEF NOMINEE) 1/6/25: Warren (D-MA) Letter to Pete Hegseth, Secretary-Designate, U.S. Department of Defense [includes: “How we engage our allies matters and is critical to our national security, and your degrading views toward Muslims threaten to undermine our relationships with allies and partners and our efforts to stabilize the Middle East, protect Israel, and fight terrorism.”]
  • (IRAN & RUSSIA INTERFERENCE IN US ELEX) 1/3/25 Keating (D-MA): X-post – “In December, @POTUS announced sanctions on Russia & Iran for attempted interference in our elections. Today, I wrote to the President urging him to declassify info about these sanctions to enable the American people to better counter the effects of this threat to our democracy.” [letter text]
  • (NGO’S WARN CONGRESS AGAINST TARGETING THE ICC) 1/3/25: NGO Letter to Congress and the Incoming Presidential Administration Regarding US Sanctions on the ICC

3. Hearings

Confirmation-hearings-palooza!

4. Selected Members on the Record

Concern for Palestinians

  • Doggett (D-TX) 1/9/25: X-post – “Ten days after Trump takes office, Israeli legislation banning @UNRWA may greatly accelerate the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. While insisting that there will be “hell to pay” if hostages are not released, Trump seems to have no plan for the hell that will follow if millions of Palestinians are abandoned to starve.“
  • Quigley (D-IL) 1/9/25: Quigley Statement on Establishing an Arab-led Peacekeeping Force in Gaza to Ensure Food and Medical Aid [“I am calling for the immediate establishment of a peacekeeping force, composed of Arab states, to help restore order in the Gaza Strip. It is imperative that this brutal war comes to an end so the remaining hostages are released. But we cannot wait until this war ends for humanitarian aid to be widely distributed in Gaza. A peacekeeping force is the only way for this aid to enter and reach the people who desperately need it. The global community must work with Israeli and Arab governments to stem the violence in the region and work towards a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis.”]
  • McCollum (D-MN) 1/8/25: X-post – “As Israel prepares to ban UNRWA from operating within its borders, the United States must exert its leadership in the UN to ensure that vulnerable Palestinians are provided for.“

Standing With Israel; Hating On Palestinians & Anyone Who Supports Them

  • Blackburn (R-TN) 1/9/25: X-post – “It is indisputable that there is a direct link between UNRWA and Palestinian terror organizations, including Hamas. We must shut down UNRWA.” Also see AIPAC X-post responding to Blackburn, “UNRWA is beyond repair. Thank you @MarshaBlackburn for your leadership.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 1/8/25: X-post – “Zero dopes have shown up at my home or office, or blocked a road to chant and protest over an actual genocide in Sudan. South Africa engaged the ICJ over Gaza, but not for an actual genocide on their own continent? Why is that?” [Note: the majority of responses to Fetterman’s post boil down to: “because the US is not funding/supporting/defending/enabling genocide in Gaza”]
  • Self (R-TX) 1/8/25: X-post– ““An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.” – Winston Churchill   Surrender will not bring peace. Yet that’s the Biden Administration’s mandate for Israel (see their response to my letter condemning the UN’s anti-Israel disposition). The Trump Administration cannot come soon enough.” With pic of letter to Self from the US ambassador to the UN, with the following section highlighted – “There is no other path that guarantees Israel’s security and future as a democratic Jewish state and that Palestinians can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own…“]
  • McCaul (R-TX) 1/8/25: X-post – “Today I had the honor of meeting with Noa Argamani and Leat Ruben Unger. Noa was taken captive by Hamas terrorists during the Re’im music festival massacre on October 7, 2023. She was rescued after 245 days, but Hamas continues to hold her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, in captivity. And Leat’s cousin Omer was murdered on October 7 by Hamas terrorists, who continue to hold his remains hostage in Gaza. These souls have suffered more at the hands of Hamas than anyone should ever have to suffer. My thoughts and prayers are with them every day. We also learned today that two more Israeli hostages were killed in captivity. My heart goes out to their loved ones who have no doubt been praying for their safe return. President Trump has made clear there will be hell to pay if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages now — and I stand with him unequivocally. Every hostage must be returned home immediately and unconditionally.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 1/8/25: Rosen Meets with Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Elise Stefanik [“‘Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to discuss her nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and how she plans to support our allies and stand up to our adversaries in this international body,’ said Senator Rosen. ‘We also discussed the United Nations’ anti-Israel bias, and how she plans to push back on politically-motivated actions against our democratic ally. I look forward to working with her in this role to support American diplomacy around the world and strengthen our national security.’”]
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee (GOP) 1/7/25: Risch Assumes Chairmanship of Senate Foreign Relations Committee [“…Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, fights a multi-front war against Iran and our common adversaries following a brutal and unprovoked attack. The Biden Administration failed to properly support Israel in its self defense and efforts to eradicate Hamas, which has only prolonged the terrible situation in Israel and Gaza.”]
  • House Appropriators (GOP) 1/6/25: Cole, Rutherford, Alford: U.S. Must Remain in Lockstep with Israel and Regional Allies Against Evil [op-ed published in Times of Israel, where it has the headline, Israel is fighting for its existence – US support must remain ironclad]
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 1/4/25: X-post – “Without conditions. Whatever Israel needs to defend against and dismantle its enemies.” Linked to Wall Street Journal headline, “U.S. Plans $8 Billion Sale of Arms, Including Bombs, to Israel”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 1/4/25: X-post – “The end of UNRWA cannot come soon enough.”
  • Ciscomani (R-AZ) 1/3/25: US aid to Israel must be Congress’s top priority

The Face of the New House Foreign Affairs Committee GOP Majority

  • 1/8/25: Chairman Mast Announces House Foreign Affairs Committee Vice Chairman and Subcommittee Chairmen [“Subcommittee on the Middle East & North Africa: Rep. Michael Lawler (NY-17)”]; Lawler on X 1/9/25: “It is an honor to have been named Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. I look forward to strengthening our relationship with Israel, standing up to Iran and its proxies, and reducing Chinese and Russian influence in the region.“
  • X-post 1/8/25: “President Trump takes office in 13 days. Time is running out for Hamas and anyone else holding Americans hostage to release them before the adults are back in charge of American foreign policy.“
  • X-post 1/7/25: “America may not recognize the ICC, but they sure as hell will recognize what happens when you target America or its allies.“
  • X-post 1/5/25: “What does Blinken think Hamas did when Joe Biden criticized Israel and decided to withhold weapons?” [linked to pic of JPost headline, “Blinken: When Hamas saw pressure on Israel, it backtracked from hostage deal]
  • X-post 1/5/25: “Antony Blinken just admitted that ANTISEMITIC college protesters, UN dopes, and the International Criminal Court, have given Hamas a morale boost and prevented it from surrendering.” [linked to clip of interview]

Raging at European Official for Daring to Defend the ICC & Criticize Israel

  • Wicker (R-MS) 1/4/25: X-thread – “It is breathtaking that the Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, who is supposed to stand for the protection of the free world, would criticize a liberal democracy that dares to protect itself. (1/2) The choice to lambast Israel for its conduct rather than Iran and its proxies is in direct contradiction of the spirit of the Conference. Now more than ever, we should stand with the Jewish state. I expect the MSC to halt this shameful rhetoric“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/3/25: X-post – “The statement by the chairman of the Munich Security Conference is beyond disturbing at so many levels. The ICC’s actions against Israel have been led by a corrupt prosecutor, and the court violated the Rome statute by failing to consult with Israel and has shown an extreme anti-Israel bias. In the case of Israel, the ICC truly has become a kangaroo court. This statement very much puts the future of the Munich Security Conference in jeopardy in the eyes of many members of Congress. What has been one of the premier national security events of the year has been diminished and is now very much in doubt. I hope corrections will follow.“

Targeting Academia & Right to Protest

Remembering Happy Days of the 1st Trump Admin & Cheering Trump’s Return!

  • McCaul (R-TX) 1/7/25: X-post – “The Iranian regime is right to fear President-elect Trump. His maximum pressure policies bled them nearly dry in 2020 — and he’s prepared to do it again. The U.S. will once again stand up to the regime, protect American interests, and ensure no one messes with our ally, Israel.“
  • HFAC X-post 1/4/25: “Five years ago, President Trump showed how a true commander-in-chief responds to terrorists by blowing up Qasem Soleimani into five separate pieces.“
  • Guest (R-MS) 1/4/25: X-post – “5 years ago, we learned of the successful military operation that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. President Trump’s bold action to take out a known terrorist made the Middle East safer. Thank you, Trump, for making the safety of our citizens and troops your top priority.”
  • Senate GOP 1/3/25: X-post – “Five years ago, President Trump made us safer by taking out Iran’s terrorist mastermind Qassem Soleimani. @SenateDems —including @SenSchumer—put politics ahead of national security, and attacked President Trump. Democrats were wrong. President Trump was right.“
  • Collins (R-GA) 1/3/25: X-post – “On #ThisDayInHistory in 2020, U.S. forces killed Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian general, in a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, which is considered a terrorist organization. The attack also killed several others, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a key Iraqi militia leader. The strike came amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and rising attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq.”

Three Cheers for the New President of Lebanon!

An array of members spoke out in support of the new President of Lebanon expressing various hopes for peace, stability, cracking down on Hezbollah and playing nice with Israel, etc… including (in no particular order): Stanton (R-AZ), Dingell (D-MI), Meeks (D-NY), Murphy (D-CT – supporting the Biden Admin giving to Lebanon funds withheld from Egypt), LaHood (R-IL), Blumenthal (D-CT),

Other stuff

  • Beyer (D-VA) 1/7/25: X-post – “Lebanese authorities must immediately release unjustly detained poet Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi. His politically motivated apprehension is another case of Egyptian repression, and if extradited to Egypt he is at risk of torture. Lebanon should end his imprisonment at once.“
  • Greene (R-GA) 1/3/25: X-post – “Biden’s reckless foreign policy is putting America at risk. Instead of making empty threats, he should be working with Congress to hold Iran accountable and stop their nuclear ambitions. Instead, he’s fanning the flames of war days before leaving office. This is the same man who sent American tax dollars to Iran just two days into his administration. The American people are sick of it!“

5. Selected Media