FMEP Legislative Round-Up February 21, 2025

Resource

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

New:

  • 2/21/25: New episode of Occupied Thoughts podcast, The Boomerang Effect: Power and Resistance in the U.S. and Palestine, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with human rights attorney Professor Noura Erakat about her relationship to Palestine, the movement for Palestinian freedom, and the how she sees the ties among different and overlapping movements for justice and liberation.
  • 2/17/25: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Dissent & Resigning from Harvard, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Jay Ulfelder, a political scientist and former Program Director of the Nonviolent Action Lab at Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation.
  • 2/17/25: Where Are Palestinian Children’s Human Rights? Essay by FMEP’s Lara Friedman in the newly published book, “For Gaza’s Children”

1. Bills & Resolutions

(OPPOSING MORE WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL) On 2/20/25, Sen. Sanders introduced 4 resolutions disapproving of proposed foreign military sales to Israel of certain defense articles and services. The four are: S. J. Res. 20, S. J. Res. 21, S. J. Res. 22, and S. J. Res. 23. All four were referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

(US OUT OF UN) S. 669 & HR XXXX [bill text]: Introduced 2/20/25 by Lee (R-UT), Blackburn (R-TN), and Scott (R-FL), “A bill to terminate membership by the United States in the United Nations, and for other purposes,” aka the “DEFUND Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Lee press release – Lee introduces DEFUND Act to Pull USA from UN; fact sheet about the bill. Note that the fact sheet states: “House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) are introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives.”

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 1422: Introduced 2/18/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), “To impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in logistical transactions and sanctions evasion relating to oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and related petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Lawler, Cherfilus-McCormick introduce new Iran sanctions legislation (Jewish Insider 2/21/25)

(IRAN SANCTIONS) H. Res. 139: Introduced 2/14/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and 4 cosponsors (3 Republicans plus Gottheimer, D-NJ), “Calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(RELIGIOUS FREEDOM) S. 676: Introduced 2/20/25 by Paul (R-TX), “A bill to prohibit assistance to foreign governments that violate human rights with respect to religious freedom.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

2. Letters

None.

3. Hearings

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Many, many posting about Israeli hostages in Gaza — including on release of hostages last weekend, on planned release for more this weekend, on 500th day in captivity, on confirmation of the deaths and the release of the remains of the an Israeli mother and her children taken hostage on 10/7/23, etc… For details check members’ website and social media accounts.

Congress Stands with Israel, Against Hamas, & against all things Palestinian

  • Lankford (R-OK) 2/20/25: X-post – “The bus bombing in Israel reminds us that Hamas continues to target Jewish civilians.“
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 2/20/25: X-post – “I am deeply disturbed by reports of a suspected terror attack in Israel involving several buses that exploded near Tel Aviv. I am relieved to learn there were no injuries or casualties from the foiled plot & will continue to closely monitor the investigation into the situation.“
  • Senate GOP 2/20/25: X-post – “Remember, Senator Jon Ossoff voted to cut off military aid to Israel so these same Hamas terrorists could attack Israel with impunity.” – responding to Graham (R-SC) X-post – “Like most Americans I was disgusted at the way Palestinian crowds reacted to the release of four dead Israeli hostages, which included a mother and her four-year-old and nine-month-old sons. The Palestinians in Gaza are the most radicalized people on the planet and the solution to me is obvious. Phase II should go as follows: Hamas voluntarily leaves or Israel will reengage militarily with the goal of annihilating Hamas. This is what America did regarding Germany and Japan – the complete annihilation of despotic regimes with an effort over decades to rebuild the culture of Germany and Japan. I’m convinced the only viable solution is the military and political annihilation of Hamas. Without this outcome there is no hope for peace or coexistence.”
  • Randy Fine (state senator, R-FL, nearly 100% certain to be next Florida member of the House in special election) 2/20/25: X-post – “Gaza must be destroyed.“
  • Randy Fine (state senator, R-FL, nearly 100% certain to be next Florida member of the House in special election) 2/20/25: X-post – “Palestinian” = Hamas. #BombsAway“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee 2/20/25: X-post – “USAID is funding antisemitic trash. Cut the cash. Fire everyone responsible.” With video of Lawler (R-NY) targeting the Lowey Fund and specifically funding to the Palestinian NGO Tomorrow’s Youth organization.

Quashing criticism of Israel, supporting Greater Israel

  • Tenney (R-NY) 2/20/25: X-post – “The Israeli people have an undeniable & indisputable historical & legal claim over Judea & Samaria. The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act would require all official US government documents to use the term “Judea and Samaria” rather than the ‘West Bank.'”
  • Boozman (R-AR) 2/20/25: X-post – “With increased antisemitic acts on college campuses after Hamas’ attack on Israel, schools must fulfill their responsibility to offer a safe learning environment. Our bipartisan bill would ensure proper tools are in place to investigate these incidents.“

New in the 119th Congress

Members on Travel in Israel/Middle East

  • Self (R-TX) 2/20/25: X-post – “I have traveled the length of Israel this week, from the kibbutzim in the south where Hamas slaughtered Israeli families to the Lebanon border where Israel destroyed Hezbollah. The savagery of Hamas is impossible to fathom. The spectacle of the release of four bodies today only emphasizes their commitment to the destruction of Israel. We stand with Israel!“
  • Edwards (R-NC) 2/20/25: X-post – “Our congressional delegation discussed the future of Israel and Gaza as well as U.S. relations and security in the Middle East. As vice chairman for the @HouseAppropsGOP National Security and Department of State Subcommittee and the sole appropriator on this trip, I relayed to @IsraeliPM Netanyahu the significance of America’s long-standing, shared values with our ally, Israel, and that we’ll continue to support their right to defend themselves from those who threaten Israel’s right to exist.”‘
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/20/25: X-post – “In meeting with @IsraeliPM I expressed my view that a democratic Syria is a net positive for all parties & a permanent Russian presence threatens Israeli security. I encouraged @IsraeliPM to welcome regional efforts to push for equal human rights, democratic elections and rule of law in Syria“
  • Issa (R-CA) 2/19/25: X-post – “Great to be in Israel and meet with my great friend of more than 20 years – @netanyahu continues to lead with strength, smarts, and vision.“
  • Van Order (R-WI) 2/18/25: X-post – “Rep. Van Orden joined @MorningsMaria live from Israel to make it explicitly clear: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. With President Trump as Commander in Chief, every option is on the table to apply maximum pressure on the Mullahs and ensure the safety of the U.S. and our allies.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/17/25: X-thread – “As my meetings in Israel, Jordan, & Lebanon make clear, we are on the cusp of an enormous opportunity. Iran & its proxies are recognized throughout the region as a common enemy. There is a real prospect of peace for the region. Increased US support for Lebanon’s armed forces & a continued push for the return of the remaining hostages, & a sustained ceasefire are absolutely crucial. Our Senate delegation remains hopeful for progress & stability in the region. Trump’s unhinged plan to take over Gaza is a non-starter. The plan the Arab states will be presenting to Trump provides a realistic prospect for normalizing relations, self-determination by the Palestinians, regional defense arrangements, & security for Israel.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/17/25: X-post – “Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar outlines tough choices & challenges—focusing on Iran as the ultimate enemy, & fighting its terrorist proxies. Short term, the hope is for the ceasefire to be extended, with release of more hostages.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/16/25: X-thread – “Breakthrough battle victories against Hezbollah by Israel & exclusion of this terrorist organization from Lebanon’s new government—combined with Assad’s overthrow in Syria—mean a huge historic opportunity for advancing peace & stability. Visiting Lebanon’s new President Auon & other leaders—friends of America—I’m more convinced than ever that we must strongly support the Lebanon Armed Forces (LAF) in its continuing battle against terrorists like Hezbollah. Lebanon’s successes militarily & politically—make it a shining star of hope for peace & stability in a fraught region. The ceasefire in Lebanon is holding—with America’s help. Israel & America must seize this moment—a critical moment in a key area. It’s an exciting time for the Lebanese people, who have suffered such heartache & harm at Hezbollah’s hands.

5. Selected Media

General

New in the 119th Congress

Members of Congress in Israel

Members of Congress Elsewhere in the Region

Members of Congress in Munich

Laying Groundwork for Pro-Israel Wins in the Next US Elex

Targeting Free Speech/Activism Critical of Israel

Targeting the ICRC