FMEP Legislative Round-Up October 8, 2026

Resource

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

Note: This Round-Up covers developments this week, through 10/8/26 at 9pm ET. Apologies for the early publication.

New FMEP podcasts:

  • 10/8/26:  Barred from Knesset Elections: Sami Abu Shehadeh on the State of Israeli “Democracy”, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Sami Abu Shehadeh, the leader of the Balad Party who was recently told by the Supreme Court that he would be deemed a terrorist and banned from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. Hear Sami explain why he decided to resign from Knesset, and what he makes of Israeli “democracy.”
  • 10/6/26: Reviewing NAZA, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with  with journalist & researcher Mahmoud Mushtaha and researcher & writer Muhammad Shehada about the new Israeli documentary NAZA. All three are from Gaza; Mahmoud survived the genocide, leaving Gaza for the UK in 2024. They discuss Israeli impunity and the goal of the wholesale destruction of Gaza, and they articulate criticisms of the film. Also see Mahmoud’s review of NAZA for +972 Magazine, “The moment a human life becomes ‘collateral damage’” (Sept 11, 2026).

1. Bills & Resolutions

(PRO-ISRAEL GRANDSTANDING – OCT 7 ANNIVERSARY AS THE HOOK) H. Res. 1618: Introduced 10/6/26 by Gotthiemer (D-NJ) and 44 bipartisan cosponsors, “Recognizing the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, honoring the victims and the hostages, and calling for the complete disarmament of Hamas for a durable end to the war in Gaza.” Among other things, the resolution doubles/triples down on the allegations of mass sexual violence/rape by Hamas, and characterizes the protests that followed the 10/7/23 attacks (protests against the genocide Israel unleashed against all of Gaza) as a “rise of antisemitism globally and domestically, including in K–12 schools and on college campuses.” Notably (and predictably), the resolution expresses unqualified support for “Israel’s right to self-defense and long-term security” alongside zero mention of anything Israel has done (and continues to do) to Palestinians in the wake of the 10/7/23 attacks – including 3 years of live-streamed destruction of literally EVERYTHING in Gaza and targeting of Gaza’s entire civilian population, including mass killing/wounding/displacement/starvation/orphaning/dismembering of the men, women, children, and elders. It also includes no mention of Israel using the 10/7/23 response as a pretext to apply Gaza-annihilation-style tactics in southern Lebanon, and to engage in 3 years of escalating ethnic cleansing in the West Bank]. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(PRO-ISRAEL GRANDSTANDING – FLYDUBAI DRAMA AS THE HOOK) H. Res. 1612: Introduced 10/5/26 by Gottheimer (D-NJ), McCaul (R-TX), and Bacon (R-NE), “Honoring Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073, and condemning the attempted terrorist attack on that flight.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release — Gottheimer Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Flydubai Flight 1073 Heroes; Bipartisan House resolution honors pilot, passengers who stopped FlyDubai hijacking (Jewish Insider 10/6/26); Bipartisan House group brings legislation decrying terror attack on flydubai plane (Jewish News Syndicate 10/6/26)

(YAY – US-GERMAN RELATIONS & ISRAEL!) H. Res. 1619: Introduced 10/6/26 by Thompson (R-PA) and Keating (D-M), “Reaffirming German-American friendship and supporting continued cooperation between the United States and Germany.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Includes “whereas” clause: “Whereas the United States and Germany stand resolutely against antisemitism and stand in firm and unwavering solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of barbaric terror attacks”

(TARGETING THE UN) HR 10757:  Introduced 10/6/26 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Lawler (R-NY), “To provide for a limitation on contributions to the United Nations.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Gottheimer press release 10/7/26: On Edan Alexander Way in Tenafly, Gottheimer Marks Third Anniversary of October 7th – excerpt –  “New legislation with Congressman Lawler (NY) that would bar U.S. funds from going toward U.S. contributions to the United Nations until the U.N. has designated Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. This is critical as UNRWA currently does not screen for Hamas ties in its hiring of teachers and other employees, leading to Hamas terrorists infiltrating its ranks. The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).” Also see: At Edan Alexander Way, Gottheimer announces bills marking Oct. 7, withholding US aid until UN designates Hamas, Hezbollah (Jewish News Syndicate 10/8/26)

Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:

  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/5/26: X-post – “Ahead of the third year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, @SenRickScott and I passed a bipartisan resolution to honor the memory of those Americans who were murdered or taken hostage. The hostages’ families demonstrated remarkable courage during a time of intense grief and anxiety by being steadfast and fierce advocates for the return of their loved ones and all those held hostage, and this resolution also honors them.” [S. Res. 938 – covered in last week’s Round-Up]

2. Letters & Reports

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/AIPAC in US elex/politics

  • Rogers (R-MI) 10/7/26: X-post – “Radio silence from Abdul El-Sayed about the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks — yet this surfaces today. I wish I could say this is shocking. When people tell you who they are, believe them.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/2/26: X-post – “AIPAC plans to spend $233 million to defeat candidates who dare to speak out against Netanyahu’s extremist government. They spent $33 million to defeat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan primary. They lost. They are going to keep losing. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID FOR ISRAEL.”
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 10/1/26: X-post – “@DemMaj4Israel’s new framework is a serious & thoughtful approach to promoting lasting peace & further normalization between Israel & its neighbors. I commend them for their leadership in strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and will continue supporting their work to maintain our engagement in the region.” Also see: Comment from A New Policy on that new DMFI “approach”: X-post 10/1/26: So Israel-First org @DemMaj4Israel (DMFI) sent out a set of pre-scripted social media posts for its followers to tweet about how excited they are by DMFI’s new vision for the U.S.-Israel relationship. Let’s check in on how that’s going!”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/30/26; X-post – “Israel’s election committee banned both major Arab parties four weeks before the election. If it wasn’t already clear, Netanyahu and his far-right allies want an Israel where Palestinian citizens, 20% of the population, have no voice at all. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL”

Members Get On the Record Re Anniversaty of 10/7 Attacks on Israel

Many, many members of both the House and Senate seemed to want to get on the record marking the 3rd anniversary of the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks on Israel, issuing statements (press releases and social media posts – sometimes multiple). The content/tone/focus of their statements varied, with many doubling down on Islamophobia and dehumanization of Palestinians; many grandstanding in support of/solidarity with Israel; quite a few blaming Iran for the attacks & using that to justify the war on Iran; a smaller number expressing varying degrees of concern for Palestinians; and some using the occasion to conflate criticism of Israeli’s actions over the past 3 years in Gaza with antisemitism [names listed in alphabetical order – and for sure I didn’t catch them all…]:

Special mention:

  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/7/26: X-post – “Three years ago today, Hamas murdered some 1,200 people in Israel, the vast majority of them civilians, committed horrific atrocities, and dragged 251 hostages into captivity. The attack against Israelis on October 7th was a horrific act of terrorism. Hamas murdered Israelis in cold blood at a music festival and in their kibbutzim. The deliberate killing of innocent people is never resistance. It is a crime against humanity. It is a war crime. Like any country facing a terrorist attack, Israel had the right to defend itself and go after Hamas. Tragically, the Netanyahu government in Israel did not wage a war against Hamas alone. It waged a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. More than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women, children and the elderly, and more than 175,000 have been wounded. Gaza’s homes, hospitals, schools and water systems have been reduced to rubble. Instead of continuing to provide military aid to the extremist government of Israel, the United States should be doing everything possible to provide and support humanitarian aid to the desperate people in Gaza and bring peace and justice to the region. The way to honor every person lost over these three years is to end the bloodshed: No more American weapons for the extremist Israeli government, a real and enforced ceasefire, full access to humanitarian aid, reconstruction by and for Palestinians, and a genuine path to a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. On this solemn day, we must come together to demand a lasting peace.”
  • Grassley (R-IA) 10/7/26: X-post – “2day marks the 3rd anniversary of brutal Hamas terrorist attack on Israel Thx Pres Trump 4 returning all hostages home & wrking w Board of Peace 4 complete disarmament The US must continue 2 support Israel against Iranian threats“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 10/7/26: X-post – “Today’s anniversary is a day for mourning but also for renewing resolve. Over the last three years, Israel has demonstrated extraordinary courage, resolve, and skill in destroying the Hamas terrorists who committed the October 7th attack and in dismantling the Iranian-controlled terrorist armies that the Iranian regime had built across the Middle East. These operations were a necessary, measured, and just response to the attack, in which Hamas murdered and kidnapped dozens of Americans alongside over 1,200 Israelis and other nationals, and have immeasurably enhanced Israeli and American national security. As I said immediately after the attack, I am committed to doing everything in my power and using every resource at my disposal to ensure that America’s policy is absolutely unequivocal: to ensure Israel has the military and diplomatic support to utterly eradicate Hamas, for as long as it takes.” [emphasis added]

Members Grandstanding in Support of Israel via Attacking NYC Mayor Mamdani for his (excellent) 10/7 Statement

On 10/7/26, NCY mayor Mamdani issued a thoughtful, compassionate, and factually accurate statement marking the anniversary of Hamas’s 10/7/23 attacks on Israel and their aftermath:

“This day is profoundly painful for so many New Yorkers. It marks three years since the horrific war crimes of October 7. On that day, Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 others. We grieve alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry that unthinkable loss.

“The suffering did not begin nor end that day. It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza, in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians—including more than 21,000 children. Even since the so-called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed. That suffering has intensified with every Israeli bomb dropped on ambulances waiting outside hospitals, every drone strike targeting a residential building or journalist, and every shipment of food aid turned away at a border crossing. Many New Yorkers are reckoning with this unbearable grief, and we mourn alongside them—all while knowing that our tax dollars fund these war crimes.

“Three years later, we must refuse to accept a world in which occupation and apartheid continue, where war crimes are met with impunity, and our federal government continues its complicity with every arms shipment.

“To honor the dead, we must fight for a world in which every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.”

This statement sparked outrage from a range of pro-Israel members of Congress (much of which was expressed in remarkably similar language/framing). Selected examples are below. Also see: Pro-Israel Democrats blast Mamdani for Oct. 7 anniversary statement (Jewish Insider 10/7/26); Mamdani draws bipartisan backlash for criticizing Israel on Oct. 7 anniversary (Politico 10/7/26); Mamdani defends Oct. 7 message that angered Jewish leaders, unnerved some Democrats (Washington Post 10/8/26)

As a reminder: as made crystal clear in their statements, for these members of Congress and their fellow travelers, there is NOT A SINGLE DAY out of the 364 days of the year that are not October 7th on which they consider it legitimate for people to mourn Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza that began on 10/7/23 and continues through the present day. For these members of Congress – as is expressed clearly in the statements below – anything Israel has done since 10/7/23 must be considered “defending herself“; well-documented facts about what Israel has done in Gaza must be considered “hotly-disputed allegations,” and “Hamas propaganda“; citing these facts can only be treated as an “embrace of radical Islam“, “extreme activism“, “blaming the victims,” and “demonization” and “trashing” of Israel that serves only to “offend” and “upset” the only people whose feelings matter — i.e., supporters of Israel, including in Congress and legacy pro-Israel organizations, who insist both on Israel’s innocence of any/all wrongdoing and on Israeli impunity against consequences for any/all its actions.

  • Stutzman (R-IN) 10/7/26: X-post (who goes the extra step of describing Hamas as Mamdani’s “terrorist friends in Gaza) – “Zohran if the October 7th attacks never happened Israel would have no need to launch an offensive on Hamas. Don’t forget what those monsters did to innocent Israelis and Palestinians who were celebrating with music, waking up at their kibbutz and standing guard at the border. Zohran stop the gaslighting and realize none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for your terrorist friends in Gaza!“
  • Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 10/7/26: X-post – “Desecrating the memory of murdered, innocent Jews today of all days and refusing to even condemn Hamas is obscene. There are 364 other days you can wrongly criticize Israel for defending herself. If you had respect for the dead, you’d just acknowledge the tragedy, but you don’t.”
  • House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 10/7/26: X-post – “There should be nothing complicated about condemning the horrors of October 7, @NYCMayor. Hamas murdered, kidnapped, and terrorized innocent people. Three years later, Jewish students continue to face antisemitism on college campuses. Jewish students deserve safety—not excuses for hate.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 10/7/26: X-post – “The world demonizes Israel 365 days a year. Perhaps, for just one day—October 7th—the critics of Israel could take a vacation from their hysterical hatred of the world’s only Jewish State and find it within themselves to express condolences for the thousands of Israelis murdered, maimed, mutilated, raped, and abducted at the hands of Hamas.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 10/7/26: X-post – “This is a reprehensible statement on the anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack by a Palestinian terrorist organization against innocent Israelis. In the guise of “grieving” with those mourning that day, Mayor Mamdani asserts as fact hotly disputed allegations that he knows full well will offend and further upset those same people he pretends to grieve with. On this day of all days, the Mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel embraces extreme activism instead of balanced leadership.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 10/7/26: X-post – “The alliance between the Marxists and the Islamists is personified by Zohran Mamdani. It’s disgraceful that he used October 7, when more than 1,000 Israelis and 49 Americans were killed, to promote Hamas propaganda. The left’s embrace of radical Islam is deeply alarming.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/7/26: X-post – “Mr. Mayor, you’re right that today is painful for Jews. You’re also the one making it worse. Blame the victims. Trash Israel. Wife likes posts cheering the attack. Thanks for the clarity”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 10/7/26: X-post – “Mayor Mamdani gave those murdered by Hamas terrorists a passing mention on the anniversary of their massacre. Jewish New Yorkers deserve a mayor who can grieve with them without an asterisk. We stand with the victims, their families, and the Jewish people.”
  • Moskowitz (D-FL) 10/7/26: X-post – “He basically said ‘The Jews that died, sad, but it’s their fault.’ He needs the city’s antisemitism policy for himself. Just an atrocious statement” Response on X from CIP’s Dylan Williams – “Shame on you, Congressman. The mayor rightly condemned the atrocities Hamas committed three years ago and those that Israel committed in response. Your defamatory comments are further proof that Democrats shouldn’t entrust you with any committee leadership role on these issues.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 10/7/26: X-post – “I’ll simplify the statement for everyone: @NYCMayor: ‘it’s the Jews fault they got butchered on October 7th.’ Hey Zohran, your Mr. Nice Guy bullshit isn’t fooling anyone anymore. We all know you are a rabid antisemite.”
  • Johnson (R-LA) 10/7/26: X-post – “Mayor Mamdani had an opportunity today to unite New Yorkers on the anniversary of the horrific tragedy of October 7th — where Hamas terrorists, bankrolled by Iran, brutally murdered, raped, and wounded 1,200+ innocent people and kidnapped 251 more — INCLUDING AMERICAN CITIZENS. But instead, he chose division. He purposefully omitted any mention of the grotesque reality of what those terrorists did. Any mention of the Jewish community, or that they suffered the deadliest attack since the Holocaust. And any reference to the alarming rise in antisemitism that we’ve seen in New York and across America since. His statement fuels even more targeting and hatred of Jewish Americans, and demonizes Israelis exercising their right to self-defense. Mayor Mamdani continues to sympathize with terrorists who commit atrocities, rather than those who have suffered unspeakable tragedy at their hands. New York deserves so much better.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/7/26: X-post – “Today should be a day to honor and remember those brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists three years ago — a time of somber reflection and mourning. The lives of those taken hostage, their families, and the families of those murdered forever changed on October 7, and they will never be the same. It is therefore appalling that any elected leader would politicize the anniversary of such an unspeakable tragedy, a day when armed terrorists gleefully took part in premeditated murder.”

Other 10/7/ Anniversary-Related Statements (incl re: protests)

  • Mace (R-SC) 10/8/26: X-post w/ video clip from Fox News – “America, we have a problem. Three years after the October 7 massacre, protesters on American soil are still glorifying Hamas. Imagine celebrating the terrorists behind 9/11. This is no different. Anyone excusing terrorism and murder has lost their moral compass.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 10/8/26: X-post – “Anyone wondering why Jewish Americans are afraid needs to look no further than the comments on posts from any Jewish public figure or even, sadly, synagogues. I’m appalled by the hate directed towards Temple Sinai in Las Vegas on a nonpolitical post about a time of joy and reflection for Jewish families. Sadly, rhetoric like this has become all too common. What starts online can manifest into real-world violence, which is why I’m pushing for synagogues across the country to have the resources they need to keep congregations safe.” Linked to article: ‘An alarming reality’: Oct. 7 continues to impact Las Vegas Jewish community
  • Schneider (D-IL) 10/7/26: X-post – “What happened last night at Northwestern was unacceptable. It is disgraceful that the community cannot gather to honor October 7 survivors without fear and interruption. There must be an investigation into the incident and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Imagine being so committed to a political narrative that you would rather silence survivors of October 7 than let them share the truth. And the fact that so many are openly celebrating October 7 on campuses and places across the country makes it even more grotesque. This is exactly what Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib points to: a ‘pro-Palestine’ movement so consumed by its own narrative that many of its loudest voices still cannot bring themselves to unequivocally condemn Hamas or acknowledge the horror of October 7. You don’t get to celebrate a terrorist group and then pretend you are standing for humanity. You don’t get to chant about justice while trying to prevent survivors from being heard. October 7 was not ‘liberation.’ It was not ‘resistance.’ It was a day in which Hamas murdered, kidnapped, and brutalized innocent civilians. Full stop.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/6/26: X-post – “Let’s be clear: choosing the third anniversary of October 7 to glorify the barbaric murder of 1,200 people, including Americans, as ‘resistance’ is deeply offensive and morally bankrupt. In America, we don’t glorify terrorists as ‘martyrs.’ We condemn them. When you glorify political violence, you only invite more of it.” With an image of a poster advertising a protest on 10/7 that includes language supporting “resistance” and “martyrs” and includes an upside-down triangle (reported in the Algemeiner; also see X-post from sponsoring organization)
  • Torres (D-NY) 10/5/26: X-post – “The far left sees October 7th—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust—not as an occasion to mourn the 1,200 Israelis murdered in an act of terror but as an occasion to romanticize the mass murder of Jews as ‘resistance.’ The inevitable consequence of glorifying political violence is political violence itself. That is the dangerous direction in which American politics seems to be heading.” With an image of a poster advertising a protest on 10/7 that includes language supporting “resistance” and “martyrs” and includes an upside-down triangle (reported in the Algemeiner; also see X-post from sponsoring organization)

Targeting Palestinians & their supporters in the US 

  • Fine (R-FL) 10/6/26: X-post – “A Brooklyn teacher is accused of writing ‘Long live Yahya Al-Sinwar,’ the mastermind of the October 7th Muslim terror attack. This is who they are putting in front of our children. Someone that praises the butcher of Jews has no business in a classroom — fire his ass!”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/1/26: X-post – “Salah Sarsour is a legal resident of the United States, has lived here more than 30 years, and is a pillar of the Milwaukee community. Yet he is being threatened for deportation for no apparent reason other than his advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights.”
  • Lee (D-PA) 10/1/26: X-post – “ICE abducted Salah Sarsour for speaking out against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and now Trump is trying to deport him after nearly 30 years of calling America home. This is an unconstitutional attack on free speech and another attempt to silence advocacy for Palestinian human rights. Free Salah Sarsour. Abolish ICE.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/2/26: X-post – “An immigration court unjustly ruled that Salah Sarsour is deportable to Jordan, a county where he isn’t from and could endanger his life. The targeting of Palestinian advocates is an unconstitutional attempt to silence us. The fight continues. We won’t give up until Salah is home with his family.”
  • Baldwin (D-WI) 9/30/26: X-post – “This Trump administration is focused on the wrong things and the wrong people. Salah, who is here legally and has no U.S. criminal record, should not be deported or targeted by ICE. The administration needs to drop this case.”

Violence on (and attempt to crash) FlyDubai Flight – sympathy, solidarity, and Islamophobia

  • Schneider (D-IL) 10/3/26: X-post – “The FlyDubai terrorist attack is a reminder of the threats that have long confronted the Middle East. But it also shows what’s possible when people respond with courage and cooperation. Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s heroic actions helped save 174 lives. Israeli passengers heroically subdued the hijacker, and the aircraft was brought safely to the ground in Saudi Arabia, where the wounded are receiving lifesaving care. The region remains turbulent and fraught with challenges, but it’s moments like these that show what is possible when brave people and countries choose life and work to protect one another. Wishing Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/2/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Israel avoided its own 9/11. After 9/11 we locked the cockpit door so a terrorist could not get in. This time the terrorist was already inside. How many lone wolves does it take before we admit there is an issue with the entire herd?”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/2/26: X-post w/ video clip – “A jihadist terrorist was sitting in the cockpit of an Israel-bound flight. If he had gotten that door shut, a planeload of people would be dead. Changes have to be made NOW. We can’t keep letting these monsters do this.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Welcomed new Consul General of Israel to Los Angeles @IsraelinLA, Ambassador Modi Ephraim @AmbModiEphraim I commended the bravery of the Israeli passengers on the Flydubai flight; and we had a frank conversation about the challenges facing the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
  • Meeks (D-NY) 10/1/26: X-post – “Capt. Smit Machchhar and those who helped him are heroes. Their bravery in fending off the attacker and safely landing FlyDubai Flight 1073 in Saudi Arabia saved nearly 200 lives and prevented a devastating tragedy. A thorough investigation is needed to ensure this never happens again.”
  • Knott (R-NC) 10/1/26: X-post – “What the media refers to as a ‘flight altercation’ was an attempted attack by a radical Islamic terrorist disguised as a pilot who tried to crash a plane bound for Israel, full of civilians.”
  • Stevens (D-MI) 10/1/26: X-post – “A plane full of innocent people flying to Israel experienced a horrific attack. That is horrifying, and I condemn it unequivocally. I keep coming back to is what people did next. Passengers and crew ran toward danger and saved lives. And when they landed in Saudi Arabia, Jewish passengers were met with care, food, coffee, and basic human kindness. There is a lesson in that. Humanity is all around and shines brightly when we dare to see it. We cannot allow the worst or most extreme among us to define our humanity. I keep coming back to what people did next.und and shines brightly when we dare to see it. We cannot allow the worst or most extreme among us to define our humanity.”
  • Coons (D-DE) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m disturbed by reports of what may be an attempted terrorist attack on a plane headed to Israel earlier this morning. I’m grateful all passengers are safe, and my prayers are with the pilot and survivors who helped avert a greater tragedy today.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m horrified by reports of an attempted terrorist attack on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia. As we wait for more details to emerge, I’m so relieved everyone aboard the flight is now safe and made it to their destination. I want to thank the brave passengers who stepped up to keep their fellow passengers safe and avert a tragedy. I also want to applaud the professionalism and diplomacy of Saudi Arabia in how they handled the situation.”
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m greatly relieved that all the passengers on flyDubai1073 are safe, and I applaud Captain Smit Machchhar of India and the many Israelis who displayed such heroism in preventing what could have been a horrible tragedy. Their brave action saved countless lives, and I wish for their continued safety as today’s events are thoroughly investigated. My thanks to those in Saudi Arabia as well for their warmth, hospitality, and professionalism in dealing with this emergency.”
  • Luna (R-TX) 9/30/26: X-post – “We’re very happy to hear that everyone is safe.”
  • Biggs (R-AZ) 9/30/26: X-post – “I am incredibly grateful that a horrific catastrophe was avoided today aboard the Israel-bound flight. A higher power was definitely watching over every single soul on board and on the ground. My prayers are with our Israeli allies and friends for their continued safety as they face constant threats around the world.”
  • Calvert (R-SC) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m thankful for the bravery of those who acted to prevent a tragedy. Israelis continue to face horrific attacks that intentionally target civilians. The U.S. should stand with Israel to support efforts that protect civilians & secure a more peaceful future for the region.”
  • Stanton (R-AZ) 9/30/26: X-post – “I’m relieved that every passenger aboard FlyDubai 1073 is safe tonight, and I’m praying for the pilot who was seriously wounded in the attack. While we’re still learning details, it appears this was a deliberate act of terror to bring down a plane full of civilians on their way to Israel. The passengers who fought their way into the cockpit to subdue the attacker are nothing short of heroic.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 9/30/26: X-post – “Another Islamist terrorist just tried to hijack a plane to kill over 170 innocent people heading to Israel. Thank G-d he was stopped. These people aren’t satisfied with 9/11—they are focused on bringing more bloodshed across the world. May this monster be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We will not let evil win.”

Palestine, incl West Bank Violence by Settlers & IDF

  • DeLauro (D-CT) 10/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “No family should be held captive in their home. Yusuf Shanaran, his wife, & four children have been trapped inside their house for days now. Masked settlers have attacked them & their home ignoring orders to stop. The @IDF has a responsibility to protect this family & their home.”
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 10/8/26: DeLauro Calls for End to West Bank Settlements, Violence
  • Garcia (D-TX) 10/6/26: X-post – “For years, the Israeli government has systematically destroyed the health system in Palestine, murdering at least 1,700 Palestinian doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers and destroying dozens of hospitals. Proud to join my colleagues in demanding the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and all other arbitrarily detained healthcare workers and Palestinian prisoners.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/6/26: X-post – “Anti-Palestinian hate continues to put the lives of our neighbors in danger. Hate, bigotry, and racism in all their forms have no place in our communities. We must continue to root out all forms of violence and recognize our shared humanity. ALL our neighbors deserve safety, dignity, and peace.” Linked to ABC 7 X-post w/ link to article – “A small group of far-right activists descended on the site of a Palestinian festival in Bridgeview. They called for death to Palestine as some counter-protesters launched rocks toward them.”
  • Garcia (D-TX) 10/6/26: X-post – “I am disgusted by the racism, Islamophobia, and hatred displayed this past weekend by right wing extremists at an annual Palestinian Festival. Little Palestine is a vibrant community rooted in shared humanity and one that I am proud to represent in Congress. The community will stand strong against these despicable attacks.” Linked to ABC 7 X-post w/ link to article – “A small group of far-right activists descended on the site of a Palestinian festival in Bridgeview. They called for death to Palestine as some counter-protesters launched rocks toward them.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/6/26: X-post – “Today, Wadee Alfayoumi would’ve celebrated his 9th birthday. But anti-Palestinian hate took the life of this beloved child. In his honor, let’s realize a future of true safety and opportunities for all our children. Happy heavenly birthday, Wadee.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/6/26: X-post – “Israel’s systematic destruction of the Palestinian healthcare system and targeting of healthcare workers is at the heart of its genocide. We must stand up for those targeted for saving lives. Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Free Dr. Mazen Rantisi. Free Dr. Dima Amin.”
  • Garcia (D-IL) 10/6/26: García, Colleagues Issue Joint Statement Condemning Israel’s Persecution of Palestinian Healthcare Workers
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/2/26: X-post – “Settler violence in the West Bank continues to claim Palestinian lives and lands. I joined @RepChuyGarcia in condemning the violence by Israeli settlers, police, and military in the village of al-Mughayyir in the occupied West Bank. Perpetrators of settler violence in the West Bank must be held accountable. We must pass the Block the Bombs Act and end impunity for violence against Palestinians.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/2/26: X-post – “Israeli settlements are illegal land grabs that are violently displacing Palestinians from their homes. The US must use our leverage to stop settlement expansion and attempted annexation of the West Bank. I support @JoaquinCastrotx’s bill to crack down on these illegal settlements and those who facilitate their construction and expansion.”
  • Garcia (D-IL) 10/1/26: X-post – “I support the release of Marwan Barghouti. He did not receive a fair trial and has been tortured in Israeli prison for over 20 years. He is a popular and unifying voice for the Palestinian people, and as we push to end Israel’s atrocities, his release would help advance freedom and self-determination for Palestine. Marwan — and everyone unjustly detained by Israel — must be released.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 9/29/26: X-post – “In January 2024 I forced a vote to investigate human rights abuses by Israel in Gaza. Only 11 Senators supported it. Today, 47 Senators voted on a similar resolution to investigate Israel’s actions in the West Bank. Listen to the American people: NO MORE MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.”

Egypt

  • McGovern (D-MA) 10/8/26: McGovern calls for the release of detained Egyptian journalists
  • McGovern (D-MA) 10/8/26: X-post – “Egypt arrested an entire independent newsroom simply for doing their jobs. Journalism is not a crime, and this attack on press freedom cannot stand. The six Matsadaash journalists must be released immediately…”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 10/6/26; X-post – “Egypt’s arrest of the six journalists at Matsadaash is a brazen assault on press freedom. I agree with Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders and the 80 other groups objecting to ‘Egyptian authorities’ failure to allow free expression to thrive.”
  • Merkley (D-OR) 10/4/26: X-post – “Egypt’s raids and arrests of journalists at Matsadaash are an attack on independent investigative journalism. This clear disregard for press freedom is completely unacceptable, and these journalists must be released immediately.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/3/26: X-post – “The Trump admin just waived human rights conditions on $300 million in military aid to the dictatorship in Egypt. The same week, Egypt’s government arrested the entire newsroom of an independent outlet. NO MORE U.S. WEAPONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSERS”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/2/26: X-post – “The Egyptian govt has arrested & disappeared 6 journalists, with zero justification — the largest crackdown in years. Journalism is not a crime. The Egyptian govt must disclose their locations, provide access to their legal rights, & release all six immediately.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 10/2/26: X-post – “As Co-Chairs of the Egypt Human Rights Caucus, @RepDelBene and I are urging the Egyptian government government to release the 6 journalists affiliated with independent investigative journalism platform Matsadaash.” Also see: Beyer (D-VA) 10/2/26: Egypt Human Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Urge Immediate Release of Detained Egyptian Journalists

Lebanon

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/8/26: X-post – “Hezbollah terrorists must be disarmed. It’s a message I’ve delivered again and again, and, last week, I carried it directly to Lebanese leaders on our bipartisan Intelligence Committee trip to Beirut. Lebanon has an opportunity to break Iran’s death grip and chart a safer future for its people. America will keep pressing for results…”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 10/1/26: Gottheimer Co-Leads Bipartisan House Intelligence Committee Trip to Lebanon [“Presses to Meet Obligations of Trilateral Agreement with U.S. and Israel; Fully Disarm Hezbollah, Remove Iran’s Influence, and Return Lebanon to the Lebanese People; Critical to Lebanon’s Long-Term Success”]

Saudi/The Gulf

  • Merkley (D-OR) 10/6/26: X-thread – “We’re about to sleepwalk into a gravely dangerous nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, and not enough people are talking about this. Here’s what’s happening…In July, Trump announced a deal that creates a path to enriching uranium in Saudi Arabia—a deal that raises a real possibility of Saudi Arabia using that enriched uranium to build a nuclear bomb. What’s the Trump Admin. saying about this? That we should trust the Saudi government. HELL NO. If Saudi Arabia were serious about giving up its goal of building a nuclear bomb, it would agree to comprehensive inspections and give up domestic enrichment and reprocessing power. And to put this into further context, Trump and Republicans railed against Obama’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which capped enrichment at 3.67% for 15 years. Want to know how much the Trump Administration deal with Saudi Arabia opens the door to? 20%!!! And if the door is open to Saudi Arabia enriching uranium, other countries—including Iran—will never agree to accept restrictions on enrichment. This is a path to a nuclear warhead arms race, endangering the whole world’s security. So, I’m sounding the alarm about this, because promises that the Saudi nuclear program will be purely for civilian use are bogus. I will fight like hell to make sure we don’t sleepwalk into a dangerous deal.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/6/26: X-post responding to one of Sen. Murphy’s (D-CT) posts from his Gulf tour – “Qatar spends billions buying influence on our campuses and pushing its values into our country. American universities do not belong in the pocket of a regime that bankrolls Muslim terror. We should not be meeting with them.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 10/5/26: X-post – “The Mecca Defense Alliance has the potential to be the NATO of the Middle East. I am grateful to our allies Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia for activating the alliance in the face of Houthi Iranian-backed aggression.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/5/26: Murphy Lands in Middle East as Iran War Rages On [NOTE: Murphy posted many, many updates about his trip on social media (X). You can find those posts here.
  • Sherman (D-CA) 9/25/26: X-post w/ link to YouTube video – “U.S. intelligence now assesses that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons program. Last week on @PBS @NewsHour, I explained why the proposed U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal provides woefully inadequate safeguards against exactly this threat.”

Iran War

  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 10/5/25: X-post – “Americans deserve details about failings at Port Shuaiba that cost brave lives. New reports raise serious questions that cry out for independent investigation.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/2/26: X-post – “The President, who continues to hide service member casualties, is now sending up to another 10,000 troops to his illegal war of choice in Iran. When Trump says he’s planning on renewing his war next month, believe him. Congress must cut off funding.”

Khashoggi Murder

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years ago, Jamal Khashoggi was murdered by agents of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for reporting the truth. Today, we remember his life, his courage, and his voice that continues to carry on. We continue to fight for a press free from oppression and persecution—here and abroad.”
  • Markey (D-MA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Today’s the 8th anniversary of the brutal slaying of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, ordered by Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We cannot trust Saudi leaders, yet Trump wants to allow them to enrich uranium that could be used for nuclear bombs. Stop the deal.”
  • Kaine (D-VA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years ago today, the Saudi government directed the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Virginia resident and journalist dedicated to shining a light on the truth. As we honor his memory, we must remember his courage, continue to fight for accountability for those behind his murder, and recommit ourselves to defending the freedom of the press around the world.”
  • Schiff (D-CA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years since the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, ordered the brutal torture and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and no one in the Saudi government has been held accountable. (We may even help them with a nuclear program.) At a time when freedom of the press is under threat both at home and abroad, I won’t stop demanding justice for Khashoggi’s murder and protection of the press.”
  • Vindman (D-VA) 10/2/26: VINDMAN, VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENT ON 8TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAMAL KHASHOGGI’S MURDER
  • Vindman (D-VA) 10/2/26: X-post – “Eight years ago today, Virginia resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered. Today, I joined colleagues in Virginia’s Democratic delegation in renewing our call for President Trump to release the transcript of his 2019 call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following Khashoggi’s murder. Eight years is far too long to wait for answers. The Khashoggi family and the American people deserve the truth.”
  • Walkinshaw (D-VA) 10/2/26: Walkinshaw, Vindman, Virginia Democrats Release Statement on 8th Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

Islamophobia in US elex/politics

  • Luna (R-FL) 10/6/26: X-post – “You cannot have allegiance to two countries. El-Sayed has dual citizenship and is bragging about it in this speech. Dual citizens should be banned from serving in office. This is a massive national security risk.” [As a reminder, currently there are 26 foreign-born members of the House and 6 foreign-born members of the Senate; there is no data on how many of these members of Congress hold dual nationality]
  • Roy (R-TX) 10/6/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with our Constitution and has no place in America. But it’s on the rise. That’s why Rep. Roy and @RepKeithSelf launched the Sharia Free America Caucus to FIGHT back.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/5/26: X-post – “Floridians should never be forced to hear the Muslim Call to Prayer blasted through their neighborhoods five times a day. We cannot stand back and let our country be conquered by Islamists who seek its destruction. I will not let it happen.”

  • Brecheen (R-OK) 10/5/26; X-post – “We must continue to fight against Sharia Law in America! Sharia is completely at odds with our Republic and has no place in our nation. We must stop its spread before it’s too late. It is an honor to be part of @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy’s Sharia Free America Caucus where 70 @HouseGOP members from 25 states, including myself and @RepBice from Oklahoma, are actively fighting this radical ideology.”
  • Moore (R-AL) 10/5/26: X-post – “Proud to see the Sharia-Free America Caucus grow to more than 70 members. We have one foundation of law in America: the United States Constitution. Any effort to establish sharia law as governing is completely incompatible with this fundamental principle.”
  • Luna (R-FL) 10/2/26: X-post – “Call me old school but I don’t think anyone with ties to Middle Eastern terror cells should be serving in U.S. government”‘
  • Simpson (R-ID) 10/2/26: X-post – “Americans nationwide just remembered 25 years since radical Islamic terrorists killed 2,977 people, and the threat of Sharia law in the United States continues to be on the rise. Sharia law has no place in this country and is incompatible with American values, our way of life, and the United States Constitution. Proud to join @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy’s Sharia Free America Caucus.”
  • Self (R-TX) 10/1/26: X-post – “We’ve seen what’s happened in the United Kingdom: Muslim rape gangs. Mass migration. A dying culture. We can’t let that happen here in America. BAN SHARIA.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 10/1/26: X-post – “The United Kingdom arrests people for mean words but is releasing Muslim terrorists on bail who were arrested for trying to kill American soldiers. Insanity happening across the pond. The UK has fallen.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 10/1/26: X-post – “‘Our broken immigration system led the U.S. to import well over 2 million aliens from Muslim-majority countries after 9/11. That can only be described as national suicide,’ Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told @DailySignal @pedrobrodrigue7. ‘I am glad to see that the Trump administration appears to have reduced this abusive ‘legal’ immigration while stopping most of the illegal flow at our southern border,’ Roy continued.“
  • Self (R-TX) 9/25/26: X-post – “There are 1,400 years of history demonstrating the ambitions and objectives of political Islam—from Egypt and Syria to the United Kingdom and beyond. The recent U.K. rape gangs report was a horrifying wake-up call for those unaware of Sharia’s influence in Europe. Such vile behavior can never be tolerated in America.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Delaware

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Kansas

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Maine

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Michigan

[Note: Betweem Oct 1 and Oct 8, Jewish Insider has published a whopping 8 articles against Abdul El-Sayed race]

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC  in US elex & politics – Texas

Members of House & Senate in the Middle East

Other stuff