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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 1/23/26: Institutionalizing sexual violence and torture: the findings of the UN Committee on Torture, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Nick Rodelo, a researcher employed by the University Network for Human Rights (UNHR) and the primary author of the report, Report to the UN Committee Against Torture: Systemic Israeli Practices of Torture Against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, submitted to the UN in late 2025

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1. Bills & Resolutions

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

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

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

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

2. Letters

• (USING ANTISEMITISM CLAIMS TO TARGET DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE) 1/29/26: Walberg Releases Documents Alleging Evanston Mayor Endangered Jewish Students’ Safety to “Shore Up…Progressive Credentials” [letter text – excerpt: “Considering your recent interest in campus conduct and antidiscrimination efforts at Northwestern, the Committee requests a briefing on, in your words, ‘local law-enforcement coordination’ when it comes to antisemitic activity on college campuses in Evanston.“]. Also see: House Education Committee chair accuses Daniel Biss of obstructing efforts to clear Northwestern encampment [“Biss, who is running for Congress, accused Walberg in response of attempting to sabotage his primary campaign at the behest of AIPAC”] (Jewish Insider 1/30/26); House Republicans want Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss to testify on Northwestern University Gaza protests (CBS 1/30/26); GOP targets Biss over cops staying out of NU Gaza encampment [“Mayor derides letter from Congressional committee chair as a ‘political attack,’ stands by city’s decision“] (Evanston RoundTable 1/29/26); Biss calls encampment-related congressional letter featuring trustee criticism a ‘baseless attack fueled by’ AIPAC (The Daily Northwestern 1/29/26); Biss: Congressional inquiry a ‘frivolous political attack’ (Evanston Now 1/29/26)
• (EU: CLASSIFY IRGC AS TERRORIST ORG) 1/29/26: Reps Tenney, Sherman Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging EU to Designate IRGC as a Terrorist Organization [letter text]. Also see: Also see: Tenney (R-NY) X-post 1/27/26: “Incredible news: The European Union just voted to designate Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization. Ahead of this morning’s vote, I wrote with my colleagues urging the EU to take this step. For four years, I’ve worked to press our allies to confront the IRGC for what it is: a terrorist organization responsible for attacks in Europe, support for Hamas and Hezbollah, and violence across borders.” And Tenney (R-NY) X-post 1/28/26: “I’ve led the fight in Congress urging our partners and allies to designate Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization. Through my advocacy, Canada and Australia have already joined the U.S., and now the EU is moving toward designation. The IRGC has American, European, and Iranian blood on its hands. Responsible nations should stand together with the United States and designate the IRGC as the terrorist group it is.” And Jewish Insider – Bipartisan group of lawmakers urges EU to designate IRGC as terrorist organization, ahead of key meeting. Also see Baird (R-IN) X-post – “I joined @RepTenney in calling on the European Union ahead of their vote yesterday to designate Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization. The IRGC has been responsible for horrific attacks in Europe, and has supported Hamas and Hezbollah.”
• (SURGE INTERNET ACCESS TO HELP IRAN PROTESTERS!) 1/28/26: Lankford Leads Bipartisan Effort to Surge Internet Access for the Iranian People [letter text]. Also see: Senators urge Rubio to ‘surge resources’ to support Iranian internet freedom (Jewish Insider 1/29/26)

3. Hearings & Markups

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

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

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

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

• Algemeiner 1/26/26: NY Democratic Congressional Favorite Refuses to Support Anti-Israel Aid Legislation, Accuse Israel of ‘Genocide’

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

• KSAT 1/24/26: Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico show different fighting styles in first debate of Senate Democratic primary [“The two candidates aligned on most policy issues that came up Saturday, including raising taxes on billionaires, repealing President Donald Trump’s tariffs, banning the sale of offensive weapons to Israel and using congressional authority to check the Trump administration’s foreign policy in Venezuela, Greenland and Iran.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

• Mission Local 1/27/26: How S.F. congressional hopefuls view Israel, China and foreign policy (part 1)

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nebraska

• Jewish Insider 1/27/26: Most Democratic candidates in key Nebraska swing seat say they’ll reject pro-Israel support [“Only James Leuschen, a longtime former senior Capitol Hill staffer, did not say he would reject support from AIPAC and Democratic Majority for Israel”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

• Evanston Roundtable 1/29/26: Former Rep. Bowman endorses Abughazaleh for Congress, adding to out-of-state voices in 9th District race
• Jewish Insider 1/26/26: Daniel Biss reversed position on aid to Israel after launching congressional campaign [“Sources said the Illinois Democrat had also sought AIPAC’s support before launching his campaign, and then turned against the pro-Israel group; Biss denies the allegation”]
• Daily Herald 1/24/26: Why pro-Israel lobbying group has been targeted by progressive candidates
• Evanston Now 1/23/26: Biss campaign denies he sought AIPAC support
• Evanston Roundtable 1/23/26: Red boxes and mailers show outside spending has entered congressional race [“Super PAC supports Biss with over $158,000 in mailer campaigns, while Fine adds and quickly removes talking points against Biss“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

• Jewish Insider 1/29/26: Contender to succeed Jasmine Crockett blasted Israeli ‘apartheid’ in sermon on Oct. 8 [“Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III delivered an anti-Israel polemic from the pulpit on Oct. 8, 2023, the day after Hamas’ attack on Israel“]
• Jewish Insider 1/24/26: Talarico, who now disavows AIPAC, attended group’s event in 2019 [“The Texas Senate candidate has leaned into attacks against Israel, even as he runs in a reliably Republican state“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Virginia

• Commentary 1/29/26: Can Elaine Luria Handle the Squad’s Heat?
• Jewish Insider 1/29/26: Elaine Luria wants to reclaim her post as a pro-Israel leader in Congress [“The former congresswoman told JI, ‘Anything that needs to be done to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon needs to be done’“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Colorado

• CPR News 1/28/26: Colorado lawmakers face angry crowds over ICE actions, Gaza

Saudi Arabia, Iran

• Jewish Insider 1/30/26: Sen. Blumenthal: If Saudis abandon normalization, U.S. would have to rethink approach to Riyadh [“Blumenthal: ‘I hope that this indication of a change in course is just a short-term flip’“]
• Jewish Insider 1/30/26: Graham says conversation with Saudi leaders eased his concerns about kingdom’s pivot [“The South Carolina senator also said that he expects action against Iran is still forthcoming, and that U.S. credibility is now on the line after Trump promised to help protesters“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/29/26: Lawmakers, Jewish orgs welcome EU terror designation of IRGC
• Jewish Insider 1/27/26: Lindsey Graham slams Saudi Arabia for attack on UAE, silence on Syrian assault against Kurds [“Graham has been a close ally of the Saudis while urging the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel“]

Other stuff

• Friends Committee on National Legislation 1/29/26: Understanding the FY2026 Foreign Assistance Bill: What It Means for Peace
• The Commentator 1/29/26: Never Mind the Israel Lobby: Focus on the Qatar Lobby
• Atlantic Council 1/29/26: Congress has championed the Abraham Accords. Here’s how it can push them forward.

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 1/23/26: Destroying systems that sustain life: Israel’s destruction of healthcare in Palestine, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Liz Allcock, the former head of humanitarian protection at Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), an organization that has worked in Gaza, the West Bank, and elsewhere for decades.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(TO DENATURALIZE PEOPLE WHO STAND WITH PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) HR 7156 [bill text]: Introduced 1/20/26 by Emmer (R-MN) and 42 Republican cosponsors, the “Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act,” aka,  “To expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings for individuals who have defrauded a governmental program, joined a terrorist organization, or committed certain criminal offenses.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: On 1/19/25, Sen. Schmidt (R-MO) issued a press release announcing the introduction of the same bill in the Senate (it has not actually been introduced yet – stay tuned) The Senate version of this bill was introduced 1/15/26 — S. 3674 – sorry, I missed it!

• Most of the media coverage around this bill (you can google it yourself) frames this as a bill focused on alleged fraud by Somali immigrants in Minnesota — when in fact the focus is much wider. This legislation would amend existing law to establish additional grounds for denaturalization, linked to alleged connections to a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), fraud, or the commission of aggravated felonies or acts of espionage [presented in that in order in the bill].
• IMPORTANT: Some media coverage [Ex: Fox News, Fox News] of the bill mistakenly (or misleadingly) suggests that all of the expanded denaturalization criteria are triggered by people being “convicted” of or admitting to the stipulated offenses. In fact, this trigger exist ONLY with respect to the expanded criteria related to fraud, aggravated felonies, and espionage. Under this bill, denaturalization based on alleged connections to an FTO would be mandatory if the U.S. government merely alleges — or as Emmer says in his press release, “finds“, that a person, during the 10 years after naturalization “associates with, conspires with, aids, or abets any foreign terrorist organization (as designated under section 219(a)).” The bill omits any mention of who would make this finding and how it would be made, but states that it will be considered “prima facie and sufficient evidence” that a person’s naturalization “was obtained by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation” — suggesting that a naturalized citizen targeted with this new deportation power would, from start to finish (finish being the moment they are stripped of their citizenship and deported) be denied any legal recourse and even the thinnest pretense of due process.
• REMINDER: As a matter of policy, the Trump Administration — along with many in Congress, and some in the Biden Administration (backed by organizations like the ADL) — have defined/alleged that speech and protest for Palestinian lives and rights signals or equals support for or  Hamas. 
• Media: Emmer to introduce new bill to strip citizenship from fraudsters and terrorists: ‘You’re going home‘ (Fox News 1/16/26); Senate bill would trigger denaturalization for ties to foreign terrorist groups (Jewish News Syndicate 1/20/26)

(MORE US MILITARY AID/COOPERATION FOR ISRAEL!) HR 7178 [bill text]: Introduced 1/21/26 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors, the “U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act,” aka,  “To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, to make improvements relating to cooperation between the United States and Israel to counter unmanned systems across warfighting domains, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Gottheimer press release: Gottheimer Reintroduces Bipartisan U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act to Counter Iranian Drones — Expanding Bill to Counter Unmanned Threats Across Air, Sea, and Land; Gottheimer, Garbarino reintroduce bill to expand U.S.-Israel cooperation against Iranian drones (WRNJ 1/21/26); Bipartisan House bill would boost US-Israel cooperation against Iranian drones (Jewish News Syndicate 1/22/26)

(STANDING WITH IRANIAN PROTESTERS) H. Res. 1008: Introduced 1/16/26 by Ansari (D-AZ) and having 7 bipartisan cosponsors, “Recognizing and expressing support for the Iranian people protesting for a free and democratic Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING SYRIA/CAPTAGON)  HR 7180 [bill text]: Introduced 1/21/26 by Hill (R-AR) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to modify the interagency strategy to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production and trafficking and affiliated networks in the Middle East, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Rep. Hill press release, “HILL AND MOSKOWITZ INTRODUCE BILL TO COMBAT CAPTAGON AND OTHER NARCOTICS“; Hill’s “one-pager” on the bill (which runs 2 pages)

(ISRAEL/MIDDLE EAST IN THE FY26 CONSOLIDATED APPROPS) HR 7148 (bill text): Introduced 1/20/26 by Cole (R-OK), the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.” This is a House-Senate conference version of the combined remaining FY25 Appropriations Bills, accompanied by a Joint Explanatory Statement. PASSED BY THE HOUSE 1/22/26 by a vote of 341-88. HR 7148 includes the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill, which includes significant annual funding for Israel [funding that is in addition to the massive funding for Israel in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs legislation covered last week in detail], as well as other Middle East-related funding provisions, all laid out below. HR 7148 also includes the FY26 Appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration – legislation that, as it happens, also includes an interesting Israel/Middle East-related provision, also laid out below.

• AID FOR ISRAEL: Section 8071 hard earmarks $500 million for Israeli Cooperative Programs, sub-earmarked as follows: $60 million for Iron Dome; $127 million for the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) program; $40 million for co-production activities of SRBMD systems; $100 million for co-production activities of Arrow 3 Upper Tier systems; and $173 million for the Arrow System Improvement Program.
• AID FOR LEBANESE ARMED FORCES: Section 8034 hard earmarks $50 million for the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to provide assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, subjects to many, many caveats.
• AID FOR JORDAN: Section 8109 hard earmarks $150 million for Jordan, and Section 8120 soft earmarks $500 million for the armed forces of Jordan.
• Title II: Includes a section hard earmarking $342,516 million for “Counter-ISIS Train & Equip Fund”
• ABRAHAM ACCORDS: Sec. 6611 (part of the FDA’s FY26 appropriations) is entitled, “Establishment of Abraham Accords Office within the Food and Drug Administration.” This provision mandates the establishment of an office with the FDA, within 2 years, and “provide technical assistance to regulatory partners in Abraham Accords countries on strengthening regulatory oversight and converging regulatory requirements for the oversight of regulated products, including good manufacturing practices and other issues relevant to manufacturing medical products that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration” and “facilitate interactions between the Food and Drug Administration and interested parties in Abraham Accords countries, including by sharing relevant information regarding United States regulatory pathways with such parties, and facilitate feedback on the research, development, and manufacturing of products regulated in accordance with this Act” and “carry out other functions and activities as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section.“

Also see AIPAC X-post 1/22/26: “The House just passed its annual defense appropriations bill with important pro-Israel provisions. The bill includes: $500 million for missile defense programs like Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, which continue to save countless lives in Israel.  $75 million for counter-drone and directed energy programs, a $20 million increase from last year.  $80 million for counter-tunnel programs, a $32.5 million increase from last year.  $47.5 million for joint cooperation on emerging technologies that will define the future of warfare, a $27.5 million increase from last year. This funding helps keep America and Israel safer and more secure”

2. Letters

• (PUNISH IRANIAN IN THE US FOR SINS OF HER FATHER) 1/22/26: Carter demands removal of Georgia doctor connected to Iranian Regime leaders advocating violence against Americans [letter text]. Her crime: being related to her father — “Dr. Ardeshir-Larijani is the daughter of Ali Larijani, a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran who currently serves as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. That regime is designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism responsible for the killing, imprisonment, and brutal repression of thousands of civilians. Her father has recently and publicly advocated violence against Americans and U.S. allies while holding one of the highest national security posts in that hostile government.” The letter includes no allegations relating to anything the daughter has ever said or done, but notes instead: “America’s medical institutions must not serve as a safe harbor for individuals connected by blood and loyalty to regimes that openly call for the death of Americans.” Also see Carter’s X-post 1/22/26: “I wrote a letter to Emory and the Georgia Composite Medical Board demanding Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani’s removal and the revocation of her medical license. Her father, Ali Larijani, is a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran who openly calls for violence against Americans. Her ties to the largest state sponsor of terrorism are unacceptable and serve only to erode patient safety, public trust, and national security.”
• (STAND UP TO ISRAEL’S WEST BANK ANNEXATION) 1/20/26: Welch, Khanna Lead 74 Bicameral Lawmakers in Urging Stronger Response from Trump Admin on Israel’s Efforts to Annex the West Bank [letter text]. Also see: Khanna (D-CA) press release; Congress to Rubio: Confront Israel’s Reckless West Bank Moves (New Jewish Narrative 1/20/26); U.S. Democrats Call for Trump Administration Pushback Against West Bank Annexation (Haaretz 1/20/26). Also see: Castro (D-TX) X-post – “Israel is actively stealing Palestinian land in the West Bank. Palestinians are being forced to leave and their homes are being destroyed. Secretary Rubio has acknowledged that these actions undermine peace. I joined my colleagues to demand Secretary Rubio stand up against Israel’s bullying.“
• (TARGETING NON-PROFITS, AGAIN) 1/20/26: Ways & Means Republicans Sound Alarm as Minnesota Scandal Unfolds, Call on IRS to Crackdown on Non-Profit Sector [letter text]

3. Hearings & Markups

January 21, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a markup of various measures [video], including HR 3307, “To increase cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region in order to strengthen energy security and defense capabilities, and for other purposes,” aka the “Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act.”

• Consideration of HR 3307 starts around 1:37:28 in the hearing.
• Per Jewish Insider: “The House Foreign Affairs Committee voted 45-2 to advance legislation expanding U.S. cooperation programs in the Eastern Mediterranean; Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) voted against the bill, with Castro citing concerns that U.S.-Israel scientific grant programs cited in the bill may provide funding for programs in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.“
• Press releases: SCHNEIDER BILL TO ANCHOR EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY ADVANCES and BILIRAKIS BILL TO ANCHOR EASTERN MEDITARRANEAN IN US FOREIGN POLICY ADVANCES

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

• Mondoweiss 1/22/26: The Shift: Israeli-American Council summit was the latest reflection of Israel’s failing brand
• @TrackAIPAC 1/21/26: “@NYWFP candidate questionnaires are in for #NY12, including questions on Israel and Palestine: 1. Do you support the “Block the Bombs Act”, which prohibits the United States transfer of weapons that the Israeli military has used in its bombardment of Gaza? 2. Do you support Rep Rashida Tlaib’s resolution H.Res.876 – Recognizing the Genocide of the Palestinian People in Gaza? Here’s what the candidates are saying [thread]“
• Haaretz 1/21/26: AIPAC, the Genocide Test and U.S.-Israel | 2026 Midterm Primary Races to Watch From New Jersey to Texas
• Jewish Insider 1/21/26: J Street hopes to capitalize on growing Democratic frustration with Israel [“‘There’s going to be a new normal,’ the progressive Israel advocacy group told JI, as it endorses candidates who call Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide”]
• Zeteo 1/18/26: Meet AIPAC’s Nightmare — The founders of Track AIPAC join Mehdi to discuss going up against one of the country’s most influential lobbies.

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

• Jewish News Syndicate 1/22/26: Congressional candidate says Rep. Torres ‘bought and controlled’ by Zionists
• Jacobin 1/21/26: In Harlem, a Democratic Socialist Takes On the Dem Machine — Interview with Darializa Avila Chevalier [“…Avila Chevalier is running on a platform of affordable housing for all, an end to the genocide in Gaza…”]
• Politico 1/21/26: Coverage of Israel/Palestine in NY Elex [“…Playbook obtained the WFP’s completed candidate questionnaires from Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, Assemblymember Alex Bores and Nadler protégéMicah Lasher. Their answers show there’s little distance between the three when it comes to the issue. The filled-out questionnaires show none support a House resolution that would recognize Israel’s military campaign as a genocide. Nor would any of them support another bill aiming to bar the U.S. from sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel (Bores and Lasher are a ‘no,’ and Schlossberg is ‘unsure’). And only Schlossberg backs a bill that would cease aid connected to the Israeli military occupation in the West Bank (Bores is a ‘no’ while Lasher is ‘unsure’). ‘I do not generally believe that definitional debates, which can divide people of good will without producing material progress in this intractable conflict or in the conditions of people’s lives, are helpful to that cause,’ Lasher said in his questionnaire. The heavily-Jewish Manhattan district is a far cry from Brooklyn’s NY-7, where another retiring member of the New York delegation, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, has battled behind the scenes with Mamdani over who should succeed her. Both major candidates in that race, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Assemblymember Claire Valdez, proudly describe Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 attacks as a genocide. In neighboring NY-10, Rep. Dan Goldman is facing a primary challenge from former City Comptroller Brad Lander in a race also energized by pro-Palestinian activism. ‘Everybody in the political consulting class will tell you that there is no path to victory somewhere like NY-12 if you recognize genocide for what it is, and I do not believe that that is true,’ said left-leaning activist Cameron Kasky, who bowed out of the race last week. His exit leaves the race to succeed Nadler without a major candidate leveling the genocide accusation. Kasky said he ended his campaign to work with California Rep. Ro Khanna on legislation related to the West Bank, saying its people ‘can’t wait for my political aspirations.’ Bores told Playbook he’s focused on a lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
• Jewish Insider 1/20/26: Mike Lawler condemns campaign ad against him as antisemitic [“The ad, paid for by the anti-Israel Institute for Middle East Understanding, claims Lawler’s support for aid to Israel comes at the expense of American welfare program”]
• Jewish Insider 1/18/26: AIPAC’s super PAC comes out swinging against former Rep. Tom Malinowski [“‘There are several candidates in this race that are far more supportive of the U.S.-Israel relationship than Tom Malinowski,’ United Democracy Project spokesperson Patrick Dorton told JI”]
• Jewish Currents 1/16/26: Can a Liberal Zionist Recreate Mamdani’s Coalition? [“Brad Lander’s primary challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman will test whether the progressive alliance that came together in 2025 can win again.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

• Jewish Insider 1/21/26: Brendan Gill emphasizes support for Israel in crowded primary field to replace Sherrill [“Gill is facing off against former Rep. Tom Malinowski and former lieutenant governor Tahesha Way, among other Dem challengers”]
• J Street Memo (Jeremy Ben-Ami) 1/21/26: Memo to AIPAC: Attacking Tom Malinowski Is No Way To Build American – or Democratic – Support for Israel [“The problem isn’t just the candidate AIPAC has chosen to attack in this race, it’s the damage its strategy is doing to American democracy, the US-Israel relationship and the Jewish community.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/20/26: AIPAC spending against former rep it once supported as he aims to return to Congress [‘There are several candidates in this race that are far more supportive of the U.S.-Israel relationship than Tom Malinowski,’ a spokesman for AIPAC’s super PAC told JNS.“]
• New Jersey Globe 1/19/26: ‘The stakes have just gotten higher’: After AIPAC attack ad, Malinowski issues a warning [“Malinowski, a pro-Israel candidate, says AIPAC ‘should be scared’“]
• The Forward 1/18/26: Why is AIPAC targeting Trump’s ICE funding? [“The group’s super PAC is criticizing former Rep. Tom Malinowski for backing funding for ICE, reflecting a strategic shift amid Democratic anger at Trump and Israel”]
• NBC News 1/16/26: Sen. Tammy Duckworth endorses House candidate who saved her life in Iraq [“Adam Hamawy, a former Army physician running for New Jersey’s 12th District, treated Duckworth’s injuries after her helicopter was fired upon and crashed.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

• The Algemeiner 1/22/26: Anti-Israel Michigan Senate Candidate Promoted Group Behind Holocaust Memorial Protests
• State Affairs 1/20/26: El-Sayed bracing for potential AIPAC influence in U.S. Senate race as campaign heats up

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

• Jewish Insider 1/23/26: Moderate Democrat faces off against anti-Israel challengers in suburban Chicago battleground [“Former Rep. Melissa Bean, who compiled a solidly pro-Israel record when in Congress last decade, is facing opposition from the far left in the Democratic primary“]
• Arab America 1/21/26: A New Generation of Arab-American Politicians: Kat Abughazaleh
• Chronicle Illinois 1/21/26: Progressive Democrat candidates decry AIPAC influence
• Jewish Insider 1/20/26: Daniel Biss sought AIPAC’s support before turning against Israel in congressional bid, sources say [“Biss now takes positions at odds with those advocated by AIPAC and decried its alleged involvement in the Illinois 9th District Democratic primary“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

• Politico 1/22/26: Newsom, Wiener and POLITICO’s new firepower in LA [“Scott Wiener, the influential state senator running to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress, has been in damage-control mode for weeks after he dodged a debate question about whether he considers Israel’s actions in Gaza a ‘genocide.’ The online backlash against Wiener was swift, and only seemed to grow after he reversed course days later and called the conflict a ‘genocide’ in a social media video. Wiener explained why he, as a Jewish person, initially resisted using the word. But his opponents — wealthy former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti and Supervisor Connie Chan — have seized the opening to argue it was a politically-driven move. It’s unfamiliar territory for Wiener, who’s known as a sharp tactician willing to take on bruising fights in Sacramento. That’s also why his sudden pivot has perplexed observers in his hometown of San Francisco. Wiener sat down with Playbook recently to discuss his campaign’s path forward and why the language he’s used to describe the conflict has changed…”]
• San Francisco Standard 1/22/26: Scott Wiener leaving Jewish Caucus role after Gaza ‘genocide’ remarks
• Jewish Insider 1/22/26: Scott Wiener steps down as co-chair of California Jewish caucus after accusing Israel of genocide [“The congressional candidate faced blowback from state Jewish leaders after flip-flopping on his genocide accusation, a word that he previously pledged not to use“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Louisiana

• Jewish Insider 1/22/26: Newly announced Senate candidate Julia Letlow attended 2023 Qatar junket funded by pro-Doha group 

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

• Jewish Insider 1/22/26: Paige Cognetti running in Josh Shapiro’s footsteps in key Pa. swing district [“The Scranton mayor is championing her support for Israel as she challenges GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan“]
• Chestnut Hill Local 1/21/26: Germantown Congressional forum draws crowd [lots about AIPAC/Israel]
• Philadelphia Inquirer 1/21/26: Sharif Street could become Pa.’s first Muslim member of Congress. But don’t make assumptions about his politics.

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

• Jewish Insider 1/22/26: In new ad, John Cornyn blasts radical Islam for Oct. 7, Bondi Beach attacks [“Speaking to camera, Cornyn touts his efforts to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Virginia

• Norther Virginia 1/22/26: Former Reality Star to Challenge Mark Warner for Senate Seat
• New York Post 1/20/26: Wall Street banker-turned-reality star launches bid for Democrat Mark Warner’s Senate seat in Virginia [“Moran told me that, unlike Warner, he will not accept donations from corporate PACs, billionaires and AIPAC — entities that many in Gen Z see as the boogeyman.”]

Other stuff

• Just Security 1/23/26: Expert Q&A on the Charter of the Board of Peace and the Role of Congress
• Jewish Insider 1/23/26: Some Republicans skeptical of Trump’s invitation to Russia, China to join Gaza Board of Peace [“Rep. Joe Wilson: ‘My personal point of view is that both of these [countries] are actually part of the axis of evil’”]
• Times of Israel 1/23/26: Netanyahu meets visiting GOP senator in Jerusalem
• Jewish Insider 1/21/26: House Dems call for steps to restore communications access in Iran, but stay mum on military strikes [“Rep. Yassamin Ansari: ‘To the people of Iran: know that you are not alone. Members of Congress and the United States see your incredible courage’“]
• CAIR 1/20/26: CAIR Calls on Congress to Condemn Israel’s Bulldozing of UN Facilities in Occupied West Bank, Torture of Prisoners
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/18/26: US ‘has no better friend’ than Israel, Graham says [“The senator’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu came ‘at one of the most consequential moments in recent memory,’ Lindsey Graham wrote.”]

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 1/13/26: “We have talked enough about ourselves”: a conversation with Benjamin Moser, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with author Benjamin Moser about Jewish supremacy, diasporic Jewish life, and the life and legacy of the writer Susan Sontag.

Also of note:

• 1/14/26 report from the Congressional Research Service: Protests in Iran: Possible U.S. Responses and Issues for Congress

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(FY26 NSPR FUNDING, INCL FOR ISRAEL/ME) HR 7006: On 1/14/26, the House passed the FY26 Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 – HR 7006 – by a vote of 341-79 [NSPR is the new term for the State Department and Foreign Operations Bill given in this new Trump era].

• HR 7006 is, in effect, a House/Senate negotiated final version of the bill (absent a normal conference process, since neither chamber actually passed a version of the bill to bring to a formal conference process).
• As a reminder, in July 2025 the House Appropriations Committee passed text of an NSRP bill that went on to be introduced as HR 4779 (and was never voted on by the full House). I covered the Israel/Middle East-related provisions in that bill, in detail, here).
• Much of the text of HR 7006 is the same/similar to HR 4779, but much of it is different, with differences extending to the Israel/Middle East provisions.
• Much of the text of HR 7006 is the same/similar to HR 4779, but much of it is different, with differences extending to the Israel/Middle East provisions. The Israel/Middle East-related provisions in HR 7006 are all covered in detail here, and include: annual aid to Israel and other countries of the Middle East; a continued expansion of restrictions, conditions, limitations, etc on aid for Palestinians (notwithstanding the fact that the bill does not earmark any funds for the Palestinians); and a total ban on funding to UNRWA.
• NOTE: The July 2025 version of the bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee included extensive report language related to Israel and the Middle East. The January 2026 version is accompanied by a House/Senate Joint Explanatory Statement (JES), which included additions language about congressional intent and requirements. The JES also clarifies, explicitly, that ALL of the report language from the original House report ALSO applies, unless specifically indicated otherwise in the JES. So both Report Language and JES language is included with the details of the new bill.
• NOTE: Massie (R-KY) offered amendments to strip aid for Israel, Egypt, and Jordan out of the bill. None of these amendments was considered on the House floor. Also see: Massie (R-KY) 1/12/26: X-post- “This week I could save taxpayers $6.9 billion dollars with three amendments I have submitted to cut foreign aid from the spending bill: one saves $3,300,000,000 from Israel | one saves $2,100,000,000 from Jordan | one saves $1,500,000,000 from Egypt“
• House Appropriations Committee – Committee Releases Conferenced FSGG and NSRP Bills & House Passes H.R. 7006, Strengthening National Security, Protecting Economic Growth, and Restoring Regular Order; bill summary;
• Media: 2026 State Dept. funding bill leverages U.S. funding to combat antisemitism, anti-Israel bias in U.N. (Jewish Insider 1/13/26); House passes State Department funding bill with Israel aid (Jewish News Syndicate 1/15/26); US House Passes State Department Funding Bill With $3.3 Billion in Security Assistance to Israel (Algemeiner 1/15/26)

(SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL FOR BLOCKING OF GAZA AID) S. 3634 [bill text]: Introduced 1/14/26 by Wyden (D-OR), “A bill to express the sense of Congress regarding the conduct by the Netanyahu administration in Gaza and to impose sanctions to discourage governments from obstructing humanitarian assistance, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Wyden press release – Wyden Introduces Legislation to Ensure Aid to Gaza, Accountability for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Government Officials Worldwide Who Enable Human Rights Violations [“Legislation Makes Clear America Condemns Abuses by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Top Officials; Calls for Complying with Human Rights and Humanitarian Law; Bill Applies to Any Government and Senior Military Official Complicit in Blocking Humanitarian Aid“]; Wyden’s 1-pager explanation of the bill; Ron Wyden introduces legislation that could sanction Israeli officials over withholding Gaza aid (Jewish Insider 1/15/26)

(DE-FUND UN IF IT EXPELS ISRAEL) HR 7018 [bill text]: Introduced 1/12/26 by Lawler (R-NY) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To limit funding for United States participation in the United Nations if Israel is illegally expelled.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Lawler press release – Lawler, Moskowitz Introduce Bill to Halt U.S. Funding for UN Agencies That Illegally Expel Israel; Lawler X-post – “Israel is one of America’s strongest partners across the world. The UN has a responsibility to uphold its own rules, not bend them to appease extremists or reward antisemitism. The United States should not bankroll institutions that engage in discriminatory and unlawful actions against our allies.”; Bipartisan bill would limit US funding to United Nations if Israel expelled (Jewish News Syndicate 1/13/26)

(SUPPORTING IRAN PROTESTERS) H. Res. 993 [resolution text]: Introduced 1/13/26 by Ansari (D-AZ) and 7 bipartisan cosponsors, “Recognizing and expressing support for the Iranian people protesting for a free and democratic Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Ansari press release – Rep. Ansari Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Expressing Support for Protesters Demanding a Free and Democratic Iran; Carey (R-OH) press release – Carey Joins Bipartisan Resolution Expressing Support for Iran Protestors

(RELIGIOUS FREEDOM) S. Res. XXX [resolution text]: On 1/14/26 Risch (R-ID) announced the introduction of a new resolution “Expressing the need for the United States’ continued leadership on matters of religious freedom.” As of this writing (3:30pm ET on 1/16/26) the resolution does not yet appear in the Congressional Record. Also see: Risch press release – Risch, Colleagues Introduce Resolution in Support of Religious Freedom. Countries called out in the resolution for having “in patterns of violations of varying degrees of religious freedom” include Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Turkey.

(DEFENDING CIVIL SOCIETY/PROTEST) HR 7060 // S. 3646 [bill text]: Introduced 1/14/26 in the House by Crow (D-CO) and 10 Democratic cosponsors, and in the Senate by Murphy (D-CT) and 10 Democratic cosponsor, “To stop the Government from attacking individuals and organizations for their political speech or participation,” aka the “No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act.” Referred to the House Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Murphy, Crow Lead Bicameral Group Of Democrats To Introduce Bill To Protect First Amendment Rights, Safeguard Americans From Politically Motivated Harassment And Prosecutions; one-pager explaining the bill

(DEFENDING FREE SPEECH/CIVIL SOCIETY) HR 7072: Introduced 1/14/26 by Moulton (D-MA), “To prohibit politically motivated prosecutions and investigations, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

2. Letters

• (SUPPORT ISRAEL’S MAGEN DAVID ADOM) 1/16/26: Letter to SecState Rubio from Reps. Landsman (D-OH) and (R-OH)
• (KEEP CONDEMNING IRAN REGIME) 1/15/26: Rep. Weber Leads Letter Urging Secretary Rubio to Continue Condemning the Iranian Regime’s Violent Crackdown [letter text]. Also see: Dozens of Democratic and Republican members of Congress back Trump administration “publicly condemning the Iranian regime’s violent repression of protesters” (Washington Reporter 1/15/26); Bipartisan lineup of lawmakers urge State Department to continue condemning Iran (Jewish Insider 1/16/26)
• (IRAN INTERNET) 1/14/26: Reps. Dave Min & Claudia Tenney Lead Letter Urging the Trump Administration to Immediately Work to Expand Internet Freedom in Iran [letter text]. Also see: US lawmakers call on Donald Trump to restore internet access in Iran (The Guardian 1/14/26)
• (TARGETING CAIR) 1/13/26: Smith [House Ways and Means Committee Chair] Calls for IRS Investigation Into Tax-Exempt CAIR-California Over Alleged Misuse of Taxpayer Funds and Illegal Activity [letter text]. Also see: Controversial Muslim charity may lose non-profit status for role in anti-Israel protests (New York Post 1/13/26); Congressman asks IRS to review CAIR-CA’s tax-exempt status (Jewish News Syndicate 1/14/26)

3. Hearings & Markups

January 13, 2026: The House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing entitled, Maintaining American Innovation and Technology Leadership (video). The testimony of one of the witnesses, Anissa Brennan (Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Federal Affairs at the Motion Picture Association) touched on Israel: “In May 2025, Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved an updated Broadcasting (Communications) Bill. The bill maintains an investment obligation that would apply to both domestic and international content providers requiring content providers with annual revenues over 40 million shekels to invest 6.5 percent of revenues in ‘high-quality genre’ through ‘local production.’ For content providers not previously subject to an investment obligation, the rate will phase in gradually from 2.0 percent in 2026 to 6.5 percent by 2032. This bill also lacks an exemption for thematic or niche audiovisual (AV) services. The status of this proposed investment obligation is unclear, however, as it was accompanied with language indicating that the provision was subject to consultations with the United States. Such a local content investment obligation would be in violation of the 1985 U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement.”

January 13, 2026: The House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection hearing entitled, Defense through Offense: Examining U.S. Cyber Capabilities to Deter and Disrupt Malign Foreign Activity Targeting the Homeland (video). The testimony of Emily Harding (CSIS) included: “In November 2023, a designated terrorist group that is also the covert action arm of the Iranian government, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), attacked U.S. water plants. The stated target was an Israeli company that makes software for control systems, and the attack was meant to be retaliation for the war in Gaza. While the intent was to embarrass Israel, the facts are undeniable: A terrorist group attempted to impair water delivery to civilians in the United States.”

Palestinians

• Fetterman (D-PA) 1/13/26: X-post – “Martin Luther King Day should be reserved to teach and celebrate his profound legacy to our nation. I strongly reject indoctrination steeped in antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric, normalizing violence under the auspice of ‘resistance.’” With screenshot of Fox News headline: “Teach-in for ‘Philly to Palestine’ set for Martin Luther King Jr. day”
• Sanders (I-VT) 1/11/26: X-post – “Israel is forcing Doctors Without Borders & dozens of other humanitarian groups to end their work in Gaza. Countless innocent people rely on these services amid the ongoing crisis there. This is yet another cruel, inhumane step from the extremist Israeli government.“

Iran

[NOTE: it feels like almost every member of both the House and Senate wants to get on the record supporting Iranian protesters and denouncing the Iranian regime. There are just too many statements to include them all here, so I’m only including the ones that are specifically about bombing/not bombing Iran or that are otherwise outside of the normal messaging)

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

• Arab News 1/16/26: Congressional candidates slam AIPAC influence in US elections
• Mondoweiss 1/15/26: J Street is the new AIPAC in the Democratic Party [“AIPAC is suddenly unwelcome among Democrats, but there’s a new sheriff in town to enforce the pro-Israel orthodoxy. J Street aims to make liberals ‘love Israel again,’ but most Democrats are looking to distance themselves due to the Gaza genocide.“]
• Washington Post 1/14/26: Mamdani is showing Democrats the way beyond wokeness
• Mondoweiss 1/14/26: Why Netanyahu says he wants to stop U.S. aid to Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/13/26: Stop arguing about definitions of Jew-hatred, Jewish Dem lawmaker says [“Antisemitism will only go away when everyone ‘rejects all of it, no matter what,’ Rep. Greg Landsman said.“]
• Jewish Insider 1/12/26: Democrats shift rhetoric on Israel as genocide debate fuels primary battles [“Recent rhetoric by Rep. Dan Goldman and California state Sen. Scott Wieneris a shift from their recent comments about the U.S.-Israel relationship”]
• YNet 1/11/26: Why Netanyahu says it’s time to cut US aid to Israel
• Times of Israel 1/10/26: Washington’s Generational Shift and the Moral Test of US–Israel Relations

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

• Jewish Currents 1/16/26: Can a Liberal Zionist Recreate Mamdani’s Coalition? [“Brad Lander’s primary challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman will test whether the progressive alliance that came together in 2025 can win again.”]
• Jewish Insider 1/16/26: Kasky’s NY-12 flameout highlights the limits of social media influence and anti-Israel activism
• Jewish Link 1/15/26: District 11 Democratic Primary Candidates Speak in MetroWest
• The Intercept 1/14/26: National Progressives Side With Mamdani in House Race Splitting NYC Left [“Justice Democrats is endorsing Claire Valdez, a socialist with the backing of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and UAW President Shawn Fain.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/14/26: Kasky drops out of NYC congressional race, aims to stop ‘settler violence’ [“The 25-year-old suddenly switched gears to work on ‘West Bank human-rights legislation’ with California Rep. Ro Khanna.“]
• Politico 1/14/26: Another shake-up in tumultuous NY-12 race [“March for Our Lives co-founder Cameron Kasky is bowing out of the race to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler, exiting the still-packed primary to champion human rights in the West Bank. The Parkland, Florida school shooting survivor, who had made criticism of the Israeli government a focus of his campaign, described feeling compelled to action after visiting the occupied territory last month.”]
• The Forward 1/13/26: In a Mamdani-era primary, J Street endorses pro-Israel incumbent — and, in a first, ‘approves’ his challenger [“Incumbent Dan Goldman is facing off against Brad Lander in the 10th district“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

• Lone Star Left 1/15/26: Talarico, Crockett, And The Democratic Base On Israel And Palestine — Why this debate is really about movement, not purity.
• San Antonio Current 1/9/26: Senate hopeful Talarico says he’ll call for ban on sale of offensive military weapons to Israel [“‘You can be a friend to Israel, but being a friend means holding your friend accountable,’ the Texas lawmaker said at a New Braunfels-area town hall.”] Cornyn (R-TX) responded on X: “No, James, Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East and their very existence is threatened every minute of every day. Denying weapons to Israel is an outrageous and deeply unserious policy suggestion. We don’t need your Mamdani anti-Israel radical views representing Texas. I will always support Israel’s right to defend itself. You should be ashamed.“

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

• Jewish Insider 1/12/26: Mallory McMorrow says Gaza genocide accusations, which she backed, have become ‘political purity test’ [“The Michigan Democratic Senate candidate previously agreed that Israel was committing a genocide; she now claims Democrats are ‘getting lost in this conversation’“]
• Jewish Insider 1/12/26: ‘Pod Save America’ hosts to hold fundraiser for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed [“Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Ben Rhodes are listed on the host committee for an upcoming fundraiser for the Michigan Senate candidate in Hollywood“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

• Times Tribune 1/10/26: Beyond the Ballot Backs Dylan Blaha for Congress in IL-13 [“Unlike his opponent, he refuses PAC money and rejects the influence of both corporate and AIPAC-aligned interests, running on what Beyond the Ballot has termed a strength through peace agenda. To govern from the left is to reject the lie that endless militarization equals security, and that we must instead enforce peace and international cooperation, not blank-check foreign policy shaped by powerful, wealthy global elites.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

• Jewish News Syndicate 1/13/26: I don’t believe it but have to accuse Israel of genocide due to political pressure, legislator tells JNS [“‘Nobody was going to engage with me, or even talk to me, or not just throw me in some bucket if I wasn’t willing to say that,’ the lawmaker said.“]
• Jewish Insider 1/13/26: Scott Wiener’s rapid turn against Israel is ‘incorrect and lacks moral clarity,’ Jewish groups say [“One local activist told JI Wiener faced pressure from his own campaign staff to change his position“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/12/26: California Jewish caucus co-chair seeking Pelosi’s seat says ‘genocide’ in Gaza [“A few hours before making the announcement, Scott Wiener was quoted in the ‘Atlantic’ denying Israel was guilty of committing ‘genocide.‘”]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 1/12/26: After facing backlash, California congressional hopeful Scott Wiener says Israel is committing ‘genocide’
• San Francisco Chronicle 1/11/26: Scott Wiener changes course, calls war in Gaza ‘genocide’ as House race kicks off
• The Atlantic 1/11/26: The YIMBY Hero Everyone Is Shouting At [“Scott Wiener—a pro-trans Zionist who wants California to allow more homes—has an extreme tolerance for pushback.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Alaska

• Jewish Insider 1/12/26: Mary Peltola enters Alaska Senate race, landing Dems a key red-state recruit [“The former congresswoman had a pro-Israel voting record in the House, at times breaking with her party to vote for measures supporting the Jewish state“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

• Jewish Insider 1/15/26: Marine vet Ryan Crosswell aims to flip GOP-held Pennsylvania congressional seat [“Crosswell, a former Republican who also served as a federal prosecutor, is touting his pro-Israel bona fides as he fights for the Democratic nomination against Rep. Ryan Mackenzie”]
• Jewish Insider 1/14/26: In PA swing district, Democrat Bob Harvie pitches affordability — and unconditional support for Israel [“Harvie: ‘Israel obviously, like any country, has the right to defend itself, and so certainly, as an ally of Israel, we should be willing to help them and make sure that they can protect themselves’”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

• Jewish Insider 1/15/26: Activist who championed anti-Israel encampments eyes primary challenge to Rob Menendez [“Mussab Ali began accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide just days after the Oct. 7 attacks“]
• Jewish Insider 1/14/26: New Jersey House candidates, including state’s lieutenant governor, blast failure to pass antisemitism bill [“‘It is pathetic that in the state with the fourth largest Jewish population in the United States, we don’t have that,’ local Jewish leader Jeff Grayzel said“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Missouri

• Jewish News Syndicate 1/16/26: Cori Bush blames AIPAC for past loss, seeks return to Congress [“’AIPAC didn’t make me, so AIPAC can’t break me,’ said the former member of the anti-Israel ‘Squad’ in the U.S. House of Representatives.”]

Other stuff

• ABC News 1/15/26: Senator Graham to travel to Israel for meetings with Netanyahu amid regional tensions
• Jewish Insider 1/15/26: Graham questions Saudi alliance amid reports that Gulf states urged Trump against Iran strikes [“If the reports are true, the South Carolina senator said, ‘there will be a dramatic rethinking on my part”]
• Travel & Leisure 1/14/26: A New Bill Could Ban Dual Citizenship in the U.S.—Here’s What It Means for Travelers
• A New Policy 1/12/26: Senator Graham Says He Wants to “dramatically expedite the timetable” For Ending U.S. Security Assistance to Israel – What Does It Mean?
• CAIR 1/10/26: CAIR Says Congress Must Act to Protect West Bank Palestinians After Masked Mob Beats Elderly Man
• Jewish Insider 1/9/26: After Netanyahu says he wants to phase out U.S. aid, Lindsey Graham says he’ll expedite the process [“‘Now that this decision has been made, I don’t think we need to wait 10 years,’ Graham told JI”]

On 1/14/26, the House passed the FY26 Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 – HR 7006 [NSPR is the new term for the State Department and Foreign Operations Bill given in this new Trump era].

• HR 7006 is, in effect, a House/Senate negotiated final version of the bill (absent a normal conference process, since neither chamber actually passed a version of the bill to bring to a formal conference process).
• As a reminder, in July 2025 the House Appropriations Committee passed text of an NSRP bill that went on to be introduced as HR 4779 (and was never voted on by the full House). I covered the Israel/Middle East-related provisions in that bill, in detail, here).
• Much of the text of HR 7006 is the same/similar to HR 4779, but much of it is different, with differences extending to the Israel/Middle East provisions. The Israel/Middle East-related provisions in HR 7006 are all covered in detail below, and include: annual aid to Israel and other countries of the Middle East; a continued expansion of restrictions, conditions, limitations, etc on aid for Palestinians (notwithstanding the fact that the bill does not earmark any funds for the Palestinians); and a total ban on funding to UNRWA.
• NOTE: The July 2025 version of the bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee included extensive report language related to Israel and the Middle East. The January 2026 version is accompanied by a House/Senate Joint Explanatory Statement (JES), which included additions language about congressional intent and requirements. The JES also clarifies, explicitly, that ALL of the report language from the original House report ALSO applies, unless specifically indicated otherwise in the JES. So both Report Language and JES language is included with the details of the new bill.

TITLE I — DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

BILL TEXT

• Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund: Perennial bill provision stating: “For necessary expenses of the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, as authorized by section 633 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (22 U.S.C. 2078), the total amount of the interest and earnings accruing to such Fund on or before September 30, 2026, to remain available until expended.”
• Israeli Arab Scholarship Program: Perennial bill provision stating: “For necessary expenses of the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program, as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (22 U.S.C. 2452 note), all interest and earnings accruing to the Israeli Arab Scholarship Fund on or before September 30, 2026, to remain available until expended.” 

REPORT TEXT (original bill)

• Earmarks in the report: The report earmarks funding for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords ($1,500,000) and the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism ($2,500,00)
• Combating antisemitism: “The Committee recognizes the important work of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and directs not less than $2,500,000 be made available for the Office, as authorized by the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-332). The Committee remains concerned by the lack of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions within the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and its impact on the stability and continuity of operations of the Office. Further, the Committee encourages the Department of State to ensure that FTEs hired with this funding are adequately assigned across offices, including the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism which plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities around the world.”
• Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords: “The Committee directs not less than $1,500,000 for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, as authorized by section 6407 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 (division F of Public Law 118-31).”
• Foreign adversaries. “The Committee is concerned that foreign adversaries and affiliated non-state actors are conducting influence campaigns featuring antisemitic symbols graffitied in public places, antisemitic social media content, and threats made against Jewish entities. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on any known incidents of such activities taking place within the last calendar year, and whether, to what extent, and to what end, foreign adversaries and affiliated non-state actors may be using antisemitism and antisemitic symbols in this manner, including the specific narratives, techniques, and organizations targeted in these campaigns.”

TITLE III — BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Migration & Refugee Assistance (MRA): The bill stipulates that, “not less than $6,500,000 shall be made available for refugees resettling in Israel.” NOTE: The current earmark for MRA for Israel dates back to the 1990s and the influx of Jews to Israel from the former Soviet Union. As those refugee numbers decreased, the earmark has diminished, leveling off at $5 million a year since 2019 [which given the numbers of actual refugees Israel is absorbing these days is actually a huge amount per capita], but now raised by House Republicans — seeking to increase this hard earmark by (at least) a whopping 13% (under this provision $6.5 million would be the floor, not the ceiling, for funding available to Israel in the category). For more on the history of MRA for Israel, see this report from the Congressional Research Service.  The Report accompanying the bill adds: “The Committee provides not less than $6,500,000 for refugees from the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other refugees resettling in Israel.”

NATIONAL SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS (NSIP, formerly known as ESF)

The original bill’s REPORT TEXT includes a table laying out “National Security Investment Programs” allocations includes for the Middle East and North Africa as follows:

• Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI): $50 million
• Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC): $10 million
• Near East Regional Democracy: $55 million
• USAID-Israel Development Cooperation: $4 million

The JES includes a different table laying out additional (and different) “National Security Investment Programs” allocations for the Middle East and North Africa (which means that this table overrules the previous one), as follows:

• Iraq Scholarship Program: $10 million
• Lebanon Scholarship Programs: $20 million
• Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI): $20 million
• Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC): $7 million
• Near East Regional Democracy: $50 million
• Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act: $37.5 million
• United States-Israel Development Cooperation: $3 million

TITLE IV – INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

BILL TEXT

• Non-proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR): This section of the bill includes a perennial stipulation that “…funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for the IAEA unless the Secretary of State determines that Israel is being denied its right to participate in the activities of that Agency” 
• Peacekeeping Operations (PKO): The bill earmarks not less than $32 million “for a United States contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• Multinational Force and Observers Mission (MFO). “The Committee directs $30,000,000 for the Multinational Force and Observers Mission in the Sinai, including $6,000,000 for force protection requirements. The Committee notes the invaluable service provided by the MFO in preserving stability in a very volatile part of the world with relatively few personnel and a small budget. United States leadership and participation in the MFO is important to the national security interest of the United States.”
• Foreign Military Financing (FMF): Most FMF for the Middle East is covered in Sec. 7041 (see below). In addition, the report accompanying the original bill lays out FMF for the Middle East as follows: Bahrain – $4,000,000; Egypt – $1,375,000,000; Israel – $3,300,000,000; Jordan – $475,000,000; Morocco – $20,000,000

JES TEXT

• A table laying out INCLE allocations includes $4 million for Tunisia
• A table laying out FMF allocations includes $20 million for Morocco (but no other Middle East allocations)

TITLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS

BILL TEXT

Section 7004: Diplomatic Facilities — Part (e) of this section stipulates that, “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used–(1) to move the United States embassy to the State of Israel to a location other than Jerusalem; or (2) for a United States Embassy, Consulate General, or any other diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the United States Embassy to the State of Israel.”

Section 7007: Prohibition against direct funding for certain countries — This is a perennial provision banning aid to Cuba, North Korea, and Iran, extending to loans, credits, insurance, and guarantees of the Export-Import Bank or its agents. 

Section 7008: Coups d’état — This is a perennial provision stating that no US funding “shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup d’etat or decree or, after the date of enactment of this Act, a coup d’etat or decree in which the military plays a decisive role.” It also states that “assistance may be resumed to such government if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that subsequent to the termination of assistance a democratically elected government has taken office” and that the prohibition in this section “shall not apply to assistance to promote democratic elections or public participation in democratic processes, or to support a democratic transition.” It also includes a waiver.

Section 7013: Prohibition on taxation of assistance — This is a perennial provision barring taxation of U.S. assistance and imposing huge financial penalties on governments that do so. While this provision appears generic, the only recipient explicitly identified is the West Bank and Gaza. This singling out of the Palestinians reflects the genesis of the provision: long-ago allegations that the Palestinian Authority (PA) was taxing U.S. assistance provided to NGOs (recall that under existing law direct aid to the PA is prohibited), and thereby indirectly benefiting from US assistance designed specifically to bypass the PA. [Note: this is the section that was raised as a problem back when Israel was considering imposing massive taxes on foreign government donations to civil society organizations].

Section 7015: Notification Requirements — Part (f) of this provision states that no funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act (pretty much all funds in the bill) may be obligated or expended for assistance to a laundry list of countries, “except as provided through regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.” From the Middle East, the list includes (this year): Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Section 7021: Prohibition on assistance to governments supporting international terrorism — Perennial provision prohibiting funding to any country “which provides lethal military equipment to a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined supports international terrorism for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c))…” and prohibits bilateral assistance to any country that supports international terrorism, gives sanctuary to terrorists, or is controlled by a terrorist organization. The section includes national security waivers for both restrictions. 

Section 7033: International Religious Freedom — Part (c) notes: “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’ may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law for assistance for ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria..”

Section 7034: Special Provisions: Part (i)(4) of this section extends existing U.S. loan guarantees for Israel (provided under Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108–11; 117 Stat. 576) until September 30, 2030 [NOTE: This is the emergency $9 billion that was provided for Israel in 2003, quietly extended over and over by Congress for going on 20 years. As noted in a recent CRS report on US aid to Israel, “Israeli officials may believe that although they have not used the loan guarantees in the last 18 years, maintaining the program boosts the country’s fiscal standing among international creditors in capital markets.“]

Section 7035: Law Enforcement and Security

• Part (b)(3) of this section of the bill is a perennial provision providing for financing of commercial leasing of defense articles to Israel, Egypt, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and major non-NATO allies.
• Part (b)(5) is entitled, “War Reserve Stockpile Authority.” It stipulates that “Section 514(b)(2)(A) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ‘2027’ and inserting ‘2028’”. 
• Part (c)(2) lays out perennial limitations related to landmines and cluster munitions.
• Part (c)(3) lays out perennial requirements with respect to “Crowd Control” equipment: “If the Secretary of State has information that a unit of a foreign security force uses excessive force to repress peaceful expression or assembly concerning corruption, harm to the environment or human health, or the fairness of electoral processes, or in countries that are undemocratic or undergoing democratic transition, the Secretary shall promptly determine if such information is credible: Provided, That if the information is determined to be credible, funds appropriated by this Act should not be used for tear gas, small arms, light weapons, ammunition, or other items for crowd control purposes for such unit, unless the Secretary of State determines that the foreign government is taking effective measures to bring the responsible members of such unit to justice.”
• Part (d)(3) deals with the Leahy Law, and stipulates: “For purposes of implementing section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the term ‘credible information’ means information that, considering the source of such information and the surrounding circumstances, supports a reasonable belief that a violation has occurred, and shall not be determined solely on the basis of the number of sources; whether the source has been critical of a policy of the United States Government or its security partners; whether the source has a personal connection to the information being reported; or whether the United States Government is able to independently verify the information.”

Section 7037: Palestinian statehood — Perennial provision barring (with extensive language) assistance to a Palestinian state that does not meet a series of conditions (includes perennial Presidential waiver authority). It also includes: “The restriction in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance intended to help reform the Palestinian Authority and affiliated institutions, or the governing entity, in order to help meet the requirements of subsection (a), consistent with the provisions of section 7040 of this Act (“Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian Authority”)”

Section 7038: Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corp — Perennial provision (dating back many many years) barring any U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.

Section 7039: Assistance for the West Bank and Gaza (perennial)

[REMINDER: The bill does not earmark any assistance for the West Bank and Gaza]

• Part (a): OVERSIGHT – this sub-section stipulates that “For fiscal year 2026, 30 days prior to the initial obligation of funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, the Secretary of State shall certify to the Committees on Appropriations that procedures have been established to assure the Comptroller General of the United States will have access to appropriate United States financial information in order to review the uses of United States assistance for the Program funded under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’ [formerly known as Economic Support Funds] for the West Bank and Gaza.”
• Part (b): VETTING – this sub-section stipulates that “Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’ for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that such assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private or government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity nor, with respect to private entities or educational institutions, those that have as a principal officer of the entity’s governing board or governing board of trustees any individual that has been determined to be involved in, or advocating terrorist activity or determined to be a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, as appropriate, establish procedures specifying the steps to be taken in carrying out this subsection and shall terminate assistance to any individual, entity, or educational institution which the Secretary has determined to be involved in or advocating terrorist activity.”
• Part (c): PROHIBITION – This subsection bars use of funds for the West Bank and Gaza being used for: “(A) the purpose of recognizing or otherwise honoring individuals who commit, or have committed acts of terrorism; and (B) any educational institution located in the West Bank or Gaza that is named after an individual who the Secretary of State determines has committed an act of terrorism.” It also bars funding for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza under the the Secretary of State report to Congress on “(A) the benchmarks that have been established for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza and on the extent of Palestinian compliance with such benchmarks; and (B) the steps being taken by the Palestinian Authority to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees, including by bringing to justice members of Palestinian security forces who commit such crimes.”
• Part (d): OVERSIGHT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE – previously this sub-section laid out required oversight by USAID (which no longer exists). Now it lays out required oversight, including annual (at least) audits by the Department of State, of “all contractors and grantees, and significant subcontractors and sub-grantees, under the West Bank and Gaza Program,” and allocates up to $1.4 million for “audits, investigations, and other activities in furtherance of the requirements of this subsection.”
• Part (e): AUDIT – this subsection requires the Comptroller General of the United States to “conduct an audit and an investigation of the treatment, handling, and uses of all funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, including all funds provided as cash transfer assistance, in fiscal year 2026 under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’, and such audit shall address—(1) the extent to which such Program complies with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c); and (2) an examination of all programs, projects, and activities carried out under such Program, including both obligations and expenditures.”
• Part (f): NOTIFICATION – this subsection states that “Funds made available in this Act for West Bank and Gaza shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”

Section 7040: Limitation on Assistance to the Palestinian Authority (perennial)

[REMINDER: The bill does not earmark any assistance for the West Bank and Gaza]

>Prohibiting aid to the PA: Part (a) bars any funds from this act being used to provide funding to the Palestinian Authority.

>Waiver of Prohibition on Aid to the PA (but not really): Part (b) enables the President to waive the ban in (a) if he certifies to Congress that doing so “is important to the national security interest of the United States.” [Don’t let this fool you. Part (e), below, turns what otherwise looks like a clean national security waiver into an exercise in which the Executive’s ability to support/defend/promote US national security is made conditional on factors that are outside US control; as in, if the Secretary of State cannot make the certification required under part (e) of this section, the president cannot exercise the “waiver” provided under part (b) of this section, US national security be damned].

>Limitations on that supposed waiver:

• Part (c) stipulates that any waiver under (b) “shall be effective for no more than a period of 6 months at a time and shall not apply beyond 12 months after the enactment of this Act.”
• Part (d) requires a report to Congress from the President in conjunction with any use of the waiver in part (b), detailing “the justification for the waiver, the purposes for which the funds will be spent, and the accounting procedures in place to ensure that the funds are properly disbursed” and also detailing “the steps the Palestinian Authority has taken to arrest terrorists, confiscate weapons and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.” And
• Part (e) requires that in conjunction with any use of the waiver in part (b), the Secretary of State “must certify and report to the Committees on Appropriations prior to the obligation of funds that the Palestinian Authority has established a single treasury account for all Palestinian Authority financing and all financing mechanisms flow through this account, no parallel financing mechanisms exist outside of the Palestinian Authority treasury account, and there is a single comprehensive civil service roster and payroll, and the Palestinian Authority is acting to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and is supporting activities aimed at promoting peace, coexistence, and security cooperation with Israel.”

>Barring Aid to the PLO, Hamas, or any power-sharing govt: Part (f), is a long subsection entitled “Prohibition to Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization” (lumping together a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization with the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people that is NOT on the list of U.S.-designated FTO since that list was first published in 1997).

• This subsection bars funding to the PLO and bars funding for salaries of PA personnel in Gaza or for Hamas or any for  entity “or any entity effectively controlled by Hamas, any power-sharing government of which Hamas is a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises undue influence.” NOTE: The formulation in this legislation, which dates back to the Obama era, was explicitly designed to make it difficult for the U.S. engage any kind of Palestinian power-sharing government that could result from some future Fatah-Hamas reconciliation or from some other arrangements that lead to a national unity government or a mutually-agreed technocratic government (the text has evolved over the years in response to Palestinian efforts to achieve such governments).
• The section includes language of past bills stipulating that the prohibition does not apply if the President “certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government, including all of its ministers or such equivalent, has publicly accepted and is complying with the principles contained in section 620K(b)(1) (A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.” It also includes the proviso that, “the President may exercise the authority in section 620K(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by the Palestine Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-446) with respect to this subsection.”
• As a reminder, Section 620K(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, reads as follows: (b) Certification.–A certification described in subsection (a) is a certification transmitted by the President to Congress that contains a determination of the President that– (1) no ministry, agency, or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority is effectively controlled by Hamas, unless the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority has– (A) publicly acknowledged the Jewish state of Israel’s right to exist; and (B) committed itself and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States Government, with the Government of Israel, and with the international community, including agreements and understandings pursuant to the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (commonly referred to as the `Roadmap’).
• And 620K(e) reads as follows: (e) National Security Waiver.– (1) In general.–Subject to paragraph (2), the President may waive subsection (a) with respect to-(A) the administrative and personal security costs of the Office of the President of the Palestinian Authority; (B) the activities of the President of the Palestinian Authority to fulfill his or her duties as President, including to maintain control of the management and security of border crossings, to foster the Middle East peace process, and to promote democracy and the rule of law; and (C) assistance for the judiciary branch of the Palestinian Authority and other entities. (2) Certification.–The President may only exercise the waiver authority under paragraph (1) after– (A) consulting with, and submitting a written policy justification to, the appropriate congressional committees; and (B) certifying to the appropriate congressional committees that– (i) it is in the national security interest of the United States to provide assistance otherwise prohibited under subsection (a); and (ii) the individual or entity for which assistance is proposed to be provided is not a member of, or effectively controlled by (as the case may be), Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization.”

Section 7041: Middle East and North Africa

>>>BAHRAIN<<<

Not mentioned in the bill, but the Report Text accompanying the original bill notes: “The Committee notes the important role that the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) with Bahrain plays in facilitating cooperation between the United States and Bahrain on areas of shared interest. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to prioritize diplomatic efforts to increase membership in C-SIPA to benefit United States interests in the Middle East and the United States partnership with Bahrain.”

>>>7041(a) – EGYPT<<<

BILL TEXT

 (1) ASSISTANCE. The bill text earmarks “not less than $1,425,000,000,” for Egypt, with the following stipulations/earmarks:

• NSIP (formerly ESF): “not less than $125,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’,” of which “not less than $40,000,000 should be made available for higher education programs, including not less than $15,000,000 for scholarships…” It also requires that these funds “shall be made available for democracy programs, and for development programs in the Sinai”;
• FMF: “not less than $1,300,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’, to remain available until September 30, 2027″ subject to further stipulations laid out below. 
• Interest-bearing account: “That such funds may be transferred to an interest bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations and the uses of any interest earned on such funds shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.” [perennial]

(2) ADDITIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE.– The bill earmarks, in addition, “not less than $75,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ shall be made available for assistance for Egypt.”

(3) CERTIFICATION AND REPORT.–The bill stipulates that “Funds appropriated by this Act that are available for assistance for Egypt may be made  available notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting assistance for Egypt, except for this subsection and section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and may only be made available for assistance for the Government of Egypt if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government is–(A) sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States; and (B) meeting its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.”

(4) WITHHOLDING.–The bill stipulates: “Of the funds made available pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), $320,000,000 shall be withheld from obligation until the Secretary certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of Egypt is meeting the requirements under this section in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided, That the Secretary may waive such requirement if the Secretary determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such funds are necessary for counterterrorism, border security, or nonproliferation programs or that it is otherwise important to the national security interest of the United States to do so, including a detailed justification for the use of such waiver and the reasons why any of the requirements cannot be met: Provided further, That the report required by the previous proviso shall be submitted in unclassified form but may be accompanied by a classified annex.” 

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• “The Committee notes that the United States and Egypt share a mutual interest in Middle East peace and stability, economic opportunity, and regional security. Since the Camp David Accords, United States assistance to Egypt has played an important role in the country’s economic and military development. The Committee recognizes the enduring Egypt-Israel peace agreement as well as Egypt’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and counter Iran’s malign influence in the region. 
• Supporting a stable, democratic, and prosperous Egypt continues to be a core objective of United States foreign policy.
• Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations regarding different options, including a memorandum of understanding, to augment long-term planning in the mutually beneficial United States-Egypt partnership, particularly with respect to security assistance.
• The Committee directs not less than $1,425,000,000 for assistance for Egypt. Pursuant to subsection (a)(2), an additional $75,000,000 under Foreign Military Financing Program is included to make up for prior year Foreign Military Financing Program funds that expired or were reprogrammed rather than being made available for the intended purpose. In addition to amounts provided in subsection (a), the Committee directs that $2,000,000 be made available from Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and $2,000,000 be made available from International Military Education and Training.
• The Committee directs that $40,000,000 of the funds appropriated under National Security Investment Programs and made available for assistance for Egypt be allocated for higher education programs in Egypt, including $17,500,000 for scholarships for Egyptian students with high financial need to attend not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Egypt that are currently accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or meet standards equivalent to those required for United States institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting agency recognized by such Department. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on implementation of funds made available for scholarships in Egypt.”
• Report required — “Religious freedom.–Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the report required under this heading in section 7041 of House Report 117-84 concerning the treatment of Christian communities in Egypt.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

• “In addition to amounts made available pursuant to subsection (a) for assistance for Egypt, the agreement includes not less than $2,000,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and not less than $2,000,000 under International Military Education and Training for such assistance. 
• “Pursuant to subsection (a)(4), the Secretary of State shall certify and report to the appropriate congressional committees on whether the Government of Egypt is taking sustained and effective steps to: (1) strengthen the rule of law, democratic institutions, and human rights in Egypt, including to protect religious minorities and the rights of women, which are in addition to steps taken during the previous calendar year for such purposes; (2) implement reforms that protect freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, including the ability of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and the media to function without interference;  (3) hold Egyptian security forces accountable, including officers credibly alleged to have violated human rights; (4) investigate and prosecute cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances; and (5) reduce the number of political prisoners, provide detainees with due process of law, and prevent the intimidation or harassment of American citizens.” 

>>>7041(b) – IRAN<<<

BILL TEXT

“(1) Funding.–Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings ‘Diplomatic Programs’, ‘National Security Investment Programs’, and ‘Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs’ shall be made available–(A) to support the United States policy to prevent Iran from achieving the capability to produce or  otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon; (B) to support an expeditious response to any violation of United Nations Security Council  Resolutions or to efforts that advance Iran’s nuclear program; (C) to support the implementation and enforcement of sanctions against Iran for support of nuclear weapons development, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile and weapons proliferation; and (D) for democracy programs in support of the aspirations of the Iranian people.

(2) REPORTS — (A) SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT.—The Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations the semi-annual report required by section 135(d)(4) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2160e(d)(4)), as added by section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–17). (B) SANCTIONS REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on—(i) the status of United States bilateral sanctions on Iran; (ii) the reimposition and renewed enforcement of secondary sanctions; and (iii) the impact such sanctions have had on Iran’s destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East.”

 (3) LIMITATIONS.– “None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be—(A) used to implement an agreement with the Government of Iran relating to the nuclear program of Iran, or a renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action adopted on October 18, 2015, in contravention of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 2160e); (B) made available to any foreign entity or person that is subject to United Nations or United States bilateral sanctions with respect to the Government of Iran; or (C) used to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• “The Committee directs that $2,000,000 above the prior year level be made available for the implementation, enforcement, and renewal of sanctions against Iran.”
• “The Committee is gravely concerned by Iran’s escalatory nuclear activities, before and after the June 2025 conflict. 
• “The Committee notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency has found that Iran is not in compliance with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and has consistently failed to provide information about undeclared nuclear material and activities. 
• The Committee directs the Secretary of State to work with partners and allies to address the threat of Iran’s nuclear program and any related further proliferation risks, including through the snapback of UN sanctions on Iran. 
• The Committee continues to emphasize that preventing Iran from achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon is vital to United States national security interests.
• The Committee notes the significant loss of life and damage caused by Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs and support for terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East. Any sanctions relief provided to Iran could further Iran’s ability to fund these dangerous lines of effort. The Committee urges the Secretary of State to ensure that any agreement with Iran includes strict limitations on missiles, drones, and support for terrorist proxies to prevent Iran from being a threat to the United States, Israel, and our partners and allies in the Middle East.
• The Committee remains concerned by Iran’s ongoing efforts to expand its regional influence and undermine United States and allied interests through Iran’s support for a network of terrorist groups including Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. Iran’s sustained backing of these groups–through arms transfers, training, and financial support–continues to threaten United States interests, regional stability, and international security. 
• The Committee directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, to prioritize efforts to disrupt Iranian malign influence, enhance the capabilities of partner forces, and strengthen deterrence through coordinated diplomatic, security, and intelligence initiatives.
• The Committee continues to support the Iranian people’s desire for democracy and fundamental freedoms, including the right to elect the country’s leadership through free and fair elections. The proven ability of Iranian women to bravely lead the demands for rights and change is recognized and commended by this Committee and met with a commitment to continue support from the American people.”

>>>IRAQ<<<

Not mentioned in the bill, but the REPORT TEXT accompanying the original bill includes:

• “The Committee continues to support assistance for Iraq in support of United States national security interests, particularly with respect to countering Iran’s malign activities and ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS. Funds should be made available for: bilateral economic assistance and international security assistance, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI); stabilization assistance; humanitarian assistance, including in the KRI; programs to protect and assist religious and ethnic minority populations; and programs to increase United States private sector investment. Funds appropriated by this Act under title III and made available for bilateral economic assistance for Iraq may not be made available to an organization or entity which the Secretary of State has credible information is controlled by the Badr Organization.
• The Committee continues to support programming that assists in the creation of conditions for minorities in Iraq and Syria who were victims of genocide to safely return to, and remain in, their ancestral homeland.
• The Committee directs the Department of State to ensure that assistance, including security assistance, intended for the KRI can be accessed and used in the KRI as planned.
• Within the amount provided under National Security Investment Programs, the Committee directs $15,000,000 be made available to support American-style higher education institutions in Iraq, including in the KRI, on an open and competitive basis. Such funds should include support for non-degree and certificate granting programs at such institutions that equip graduates of universities, institutes, and secondary schools with the knowledge and skills required to obtain gainful employment in the private sector. The Secretary of State shall include funds to be allocated for this purpose in the spend plan submitted pursuant to section 7062(b) of this Act.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

“The agreement includes funds to support American-style higher education student scholarships and institutions in Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), on an open and competitive basis, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on specific efforts the Department of State will undertake to encourage the Government of lraq to meet its KRI budget obligations for 2026.”

>>>7041(c) – ISRAEL<<<

BILL TEXT: “Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Foreign Military Financing Program”, not less than $3,300,000,000 shall be available for grants only for Israel: Provided, That funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Foreign Military Financing Program” and made available for assistance for Israel shall be disbursed within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act: Provided further, That to the extent that the Government of Israel requests that funds be used for such purposes, grants made available for Israel under this heading shall, as agreed by the United States and Israel, be available for advanced weapons systems, of which not less than $250,300,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services, including research and development.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• The Committee recommendation includes steadfast support for Israel by providing $3,300,000,000 from funds made available under Foreign Military Financing Program, consistent with the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding. While Israel’s recent military success against Iran and its proxies, alongside American strategic kinetic action against key nuclear sites, has left Iran and its proxies weakened and vulnerable, the Committee remains deeply concerned about Tehran’s ballistic missile capability and nuclear program. The Committee recommendation continues to prohibit funding to implement or enforce any agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program, including renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, unless such agreement complies with the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. In addition, the Committee prohibits the use of funds to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Furthermore, the Committee encourages increased vigilance and support to our partners facing threats from the Iranian regime and its proxies in the region.”
• “Subsection (c) directs not less than $3,300,000,000 in grants for military assistance under the Foreign Military Financing Program to Israel, which is the same as the budget request. Of the funds provided, not less than $250,300,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services to the extent that the Government of Israel requests that funds be used for such purposes, consistent with the 2016 United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding and the budget request. 
• The Committee expects the Secretary of State to prioritize additional funds appropriated by this Act for Israel, as necessary, to address urgent security requirements.
• The Committee reaffirms its support of the 2016 United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, which demonstrates the United States’ unshakable commitment to the security of Israel and to ensuring that Israel’s qualitative military edge and defense capabilities are maintained. 
• The Committee strongly believes in the right and ability of Israel to defend itself against the wide range of threats it faces and believes that a close United States-Israel security partnership benefits the interests of both countries. 
• The Committee further believes that by contributing to a safe and secure Israel, United States assistance positively contributes to any progress towards peace achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
• The Committee assesses that Hamas, even in a degraded state, continues to pose a significant threat to the security and interests of the United States, Israel, and regional partners. 
• The Committee reaffirms unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense and endorses continued United States-Israel security and diplomatic coordination to prevent the resurgence of violent extremism. 
• The Committee further supports efforts to fully dismantle Hamas’ military and political infrastructure and urges the Department of State to prioritize long-term strategies that promote regional stability and prevent future conflict.
• The Committee notes that Congress previously provided emergency supplemental funds for Israel, including humanitarian assistance.  The Committee directs funds to be made available to address humanitarian needs in Israel, such as safe medical transport, in light of continued attacks on the civilian population, including ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks from Iran and the Houthis in Yemen. [NOTE: This bill does not earmark a penny for humanitarian aid for Gaza]
• The Committee supports historical, archaeological, and cultural initiatives, including in Jerusalem, that strengthen and deepen the United States-Israel special relationship. The Committee notes that the City of David in Biblical Jerusalem has been recognized by the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. Not later than 45 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on plans to fund and implement such initiatives. The Committee directs not less than $5,000,000 be directed to such initiatives.” [NOTE: This appears to be a new initiative to harness US policy to normalize and solidify Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem and Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaponize archeology to take over the area of East Jerusalem adjacent to the Old City]

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

• “The agreement includes $5,000,000 for historical, archaeological, and cultural initiatives that strengthen and deepen the United States-Israel special relationship.”

>>>7041(d) – JORDAN<<<

BILL TEXT: “(1) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV, not less than $1,650,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, of which not less than $845,100,000 shall be made available for budget support for the Government of Jordan and not less than $425,000,000 shall be made available under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’. (2) In addition to amounts made available pursuant to paragraph (1), not less than $400,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading “National Security Investment Programs” shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, which shall be made available for budget support, and not less than $50,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ shall be made available for assistance for Jordan.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• “Section 7041(d)(1) directs not less than $1,650,000,000 be made available for Jordan from funds under titles III and IV, including not less than $845,100,000 for budget support for the Government of Jordan from funds under this heading. Section 7041 (d)(2) provides an additional $400,000,000 of funds appropriated under this heading for Jordan to respond to extraordinary needs resulting from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Jordan is a key United States partner that provides indispensable support for United States interests in the Middle East. Ensuring Jordan’s stability, including through investments in water infrastructure, is important to United States national Security.”
• “The Committee notes the importance of the United States relationship with the Kingdom of Jordan and the strong leadership role that Jordan continues to play in advancing peace and stability in the region. The Secretary of State shall continue to support economic reforms, including through budget support, to help ensure Jordan’s long-term stability and help mitigate the impact of hosting large numbers of refugees.    Subsection (d)(1) directs not less than $1,650,000,000 for assistance for Jordan. Of the total amount provided, the Committee directs that not less than $2,500,000 be made available from International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, $10,400,000 be made available from Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs, and $3,800,000 be made available from International Military Education and Training.
• “Subsection (d)(2) provides an additional $450,000,000 from funds appropriated by this Act for assistance for Jordan to address urgent needs resulting from the malign activities of Iran and its proxies.”
• “Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on humanitarian assistance for Jordan.”
• “The Committee recognizes that Jordan continues to face economic and security challenges in the Middle East, including limited natural resources, regional conflict, and persistent humanitarian pressures, which impact United States interests in the region. “
• “The Committee directs the Secretary of State to engage with Jordan on efforts to advance regional security and stability and to encourage private-sector investment that strengthens critical sectors such as water, energy, and infrastructure. The Committee also encourages such discussions to include continued protection and preservation of sites of religious significance including the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ and the surrounding region.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

• “Within the total amounts designated in the Act for assistance for Jordan, the agreement includes not less than $10,400,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and $3,800,000 under International Military Education and Training. Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on humanitarian assistance for Jordan.”

>>>7041(e) – LEBANON<<<

BILL TEXT

The bill imposed an overarching limitation on all aid to Lebanon: “None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) or the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) if the ISF or the LAF is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).”

The bill puts multiple stipulations on security assistance (FMF & INCLE) for Lebanon: (A) Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings “International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement” and “Foreign Military Financing Program” that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may be made available for programs and equipment for the ISF and the LAF to address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. (B) Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Foreign Military Financing Program” that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may only be made available for programs to—(i) professionalize the LAF to mitigate internal and external threats from non-state actors, including Hizballah; (ii) strengthen the security of borders and combat terrorism, including training and equipping the LAF to secure the borders of Lebanon and address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, interdicting arms shipments, and preventing the use of Lebanon as a safe haven for terrorist groups; and (iii) implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701: Provided, That prior to obligating funds made available by this subparagraph for assistance for the LAF, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a spend plan, including actions to be taken to ensure equipment provided to the LAF is used only for the intended purposes, except such plan may not be considered as meeting the notification requirements under section 7015 of this Act or under section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That any notification submitted pursuant to such section shall include any funds specifically intended for lethal military equipment.

With respect to NSIP assistance for Lebanon, the bill stipulates: “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘National Security Investment Programs’ that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may be made available notwithstanding section 1224 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 2346 note).”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• “Subsection (e) is modified from the prior year by deleting language making non-security assistance for Lebanon available notwithstanding any other provision of law. The bill continues the requirement that certain conditions be met prior to the obligation of Foreign Military Financing Program funds for Lebanon. 
• The Committee intends that assistance provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) not be used against Israel and such assistance will not affect Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. 
• The Committee notes that paragraph (1) of this subsection prohibits funds for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces or the LAF if either organization is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, and the Committee directs the Secretary of State to regularly consult with the Committees on Appropriations regarding the rigorous implementation of this provision, the activities of the LAF, and assistance provided by the United States…
• The Committee directs that support be continued at not less than the prior year under National Security Investment Programs for the Lebanon scholarship program and the undergraduate and graduate scholarship program for refugees in Lebanon. The Secretary of State is directed to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on an ongoing basis regarding how the programs will be administered by not-for-profit educational institutions in Lebanon that meet the standards required for American accreditation and other matters related to implementation.
• The Committee notes the important and enduring partnerships with institutions of higher education in Lebanon and directs the Secretary of State to consult with the Committees on Appropriations on funding for such institutions, including funding made available pursuant to section 7060(a)(2).
• “Report required – Countering Hizballah and Iran in Lebanon.–Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing: (1) the presence or deployment south of the Litani River of any armed groups other than the LAF, including Hizballah and Palestinian terrorist groups, and efforts by the Government of Lebanon, including the LAF, to counter such presence; (2) any production, sales, or supply of arms and related materiel into Lebanon by Iran, Hizballah, Palestinian terrorist groups, or other designated terrorist entities, and efforts by the Government of Lebanon, including the LAF, to counter such activities; (3) the extent to which the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is fulfilling its mandate under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701 and contributing to implementing the November 26, 2024 Cessation of Hostilities agreement; (4) the extent of the LAF’s compliance with UNSCR 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement in Lebanon, and the LAF’s cooperation on implementing such agreement; (5) any capability gaps or other factors that hinder the LAF’s ability to effectively comply with UNSCR 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities agreement and any plans for United States assistance to Lebanon to be used to address these gaps; (6) the extent of Hizballah’s influence within Lebanon, including the legislative, judicial, and financial institutions of Lebanon and the LAF; (7) the extent of Iranian influence in Lebanon; and (8) illegal money laundering or smuggling of cash into Lebanon by Iran or sanctioned persons. The report shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may contain a classified annex that is transmitted separately from the unclassified report.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

• “The agreement provides $112,500,000 under title III of the Act for assistance for Lebanon.”
• “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations regarding diplomatic facilities in Lebanon, including the CMR.”

>>>MOROCCO<<<

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “The Committee continues to support assistance for Morocco in support of United States national security interests and directs not less than $20,000,000 under National Security Investment Programs and $20,000,000 under Foreign Military Financing Program.”

>>>7041(f) – SYRIA<<<

BILL TEXT

“(1) NON-LETHAL ASSISTANCE.—Funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for non-lethal stabilization assistance for Syria, including for emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons investigations.

(2) LIMITATIONS.—Funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for Syria may not be made available for—(A) a project or activity that supports or otherwise legitimizes the Government of Iran, foreign terrorist organizations (as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189)), or a proxy of Iran in Syria; and (B) activities that further the strategic objectives of the Government of the Russian Federation that the Secretary of State determines may threaten or undermine United States national security interests.

(3) CONSULTATION.—Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs that are made available for any new program, project, or activity in Syria shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

• “The Committee directs the Secretary of State to take all practicable steps to ensure that mechanisms are in place for monitoring, oversight, and control of any assistance provided inside Syria and notes that section 7015(j), which requires prompt notification of any assistance diverted or destroyed, applies to funds made available for such assistance for Syria. Pursuant to section 7015(f), funds may not be obligated or expended for assistance for Syria except as provided through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
• The Committee notes significant changes with respect to Syria following the fall of the Assad regime and ongoing actions to lift United States sanctions and other restrictions on Syria pursuant to Executive Order 14312, relating to Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions. This Act contains a new requirement that any new program or activity in Syria initiated in fiscal year 2026 shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
• Remnants of the Assad regime and associated forces remain in Syria and continue to have financial interests within parts of Syria. Any United States assistance made available for Syria should be programmed in a way that does not benefit such entities.
• The Committee supports efforts to de-escalate tensions across Syria. The Committee opposes any actions that would inhibit efforts to address the security threat and humanitarian challenges posed by conditions at the al-Hol displacement camp and associated ISIS-detention sites administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces.
• The Committee recognizes the longtime efforts of local Syrian and diaspora organizations, as well as relief organizations, to implement lifesaving interventions in Syria, including support for emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons investigations. The Committee urges the Secretary of State, within the requirements of this Act, to work to ensure continued delivery of humanitarian aid into and within Syria.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

• “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees assessing the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, including Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Kurds, during the prior year, and whether the Government of Syria has taken all sufficient actions to ensure protections for religious and ethnic minorities in Syria. Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of the Act and prior Acts shall be made available to address the humanitarian and security challenges posed by al-Hol and other camps in Northeast Syria.”

>>>7041(g) – Tunisia<<<

BILL TEXT: “Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act shall be made available for assistance for Tunisia for the purposes described under this section in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act), following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES: “Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of the Act shall be made available for assistance for Tunisia for programs to support democratic governance and civil society, protect due process of law, and maintain regional stability and security”

>>>7041(h) – WEST BANK & GAZA<<<

NOTE: Neither the bill, nor the Report on the original bill, nor the JES earmarks (hard or soft) even one penny of assistance for either the West Bank or the Gaza Strip — but all three include far-reaching, ever-expanding conditions, restrictions, limitations, etc. on such aid.

BILL TEXT

Report on Assistance [which is an indirect way of imposing limits on types of assistance]: “Prior to the initial obligation of funds made available by this Act under the heading “National Security Investment Programs” for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall report to the Committees on Appropriations that the purpose of such assistance is to— (A) advance Middle East peace; (B) improve security in the region; (C) continue support for transparent and accountable government institutions; (D) promote a private sector economy; or (E) address urgent humanitarian needs.”

Barring Aid to the PA: Perennial language (dating back to the Obama era) using aid to punish the Palestinians for diplomatic efforts at the UN or seeking protection/accountability under international law, by barring any NSIP (formerly ESF) for the Palestinian Authority if, after the date this bill becomes law, “the Palestinians obtain the same standing as member states or full membership as a state in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians”or if “the Palestinians initiate an International Criminal Court (ICC) judicially authorized investigation, or actively support such an investigation, that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians”. The bill includes no waiver of any kind for either of these restrictions, even if the President were to decide it was necessary for U.S. national security.

Preventing the PLO Office from Re-Opening in the U.S.: Perennial language limiting the President’s ability to waive longstanding (and anachronistic) legislation barring the PLO from having any representation in the United States. Where for decades Congress granted the President a “clean” national security or national interests waiver of that prohibition (contained in section 1003 of Public Law 100-204), starting in the Obama era Congress moved to punish the Palestinians for diplomatic efforts at the UN or seeking protection/accountability under international law by making such waiver contingent on the President certifying that the Palestinians have not, after the date of enactment of this Act, “obtained in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof the same standing as member states or full membership as a state outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians” or “initiated or actively supported an ICC investigation against Israeli nationals for alleged crimes against Palestinians” or “initiated any further action, whether directly or indirectly, based on an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice that undermines direct negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including matters related to final status and Israel’s longstanding security rights and responsibilities.” This section includes a Presidential waiver, under which the President can permit the office to open even if the conditions are not met, but only if he can certify that “the Palestinians have entered into direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel” [so there is not even a pretense that US national security would be a reason for a waiver…].

Gaza Oversight:

NOTE: In the context of the ongoing/escalating Israel-made humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, and the urgent need for assistance to Gaza, House Republicans are (once again) (a) NOT earmarking funding for Gaza, (b) NOT including a clear directive for the State Department to provide funding/aid for Gaza; and (c) NOT including any language regarding Israel’s actions/obligations under US law (according to which US funding remains is contingent on Israel NOT blocking the flow of US humanitarian aid). Instead, they are doubling down on conditions/restrictions/oversight requirements related to any aid for Gaza — layered on top of the long, long list of conditions, restrictions, limitations, oversight, vetting, reporting, etc already required in various provisions already imposed on the West Bank and Gaza (in the various sections discussed above). Taken together, and added to the continued US assault on UNRWA (and now also on Francesca Albanese, the ICC and ICJ), the clear conclusion is that the policy under this bill is literally designed to enable continued Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and escalating ethnic cleansing in the West Bank/East Jerusalem — with the additional demonstration of the fact that the-racist-cruelty-is-the-point of also blocking people who might try to flee Gaza from coming to the US.

(BILL TEXT) This section requires that with 15 days of this Act becoming law, the Secretary of State certify/report to Congress that “(i) oversight policies, processes, and procedures have been established by the Department of State and are in use to prevent the diversion to Hamas and other terrorist and extremist entities in Gaza and the misuse or destruction by such entities of assistance, including through international organizations; and (ii) such policies, processes, and procedures have been developed in coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors and the Government of Israel, as appropriate.” It further requires the Secretary of State to submit to Congress “a written description of the oversight policies, processes, and procedures for funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, including specific actions to be taken should such assistance be diverted, misused, or destroyed, and the role of the Government of Israel in the oversight of such assistance.” It further requires the Secretary of State to “promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of each instance in which funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza have been diverted, misused, or destroyed, to include the type of assistance, a description of the incident and parties involved, and an explanation of the response of the Department of State.”

(BILL TEXT) It further states that funds “shall be made available for third party monitoring of assistance for Gaza, including end use monitoring, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees” and requires that “Not later than 90 days after the initial obligation of funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, and every 90 days thereafter until all such funds are expended, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the amount and purpose of such assistance provided during each respective quarter, including a description of the specific entity implementing such assistance.”

(BILL TEXT) Finally, it requires that every 90 days, “the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and other heads of elements of the intelligence community that the Secretary considers relevant, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report assessing whether funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza have been diverted to or destroyed by Hamas or other terrorist and extremist entities in the West Bank and Gaza: Provided, That such report shall include details on the amount and how such funds were made available and used by such entities: Provided further, That such report may be submitted in classified form, if necessary” and “Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act but prior to the initial obligation of funds made available by this Act for humanitarian assistance for Gaza, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the amount and anticipated uses of such funds.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Inspectors General with authority to conduct oversight of programs carried out in the Middle East shall coordinate and submit their respective plans to the Committees on Appropriations for conducting risk-based investigations and related oversight of United States-funded implementing partners, including sub-awards, in the West Bank and Gaza that receive funds appropriated by the Act or prior Acts. Such plans should focus on, but not be limited to, reports of material support or the employment of staff or contractors that are members of, or are affiliated with, a United States designated terrorist organization or have participated in any terrorist act. Such plans should also focus on, but not be limited to, ensuring compliance with existing, and making recommendations to improve, risk mitigation measures necessary to protect taxpayer funds, complying with applicable statutory and award-based provisions, and ensuring that intended beneficiaries receive aid in accordance with core humanitarian principles. If determined to be credible, the OIGs shall refer any investigative findings, as appropriate, for potential criminal, civil, or administrative enforcement remedies.”

(BILL TEXT) APPLICATION OF TAYLOR FORCE ACT: “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “National Security Investment Programs” that are made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza shall be made available consistent with section 1004(a) of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115–141).”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “The Committee underscores the importance of full compliance with the restrictions of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115-141) and continued efforts to fully implement the law, including increasing diplomatic efforts to end the Palestinian Authority’s practice of paying salaries to terrorists in Israeli prisons and paying for acts of terrorism. As described in section 7040 of this Act, and in compliance with the Taylor Force Act, no funding made available by this Act shall be provided to the Palestinian Authority.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State is directed to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of negotiating an end to the Palestinian Authority’s practice of paying salaries to terrorists and families of terrorists serving in prison and other forms of such support.”

(BILL TEXT) Security report: “The reporting requirements in section 1404 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110–252) shall apply to funds made available by this Act, including a description of modifications, if any, to the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority.”

• As a reminder, Section 1404 of PL 110-252 states: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report on assistance provided by the United States for the training of Palestinian security forces, including detailed descriptions of the training, curriculum, and equipment provided; an assessment of the training and the performance of forces after training has been completed; and a description of the assistance that has been pledged and provided to Palestinian security forces by other donors: Provided, That not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall report to the Committees on Appropriations, in classified form if necessary, on the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority.”

(BILL TEXT) Incitement report: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and to promote peace and coexistence with Israel.”  [The bill of course nowhere acknowledges, let alone calls for action to address, the non-stop genocidal, racist, violent, dehumanizing, hateful rhetoric and incitement that is being produced every by Israeli politicians, media figures, active-duty soldiers, and hasbara heroes  – and disseminated by them, giddily, on media and social media pretty much every day since October 7th).

>>>MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES related to Section 7041<<<

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).–The Committee directs funding for MEPI to support programs consistent with prior fiscal years. The Committee further directs that, in an effort to streamline programming and reduce redundancy, funds previously provided for similar activities for Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon be made available through MEPI. Not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds provided under this heading and funds made available pursuant to section 7060(a)(2) of this Act.

Abraham Accords: “The Committee notes the increased understanding, cooperation, and interfaith dialogue brought about by peace and normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, including the Abraham Accords, and encourages continued progress to expand these agreements, the Negev Forum, and other multilateral efforts. Following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, the urgent need for regional unity as well as economic and security cooperation has become more apparent than ever. The Committee further notes the need for dedicated resources to implement the Israel Relations Normalization Act (division Z of Public Law 117-103) to deepen ties between Israel and Arab and Muslim-majority countries. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to ensure resources are available to leverage, strengthen, and expand existing peace and normalization agreements and establish new ones. The Secretary shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on the availability of flexible resources and intended uses of such funds.”

Arab League boycott of Israel: “It is the sense of the Committee that: (1) the Arab League boycott of Israel, and the secondary boycott of American firms that have commercial ties with Israel, remain an impediment to trade and investment in the Middle East and should be terminated immediately, as should the Central Office for the Boycott of Israel; (2) several Arab states and Israel have made important progress toward peace through treaties and normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, which open a path toward a more stable and prosperous Middle East; (3) all Arab League states should join Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan in establishing and normalizing relations with Israel, in addition to promoting peace negotiations, economic cooperation, and security cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians; (4) the President and the Secretary of State should continue to vigorously oppose the Arab League boycott of Israel; and (5) the President should support broadening and deepening participation in the Abraham Accords, and other normalization agreements, and report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the United States strategy, including steps being taken by the United States to encourage additional Arab League and other Muslim-majority states to normalize relations with Israel, and the prospect of advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”

Boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) annual report: “The Committee remains concerned about international efforts to stigmatize and isolate Israel through the BDS movement. The Committee directs, as part of the report required under the heading “Arab League boycott of Israel”, that the President add information about the BDS campaign, which shall cover companies, international organizations, countries, and other organizations, including state investment vehicles, that are involved in promoting the movement and specific steps the Department of State has taken or expects to take to discourage or end politically-motivated efforts to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel and Israeli entities. Such reporting requirement shall not be considered met by the requirements of section 909 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-125).”

Monitoring, notification, and vetting:

• “The Committee directs the Secretary of State to promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of any alleged incident involving any United States assistance used in such a way that adversely affects or jeopardizes such assistance. This includes any incidents where United States assistance has directly or indirectly been provided to an individual or organization with ties to terrorism or incitement of violence. 
• “The BDS movement has engaged in the spread of anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism. The Secretary of State shall expand vetting policies and practices to ensure that United States assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private entity, government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, the BDS movement. The Committee directs the Secretary to strengthen policies and procedures to ensure organizations supported through funding are not participants in the BDS movement, are not glorifying violence, and are not providing support for lawfare against the United States or Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) or International Court of Justice (ICJ).    
• “The Committee notes allegations of assistance provided to individuals or entities engaging in political activities and directs the Secretary of State to expand vetting policies and practices to include an assessment of political neutrality and a review of sta tements by individuals or organizations that constitute engagement in political advocacy, incitement, or support for terrorism that would cause operational and reputational risks for the United States Government.”

BDS vetting:  “Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall update the report required under this heading in section 7041 of House Report 118-146 on steps taken to expand vetting policies and procedures to ensure that organizations receiving United States assistance do not directly or indirectly participate in or promote the BDS movement.”

Combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance: “Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, Jewish communities around the world have been subject to significant increases in antisemitism and violent attacks. Countering antisemitism in all its forms is in the national security interests of the United States. The Committee supports educational and cultural exchange initiatives that strengthen United States-Israel partnerships through institutions dedicated to promoting tolerance, combating antisemitism, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Within the funds provided under the heading Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs, the Committee encourages support for programming that engages students and community leaders in immersive, technologically driven experiences focused on navigating conflict, understanding diverse perspectives, and building social cohesion. The Committee recommends that the Department prioritize partnerships with institutions that demonstrate a commitment to education, mutual respect, and citizen engagement between the United States and Israel.”

Efforts to release hostages: “The Committee remains deeply concerned that hostages continue to be held in Gaza by Hamas following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack. The Committee commends ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of those held captive and the return of the remains of those who were murdered. The Committee affirms that securing the freedom of the remaining hostages is a critical United States national security priority and urges regional partners and allies to intensify their efforts toward achieving this objective.”

Muslim Brotherhood:  “The Committee is deeply concerned by the destabilizing role that the Muslim Brotherhood plays in the Middle East and actions by Muslim Brotherhood entities in various countries that threaten United States interests in the region. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees describing the policies, including visa restrictions, the Department of State is implementing to address the threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. For the purposes of this paragraph, the appropriate congressional committees shall also include the Committees on the Judiciary.”

Lowey Fund: “The Committee supports efforts that foster reconciliation and engagement and therefore recommends not less than the prior fiscal year level under National Security Investment Programs for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (title VIII of division K of Public Law 116-260).”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES

Abraham Accords Signatories: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy to expand the historic Abraham Accords, including providing conventional arms transfers and transfer of certain defense items to signatories.”

Combating Antisemitism and Promoting Tolerance: “The agreement endorses language in the House report regarding combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on Department of State programs to be funded by the Act to promote tolerance, combat antisemitism, and foster cross-cultural understanding.”

Diplomatic Travel and Support Operations Facility in Libya. “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on plans and a proposed timeline for the transition of the Diplomatic Travel and Support Operations Facility in Libya to an embassy.”

Section 7042 – Africa

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL

“South Africa.–The Committee notes that the United States has provided significant financial support to the people of South Africa while the Government of South Africa has worked in direct opposition to United States and partner nation interests, including through military and economic cooperation with the Russian Federation, the PRC, and Iran, pursuing baseless charges of genocide against Israel, while not Hamas, at the International Court of Justice, and participating in the practice of human trafficking through the use of Cuban doctors. Therefore, subsection (b) prohibits funds to the Government of South Africa unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of South Africa has met the following conditions–1. ceased cooperation with United States adversaries; 2. ceased participating in human trafficking, such as the exploitation of Cuban medical professionals; and 3. ceased the implementation of policies that undermine inherent property rights of the citizens of South Africa.”

Section 7045 – Latin America and the Caribbean

REPORT TEXT ACCOMPANYING ORIGINAL BILL: “Countering antisemitism in Latin America.–The Committee is concerned by rising antisemitism targeting Jewish diaspora communities in Latin American nations, including historic United States partners and allies like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, particularly instances of elected leaders fueling prejudice against Jewish communities through social media and official government channels or otherwise neglecting their responsibility to protect Jewish communities and other marginalized groups. The Committee condemns antisemitism in all forms and urges the Secretary of State to encourage Latin American and Caribbean leaders to proactively condemn and counter antisemitism in their nations.”

Section 7046: Europe and Eurasia

BILL TEXT: Part (c) of this section of the bill states — “The limitations and other provisions of section 7046(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F of Public Law 118–47) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2026 and apply to funds appropriated by this Act.” The referenced provision states: “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to facilitate or support the sale of defense articles or defense services to the Turkish Presidential Protection Directorate (TPPD) under chapter 2 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.) unless the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that members of the TPPD who are named in the July 17, 2017, indictment by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and against whom there are pending charges, have returned to the United States to stand trial in connection with the offenses contained in such indictment or have otherwise been brought to justice: Provided, That the limitation in this paragraph shall not apply to the use of funds made available by this Act for border security purposes, for North Atlantic Treaty Organization or coalition operations, or to enhance the protection of United States officials and facilities in Turkey.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “The Committee is concerned about the longstanding ties between Turkey and Hamas, which includes Turkey hosting senior Hamas figures as well as providing political and other forms of assistance to the terrorist group. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Department of State to brief the appropriate congressional committees on the relationship between Turkey and Hamas.”

Section 7048: United Nations

(BILL TEXT) Linking US Aid to how nations vote at the UN: “(1) In considering bilateral assistance for a foreign government, the Secretary of State should review, among other factors, the voting practices of such government in the United Nations in relation to United States strategic interests and whether such government supports the participation of Taiwan as an observer in meetings and activities of multilateral agencies, bodies, or commissions. (2) The Secretary of State shall consult with the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations on the voting practices of foreign governments prior to the submission of the report required under section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2413(a)).”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES: “In carrying out the requirement of subsection (b), the Secretary of State shall also consider and report on efforts to combat antisemitism.”

(BILL TEXT) Withholding of 10% of US funding to the UN & UN Agencies unless they satisfy a list of demands, including “taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias”:  (Of the funds appropriated under title I and under the heading “International Organizations and Programs” in title V of this Act that are available for contributions to the United Nations (including the Department of Peacekeeping Operations) or any United Nations agency, 10 percent may not be obligated for such organization, department, or agency until the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the organization, department, or agency is–…(4) taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias… (6) implementing policies and procedures to effectively vet staff for any affiliation with a terrorist organization.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “ Accountability report.–In carrying out the requirement of subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall also consider and report on efforts to combat antisemitism. The report shall include a section on anti-Israel bias and antisemitism within the United Nations system, including specific instances across United Nations entities, such as those referenced in title I of House Report 116-444. It shall assess whether such bias arises from member state actions or systemic behavior within the United Nations, including that of staff, consultants, and appointed experts. The report shall also evaluate institutional practices that may compromise neutrality toward Israel, including, but not limited to: public statements by United Nations personnel, including on social media; the hiring or appointment of individuals with known prejudicial or hostile views toward Israel; and procedural mechanisms that disproportionately target or isolate Israel within United Nations bodies. Further, the report shall include an assessment of the United Nations Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. The report shall include recommendations on steps the United Nations should take to revise and strengthen its approach to combating antisemitism, including enforcing a clear and actionable definition of antisemitism and accountability mechanisms within its institutions, including for staff.”

(BILL TEXT) Restrictions linked to support for international terror:  “Restrictions on united nations delegations and organizations.—(1) None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay expenses for any United States delegation to any specialized agency, body, or commission of the United Nations if such agency, body, or commission is chaired or presided over by a country, the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), supports international terrorism. (2) None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of State as a contribution to any organization, agency, commission, or program within the United Nations system if such organization, agency, commission, or program is chaired or presided over by a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 1754(c) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), or any other provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. (3) The Secretary of State may waive the restriction in this subsection if the Secretary determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that to do so is important to the national interest of the United States, including a description of the national interest served.”

(BILL TEXT) No $$ for UN Human Rights Council & UN Commission of Inquiry on the OPT: “(1) None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available in support of the United Nations Human Rights Council unless the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that participation in the Council is important to the national interest of the United States and that such Council is taking significant steps to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and ensure integrity in the election of members to such Council: Provided, That such report shall include a description of the national interest served and provide a detailed reform agenda, including a timeline to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and ensure integrity in the election of members to such Council: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall withhold, from funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Contributions to International Organizations” for a contribution to the United Nations Regular Budget, the United States proportionate share of the total annual amount of the United Nations Regular Budget funding for the United Nations Human Rights Council until such determination and report is made: Provided further, That if the Secretary is unable to make such determination and report, such amounts may be reprogrammed for purposes other than the United Nations Regular Budget, subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary shall report to the Committees on Appropriations not later than September 30, 2026, on the resolutions considered in the United Nations Human Rights Council during the previous 12 months, and on steps taken to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and to improve the quality of membership through competitive elections. (2) None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).–The Committee notes the continued lack of progress at UNHRC towards meaningful reforms to restore its credibility as a human rights body. UNHRC continues to elevate, legitimize, and shield the worst human rights offenders while simultaneously targeting Israel for unjustified scrutiny. Therefore, the Committee recommendation prohibits funds to UNHRC.“

(BILL TEXT) Report on Withheld Funds:  “(g) Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing the amount of funds available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2026 for contributions to any organization, department, agency, or program within the United Nations system or any international program that are withheld from obligation or expenditure due to any provision of law:  Provided, That the Secretary shall update such report each time additional funds are withheld by operation of any provision of law:  Provided further, That the reprogramming of any withheld funds identified in such report, including updates thereof, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations…”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL:“International courts.–The Committee strongly condemns and unequivocally rejects one-sided, politicized, anti-Israel activity at the ICC and the ICJ and prohibits funds provided in this Act and prior acts for such courts. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to prioritize diplomatic efforts to prevent any further efforts to weaponize the ICC and ICJ against Israel. The Committee further endorses the Secretary’s designation of four ICC judges under Executive Order 14203, relating to Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which imposed sanctions for their direct involvement in unauthorized investigations and prosecutions of United States and Israeli nationals.”

Section 7050 – Internet Freedom

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “The Committee notes the internet restrictions, content censorship, and mobile network disruptions imposed by Cuba and Iran. The Committee supports continued partnership between the Department of State and other relevant Federal agencies on the use of innovative technologies and creative actions to increase access. Report required – Internet freedom in Iran.–The Committee directs the Secretary of State, not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, to submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the progress of programs promoting internet access and internet freedom in Iran, as part of the comprehensive strategy required by section 414 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-158). The report shall also include an update on the implementation of the Iran internet freedom grant program authorized in section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159).”

Section 7060 – Sector Allocations

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL: “Subsection (a)(2) directs that $50,000,000 shall be used to support institutions of higher education in countries experiencing economic crisis. In implementing such directive, the term ‘countries impacted by economic crises’ shall include countries, such as Lebanon, whose economies are adversely affected by: political instability; conflict, including in neighboring countries; or catastrophic manmade disasters. The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds on the proposed use of such funds.”

ADDITIONAL VIEWS/REQUIREMENTS IN THE JES: Special Envoys and Strategic Missions.- “Pursuant to subsection (c)(5) funds appropriated by the Act shall be made available for operations, travel, and activities, as follows: $20,000,000 for the Office of the Special Envoy for the Middle East, of which not less than $2,000,000 shall be made available for activities in Lebanon, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations; $4,500,000 for the Office of the Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs; and $7,000,000 for the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria. The uses of such funds shall be the responsibility of each respective Envoy and such responsibility may not be delegated.”

Division C – Other Matters

BILL TEXT

NO FUNDS FOR UNRWA: “Notwithstanding any other provision of any other division of this Act, funds appropriated or otherwise made available by division B of this Act or other Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, including provisions of Acts providing supplemental appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, may not be used for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, notwithstanding any other provision of law—(1) for any amounts provided in prior fiscal years or in fiscal year 2026; or (2) for amounts provided in fiscal year 2027, until March 25, 2027.”

REPORT TEXT – ORIGINAL BILL:

• “…The Committee notes that UNRWA has been compromised by staff who have promoted incitement to violence, antisemitism, and the destruction of the State of Israel. The Committee is concerned by UNRWA’s relationship with Hamas and other terrorist organizations, including credible allegations that several UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023 massacre that killed over 1,200 people, including American citizens, and was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Further, the Committee is concerned by the use of UNRWA facilities to shield Hamas infrastructure, such as the Hamas data center under UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters. The Committee notes allegations that significant numbers of UNRWA staff celebrated the October 7, 2023, massacre on social media and that many UNRWA staff, including school principals and senior UNRWA management, are also members of terrorist organizations that violently oppress the Palestinian people, including by using them as human shields. The Committee further notes that the OIG has obtained evidence implicating UNRWA staff and resources in the October 7, 2023, attacks, which may have been implicated by a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services report the United Nations, including UNWRA, has refused to share unredacted. Any United Nations personnel who provided material support to terrorist entities must be held fully accountable, including through United States courts and administrative proceedings without claim to functional immunity.
• PLAN FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF UNRWA: “Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing the total amount of United States assistance provided to UNRWA from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025. The report shall also include any known instances in which such assistance was diverted to, or used by, terrorist organizations, including Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or paid the salary of UNRWA staff who were members of such organizations. In addition, the report shall include a transition plan for providing assistance in the Middle East without direct or indirect funding to, or support from, UNRWA.”
• “The Committee is gravely concerned by credible reports that UNRWA employed individuals linked to Hamas, has a long history of supporting terrorist groups, and employed staff who murdered American citizens on October 7, 2023. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to initiate urgent reforms to multilateral oversight and any relevant certification for its multilateral partners, with full accountability to American victims and their families. The Committee rejects the United Nations Secretary General’s claim of immunity for terrorism, atrocities, or corruption and supports the directives in subsections (a) through (c), regarding evidence preservation, Department of Justice referrals, and withholding funds until accountability is ensured. The Department of State shall regularly update the appropriate congressional committees of efforts to carry out justice on behalf of the American victims and their surviving families.”
• “The Committee directs that, for the purposes of this section, the term “individuals or entities implicated in such events by such findings” shall include any United Nations official, contractor, or subcontractor who has materially supported, including through employment, members of a United States-designated terrorist organization, or who has mismanaged United States contributions in a manner that enabled such individuals to carry out any act in support of such terrorist organization, commit mass atrocities, or cause harm to United States citizens.”

REPORT LANGUAGE – ORIGINAL BILL (ADDITIONAL UN- AND UNRWA-RELATE)

• De-funding the UN: “The Committee recommendation does not include funding for assessed contributions for certain United Nations agencies and other international organizations, including the United Nations regular budget.” 
• De-Funding UNRWA: “The Committee also prohibits funds to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and other organizations under section 7048 of this Act.” 
• UN “reform” including destruction of UNRWA: “The Committee remains concerned with the continued lack of progress toward meaningful reforms at the United Nations. Such reforms, at a minimum, should include …efforts to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias… Reforms must also address due process and accountability within the United States justice system for the mass atrocities carried out by staff of UNRWA and supported by UNRWA leadership over the past decade, including through the provision of material support and partnership with designated terrorist organizations that contributed to the October 7, 2023 attacks.”
• Condemning UNGA on Israel/Palestine: “The Committee strongly condemns the United Nations General Assembly for undermining peace and security between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples by passing the ‘Status of Palestine in the United Nations’ resolution that provided the ‘State of Palestine’ almost all the rights and privileges of Member States.”
• No $$ for the UN: “The Committee has concluded that further assessed contributions to the United Nations are not justified and increased scrutiny and oversight must predicate any consideration of a voluntary contribution to the United Nations or any United Nations agency…”
• Targeting WHO, including over Israel: “…The Committee remains deeply concerned by the WHO’s reluctance to condemn the PRC’s actions, its shift away from core communicable disease functions, and adoption of deeply biased, anti-Israel resolutions that perpetuate harmful and historically antisemitic narratives.”
• Pro-Israel US Veto at UNSC: “United Nations anti-Israel agenda.–The Committee urges the Secretary of State to declare it is the policy of the United States to veto one-sided, anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations Security Council.”
• Sanctions on Francesca Albanese:  “The Committee endorses the designation of the United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967, pursuant to Executive Order 14203, relating to Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court. The Committee notes the designation was triggered by attempts to abuse the mechanisms of the ICC in a manner that undermines United States national security.”

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 12/23/25: Shifts in US Policy & Public Opinion, the Impact of BDS, and Assessing Coming Threats, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Yousef Munayyer (Arab Center Washington DC)

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

None.

2. Letters

• (INVESTIGATE WITKOFF) 1/8/25: Meeks, Amo, Garcia Demand Investigation into Trump Despot-Whisperer Witkoff’s Sketchy Business Dealings [letter text]. Excerpt: “We urge you to investigate the potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations of Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Public reporting has suggested that Mr. Witkoff used his role to financially benefit himself and his family, including through his continued connections to World Liberty Financial.“
• (ISRAELI CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS) 12/22/25: Pocan, Dean Lead Letter to Trump on Violations of the Ceasefire in Gaza [note: link to letter in the press release does not work]. Also see: Pocan (D-WI) X-post 12/22/25: “Today, @RepDean and I led a letter with 47 of our colleagues to President Trump expressing serious concerns regarding Israeli actions in Gaza that threaten the ceasefire, including continued bombardment against civilians, destruction of property, and insufficient delivery of humanitarian aid. We call on the administration to exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government, including by leveraging US assistance, to ensure full compliance with the terms of the ceasefire framework and an end to the continued acts of violence and destruction that undermine this fragile agreement and threaten the prospect of lasting peace in the region.” Media: House Dems Call Out Israel’s ‘Near-Daily Violations’ of Gaza Ceasefire (Common Dreams 12/22/25); Nearly 50 House Dems tell Trump to pressure Israel over alleged ceasefire violations (Jewish News Syndicate 12/23/25); Nearly 50 US lawmakers call on Trump to address Israeli Gaza ceasefire violations (Middle East Eye 12/23/25)
• (MEDIA ACCESS TO GAZA) 12/22/25: Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press for Media Access to Gaza [letter text]

Re: letters covered in prior Round-Ups:

• Washington Jewish Week 12/23/25: Editorial: APA’s Antisemitism Reckoning Has Finally Arrived [“Congress has stepped in — belatedly, but necessarily. Last week, the House Education and Workforce Committee opened a formal investigation into antisemitism at the APA, citing credible allegations that Jewish members were harassed, sidelined and ignored, and that their complaints went unanswered for months.“]
• Washington Examiner 12/19/25: US lawmakers navigate a fraught dispute between Ireland and Israel

3. Hearings & Markups

Recess travel

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 1/6/26: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel; also see Gottheimer’s X-post – “I just returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, & Israel, where we met with key partners and U.S. service members to reinforce America’s critical partnerships in the region. We must always get the backs of the brave men and women in uniform who help protect our country.“

Gaza/West Bank

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 12/31/25: X-post – “Another outrageous action. The Netanyahu govt is banning over 30 aid orgs — including CARE, Mercy Corps & Doctors Without Borders groups — from providing life-saving aid to people in Gaza.  Another betrayal of humanity. And, once again, the Trump Admin says and does nothing.” Linked to BBC article, Israel to bar 37 aid groups as UK and EU warn of severe impact in Gaza
• Doggett (D-TX) 12/31/25: X-post – “With so many still being killed, Trump’s ceasefire in Gaza is not really a ceasefire. And Israel is exacerbating the health crisis by denying doctors entry into the enclave during a brutal winter. With only half of its hospitals partially functioning and the highest number of child amputees per capita worldwide, Gaza has certainly not received the peace Trump promised. This Christmas is a time of continued suffering”
• Graham (R-SC) 12/29/25: X-post – “Under the ceasefire proposal, Hamas is supposed to fully disarm and relinquish power in Gaza. After my recent visit to Israel, it is clear to me they have failed to do both and are, in fact, rearming and consolidating power. It is time to put Hamas on the clock when it comes to disarming, fully understanding there can never be peace or stability in Gaza or the Middle East until Hamas has been dealt out of the game.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 12/29/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Gaza’s future must be free from Hamas terrorists, so that innocent Palestinians and Israelis can live in safety and build a better future. I remain committed to working with Israel and our allies to see this peace plan through. Hamas must lay down their weapons, return the last hostage, and give up governing control of Gaza.“
• Greene (R-GA) 12/22/25: X-post- “The interest on our $38 trillion dollar national debt has now reached $1 trillion dollars but they are pitching a $112.1 billion dollar plan to rebuild Gaza with the U.S. supporting half of that in grants and debt guarantees. Of course after they clear 10,000+ dead bodies buried under 68 million tons of rubble. Why do Americans have to pay for this?“
• Sanders (I-VT) 12/21/25: X-post – “It’s not just Gaza. Netanyahu’s extremist government is supporting the violent annexation of Palestinian land in the West Bank. This is illegal and immoral, and decades of American silence have enabled it. NO MORE MILITARY AID FOR NETANYAHU.” Linked to 12/20/25 New York Times article: Land Grab: Israel’s Escalating Campaign for Control of the West Bank
• Gimenez (R-FL) 12/19/25: X-post “Everyone must hear the story of freed Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov. 505 days in captivity. Nearly a year in solitary confinement. Little to no food or water. Thank you for giving Omer the platform to tell his story.“

Free Speech, Antisemitism, Mamdani, AIPAC, etc

• Bacon (R-NE) 1/4/26: X-post – “These folks are full of antisemitism. Anyone who says Israel is secretly running our country is full of antisemitic lies and hate. AIPAC consists of Americans who support Israel, and many evangelical Christians, and I am one, are active members.“
• Greene (R-GA) 1/2/26: X-post – “An Israeli cybersecurity billionaire demanding to take away Americans guaranteed First Amendment Free Speech and President Trump threatening war and sending in troops to Iran is everything we voted against in ‘24. Trump voters spent the week threatening a tax revolt because they are so furious about the never ending waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard earned money going to foreigners and foreign wars. The focus should be on tax dollars here at home and defending our God given freedoms and rights.“
• Tenney (R-NY) 1/2/26: X-post – “On day one, Zohran Mamdani chose to revoke antisemitism safeguards put in place to protect Jewish New Yorkers. NYC is home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel. This is the new face of the Democrat Party.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 1/1/26: X-post – “In one of his first acts as @NYCMayor, @ZohranKMamdani repeals an Executive Order that protects Jewish New Yorkers by appropriately defining antisemitism and ensuring NYC agencies and departments use it to combat Jew Hatred. Zohran just undid that with the stroke of a pen. Meanwhile @SenSchumer and @GovKathyHochul sat there ecstatic, celebrating the inauguration of a socialist, who openly embraces antisemites, refuses to condemn “globalize the intifada”, and wouldn’t call on Hamas to lay down its arms. Zohran is officially the face of the Democrat Party.“
• Fine (R-FL) 12/29/25: X-post w/ video clip – “There is a growing problem of anti-Western sentiment within our party. People like to describe it as ‘anti-Israel’ but it is not. This sentiment is being pushed by podcasters who are paid by China and Qatar to destroy the West. We have to be willing to call it out.“
• Fine (R-FL) 12/26/25: X-post w/video clip – “Jews were burned alive in Colorado, two Israeli Embassy staffers were killed, and most recently two National Guardsmen were shot in D.C. – all of these heinous acts were committed by Muslim terrorists THIS YEAR. To say you don’t know anyone in America in the last 24 years who has been killed by radical Islam is tone-deaf and shameful. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Tucker Carlson is not MAGA.“
• Kean (R-NJ) 12/26/25: X-post – “It is deeply troubling to see a course being offered at Princeton that falsely characterizes Israel’s right to self-defense as ‘genocide.’ Israel was the victim of a brutal terrorist attack on October 7th at the hands of Hamas, and any honest discussion must begin with that fact. Hamas is a terrorist organization that deliberately targets civilians and hides behind innocent people to advance its violent agenda. While I support freedom of speech and the offering of different perspectives in the classroom – words matter. Recklessly misusing the term ‘genocide’ does nothing to advance peace, justice, understanding, or open dialogue. Israel has both the right and the obligation to defend its people, and that reality should not be erased or rewritten in the classroom.“

Opposing More US Military Action Against Iran

• Greene (R-GA) 1/2/26: X-post – “An Israeli cybersecurity billionaire demanding to take away Americans guaranteed First Amendment Free Speech and President Trump threatening war and sending in troops to Iran is everything we voted against in ‘24. Trump voters spent the week threatening a tax revolt because they are so furious about the never ending waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard earned money going to foreigners and foreign wars. The focus should be on tax dollars here at home and defending our God given freedoms and rights.“
• Liccardo (D-CA) 1/5/26: X-post – “I support peaceful protests in Iran and the Iranian people’s fight for a democracy, but direct American military intervention will merely bolster support of Iranian people for the current regime.“
• Massie (R-KY) 1/2/26: X-post – “1) We have problems at home and shouldn’t be wasting military resources on another country’s internal affairs. 2) Military strikes on Iran require Congressional authorization. 3) This threat isn’t about freedom of speech in Iran; it’s about the dollar, oil, and Israel.“

IRAN [incl: Congress Supports the Iranian People (insofar as they are advancing regime change). Also, YAY for another US war on Iran! Not incl: every mention of Iran as a rationalization for Trump’s taking over Venezuela)

• Subramanyam (D-VA) 1/9/25: “For years, the people of Iran have been faced with human rights abuses and economic turmoil, leading to protests demanding change. As the current protests in Iran continue into a second week, I stand with the people of Iran and their aspirations for a more free, secular future.“
• Malliotakis (R-NY) 1/9/26: X-post – “We stand with the brave people of Iran who are demanding regime change, self-determination and FREEDOM! May 2026 be the year that oppressive, human rights violating dictators fall across the globe. Let freedom ring!“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 1/8/26: X-post – “I stand with the people of #Iran who are bravely demanding freedom, dignity, and basic human rights. The people of Iran are risking everything to have their voices heard, and the world must not look away. Solidarity with the Iranian people—today and always.“
• Bacon (R-NE) 1/8/26: X-post – “Free Iran”
• Calvert (R-CA) 1/8/26: X-post – “The people of Iran are entitled to the same inalienable rights and liberties as all people. The United States stands with those rising up to demand a free and democratic future for Iran.” NOTE: “All people” does NOT include Palestinians…
• Boyle (D-PA) 1/8/26: X-post – “I stand with the long oppressed people of Iran who are protesting for their freedom.”
• Fallon (R-TX) 1/8/26: X-post – “Khamenei and his cronies would do best to leave Iran while they still can. The Iranian people have every right to a government free from the Ayatollah’s theocratic repression.“
• Salazar (R-FL) 1/8/26: X-post – “The people of Iran are showing historic bravery, taking to the streets like never before demanding FREEDOM. Iran has been hijacked by extremists for too long. Sending my courage to those using their voices to demand liberty and hoping this will be the year for democracy in Iran!“
• Knott (R-NC) 1/8/26: X-post – “The brave men and women of #Iran are courageously taking to the streets, showing that they will be heard regardless of their brutal regime’s orders. The current regime has been tyrannical, radical, and repressive for decades. The Iranian people have had enough.”
• Gimenez (R-FL) 1/8/26: X-post – “God bless the brave people of #Iran on the streets demanding freedom & an end to the brutal regime!“
• Sheehy (R-MT) 1/8/26: X-post – “What is happening in Iran is historic. An oppressive and evil regime is teetering. The world must pay attention. There are very serious geopolitical tectonic movements happening in multiple hemispheres right now. Historic times.”
• Fallon (R-TX) 1/8/26: X-post – “A sign that a crackdown by the Ayatollah’s regime is imminent. The US stands with the people of Iran.“
• Meng (D-NY) 1/8/26: X-post – “I stand with the people of Iran and will continue to support their right to peacefully protest the regime’s unjust policies.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 1/8/26: X-post – “We should all stand with those brave Iranian protesters. Leadership is so desperate, they’ve pulled the internet. We must build on the success America and Israel created that breaks Iran’s evil regime.“
• Daines (R-MT) 1/8/26: X-post – “America stands with the people of Iran and against the tyrannical Iranian regime. The Iranian people deserve freedom and peace.“
• Cruz (R-TX) 1/8/26: X-post w/ video – “WATCH: Iran lost the 12-day war—and President Trump utterly destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities—and now the people of Iran are rising up against the Ayatollah. If the people of Iran overthrow the America-hating Islamist mullahs, it would be a massive national security victory. And the American people would be much, much safer.“
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 1/8/26: X-post – “Ayatollah is losing his grip on the Iranian people. Iranians are defying its regime at an unprecedented scale.“
• Ansari (D-AZ) 1/8/26: X-post – “After nearly five decades of repression under the murderous Islamic Republic regime, the Iranian people deserve freedom. But I want to be clear: sustainable freedom must come from the Iranian people themselves. And the MEK is a cult—not a legitimate opposition in waiting. I’ve seen firsthand the influence the MEK has in Washington, and it is deeply disturbing. The MEK is a violent cult that was previously designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. Across generations and political viewpoints, the overwhelming majority of Iranian—inside Iran, throughout the diaspora, and across the ideological spectrum—despise the MEK. That opposition is rooted in history: the MEK openly sided with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War, a betrayal that cost countless Iranian lives and remains one of the rare issues that truly unites Iranians. There is currently a congressional resolution, with significant bipartisan support, that expresses solidarity with the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and freedom. On its face, that goal is important and necessary. But the resolution goes further—explicitly endorsing Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the MEK. That endorsement is why I have refused to sign onto this resolution, and why I have urged my Democratic colleagues to do the same. Supporting the Iranian people must never mean elevating a fringe, authoritarian group that lacks legitimacy among Iranians themselves. The Iranian people are courageously risking their lives in the streets, demanding dignity, democracy, and an end to tyranny. Their fight is for real self-determination—not the replacement of one authoritarian regime with another imposed from the outside. I stand unequivocally with the Iranian people in their pursuit of genuine democracy, human rights, and a future defined by freedom and opportunity.”
• Scholten (D-MI) 1/7/26: X-post – “@USCG just intercepted a Russian vessel linked to Hezbollah’s illicit financing network. Outstanding work. Don’t mess with our coasties!“
• Cortez Mastro (D-NV) 1/7/26: X-post – “In the face of an oppressive regime, protestors in Iran are standing up for change and an end to the tyranny of their government.   I am hopeful for a brighter future for the people of Iran because of their courage.”
• Salazar (R-FL) 1/7/26: X-post – “In 9 days, the Radical Islamic Regime has arrested over 1,200 people, killed at least 29 and injured at least 64. In 257 locations across 88 cities and 27 provinces, the people of Iran are demanding freedom from the Ayatollah and as usual, the regime silences, tortures and imprisons.   Like those resisting tyranny in Cuba and Venezuela, they are fighting for the freedom, liberty, and end to oppression they deserve.“
• Levin (D-CA) 1/7/26: X-post – “Across Iran, people are protesting a regime that has failed them economically, politically, and morally. Iranians have the right to peacefully protest, to speak freely, and to demand a government that serves the needs of its people. Yet the regime continues to prioritize missiles, proxy warfare, and regional destabilization over the welfare of its own population, leaving Iranian families to pay the price in the form of runaway inflation, shrinking employment, food insecurity, and lost economic opportunities.“
• Self (R-TX) 1/7/26: X-post – “The days of the theocratic rulers of Iran are numbered. As protesters fill the streets, the Ayatollah would be wise to read the writing on the wall and realize that the time for change has come. The Iranian people are more determined than ever to overthrow the regime and this time, the people have the upper hand. I believe this time the people are willing to make the sacrifice that will lead to a more free society.”
• Stutzman (R-IN) 1/6/26: X-post – “Cheering for the Iranian people. This is a tremendous first step! FREE IRAN“
• Wilson (R-SC) 1/6/26: X-post – “A few days ago, Iraq’s newly elected members of parliament were sworn in during the first parliamentary session. This moment should have marked a new beginning and renewed hope for the Iraqi people. Instead, that hope was seized by the malign influence of Iran that installed puppets and individuals linked to extremist and terrorist networks at the helm of what should be a national institution. Parliament, meant to serve as the beacon of democracy and the true voice of all Iraqis, has instead been distorted into a tool advancing Iran’s destructive agenda. This development is deeply alarming and raises serious concerns about Iraq’s future and direction. It is obvious that the main figure behind this outcome is the corrupt, Iran-aligned judge Faiq Zaidan. In most countries in the world, the head of the judiciary acts an independent arbiter of disputes implementing the rule of law. Yet in Iraq, Fayiq Zaidan, the Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, is not only a puppet of Iran, but has in many ways declared himself the de facto leader and political power broker of Iraq. Zaidan now is seen daily meeting with political party and terrorist militia leaders actively negotiating government formation, even more brazenly than in the past where Zaidan used his perch to cleverly and slyly overturn elections on behalf of Iran when the outcome wasn’t of his liking. In addition, Zaidan makes public policy pronouncements dealing with security and political issues, trying to bamboozle the United States with a FAKE disarming of Iranian puppet militias, to help ensure Iran maintains its control of Iraq. By openly violating the separation of powers and following Tehran’s directives, Zaidan’s unchecked influence continues to erode Iraq’s sovereignty, weaken its democratic institutions, and override the will of the Iraqi people. Zaidan and his backers in Iran are actively working to entrench their control over Iraq and install a weak and compliant prime minister. This outcome is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to Iraq’s future and U.S. interests. The United States has sacrificed thousands of lives to help Iraq break free from tyranny and will not accept the rise of a new authoritarian order disguised as justice. The Iraqi people will not forgive this betrayal, nor will they accept it. The Trump administration has the authority to impose sanctions on anyone who destabilizes Iraq on behalf of Iran pursuant to Executive Order 13303 and a determination should be made regarding whether Zaidan meets the criteria for these sanctions. In addition, will work with my colleagues in Congress to seek accountability including through working with the Trump administration on moving possible legislation to sanction Zaidan and affiliated militia leaders.“
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 1/6/26: X-post – “Anti-regime protestors are rising up and claiming entire cities. Iranians have had enough of the tyrannical Ayatollah and his murderous mullahs. The Iranian regime’s grip is unraveling.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 1/6/26: X-post – “This is a testament to how our nation and Israel broke Iran.” With gif of headline from FoxNews 1/5/26 article: Iran offers citizens $7 monthly payments as protests spiral over economic crisis: report
• Bacon (R-NE) 1/4/26: X-post – “Intelligence analysis said Soleimani’s Shia militias in Iraq, funded and trained by Iran, killed 609 Americans servicemen and women. I am glad America gave him justice. He was an enemy of America.” [January 3 is the anniversary of the assassination of Soleimani by the U.S.)
• Baumgartner (R-WA) 1/3/25: X-post – “Decimating Iran’s nuclear program. Forcing Hamas to release the hostages. Removing Maduro – President Trump and his National security team continue to run a masteclass [sic] in historic foreign policy leadership.“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 1/3/26: X-post – “There have been false dawns of protest before, but Iran’s regime is vulnerable. As the protest waves build, they expose the regime’s dependence on fear and violence.”
• Cornyn (R-TX) 1/3/26: X-post – “Iran’s economic problems—which have led to protests in recent days—stem largely from its refusal to abandon its nuclear program…“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 1/3/26: X-post – “It’s worth noting that the strike that killed Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, one of Trump’s major escalations against Iran in his first term, was on Jan. 3, 2020. @playbookdc“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 1/2/26: X-post – “As 2026 dawns, the Iranian public are marching in protest against the regime only months after the Israel-U.S. attack...”
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 1/2/26: X-post – “Free speech and the right to peacefully protest are universal rights. The Iranian government’s crackdown on these protestors is unacceptable — they must allow Iranians to use their voices without fear of violence.“
• Kim (R-CA) 1/2/26: X-post – “Brave Iranians are crying out against tyranny & for freedom. The United States stands with them. The Iranian regime cannot continue to silence their voices with violence & oppression. The Iranian people deserve the right to decide their own future.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 1/2/26: X-post – “The Iranian people are fed up with their government and they’re standing up for change.  I commend their courage in the face of the regime’s tyranny, terror, and oppression.”
• Gimenez (R-FL) 1/2/26: X-post – “Freedom for the brave men & women of #Iran! The evil dictatorship must be relegated to the ash heap of history!“
• Weber (R-TX) 1/2/26: X-post – “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: A free, non-nuclear Iran, built by its people, is good for Iran and good for the world. History will remember as these events unfold.“
• Fallon (R-TX) 1/2/26: X-post – “The barbaric Mullahs who rule Iran have never had the Iranian people’s best interest at heart and have shown they’ll do anything to retain power. I strongly support the Persian Tiger that is rising and taking to the streets in the strongest attempt to date to free themselves.”
• Bacon (R-NE) 1/2/26: X-post – “This is when we need a strong Voice of America beaming information into Iran. Some in the Administration underestimate the value that VOA brings, but now it is an important tool for the President and our national security team. Information is an instrument of power.“
• Calvert (R-CA) 1/1/26: X-post – “We stand with the protestors in Iran as they push for the same unalienable rights and liberties that all people are entitled to.“
• Fallon (R-TX) 12/31/25: X-post – “The successful US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities this past June sent a message that America will not tolerate rogue states that want to sow chaos and instability. President Trump is restoring much needed deterrence.“
• Mace (R-SC) 12/31/25: X-post – “To the beautiful people of Iran, your courage is louder than the t*rrorism, tyranny and fear. The world sees you, the world stands with you and we believe in you. Freedom will prevail.“
• Ricketts (R-NE) 12/31/25: X-post – “We must continue to ratchet up pressure on the ayatollah and his band of thugs, while supporting the brave Iranian people who risk their lives in their pursuit of freedom. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a corrupt, terrorist regime that brutally represses and murders its own people. It is clearly willing to sacrifice the livelihood of every single Iranian just to stay in power.”
• McClintock (R-CA) 12/31/25: X-post – “The people of Iran have been tortured for far too long. Freedom and justice walk hand in hand. Freedom for the Iranian people means justice for the Iranian dictators and Iran’s day of deliverance is fast approaching.”
• Boyle (D-PA) 12/30/25: X-post – “Inspiring to see so many brave people in Iran protesting their brutal regime.“
• Scott (R-SC) 12/30/25: X-post – “Preventing a nuclear Iran is essential to U.S. security and global stability. I supported @POTUS’ strikes this year and introduced the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act because the #1 state sponsor of terrorism must never be allowed to threaten the world with a nuclear weapon.“
• Wilson (R-SC) 12/30/25: X-post – “I support the protesters in Iran who promote appreciation of their great Persian heritage. Syria is a symbol that a 54 year dictatorship can flee to Moscow.”
• Stutzman (R-IN) 12/30/25: X-post – “Stand with the people of Iran! Time to end the Ayatollah’s reign and let religious freedom take over the country!“
• Sherman (D-CA) 12/29/25: X-post – “Once again, the people of Iran are taking to the streets to protest a brutal regime that has bled Iran’s resources and people dry to wage never-ending proxy wars throughout the region. Today and always, I stand with the Iranian people as they demand democracy and a government that is accountable to the people of Iran.“
• Wicker (R-MS) 12/29/25: X-post – “Iranians are taking to the streets today in response to the economic ruin that Iran’s terrorist-supporting leadership has brought upon the country.  I support their struggle for sane leadership that puts their interest first, not the interests of Islamist terrorists. Iranians should be free of the despotism that devastated a once thriving society.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 12/29/25: X-post – “Iran can’t ever develop a nuclear weapon. Fully supported the strike earlier this year. Fully support any future strikes to damage or destroy their nuclear ambitions.“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 12/29/25: X-post – “Iran in ‘full-scale war’ with US and Europe, says president” [linked to article in the Independent]
• Bacon (R-NE) 12/28/25: X-post – “It’s hard to reconcile a President who has been great on Iran but so blind and bad on Putin’s Russia.”

Well done Israel for recognizing Somaliland!

• Cruz (R-TX) 1/5/26: X-post – “Recognizing Somaliland isn’t charity — it’s strategy. It aligns with America’s security interests and the ‘America First’ doctrine by strengthening an ally that shares our values in a region vital to global trade and counterterrorism.”
• Cornyn (R-TX) 12/29/25: X-post – “Israel Becomes the First Nation to Recognize Somaliland” [linked to New York Times article]

Syria

• Whitehouse (D-RI) 1/8/26: X-post – “Assad the murderer is now sheltered by Putin the murderer, Trump’s friend. Says a lot about all three.” Linked to New York Times 12/30/25 article, The Cover-Up: Inside the Plot to Conceal Assad’s Crimes
• Lankford (R-OK) 1/6/26: X-post – “This agreement establishes a direct channel to improve coordination, share intelligence, and reduce escalation. Efforts that protect innocent lives and strengthen stability are in the interest of Israel, the region, and US national security.” Linked to State Department 1/6/26 press release – Joint Statement on the Trilateral Meeting Between the Governments of the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the Syrian Arab Republic
• Stutzman (R-IN) 1/6/26: X-post – “Pleased to see the continued strengthening of ties between the United States, Israel, and Syria. The newly created dedicated communication cell will save lives and allows all three of our countries to work together towards building lasting peace in the Middle East!” Linked to State Department 1/6/26 press release – Joint Statement on the Trilateral Meeting Between the Governments of the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the Syrian Arab Republic
• Cornyn (R-TX) 12/29/25: X-post – “Intelligence files found in a Damascus prison complex reveal the secret-police state of Assad’s Syria, with families and neighbors informing on each other…“

Congress Stands with Israel, Bibi, AIPAC, etc.

• Sherman (D-CA) 1/7/26: X-post – “Today, I joined @HouseForeignleadership in meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan. I stressed the United States’ deep desire to see normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and a resolution of recent tensions with the UAE.“
• Shweikert (R-AZ) 1/7/26: X-post – “Saturday evening, Rabbi Kahn was kind to present this piece of art as a thank you to our team. This summer, when the war broke out, our staff helped bring home young people who were in Israel on Birthright. Thank you to Congregation Beth Israel.”
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu X-post 1/5/26 w/ pix: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met this evening, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, with US Representative Josh Gottheimer @RepJoshG.“
• ShadowofEzra on X, with video clip of Sen. Moreno (R-OH) 1/2/26: “Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno thanks an audience at a Miami synagogue, with Benjamin Netanyahu in attendance, for saving Christianity from being wiped off the planet. Moreno says all Christians in America share his view that Israel has saved Christianity. Bernie Moreno is funded and owned by AIPAC.“
• Daines (R-MT) 12/30/25: X-post – “America stands with Israel.“
• Sheehy (R-MT) 12/29/25: X-post – “President Trump today made clear, once again, America stands unequivocally with Israel and the Jewish people.“
• Bilirakis (R-FL) 12/24/25: X-post – “Great discussions as we continue strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States, Greece, and Israel. During high-level meetings in Washington, we explored opportunities for American investment in Greek healthcare, expanded collaboration in medical innovation, and deeper trilateral cooperation that benefits all our nations. Partnerships like these help create jobs, advance research, and promote shared security and prosperity across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. I look forward to building on this momentum and continuing meaningful progress.“
• Mace (R-NC) 12/21/25: X-post – “We spoke at the Israel Allies Foundation Caucus Conference in Washington, D.C., to show our support for Israel and the Jewish community. United by something deeper than politics, we are bound by faith and an unshakable belief that Israel has a God-given right to exist, to defend itself, and to thrive. Today, families in Israel are one step closer to peace, thanks to President Trump’s unwavering commitment to stability in the Middle East. God bless America, God bless Israel, and God bless the peacemakers.“
• Calvert (R-CA) 12/20/25: X-post – “Israel and the U.S. are united in eliminating the ISIS threat in the Middle East.“

Other stuff

• Coons (D-DE) 1/7/26: press release – Senators Coons, Cassidy, introduce bipartisan bill to boost social media transparency; also see Sens. Cassidy, Coons introduce bill on social-media transparency (Jewish News Syndicate 1/9/26).  NOTE: this bill, S. 3292, was introduced 12/1/25; for some reason Coons didn’t get around issuing a press release on it until 1/7/26.

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

• Boulder Jewish News 1/8/26: Jews on a Political Tightrope
• Politico 1/8/26: ‘The party has done an abysmal job’: Israel tensions threaten Dems’ midterm plans — From New York to Michigan, left-leaning challengers are taking on pro-Israel incumbents
• Mondoweiss 1/8/26: The Shift: Activists launching anti-AIPAC ads ahead of midterms
• Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) 1/7/26: The Heart of the Democratic Party Still Stands with Israel and Against Antisemitism
• Jewish Insider 1/6/25: The cost of Walz’s left turn — Last year, Walz looked like he was on the fast track in national politics. Now he looks to be ending his career as a disgraced two-term governor [“…Walz also has been supportive of far-left Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) even when she’s faced controversies over using antisemitic tropes and embracing anti-Israel views that have placed her out of the Democratic Party’s mainstream. His selection as Harris’ running mate over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was cheered on by the anti-Israel wing of the party. The fact that Walz’s time in office is ending, in part, over his ideological stubbornness, is a shift from his early political career. Representing a swing district in the House for over a decade, Walz generally voted with his party’s moderates and broke with liberals on gun rights and energy policy while maintaining strong support for Israel. But as governor, he tacked to the left, embracing criminal justice reform and gun control, while often pandering to his party’s activists…”]
• Jewish Insider 1/6/25: Walz’s national ambitions foreshadowed his political fall [“While holding a moderate voting record as a member of Congress, Walz largely governed as a progressive, and was the preferred choice of progressive Democrats critical of Israel in the 2024 veepstakes over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. On the campaign trail, Walz praised anti-Israel protesters and urged the U.S. to exert more leverage on Israel. He also drew scrutiny for appearing at events with an antisemitic and pro-Hamas Muslim cleric. He said last year after the election that war in Gaza was “rightfully” a “central focus” of the 2024 campaign. Last year, Walz did not respond to inquiries about then-Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh’s campaign, which employed senior staffers who celebrated Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. And, criticizing Israel for striking Iran last June, Walz suggested that China was better positioned to act as a broker for Middle East peace than the Trump administration.“]
• Haaretz 1/1/25: New York’s Mamdani Is a Mayor of Firsts, and He’s Cleared the Path for Others to Follow [“Mamdani’s inauguration signifies an American embrace of breaking from political convention to take a risk on someone inexperienced, but large in ambition. And on Israel, he’s now created a new precedent for policy“]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 12/31/25: How Jewish politics are shaping the 2026 election map, from coast to coast [“In New York, Maine, Michigan and more, antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment are driving high-stakes contests.”]
• Jewish Insider 12/31/25: Security remains Jewish community’s top lobbying priority for 2026 [ADL: “The big buckets are that we’ll be pushing Congress to confront antisemitism wherever it appears, including within one’s own party; protecting houses of worship with increased security funding; demanding real transparency and accountability from tech platforms; advancing comprehensive federal legislation to counter antisemitism and taking action to ensure that Jewish students are safe on campus.” AIPAC: “In the pro-Israel space, a source familiar with AIPAC’s plans told JI that the group’s general priorities next year will include expanding U.S.-Israel collaboration in security, technology and economic spaces; supporting U.S. aid to Israel; highlighting the ongoing security threats to Israel, including Iran’s efforts to rebuild its missile arsenal and nuclear program and its support for proxies; and working to achieve Hamas and Hezbollah’s disarmament.”]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 12/31/25: Rep. Randy Fine’s incendiary comments on Muslims alarm many Jews — without denting his standing on the pro-Israel right [“The Florida Republican’s comments have drawn accusations of hate speech from Jewish critics even as AIPAC, the Republican Jewish Coalition and some Jewish conservatives continue to back him.“]
• CNN 12/21/25: ‘They’re attacking their own’: DC Democrats irked by surge of left-wing challengers with House majority on the line [NOTE: this article somehow manages to completely leaves unmentioned the surge in AIPAC/UDP-backed primary challengers in the past two cycles, in which incumbents viewed as insufficiently pro-Israel were repeatedly targeted, in primaries that cost millions and millions of dollars — a phenomenon that the AIPAC-friendly “DC Democrats” interviewed for this article had no issue with at the time. Just a few reminders from 2022/2023/2024 of a rather significant part of this story that this CNN author forgot about or chose to omit: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – HOYER RETIRMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

• Jewish Insider 1/9/26: Rep. Hoyer’s retirement deprives Dems of leading pro-Israel stalwart [“Rep. Ritchie Torres: ‘Hopefully you’ll have a Democratic Party with enough successors to sustain and strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship’“]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 1/8/26: Longtime pro-Israel Democrat Steny Hoyer announces retirement from Congress [“Harry Jarin, who launched his bid for Hoyer’s seat in May, criticized the lawmaker for visiting to Israel.“]
• Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) 1/8/26: Statement on Steny Hoyer’s announcement from DMFI’s CEO [“…He has also been a true and steadfast friend of Israel. I helped him lead 12 congressional delegations there, ensuring that members of Congress learned not just about the important strategic relationship between the United States and Israel but also about the miracle of Israel’s very existence. Those trips were powerful and transformative experiences for us. He worked relentlessly to ensure Israel had the resources it needed to defend itself by itself and fought back against attempts to undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship. Our country, the Democratic Party, and the pro-Israel movement are all in a better place today because of his service…“
• Baltimore Jewish Times 1/8/26: Rep. Steny Hoyer, Longtime Pro-Israel Democrat, Announces Retirement
• Haaretz 1/8/26: Veteran pro-Israel Democrat Steny Hoyer to Retire After Decades in Congress [“Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the longest-serving Democrat in Congress, is the latest senior official stepping down as party members are increasingly critical of Israel’s policies. Hoyer would routinely appear at AIPAC conferences to announce pro-Israel legislation“]
• New York Times 1/7/26: Steny Hoyer, Longest-Serving House Democrat, to Retire From Congress [“…he has long acted as the unofficial leader of the annual junket that first-term lawmakers take with AIPAC, the hard-line pro-Israel lobbying organization, to visit Israel. ‘What we found is that contrary to world opinion, Israel has been doing everything it possibly can to ensure that there’s minimal damage to civilians who are not part of Hamas’s army,’ Mr. Hoyer said in a video he recorded for AIPAC during the trip last August. That message was viewed as out of step with a realignment underway in Congress on Israel, in which Democratic lawmakers have turned away from a decades-old bipartisan consensus on Capitol Hill around offering unconditional support for the Jewish state.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – MASSACHUSETTS

• WAMU 1/7/26: Moulton makes generational case in bid to unseat Markey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – ILLINOIS

• Evanston RoundTable 1/8/26: Leon will stay in congressional race, reversing prior exit [“Other candidates join Leon in calling out ‘coordinated pressure campaign’ from AIPAC“]
• Evanston RoundTable 12/31/25: Bruce Leon suspends congressional bid under AIPAC pressure, but leaves door open for comeback [“Says pro-Israel lobbying group wants him to exit and consolidate support behind Laura Fine“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – TEXAS

• Jewish Insider 12/22/25: Texas Jewish voters alarmed by James Talarico’s Israel rhetoric; also see 12/22/25 response on X from Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) – “It should not be too much to ask @jamestalarico to: -Oppose the horrific and terroristic actions of Oct. 7 -Call for the elimination of Hamas -Call for the protection of Jewish Americans -Stand with Israel as our greatest ally in the Middle East and one of America’s closest and most loyal allies“

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – KENTUCKY

• Algemeiner 1/7/26: Trump Slams Rep. Thomas Massie as ‘Hater of Israel,’ Praises Republican Primary Challenger Ed Gallrein
• Jewish Insider 1/2/26: Massie challenger raises $1.2 million in final quarter of 2025 [“The haul signals Ed Gallrein, who came into the race with President Trump’s endorsement, is emerging as a formidable opponent”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – ILLINOIS

• Jewish News Syndicate 1/7/26: Schakowsky endorses Jewish Evanston mayor for her congressional seat [“Both the Jewish outgoing congresswoman and her endorsee Daniel Biss are harsh critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – MARYLAND

• Maryland Matters 1/2/26: Analysis: Is Gaza a sleeper issue in the Maryland midterms?
• The Hill 12/24/25: Chris Van Hollen isn’t afraid to take a stand against Israeli brutality 

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – NEW YORK

• Washington Examiner 1/9/26: Will this Upper West Side-based House district elect a full-throated Israel supporter?
• The Algemeiner 1/8/26: Anti-Israel Congressional Candidate Michael Blake Has Deep Ties to Defense Contractor, Despite Campaign Rhetoric
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 1/8/26: Cameron Kasky embodies rising Gen Z Jewish criticism of Israel. Can it get him to Congress? [“Kasky, the 25-year-old Parkland school shooting survivor, recently went on a solidarity mission to the West Bank.“]
• San Diego Jewish News 1/7/26: NY Democrats engage in a showdown over Israel
• Spectrum News NY1 1/6/26: Goldman launches reelection campaign amid challenge from Lander [“Lander’s campaign quickly responded to Goldman’s announcement, with spokesperson Lauren Hitt criticizing the congressman’s ties to Donald Trump, Jr. ‘Dan Goldman literally chummed it up with Don Jr. on vacation in the Bahamas, praising Trump’s Israel policy,’ Hitt said. ‘Brad has spent his entire life organizing his neighbors to win big fights – stopping evictions, building new housing, passing paid sick leave, and protecting immigrants from ICE.'”]
• Jewish Insider 1/6/26: George Conway, running for Congress, hits Mamdani on Israel views
• New York Times 1/6/26: Facing Challenge From Lander, Dan Goldman Prepares to Defend His Seat [“…Mr. Goldman said he had resigned himself to the fact that his support for Israel, which he called central to his faith and his worldview, could come at a political cost as polls show Democratic opinions moving against the American ally after years of war. ‘I understood that ran the risk of engendering a primary,’ he said. But, he added that he had tried to make decisions around the conflict based on ‘what I genuinely thought was best for the state of Israel, the people of Israel, Palestinian civilians and the future state of Palestine.‘”]
• The Forward’s Jacob Kornbluth on X 1/6/26: “Goldman asked if he thinks Israel committed genocide in Gaza ‘With my background as a prosecutor, I look first to the evidence, and I think we just don’t know enough. ‘There were some absolutely horrific things done in Gaza.. the destruction was unconscionable and devastating.'”
• Fox News 1/2/26: Schumer silent as Mamdani scraps antisemitism definition, synagogue security [“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer mum as Israel blasts New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s day-one orders“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/31/25: Anti-Israel candidate for NY Congress seat returns from ‘secret’ trip there [“Cameron Kasky, a Democrat who is Jewish, claimed that he was in the Jewish state on a Palestinian-led tour to see the ‘reality on the ground.’“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – NEW HAMPSHIRE

• YNet 1/4/26: Congressional candidate pledges to push US recognition of West Bank as part of Israel [“On West Bank visit, Brian Cole briefed by security officials who explained that a terrorist could hold a handheld rocket launcher and fire it directly over the Green Line; reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself“]
• MediaLine 1/3/26: Congressional Candidate Says US Should Recognize Judea and Samaria as Part of Israel

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – CALIFORNIA

• San Francisco Standard 1/8/26: Life after Pelosi: SF House candidates square off for 1st time [“…Hot-button issue: Israel – Wiener drew the night’s heaviest jeers when he declined to answer a yes-or-no lightning-round question that asked if Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. His opponents both held aloft signs reading ‘Yes,’ while Wiener rested his sign in his lap. Audience members shouted ‘Shame on you,’ ‘Sellout,’ and ‘Free Palestine.’ In an interview with reporters afterward, Wiener lamented that there wasn’t time during the forum to describe his position on a complex international conflict. ‘Hamas should not be running Gaza,’ Wiener added, but the Israeli government’s killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians, including children, ‘is an absolute moral stain and horrifying to me.’ When asked why he declined to label it genocide, Wiener said, ‘People can label it whatever noun or adjective they want to put on it.‘”]
• Mission Local 1/8/26: S.F. congressional candidates vying for Pelosi’s seat stake out contrasts in first debate [“…The most raucous moment of the two-hour debate came in the closing lightning round, when the candidates were asked: ‘Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza?’ Chakrabarti and Chan immediately flashed up the green ‘YES’ on their double-sided signs. But Wiener didn’t give a straight answer, twirling the sign near his knees, the red ‘NO’ and green ‘YES’ coming in and out of view. The crowd laughed and jeered. ‘Answer the question Scott!’ ‘Shame on you! Shame on you!’ Several waved keffiyahs from their seats. Regardless, whoever San Francisco sends to Congress will likely be voting against selling offensive weapons to Israel. In a press gaggle after the debate, Wiener said that he finds Israel’s actions in both Gaza and the West Bank ‘horrifying.’ ‘What the Israeli government has done in Gaza in terms of killing tens of thousands of Palestinians and so many children … is an absolute moral stain,’ he said. ‘I will not support U.S. funding for the destruction of Palestinian communities in Gaza or the West Bank. Period.'”]
• 48 Hills 1/8/26: What we can take away from the first Congressional candidate debate [“The defining social media moment of the Wednesday night Congressional forum was a photo of State Sen. Scott Wiener refusing to take a position on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.“]
• Axios 1/7/26: Nancy Pelosi’s seat is San Francisco’s ultimate political prize [“The fault lines emerged in a rapid-fire yes-or-no segment when Chan and Chakrabarti raised ‘Yes’ signs in response to a question about Israel’s actions in Gaza being labeled as ‘genocide.’ Wiener — who is Jewish — hesitated to answer, prompting audible opposition from the crowd. Wiener later told reporters the format flattened a complex issue. He maintained he doesn’t ‘support U.S. funding for the destruction of Palestinian communities’ or Israel’s escalation of violence.“]

Gaza & Lebanon

• i24 News 12/21/25: Netanyahu and Sen. Graham warn Hamas and Hezbollah are rearming
• Politico 12/21/25: Lindsey Graham sounds alarm: ‘Hamas is not disarming’ [“The GOP senator urged President Donald Trump to meet with Israeli leadership to up the pressure on Hamas.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/21/25: Graham warns: Hamas and Hezbollah rearming [“The U.S. senator called it ‘an unacceptable outcome,’ speaking during a meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.“]

Syria

• Jewish Insider 12/20/25: Over half of House Republicans call for accountability on Syria sanctions repeal [“The GOP pushback indicates that a significant number of Republican lawmakers remain concerned about the Syrian government’s conduct“]

Saudi Arabia/Gulf

• Jewish Insider 1/8/26: U.S. lawmakers weigh in on fears of Saudi Arabia accommodating Islamists [“The lawmakers downplayed reports of a serious Gulf rift, with Rep. Brad Sherman calling the increasing disputes between neighbors ‘tactical, not ideological’“]
• Jewish Insider 1/7/26: Gulf states yet to commit personnel to Gaza security force, Gottheimer says [“The New Jersey Democrat traveled to Qatar, Israel, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia last week“]

Iran

• Jewish Insider 1/9/26: Fetterman backs additional strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, if it rebuilds program [“‘If Iran restarts their nuclear ambitions, I fully support bombing them until they get the message,’ the Pennsylvania senator told JI“]
• Jewish Insider 1/9/26: GOP senators back Trump’s threat to Iranian regime over protest crackdown [“‘To the ayatollah: You need to understand, if you keep killing your people who are demanding a better life, Donald J. Trump is gonna kill you,’ Sen. Lindsey Graham said“]
• Jewish Insider 1/6/26: More U.S. strikes on Iran are possible, lawmakers say [“Republican senators agreed President Donald Trump would make good on his threat to strike Iran again if it attempts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities“]

Weaponization of Fight Against Antisemitism v. Actually Fighting Antisemtism

• Times of Israel 1/6/26: op-ed by Bend the Arc CEO Jamie Beran – Finally, A Bill That Will Actually Fight Antisemitism
• The College Fix 1/5/26: Two House bills against campus antisemitism draw bipartisan praise [includes Fine (R-FL) bill to compel adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism]
• Jewish Insider 12/20/25: Stefanik drops gubernatorial bid, will not seek reelection to House seat [“The move by the prominent Republican, who gained attention for her grilling of university presidents amid federal inquiries into campus antisemitism, comes a month after she entered the race”]

Other News & Inanity

• Jewish Link 1/8/26: Gottheimer Meets US Service Members, Netanyahu, on Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Middle East
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/8/26: Senate confirms pro-Israel journalist who covered cartel trafficking as Trump admin’s drug czar [“Carter has been an outspoken supporter of Israel since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Two days after, she shared her experience visiting the Jewish state in June 2023, describing the proximity of Hamas to the Gaza border communities and decrying the Biden administration’s treatment of Israel as a ‘pariah.’ She also covered anti-Israel college protests for Fox News and has publicly criticized fellow conservative members of the media who have turned to antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories.”]
• Jewish Insider 1/8/26: Fetterman joins call for Somaliland independence, but many lawmakers remain wary [“The Pennsylvania Democrat joins a handful of Republicans in supporting U.S. recognition of Somaliland, but other lawmakers warn it may not be fully aligned with U.S. interests“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/6/26: Gottheimer, colleagues visit Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia [“‘It’s critical that Congress remains directly engaged with our allies and partners in the Middle East to fight terror and support stability in the region,’ the congressman said.“]
• Baltimore Jewish Times 12/31/25: Opinion: Iron Dome, up Close and Personal, Can Change How Congress Governs [by Heather Johnston, founder/CEO “of the U.S.-Israel Education Association, a nonprofit organization that brings members of Congress to Israel.“]
• Jewish Insider 12/23/25: Trump-appointed Holocaust Museum board members pushing to oust Bernie Sanders 

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 12/17/25: From Apartheid to Democracy: A Blueprint for Peace in Israel-Palestine, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with DAWN’s Sarah Leah Whitson and Michael Omer-Man about their recently-published book, From Apartheid to Democracy: A Blueprint for Peace in Israel-Palestine.

Also of note:

• On 12/18/25, the Senate voted 53 to 43 to confirm a slate of Trump nominees, including his controversial nominee, Chabad Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, to be Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism (Kaploun received only 2 Democratic votes in committee). As a reminder: Democrats urge Senate to oppose Trump’s pick for antisemitism envoy ahead of confirmation hearing; Nadler (D-NY) 4/10/25: Long X-post – excerpt – “I urge my Democratic Senate colleagues not to provide the Trump Administration with a single vote to confirm Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism with the rank of Ambassador. The irony is not lost on me that the Trump Administration— that already contains antisemites in its ranks— is seeking to add a divisive figure like Rabbi Kaploun as its antisemitism czar…” Israel’s foreign minister cheered the confirmation of the Israel-born Kaploun.
• State Department report submitted to Congress this week – Report to Congress on Efforts by Countries to Advance Efforts to Combat Hate and Promote Tolerance Toward Israel, covering June 2024 to June 2025.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

[It’s Baaaaaaacccckkk] (SETTING UP NEW CATEGORY OF LAWFARE OPEN DOOR TO TARGETING ANY/ALL NGOs, [but aimed initially at NGOs that deal with Palestinian issues]) HR 6800 // S. 3544 [bill text]: Introduced 12/17/25 by Kustoff (R-TN) and no cosponsors, and in the Senate by Cornyn (R-TX) and Sheehy (R-MT), “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations.” Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance. NOTE: No text is yet available but this appears to be Kustoff’s re-introduction of his bill introduced (with Schneider, D-IL) 11/14/23, HR 6408, with the exact same short title, and sold (in the press release and in a House hearing) as necessary to end tax-exempt benefits for US non-profits that support Hamas. That bill was passed by the House, and eventually re-introduced in combination with another measure, in the form of HR 9495. At that point there emerged belated but widespread recognition that the bill could be used to target ANY non-profit engaged on issues disfavored by the Executive (not just non-profit orgs working on issues related to the Palestinians), leading the measure to become popularly known as the “NGO KILLER BILL.”  Also see:

• Press releases on this new bill: Kustoff, Cornyn
• The 11/22/24 edition of the Round-Up, with a detailed tick-tock of the legislation’s path in both the House in Senate, statements of oppositions, media, etc.
• Media coverage of past iterations of this bill: This Bipartisan Bill Could Give Trump Huge Power Against His Enemies (the New Republic 4/30/24); A disturbing national security bill could silence nonprofits and college protests (The Hill, 5/8/24, by Mike Zamore,  the ACLU’s national director of policy and government affairs; and Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel at the ACLU) – excerpt: “This week, the Senate may pass a bill granting the executive branch extraordinary power to investigate and strip nonprofits of tax-exempt status based on a unilateral accusation of wrongdoing.  The potential for abuse under H.R. 6408 is staggering. If it were to become law, the executive branch would be handed a tool perfectly designed to stifle free speech, target political opponents and punish disfavored groups.”; Criticizing Israel? Nonprofit Media Could Lose Tax-Exempt Status Without Due Process — A new anti-terrorism bill would allow the government to take away vital tax exemptions from nonprofit news outlets. (The Intercept 5/10/24)
• Past coverage of this legislation in the Round-Up, including media coverage/analysis/op-eds & statements from organizations: 11/17/23; 12/1/23 (detailed coverage of House Mark-Up); 4/19/24 (on introduction of Senate version); 5/10/24; 9/13/24 (on introduction of HR 9495); 11/8/25; 11/15/24 (on the House consideration of HR 9495, plus deeper coverage on public controversy); 5/16/25 (in inclusion of the measure in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill)
• Also see: my months-long X-thread on this legislation, including lots of resources.

(A BILL THAT SEEMS TO BE ACTUALLY ABOUT FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM & NOT CONFLATING ANTISEMITISM WITH FREE SPEECH IN SUPPORT OF PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) HR 6806: Introduced 12/17/25 by Nadler (D-NY) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, the “Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act of 2025.”  Referred to the Committees on the Judiciary, Education and Workforce, Homeland Security, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Also see press release – Nadler, DeLauro, Balint, Frost Introduce Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act. NOTE:

• The bill defines “antisemitism” by citing “the third paragraph of page 13 of the United States National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.” That paragraph lays out a commonsense definition of antisemitism, not connected to Israel, Zionism, or any other additional political agenda: “Antisemitism is a stereotypical and negative perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred of Jews. It is prejudice, bias, hostility, discrimination, or violence against Jews for being Jews or Jewish institutions or property for being Jewish or perceived as Jewish. Antisemitism can manifest as a form of racial, religious, national origin, and/or ethnic discrimination, bias, or hatred; or, a combination thereof. However, antisemitism is not simply a form of prejudice or hate. It is also a pernicious conspiracy theory that often features myths about Jewish power and control.“
• In talking about the IHRA definition, the bill emphasizes that it is a “non-legally binding educational tool”.
• The bill calls out the Trump Administration for having “inappropriately appropriated” the IHRA definition to target free speech support of Palestinians, including with deportations.
• The bill calls out the Trump Administration for using the Heritage Foundation’s “Project Esther” “as a blueprint for the administration’s antisemitism policies,  but rather than genuinely combating antisemitism, it weaponizes accusations of antisemitism to pursue partisan political objectives, including dismantling diversity programs, suppressing pro-Palestinian advocacy, defunding educational institutions, attacking nonprofit organizations, and undermining academic freedom.”

Also see:

• Nadler X-post 12/18/25: “In the wake of the horrific antisemitic attack at a Hannukah Celebration in Sydney earlier this week, @RosaDeLauro @RepBeccaB @RepMaxwellFrost and I introduced the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act. This bill provides a comprehensive and principled framework to stem the tide of rising antisemitism in America, while simultaneously upholding and celebrating progressive values without compromise or equivocation.  This effort shows that we can fight antisemitism with bold innovative strategies that work without blindly aligning with the current Israeli government and unnecessarily stifling legitimate free speech and political criticism.”
• 4 House Democrats introduce bill that would enact progressive vision for fighting antisemitism (JTA 12/18/25); House progressives introduce bill on antisemitism that criticizes Trump admin efforts to fight it (Jewish Insider 12/19/25)

(ANOTHER BILL THAT SEEMS TO BE ACTUALLY ABOUT FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM & NOT CONFLATING ANTISEMITISM WITH FREE SPEECH IN SUPPORT OF PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) H. Res. 963: Introduced 12/18/25 by Jacobs (D-CA) and 26 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Condemning antisemitism in all its forms, including the proliferation and amplification of antisemitic content on artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, urging robust, transparent safeguards for AI, and recognizing stakeholders working to counter this threat.” Referred to the Committees on the Judiciary, and on Energy and Commerce. Notably, H. Res. 963 does not include a single mention of “Israel” or “Zionism,” and defines antisemitism, accurately, to mean: “prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed at Jewish people, is generally based on negative stereotypes, myths, conspiracy theories, or misinformation about Jews, Judaism, or Jewish identity.” Also see press release (which, like the resolution, does not mention “Israel” or “Zionism”) – Reps. Jacobs, Bacon, Ciscomani, Friedman Lead Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Content on AI Platforms. Also see: House resolution calls for safeguards to address antisemitism in artificial intelligence (Jewish Insider 12/18/25)

(OPENING THE DOOR TO MASS DE-PLATFORMING OF FREE SPEECH CRITICAL OF ISRAEL, TRUMP, OR ANYTHING ELSE CONTROVERSIAL ONLINE & ON SOCIAL MEDIA) S. 3546 [bill text]: Introduced 12/17/25 by Graham (R-SC) and 9 bipartisan cosponsors, “A bill to repeal section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934,” aka the “Sunset Section 230 Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. NOTE: If this bill passes into law, internet platforms (including social media networks and website hosting companies) will be legally liable for any/all things posted by anyone, creating a clear incentive structure for the mass censoring and/or deplatforming of accounts, people, posts, and organizations engaged in any kind of disfavored or controversial speech. Or as civil rights attorney Jenin Younes aptly observed on X: “If Congress successfully repeals Section 230, say goodbye to the internet, esp. social media, as we know it. If platforms can be held liable for what’s posted on them, they won’t simply allow anyone to post anything at anytime. That this is happening at a time when prominent politicians are saying the reason people are pro-Palestine is social media should tell you everything you need to know: Congress is almost certainly pursuing this measure because Israel demands it”

(FY26 NDAA) S. 1071: On 12/17/25, the Senate passed the House-adopted version of S. 1071, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), by a vote of 77-20, with no amendments (see last week’s Round-Up for details of last week’s action on this bill in the House, as well as details of Middle East-related provisions in the bill). The bill was then sent to President Trump, who signed it into law on 12/18/25. Also see: Key Middle East Provisions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) 12/12/25). Many, many senators made comments about passage of S. 1071 – check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what any specific senator said.

(REVOKE CAIR’S NON-PROFIT STATUS) S. 3479: Introduced 12/15/25 by Scott (R-FL) and Blackburn (R-TN), “A bill to specify that the Council on American-Islamic Relations shall not be treated as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.” Referred to the Committee on Finance.

(HONORING AMERICANS SOLDIERS KILLED IN SYRIA) H. Res. 957: Introduced 12/17/25 by Nunn (R-IA) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of United States Army Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and United States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who were killed in action in Palmyra, Syria, in a targeted assault against United States service members on December 13, 2025.“ Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. Also see: Nunn Leads Iowa Delegation to Honor Fallen Iowa Guardsmen

(MENA HEALTH EQUITY & INCLUSION) HR 6767: Introduced 12/16/25 by Tlaib (D-MI) and 17 Democratic cosponsors, “To amend the Public Health Service Act to include Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individuals in the statutory definition of a ‘racial and ethnic minority group’, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study of MENA population health, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Also see: Tlaib Re-Introduces Bill to Promote Health Equity & Inclusion for MENA Community

(USING CLAIMS OF ANTISEMITISM TO QUASH PALESTINE VOICES/SOLIDARITY ON US CAMPUSES) HR 6857 [bill text]: Introduced 12/18/25 by Frankel (D-FL) and 7 cosponsors, “To require institutions of higher education participating in Federal student aid programs to share information about title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including a link to the webpage of the Office for Civil Rights where an individual can submit a complaint regarding discrimination in violation of such title, and for other purposes,” aka the “Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.  Also see:

• Frankel press release: Rep. Frankel Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses
• Bipartisan House group reintroduces bill to aid Title VI complaints on campus antisemitism [“The Protecting Students on Campus Act requires increased education about students’ rights to file complaints and transparency in how the Department of Education responds“] (Jewish Insider 12/18/25)
• NOTE: This bill was introduced in the past Congress — HR 7735 /  S. 3580. [Bipartisan bill aims to fight antisemitism on campus by fortifying civil rights complaint system (CNN 1/11/24 — “A bipartisan Senate bill introduced Thursday could make it easier for students to file civil rights complaints over antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses and to hold those schools accountable for protecting students.”)]

2. Letters

• (TARGET SPAIN FOR ITS ANTI-ISRAEL POLICY **TARGETING SETTLEMENTS**) 12/18/25: Congresswoman Tenney Leads Letter Urging Treasury Review of Spain’s Israel Boycott Laws [letter text – not that as of this writing, the link goes to wrong page]. Also see: see Tenney (R-NY) X-post – “Spain passed new laws that restrict trade with Israel, ban advertising of products from Judea and Samaria, and pressure companies to comply with politically motivated boycotts. That is economic discrimination. It mirrors the global BDS movement and targets one of America’s closest allies. U.S. law gives Treasury the authority to review foreign boycott laws because American companies should not be forced to comply with discriminatory policies abroad. That is why I led this letter“
• (TARGETING THE NEA FOR ALLEGED ANTISEMITISM) 12/18/25: Jewish Insider 12/19/25 – Senate education committee chair presses NEA over antisemitism complaints [“Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sent a letter on Thursday to the National Education Association accusing the largest teachers’ union in the country of a ‘deeply troubling’ pattern of antisemitism within its ranks.” — almost entirely, it seems, related to Israel/Palestine]
• (WOMEN SHOULD PLAY ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING ISRAEL-HAMAS PEACE AGREEMENT[??]) 12/17/25: WPS Caucus Co-Chairs Frankel, Kiggans Urge Secretary Rubio to Include Women in Implementing Israel–Hamas Peace Agreement [letter text]
• (AUSTRALIA MUST PROTECT JEWS, INCL IMPLEMENTING IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM!) 12/16/25: MENG, GOLDMAN LEAD HOUSE BIPARTISAN TASK FORCE FOR COMBATING ANTISEMITISM MEMBERS IN LETTER TO AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE FOLLOWING THE DEADLY ANTISEMITIC BONDI BEACH ATTACK [letter text]. The letter notably urges the Australian Government to implement the recommendations of the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, which centers the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Also see: After Sydney Hanukkah massacre, House lawmakers urge Australia to act to protect Jewish community (Jewish Insider 12/16/25)
• (META & ANTISEMITISM) 12/16/25: Luján, Heinrich, Rosen Press Meta on Dramatic Rise in Antisemitism on Their Social Media Platforms and Artificial Intelligence Models [Letter text]. NOTE: this letter is based on the ADL’s reporting of an increase of antisemitism on Meta — reporting grounded in the ADL’s research that, among other things, systematically conflates criticism of Israel/Zionism and advocacy for Palestinian lives/rights with antisemitism; receipts: here, here, here, here
• (BETTING ON PALESTINIAN MISERY/DEATH) 12/15/25: Congressman Hamadeh Demands Answers from Commodity Futures Trading Commission Regarding CNN/Kalshi Partnership [letter text]. Excerpt from press release: “As Congressman Hamadeh noted, ‘Section 5c(c)(5)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act requires the Commission to prohibit contracts involving war, gaming, or those ‘contrary to the public interest,’ including markets vulnerable to manipulation or capable of influencing underlying events.’ The Kalshi–CNN partnership appears to violate the aforementioned ruling. In fact, one media outlet reports that ‘one recent Kalshi betting market allowed people to bet on whether Palestinians in Gaza would suffer mass starvation,’ and ‘when Israel will bomb Gaza, bomb the West Bank, or annex either?’ ‘The situation is chilling, and I have questions,’ stated Congressman Hamadeh.“

Re: previously reported letters:

• Roy Eidelson-dot-com 12/18/25: The Weaponizers of Antisemitism Have Come for the APA
• Jewish Insider 12/12/25: House Education Committee opens investigation into antisemitism at the American Psychological Association
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/12/25: House Ed panel to probe American Psychological Association amid reports of Jew-hatred
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/12/25: House Ed committee requests information about continued hostility towards Jews at MIT

3. Hearings & Markups, and Briefings

Sanders (I-VT) 12/18/25: X-post – “Heavy rains have deepened Gaza’s misery, flooding tents in which many thousands of people are huddled, exposed to winter. A baby recently died of hypothermia. Israel continues to restrict humanitarian aid, including tents. Nothing but silence from Trump. We must not forget Gaza.”

Fetterman (D-PA) 12/18/25: X-post – “One hundred percent. Furthermore, the ICC has zero jurisdiction in the United States or Israel. Any threats to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister in our nation is hot air and unenforceable.” Responding to SecState Rubio X-post – “Today, the Trump Administration is sanctioning two International Criminal Court judges directly engaged in politicized and illegitimate actions against Israel. The United States has been clear: we will continue to respond with significant and tangible consequences to protect against the ICC’s lawfare, abuse of power, and blatant disregard for the sovereignty of the U.S. and Israel.”

Self (R-TX) and Roy (R-TX) 12/18/25: Congressmen Keith Self and Chip Roy Launch Sharia Free America Caucus

Hoeven (R-ND) 12/17/25: X-post – “We must continue strengthening our relationship with Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. Thanks to @AIPAC for helping cultivate the mutually beneficial partnership between the U.S. and Israel.”

Stefanick (R-NY) 12/17/25: X-post – “It seems very clear to me that the president of @BrownUniversity will need to be hauled in front of Congress for a hearing under oath.”

Rosen (D-NV) 12/16/25: X-post – “For far too long, the Houthis have terrorized the Yemeni people, the broader Middle East, and Americans in the region as proxies of Iran. I’m introducing a bipartisan bill with @SenMcCormickPA to hold the Houthis accountable, counter Iranian-backed aggression, and help support stability in the Middle East.” [bill covered in last week’s Round-Up]

Shaheen (D-NH) and Wilson (R-SC) 12/16/25: Op-ed in Foreign Policy – One Year on, U.S. Sanctions Are Killing Syria’s Recovery — Short-term waivers are a start, but Congress must act on the full repeal Syria needs to rebuild. [also see Shaheen press release with full text of op-ed]

Blackburn (R-TN) 12/16/25: X-post – “This is why we must defeat Hamas. Evil will not win.” Linked to pic of Jerusalem Post headline, Hamas marks 38 years since its founding, cites October 7 massacre as milestone

Mace (R-SC) 12/16/25: X-post – “A new report shows just how badly colleges are failing Jewish students: 39% have been forced to hide their identity on campus 62% have been blamed for Israel’s actions 58% have personally experienced antisemitism Only 12% say incidents were properly addressed Fourteen universities earned an F for allowing this culture of hate to persist. If schools take federal taxpayer dollars, protecting students is NOT optional.”

Green (R-GA) 12/15/25: X-post – “The First Amendment, free speech, must be protected. The easiest thing is to be against any violence against people for their identity and we already have hate crime laws against that. But censoring speech should never be allowed. They did that during covid and we said, never again!” Responding to Chris Menahan X-post w/ video clip – “Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Trump’s pick for US Anti-Semitism Czar, says the State Department is going to ‘have a whole division’ dedicated to battling ‘anti-Semitism on the internet’ and pushing social media to do ‘better on algorithms.’ Tech leaders, ‘many of whom are Jewish,’ have already ‘offered their assistance,’ he says. ‘The [Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism] is going to be revamped entirely to be one of the highest-profile offices in the State Department because that’s what the [Secretary of State Marco Rubio] wants and that’s what the President wants.’”

Mast (R-FL) 12/15/25: X-post – “My thoughts and prayers have and continue to be with the brave servicemembers we lost in Syria over the weekend and their families. I never want to lose a single brother-or sister-in-arms but when faced with tragedy, our nation has the responsibility to honor their sacrifice. That’s why I’m calling on Congress to allow for both Guardsmen to lie in state in our Capitol Rotunda.”

Cotton (R-AR) 12/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Recognizing the so called ‘Palestinian state’ rewards Hamas’s depraved attack on Israel. That’s the exact opposite of what we should be doing.”

Chris Menahan 12/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Sen. John Fetterman laments that Democrats are running for office by being ‘anti-Israel.’ ‘That’s a betrayal of our party’s values!’ he says. He adds that TikTok and social media have ‘poisoned an entire generation’ with ‘strong anti-Israel views.’“

Fine (R-FL) 12/15/25: X-post – “The ‘Free Palestine’ movement is nothing more than a Muslim terror movement. All who were involved must be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No mercy.” Responding to report that the FBI stopped a terror plan by a “pro-Palestinian” group [Note: the charging document in this case does not include any mention of Palestine, Israel, etc.  With respect to the case in general, see this article and this thread].

Graham (R-SC) 12/14/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Hamas needs to be put on a time clock like Iran was. If Hamas isn’t completely disarmed, they will continue to wreak havoc.”

Welch (D-VT) 12/13/25: X-post – “For over two years, I’ve been working with other members of Congress to get justice for Dylan Collins and his fellow journalists who were attacked in southern Lebanon by Israeli forces. But we keep getting stonewalled at every single turn.”

Fine (R-FL) 12/12/25: X-post – “CAIR has finally admitted what I have long suspected — mainstream Muslims seek the destruction of America, Israel, and western Civilization and the genocide of all Christians and Jews. They are simply angry that I am calling for us to fight back. Texas and Florida have declared CAIR a terrorist organization. Now it is time for Congress to pass my bill to do it nationwide.” Responding to CAIR X-post – “To understand just how deranged Israel First politicians have become, one of them is now openly calling for the genocide of the entire Muslim community, including American Muslims. Let’s be clear. “Mainstream Muslims” were on American soil long before Randy Fine’s ancestors were born. Muslim explorers traveled to this continent. Black Muslims helped build this country. Muslim soldiers fought in every war dating back to the American Revolution. American Muslim doctors, entrepreneurs, activists, athletes, elected officials, entertainers and students contribute to our society every day. Randy Fine can cry about it. He can scream about it. He can rage post about it. But American Muslims will still be here long after history forgets Randy Fine’s name, praying to God five times a day, fasting in Ramadan, giving in charity, and pursuing for justice for all people. And, by the way, the Palestinian people will be free too. Insha Allah, God willing.”

Khanna (D-CA) 12/12/25: X-post w/ video clip – “These Americans, including @davidrkadler, from the Freedom Flotilla were detained by Israel. After leading a letter with the CA delegation to bring them home, I sat down with them.”

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – general

• Mondoweiss 12/19/25: New poll shows young Republicans turning against Israel
• DAWN 12/18/25: DAWN Launches “The Faces of AIPAC” — The Missing “Who We Are” Page on AIPAC’s Website
• National Journal 12/18/25: The Myth of AIPAC’s Power
• INSS – The Institute for National Security Studies [Israeli org] 12/18/25: The Battle Over Israel Within the Republican Party
• Jewish Insider 12/17/25: Trump warns that Israel, ‘Jewish lobby’ have lost influence in D.C. [“Speaking at the White House’s annual Hanukkah party, the president said Congress is ‘becoming antisemitic’“]. JI quotes Trump: “My father would tell me: The most powerful lobby that there is in this country is the Jewish lobby. It’s the Israeli lobby. It’s not that way anymore. You have a lot of people in your way,” he added. “You have a lot of people that don’t want to help Israel. You have a lot of people in Congress that don’t like Israel. You have a lot of people in Congress that in a way … they hate Israel. They hate Israel.”  NOTE: The Jewish Insider’s extensive reporting on Trump’s speech does not include any suggestion that anyone among the bevy of Jewish organizational and religious leaders, politicos, and influencers in the audience or otherwise referenced (or anyone else, including JI’s reporter or editors) find Trump’s usage of the term “Jewish lobby” in any way problematic or concerning. Reminder: if a critic of Israel/Israeli policy/Zionism ever uses the term “Jewish lobby” to refer to the forces lobbying in support of Israel in the U.S., that usage is memorialized for eternity (even if they correct themselves or apologize), to be used  as irrefutable proof of that person’s vicious antisemitism and wielded as a weapon of mass destruction against that person and their credibility. 
• Jewish Insider 12/16/25: from the Daily Kickoff – “Rachel Gorsky Bombach, previously a foreign policy advisor to former Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and director of the National Security Council in the Obama administration, is joining Democratic Majority for Israel as chief policy officer…“
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/16/25: Pro-Israel PAC endorses 64 House Democrats [“’These incumbent candidates understand what’s at stake, and they know that standing with our ally Israel is not only good policy but good politics,’ DMFI PAC said.”]
• Democratic Majority for Israel 12/16/25: X-post – “We’re thrilled to announce our first round of 2026 House endorsements. Many will play a decisive role in @TheDemocrats’ effort to win back the majority—a clear sign that being pro-Israel isn’t just good policy, it’s winning politics.” [with pic showing the endorsees, and link to website listing them]
• Open Secrets 12/15/25: Marjorie Taylor Greene heads for the exit having blazed a controversy-fueled fundraising trail
• The Forward 12/14/25: The 7 political stories Jews will be watching in 2026 [“Zohran Mamdani’s agenda, key congressional primaries, and the future of U.S.–Israel relations will dominate the year ahead”]
• CNN 12/13/25: Democrats want to win back Congress. First they need to weather their primary battles
• Middle East Eye 12/12/25: X-post w/ video clip – “‘Any candidate running for a seat…whose platform includes antisemitism, we will target them as they target us.’ Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, vowed to ‘target’ future US Congress and Senate candidates who do not support Israel”

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – NY

• The Nation 12/19/25: Brad Lander on What It Takes to Win as a Progressive
• Jewish Insider 12/18/25: Moderate N.Y. Democrat Rory Lancman hoping to reinvigorate party’s centrist wing in the suburbs [“The former state assemblyman told JI: ‘I confess to being disappointed that Democrats aren’t making a bright line litmus test out of whether someone supports the existence of the Jewish state’“]
• Zeteo 12/16/25: Trump Is ‘Weaponizing’ Antisemitism: Brad Lander Speaks to Mehdi [“The progressive, Jewish congressional candidate and Mamdani ally is challenging pro-Israel Congressman Dan Goldman to represent New York’s 10th District.“]
• Jewish Insider 12/15/25: Lander struggles to land hits on Goldman — beyond disagreeing on Israel [“Lander has been criticizing Goldman for not fighting against Trump, even though he led impeachment efforts against the president”]

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex -TX

• Yahoo News 12/15/25: Jasmine Crockett explains stance on Israel and Gaza amid ‘coordinated attack’ on social media
• San Antonio Observer 12/15/25: Jasmine Crockett Responds to Israel Criticism During Campaign Stop

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – VA

• Washington Jewish Week 12/15/25: Virginia Jewish Groups Call on State Delegate to Resign [“…Rasoul, who is considering a bid for Congress next year, responded to the criticism of his comments on Israel. ‘When Israeli human rights organizations are calling it a genocide, when mainstream [organizations], J Street here in the United States is calling it a genocide, when the whole world is seeing minute by minute what’s playing out, it’s clear what history is going to say about this moment,’ Rasoul told Radio IQ, Virginia’s public radio network.“]

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – NC

• TruthOut 12/12/25: Progressive Launches Primary Challenge to Democrat Who Once Got $2M From AIPAC [“AIPAC spent $2 million to oppose progressive Nida Allam from being elected in North Carolina in 2022.“]

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – FL

• Jewish Insider 12/18/25: Social media doesn’t reflect political reality 

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – IL

• The Intercept 12/16/25: AIPAC Head Hosts Fundraiser for House Candidate Who Swears AIPAC Isn’t Backing Her [“Laura Fine has distanced herself from the Israel lobby, but AIPAC donors are pouring funding into her Illinois congressional campaign.“]
• Evanston RoundTable 12/16/25: AIPAC leader reportedly hosts fundraiser for Fine’s congressional run

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – PA

• Jewish News Syndicate 12/18/25: Dem House candidate replaces deleted post on Brown, Sydney attacks with separate posts hours apart [“’We wanted to condemn antisemitism as a separate issue to highlight its seriousness,’ the Pennsylvania candidate’s campaign manager told JNS.“]
• Washington Free Beacon 12/14/25: Dem House Candidate Offers Condolences to Australia’s Jewish Community—Only To Delete the Statement and Replace It With a Message That Omits Jews [“Pennsylvania’s Bob Brooks, a former firefighter who started a lawn care business, has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna, among others“]

Israel/AIPAC et al in US politics/Elex – DC

• Jewish Insider 12/19/25: Longtime Jewish activist mounts bid for D.C. congressional delegate seat [“…’I am deeply committed to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, both because Israel is our strongest ally in the region, and because that strong relationship is in the United States’ national security interest,’ Zalesne said. She said she supports President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza and praised Trump’s efforts in bringing it to fruition, but said it will be a long process to rebuild Gaza and remove Hamas from power.“]

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• December 9, 2025: Christians in Gaza, Ecclesiocide, and Kairos Palestine II, ft. FMEP Fellow Hilary Rantisi in conversation with Dr. Yousef Kamal AlKhouri, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Academic Dean at Bethlehem Bible College and a Christian Arab Palestinian theologian from Gaza.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING DUAL CITIZENSHIP) HR 6486: Introduced 12/5/25 by Hamadeh (R-AZ), “To require the Bureau of the Census to collect information on dual citizenship status through the decennial census.” Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see: press release – Congressman Hamadeh Bill Requires Dual U.S. Citizenship Question on Census

(CAMPUS FREE SPEECH) HR 6663 [bill text]: Introduced 12/11/25 by Murphy (R-NC) and no cosponsors, the “Campus Free Speech Restoration Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. NOTE: The clear intent behind this bill is to protect/promote the rights of students who hold right-wing/conservative views; that said, as-written the bill applies equally to any disfavored speech being targeted on campus, including Palestine-related speech). Also see: press release – Murphy Introduces Legislation to Protect Campus Free Speech

(CAMPUS FREE SPEECH) H. Res. 947 [resolution text]: Introduced 12/11/25 by Murphy (R-NC) and no cosponsors, “Expressing that compelled political litmus tests used by public institutions to require individuals to identify with specific ideological views are directly at odds with the principles of academic freedom and free speech and in violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution.“ Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Also see: press release – Murphy Introduces Legislation to Protect Campus Free Speech

(SANCTIONING THE HOUTHIS) S. 3451: Introduced 12/11/25 by Rosen (D-NV) and McCormick (R-PA), “A bill to authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to the Houthis, and for other purposes.“  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Rosen, McCormick push for new sanctions on the Houthis over human rights violations (Jewish Insider 12/12/25)

(BARRING COMMENT ON US POLICIES FROM US ADVERSARIES) HR 6581 // S. 3416 [bill text]: Introduced 12/10/25 in the House by Moore (R-AL) and 3 Republican cosponsors, and in the Senate by Lummis (R-WY) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit public comments from governments and individuals designated as foreign adversaries.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: GOP Senator Moves To Block Foreign Adversaries From Meddling In American Policy (Daily Caller 12/10/25); Lummis (R-WY) X-post 12/10/25: “China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have no business meddling in U.S. policy. Proud to introduce this commonsense, America-first legislation.” Lummis press release – Lummis Introduces Bill to Block China & Other Foreign Adversaries from Interfering in U.S. Rulemaking Process

(SUPPORTING INTL AID WORKERS) S. 3420 [bill text]: Introduced 12/10/25 by Van Hollen (D-MD), Merkley (D-OR), and Sanders (I-VT), “A bill to establish a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see Van Hollen press release – Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones

(CHINESE PURCHASES OF IRANIAN OIL) S. 3390: Introduced 12/9/25 by Blumenthal (D-CT) and Graham (R-SC), “A bill to require a report on the purchases of Iranian oil by the People’s Republic of China, support from entities and individuals in the People’s Republic of China for Iran’s ballistic missile program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence. Also see: Bipartisan, bicameral bill pushes for assessment of whether China is violating Iran sanctions (Jewish Insider 12/11/25)

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(THE FY26 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT) — Action this week

Dec. 9, 2025 — ACTION IN THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE

On 12/9/25, the House Rules Committee adopted the Rule to bring the bill to the floor the FY26 NDAA, this time in the form of  S. 1071 (a bill that until now had nothing to do with the NDAA, but is now being re-purposed to play this role). The Rule provided for consideration of an amendment in the nature of a substitute comprised for the most part (but not entirely) of the text of the FY26 NDAA as passed by the House on 9/10/25 in the form of HR 3838 (for coverage of HR 3838, including Middle East-related provisions and amendments, see; here and here).

NOTE: A number of amendments to S. 1071 were submitted to the Rules Committee, including amendments related to Israel and the Middle East, but the Rule adopted by the Committee does not permit any of those amendments to be considered on the House floor (aka, a Closed Rule). Those amendments (which represent important signaling by members) were:

• Ansari (R-AZ), “Establishes a special envoy for Iranian women, girls, and human rights.”
• Higgins (R-LA), “Strikes ;Section 8370. Repeal of Authorizations for Use of Military Force relating to Iraq.’“
• Massie (R-KY), “Prohibits the transfer of MK-84 2000-pound bombs to Israel.”
• Titus (D-NV), “Requires certification that any arms sales to the Republic of Turkey will adversely impact Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME).”
• Massie (R-KY), “Strikes foreign aid funding to Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Kurdish forces, and Syrian groups.”
• Massie (R-KY), “Strikes continuation of foreign aid funding to Iraqi Security forces, as well as other military, paramilitary, and security forces in Iraq.”
• Massie (R-KY), “Strikes $500million in missile defense foreign aid to Israel.”
• Massie (R-KY), “Strikes foreign aid funding for Israel anti-tunneling cooperation and US-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned systems, costing the U.S. taxpayer $150million.”
• Massie (R-KY), “Prohibits assistance to Israel.”
• Fine (R-FL), “Strikes funding for Syrian groups and individuals.”

Dec. 10, 2025 — ACTION ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

On 10/10/25, the House passed S. 1701 by a vote of 312 – 112 (with 94 Democrats and 18 Republicans voting “no”.

A summary of the FY26 NDAA, as brought to the House floor, was published by the House Armed Services Committee. It touts the bill’s inclusion of the following Middle East-related provisions:

Under the heading: “DEFENDING ISRAEL” [and the subheading “The FY26 NDAA provides unprecedented levels of support for the security of Israel” [and yes, tellingly, the “Combats Antisemitism” provisions are included under this heading…]

Strengthens Joint Military Programs

• Fully funds the U.S. commitment to defend Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs, including Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling.
• Declares that supporting further defense cooperation with Israel is the policy of the United States.
• Directs the establishment of a U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group to study opportunities for greater collaboration on defense production and potential integration of Israel into the U.S. National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB).
• Establishes and authorizes $35 million for a new emerging technology cooperative program with certain partners, including Israel, to jump-start development and testing of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, quantum, cybersecurity, robotics, and automation.
• Adds $80 million in authorized funding for DoW to continue the U.S.-Israel Anti Tunnel Cooperation Program.
• Adds $70 million in authorized funding to expand cooperation with Israel on countering unmanned systems of all variants, including emerging threats from aerial one-way attack drones and ground and maritime attack systems.
• Encourages DoW to expand joint training exercises with Israel to strengthen our shared readiness to face regional threats and reinforce deterrence.

Combats Antisemitism

• Requires a continuous assessment of the impact of international arms embargoes
  on Israel and an evaluation of opportunities to reinforce Israel’s defense production
  needs.
• Directs DoW to avoid participating in international defense exhibitions and forums
  that prohibit participation by Israel as part of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions
  (BDS) movement.

Under the heading: “COUNTERING OTHER ADVERSARIES”

Iran, Iranian Proxies, And Other Foreign Terrorist Organizations

• Extends DoW’s authority to build the capacity of Iraqi and Syrian partner forces in the fight
  against ISIS.
• Restricts defense funding to Iraq until the Government of Iraq has taken credible and
  verifiable steps to reduce the malign influence of Iran in its security and political
  institutions.
• Protects funding for critical counterterrorism allies in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
• Extends the annual report on the military power of Iran and requires DoW to maintain a greater focus on Iran’s use of terrorist proxies, as well as advancements in nuclear weapons technology, and its ability to produce, sustain, and employ novel weapons delivery methods such as one-way attack drones.
• Provides vital accountability for U.S. servicemembers wounded and killed in action by requiring the declassification of records related to the Iran-backed terrorist attack on Tower 22 in January 2024.
• Extends DoW’s authority to provide assistance to countries that partner with the U.S. to combat terrorism across the Middle East.
• Requires DoW to study opportunities to expand regional security partnerships through the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA) signed with the Government of Bahrain.
• Requires DoW to establish a strategy for increased security partnerships with the Governments of Jordan and Lebanon.
• Prohibits DoW funds from assisting the Badr Organization, an Iranian terrorist proxy in Iraq, and its affiliates.
• Authorizes additional counter-terrorism support for regional partners in the Middle East to combat the transnational threats posed by Hezbollah, Hamas, and ISIS, including those to Israel.

Dec. 11, 2025 – SENATE BEGINS ACTION ON S. 1701

• Senate action on S. 1701 kicked off with the a number of senators offering amendments to the bill (8 so far – no text available of any of them yet, but it is likely that all are unrelated to Israel/Middle East). As of this writing (10am EST on 12/12/25) it is not known of Senate leadership will permit amendments to the House-adopted text (which would slow down final passage of the bill). Stay tuned!

***Members re: the NDAA: Many, many House members weighed in on the NDAA following the House vote. Check members’ websites and social media for details. Notable: DeGette (D-CO) X-post – “I have been saying for months that I would not support additional offensive weapon sales to Israel that could be used against innocent Palestinians. That’s why I voted against the NDAA today. This bill contains provisions that force the United States to provide further weapons, including offensive weapons, to Netanyahu as our European allies limit their military support. More weapons are the last thing we need in the region. We need a permanent ceasefire, a massive surge of humanitarian aid, and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

***Media & Orgs on: FY26 NDAA:

• Jewish News Syndicate 12/11/25: House passes bill with $500 million for Israel missile defense
• AIPAC 12/10/25: House Adopts Defense Bill with Major Pro-Israel Provisions [“Key provisions include: – Authorizes $80 million for the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling cooperative program. – Authorizes $35 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging technologies including directed energy, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum. – Increases authorization for U.S.-Israel cooperation on countering drones to $70 million (a $15 million increase from FY25) and expands the program to unmanned systems across all warfighting domains. – Convenes the U.S.–Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group with a mandate to assess opportunities for deeper defense industrial base integration and potential Israeli entry into the National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB). – Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense must refrain from participating in any international defense exhibitions until the Secretary of Defense confirms that Israeli companies can fully and fairly take part. It also directs the Department to avoid any exhibitions that restrict or threaten to restrict Israel’s participation. – Directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to continually assess the impact of international arms embargoes on Israel.”] [Also see AIPAC’s X-post]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/10/25: House passes $900 billion defense bill with ‘critical pro-Israel provisions’ [“‘The bill critically prioritizes U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation to further enable both nations to counter missile, drone and emerging high-tech threats,’ AIPAC said.”]
• Jewish Insider 12/9/25: 2026 defense bill includes unconditional repeal of Syria sanctions, Iraq war authorizations
• Zeteo 12/8/25: US Defense Bill Would Fill Israel’s Weapons ‘Gaps’ Caused by Embargoes [covered in the Round-Up when it was added to the bill, via an amendment from Ogles, R-TN]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/8/25: US defense spending bill shifts Israel funds from Iron Dome to countering ballistic missiles

2. Letters

• (TARGETING THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION) 12/12/25: @EdWorkforceCmte Uncovers Antisemitism at APA — Launches Full Investigation [letter text]
• (TARGETING ACADEMIA, YET AGAIN) 12/11/25: Walberg Presses MIT about Recent Antisemitism on Campus [letter text]
• (URGING PARDON FOR NETANYAHU) 12/11/25: Talking Points Memo reports – Fetterman Writes Letter Asking Israel’s President to Pardon Netanyahu
• (ISRAEL & CONGRESS COORDINATE EFFORT TO GET TRUMP HIS NOBEL PRIZE!) 12/9/25: Speaker Johnson and Israeli Speaker Amir Ohana Officially Launch Effort to Coordinate with Legislative Leaders Around the World to Nominate President Trump for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize [letter text]. Also see: Knesset, US House leaders officially begin campaign to get Trump a Nobel (Jewish News Syndicate 12/10/25)
• (US ROLE IN GAZA “AID”) 12/7/25: Warren, Schatz, Senators Launch Investigation into Trump Administration’s Plans for Gaza Aid [letter text]. Excerpt from letter: “The public deserves a clear understanding of how US troops and diplomats will facilitate the rapid distribution of aid in Gaza and relieve Palestinians of an ongoing hunger crisis. The CMCC presents an opportunity to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire and transition to a durable, civilian government in Gaza. But DOD and State Department officials should not replicate the harm of the GHF system and instead facilitate professional humanitarian actors to address the crisis…” Also see: A Group of Democrats Presses for Answers on Secretive U.S. Gaza Command – Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Brian Schatz led a letter demanding more information on the Civil-Military Coordination Center. (NOTUS 12/8/25)

Re: previously reported letters:

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) press release 12/9/25: Gottheimer, Shreve Lead Bipartisan Group Urging Lebanon to Disarm Hezbollah Immediately
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/9/25: Disarm Hezbollah now, US lawmakers tell Lebanese leaders

3. Hearings & Markups, and Briefings

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL/AGAINST PALESTINIANS & THEIR SUPPORTERS

• Bost (R-IL) 12/12/25: X-post – “Honored to speak at the Israel Allies Foundation Gala and join with members of Parliament, faith leaders, and friends from all across the world to reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting our ally Israel. My support for Israel is rooted in faith and in the belief that a strong, stable democracy in the Middle East is vital to America’s security. I’ll keep using my voice and my vote to ensure the United States stands firmly with our greatest ally, because it’s not just good policy, it’s the right thing to do.“
• Thune (R-SD) 12/11/25: X-post – “Met with Speaker of the Knesset @AmirOhana to discuss the relationship between Israel and the United States.“
• Jackson (R-TX) 12/11/25: X-pot – “As Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, I was honored to speak at the Israel Allies Foundation conference yesterday. Under President Trump, we’ve seen real progress in the Middle East—hostages brought home, terrorist groups weakened, the Abraham Accords expanding, and stronger U.S.–Israel defense cooperation. In Congress, I’ll keep working every day to build on the President’s success and strengthen this critical alliance!“
• Lawler (R-NY) 12/11/25: X-post – “It was a privilege to stand alongside global leaders at the Israel Allies Foundation Conference, where we collectively reinforced our unwavering support for Israel. As MENA Subcommittee Chair, I’ve focused on strengthening the United States–Israel alliance, confronting Iran and its terrorist proxies, and combating rising antisemitism at home and abroad. Proud to stand united with our allies.“
• Sherman (D-CA) 12/11/25: X-post – “It was great to speak at the @IsraelAllies Foundation reception and meet with pro-#Israel legislators from around the world and proud supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship here at home. We will continue fighting for the truth despite the disinformation campaign Israel faces.“
• Cramer (R-ND) 12/11/25: X-post – “Grateful for the opportunity to meet with my friend Yehuda Neuberger of @AIPAC. We discussed the importance of confronting antisemitism at home and abroad, holding Iran accountable, and reinforcing America’s unwavering support for Israel.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 12/11/25: X-post – “It’s a perverse testament of Hamas’ success to poison the minds of America’s youth through social media and influencers. Its leader cheers that half of our young people are his useful idiots.” Linked to pix of Jerusalem Post headline: Majority of young American adults ‘active in Hamas resistance,’ Khaled Mashaal claims [To be clear: Meshal is basically offering a mirror image of the argument anti-Palestinian forces in the US to try to delegitimize protest/free speech for Palestinian lives/rights by suggesting that all such protest/free speech is aligned with Hamas – a shamelessly cynical, self-serving BS argument — that directly undermines free speech/protest/safety of protesters, from both sides.]
• Kean (R-NJ) 12/11/25: X-post – “I met with Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey delegation in my DC office to discuss my steadfast support for Israel and our shared commitment to combating antisemitism.  A major focus of our conversation was the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides critical federal funds to help at-risk nonprofits protect themselves from terrorist threats. I have long supported this program and will continue advocating to ensure synagogues and other houses of worship have the resources they need to keep their congregations safe.“
• Johnson (R-LA) 12/10/25: Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting [excerpt: “Yesterday, I entertained Speaker Ohana, my counterpart of the Israeli Knesset. He was in town, as many of you know, some of y’all met with him. He’s become a good friend and a colleague. And he was here because we jointly signed a letter to nominate our president, President Trump, for the next Nobel Peace Prize in 2026. And it was Speaker Ohana’s idea, because he thought that this was an appropriate thing, having settled now eight conflicts and bloody wars conflicts around the world, that he and I would be co-signatories on this and that we would ask all of our colleagues, the other speakers and presidents of the great parliaments around the world to join us in that.“]
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 12/10/25: X-post – “This week, Chairman @RepBrianMast met with Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister @gidonsaar. America stands with our ally and the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel.“
• Sherman (D-CA) 12/10/25: X-post – “Yesterday, the Congress-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group met with Knesset Speaker @AmirOhana and MK @EitanGinzburg to discuss how the U.S. and #Israel can work together on the pressing challenges facing the region, from disarming Hamas to making sure any U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal has appropriate safeguards. I am proud to serve as the Ranking Member of the Congress-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group as we work with our close ally, Israel, to advance U.S. interests in the region.“
• Malliotakis (R-NY) 12/10/25: X-post – “It was a pleasure to welcome Speaker @AmirOhana of the Israeli Knesset to the Capitol, where we held a productive, bipartisan dialogue on the USA–Israel relationship, ongoing regional challenges & anti-Semitism.“
• Calvert (R-CA) 12/10/25: X-post – “I had the opportunity to speak at the @IsraelAllies Foundation lunch today in Washington DC about the importance of America’s relationship with our ally Israel.”
• Sherman (D-CA) 12/10/25: X-post – “Pleased to meet today with Bolivia’s Foreign Minister, Fernando Aramayo Carrasco, at @AIPAC headquarters to discuss the historic reestablishment of diplomatic ties between #Bolivia and #Israel. Israel and Bolivia signed an agreement in Washington today committing to the full restoration of diplomatic relations and the opening of a new stage of strategic cooperation.“
• Carter (R-GA) 12/10/25: X-post – “As a member of the Friends of Spain Congressional Caucus and the Caucus on the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I strongly condemn both countries’ withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest in an antisemitic protest of Israel’s participation. By aligning with those who support the murderous assault carried out by Hamas — a brutal and completely unprovoked attack against the State of Israel — Spain and the Netherlands’ cultural boycott risks legitimizing terror. I urge both governments to reverse their decision and reaffirm their commitment to the strongest democracy in the Middle East.“
• Foxx (R-NC) 12/9/25: X-post – “Color me shocked… Anti-Zionism is antisemitism in another form. Israel exists. The Israeli people exist. Anti-Zionism seeks to deny Israel’s existence.” Responding to Jewish Insider article 12/9/25: Columbia antisemitism task force report finds all its Middle East faculty are anti-Zionist
• Sessions (R-TX) 12/9/25: X-post – “I want to congratulate two strong pro-U.S. democracies, Costa Rica and Israel, on the signing of their new free trade agreement. As a Senior Member from Texas, I have long believed that when free nations work together, we strengthen prosperity, enhance our shared security, and counter the influence of malign actors who threaten global stability. This agreement reflects the power of democratic partnerships and the continued importance of standing with our allies.“
• Kustoff (R-TN) 12/9/25: X-post – “Today, I hosted a roundtable with my colleagues on the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group and Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana. We discussed how the United States and Israel can continue to strengthen our alliance, improve economic cooperation, and reinforce our shared commitment to stability in the Middle East.”
• Mace (R-SC) 12/9/25: X-post – “The data speaks for itself: overwhelming majorities in Palestinian-administered territories support Hamas and reject accountability for its terrorism. Our No Amnesty for Hamas Sympathizers Act makes it clear: individuals who lived in these territories or who travel on Palestinian Authority documents will not receive Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parole, asylum, refugee status, or any other special immigration benefit.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 12/8/25: X-post – “It was an honor to meet with Israeli President Herzog to discuss United States–Israel relations, and the importance of standing together against the rising tide of antisemitism. We are committed to strengthening the US-Israel partnership and ensuring that Jewish communities here in the United States feel safe, supported, and protected.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 12/8/25: X-post – “Hamas are rapists and cowards that can only target innocent civilians. The UN increasingly has become a venue to erase or cover for Hamas’ systematic depravity.” With screenshot of headline from the Jerusalem Post, In denying Hamas’s sexual atrocities, UN’s Reem Alsalem is complicit with terror – opinion
• Hamedeh (R-AZ) 12/8/25: Op-ed in the Jerusalem Post – “American unity with Israel is more than just politics”
• Rosen (D-NV) 12/5/25: X-post – “I’ve met with the families of American-Israeli hostages Itay Chen and Omer Neutra many times since the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. In the face of unimaginable suffering and heartbreak, their relentless advocacy for their sons and all of the hostages held by Hamas was an inspiration to me and countless others. May Itay and Omer’s memories be a blessing.“

Concerns About Israel

• Schneider (D-IL) 12/9/25: SCHNEIDER CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF BEN GVIR AS ISRAEL’S SECURITY MINISTER. Also see Schneider’s X-post 12/9/25: “Itamar Ben Gvir’s conduct as Israel’s National Security Minister has long been detrimental to Israel’s national interests and its international standing. Given the recent findings by Israel’s Public Defender of widespread torture and abuse of detainees in Israel’s prisons, which Ben Gvir should never have been given authority over in the first place, he should be removed from office immediately.“

Gaza Genocide

• Jayapal (D-WA) 12/11/25: X-post – “The Israeli government’s destruction of Gaza and their blocking of aid into the territory have only made the impacts of this severe storm worse. The United States must use our leverage to immediately get humanitarian aid into Gaza to save lives.” Linked to article: A winter storm chills Gaza and floods tent camps, exposing aid failures (Associated Press 12/11/25)
• Sanders (I-VT) 12/11/25: X-post – “Pleased to see Dylan Collins and his family today. Dylan is a Vermonter & an American hero — a journalist wounded in an Israeli attack while reporting in Lebanon. For more than two years he’s been demanding an investigation of that criminal act. We stand with him.“
• Welch (D-VT) 12/11/25: Welch Welcomes Vermonter Dylan Collins to U.S. Capitol, Demands Accountability for Netanyahu Govt’s Targeting of Journalists
• Welch (D-VT) 12/11/25: X-post w/ video – “Members of Congress Host Press Conference about Israel’s Systematic Targeting of Journalists“
• Welch (D-VT) 12/9/25: Welch to Join Journalist Dylan Collins, Members of Congress, Human Rights Leaders for Press Conference on Netanyahu Government’s Systematic Targeting of Journalists
• Tlaib (D-MI) 12/5/25: X-post – “I’m deeply concerned for the health and safety of the brave anti-genocide political prisoners on hunger strike across the UK. I call on the UK government to act to ensure their wellbeing and to meet their basic, moral demands.“

Syria

• Stutzman (R-IN) 12/10/25: X-post – “The new Syrian government must respect religious liberty, and work to bring people together rather than excluding anyone. Religious freedom is crucial to obtaining lasting peace. The more Syria is divided, the more unstable it becomes.“
• Risch (R-ID) & Shaheen (D-NH) 12/8/25: Risch, Shaheen Statement on Anniversary of the Fall of the Assad Regime
• Wilson (R-SC) 12/8/25: X-post – “Best wishes to the people of Syria on the 1st anniversary of Free Syria. Criminal Assad is in Moscow and the people of Syria are returning to their families to rebuild and Make Syria Great Again, thanks to the leadership of President Trump and President al-Sharaa. God bless the Syrian American community who have worked tirelessly to have their voices heard for peace and prosperity.“

Targeting Qatar (& Tucker Carlson)

• Cruz (R-TX) 12/6/25: X-post – “For years, @TuckerCarlsonhas been accused of being on the payroll of Qatar. For years, he has denied it. This is now a BEAUTIFUL opportunity for him to try to clear his name. Tomorrow, Tucker is interviewing the Prime Minister of Qatar, in Doha. Tucker knows how to ask tough Qs. Here are a few he should ask: (1) Al Jazeera is a mouthpiece for anti-Americanism, antisemitism, and jihadist terrorism. Why does Qatar pour countless tens of millions into supporting it? (2) Why does Qatar back the Muslim Brotherhood, a group designated as a terrorist organization by several of Qatar’s neighbors, and which President Trump is also moving to designate? (3) Hamas planned the October 7 atrocities while Qatar hosted Hamas leadership. This included the kidnapping and murder of dozens of Americans. Even the Biden administration wanted Qatar to expel Hamas after hostage talks collapsed. Why did Qatar keep hosting Hamas leadership? (4) Speaking of which, on October 7, 2023, Qatar issued a statement saying Israel alone was responsible for the violence. Then, in September 2024, Qatar’s Emir said Israel was responsible for the war expanding to Lebanon. Is that still Qatar’s position? (5) Qatar is the only Gulf country that still maintains male guardianship and travel restrictions for women. When do you intend to join the civilized world? (6) How much is Qatar paying to fund antisemitic protests on U.S. college campuses? Why? (7) How much is Qatar paying to spy on US government officials? Why? (8) And finally, how much—exactly—are you paying conservative influencers to come to this conference and participate?”

Iran/Iraq/Lebanon/Hezbollah

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 12/11/25: X-post – “Allowing Hezbollah to rebuild would be devastating for Lebanon’s security and for the prospect of peace in the region. Lebanon has a clear obligation to act. Each day they fail to will embolden Hezbollah terrorists and Iran — the parent company of terror.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 12/10/25: X-post – “For too long, the IRGC and Russia have evaded sanctions through illicit trade networks, which Iran has used to fund terrorism. My Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act and GHOST Act would disrupt these criminals, so they do not enrich the Axis of Evil. After Biden refused to even enforce the sanctions on the books, today’s action is critical to stopping the smuggling.“
• Min (D-CA) 12/10/25: X-post – “For Sudi Farokhnia, the internet is a lifeline, connecting her to her beloved aunt in Iran. But, rolling blackouts by the regime prevented her from contacting her family.  I introduced the FREEDOM act to use already available technologies to bypass Iran’s censorship and keep families connected.“
• Wilson (R-SC) 12/10/25: X-post – “Fayiq Zaidan head of Iraq’s Higher Judicial Council issued orders to prosecute anyone who “undermines the legitimacy” of the so called Iraqi political system— basically anyone who criticizes Iran’s puppets! It is sad to see Iraq go back to the Baath era police state mentality going after the majority of its citizens simply for opposing domination by Iran and its puppets! We havent forgotten about the arrest warrant for President Trump for killing Iranian terrorist Soleimani. Free Iraq from Iran!“
• Wilson (R-SC) 12/9/25: X-post – really long post opening with: “I appreciate the leadership of President Trump and his Special Envoy for Iraq, Mark Savaya, who has declared he wants to Make Iraq Great Again and made clear to Iraq that business as usual in supporting Iran-backed militias will not be tolerated. The time has come to free Iraq from Iran.” and closing with: “President Trump is bringing about a future of peace and prosperity, commerce and not conflict, to the peoples of the Middle East. Iraq can be a shining example of that with strong economic and diplomatic relationships with the United States, the Gulf, Syria, Türkiye, and others. This cannot happen if it continues to act as a puppet of Iran. The time has come to FREE IRAQ FROM IRAN.“

Saudi Arabia

• Vindman (D-MD) 12/11/25: X-post – “While serving on Trump’s White House NSC, I reviewed a call between the Saudi Crown Prince and Trump following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It was shocking. The American people deserve to know what was said. Release the transcript.“

Islamophobia

• Fine (R-FL) 12/6/25: X-post – “Grateful to the Trump Administration for tackling Muslim fraud head on! Taqqiya has no place in government programs.”
• Fine (R-FL) 12/5/25: X-post – “Here’s a Democrat criticizing me for having an issue with Muslims shutting down roads in order to ‘pray.’ I am absolutely filled with hate — for Democrats and mainstream Muslims trying to destroy America. They are the ones that should not be tolerated. Deport away.” Responding to Lee (D-PA)‘s X-post calling out Fine’s post characterizing a photo of Muslims praying in a street in Brooklyn with the comment “The barbarians are no longer outside the gate. They are inside.” Notably, some commentators on X responded, aptly, with video of masses of orthodox Jews gathering in a street in Brooklyn.

Conflation of Criticism of Israel as Antisemitism

• Cruz (R-TX) 12/5/25: X-post – “It’s sad—tragic—that attacking Jewish leaders is now a real path to advancement in today’s Democrat party.” [piling on to the manufactured controversy over a spokesman for Van Hollen (D-MD) pushing back against a Jewish organizational leader who attacked Van Hollen, covered in detail in last week’s Round-Up. My additional comment on this whole idiotic story: “The Ven diagram [VENN diagram, not VEN diagram; sorry for my typo — argh] representing orgs/leaders/influencers who are outraged over Van Hollen’s criticism of a US Jewish org leader (who viciously attacked him), & people/orgs that for 2+ years been silent about or defended Israeli genocide/ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, is a circle.“]

Other stuff

• Khanna (D-CA) 12/7/25: X-post – “I was honored to speak with Rabbi Heath Watenmaker at Congregation Beth Am and Rabbi Dana Magat at Congregation Emanu-El. We had an open discussion with congregants on antisemitism & a path forward for Israel and Gaza.   I came away hopeful that with more dialogue, more understanding, and more engagement, we can find a way for healing and peace in our nation and world.“

Israel on the Hill

• Jewish News Syndicate 12/11/25: Speaker Johnson ‘The Bible is clear: Judea and Samaria are the Land of Israel’ [“‘I do not understand why we debate this anew every single day,’ Rep. Mike Johnson told Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/10/25: Members of Congress mark 50 years of ‘Zionism is racism’ resolution [“‘This should be a time not to run and hide but to indeed prove that Zionism is not racism,’ Rep. Joe Wilson told attendees.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/10/25: Sa’ar meets lawmakers on Capitol Hill, stresses Middle East peace, fight against radical Islam [reports on meetings with Graham (R-SC), Cruz (R-TX), Risch (R-ID), Fetterman (D-PA), and Mast (R-FL)]

Gaza & Related

• Jewish News Syndicate 12/10/25: Democrat senators, rep accuse Israel of ‘systematic targeting’ of journalists since Oct. 7
• Jerusalem Post 12/10/25: Graham: MBS ‘will get killed’ if Saudi–Israel deal lacks better outcome for Palestinians [“United States Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) spoke at The Jerusalem Post’s Washington Conference, warning that the Israel-Hamas War has deeply impacted Israeli-Saudi peace prospects.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/8/25: ‘No way to disarm Hamas through some Arab force,’ Lindsey Graham says [“‘We have to have a dose of reality here,’ the Republican senator told JNS. ‘Hamas is never going to give up their weapons and never going to give up power unless somebody makes them.’”]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – general

• Jewish Insider 12/11/25: Johnson, Jeffries, Schumer celebrate bipartisanship at congressional menorah lighting [“…‘We do share this in common, that we support Israel, obviously, and the Jewish people,’ Johnson said of Jeffries, whom the House speaker called ‘my good friend and my colleague.’”]
• Mondoweiss 12/9/25: Inside the Israel lobby’s lesser-known tool for influencing Congress: free travel
• Politico 12/8/25: What I Learned Discussing Israel with Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon and Marjorie Taylor Greene – Inside the push to turn MAGA against Israel.
• In Depth News 12/5/25: Democrats in Congress Are Out of Touch with Constituents on Israeli Genocide

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – New York

• AM New York 12/11/25: Brad Lander launches Congressional bid with a hacked X account and a warning of a ‘five-alarm fire’ threat to democracy [“…On foreign policy, Lander again criticized U.S. support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza. While both he and Goldman agree Hamas committed a war crime on Oct. 7, Lander said, ‘only one of the two of us recognizes that Netanyahu’s leveling of schools and hospitals and the destruction of Gaza was a war crime.’ He framed the race as a choice between candidates who ‘believe everyone’s lives are equal’ and those aligned with ‘pro-Israel lobbying groups, like AIPAC.’”]
• Norwood News 12/11/25: AM Amanda Septimo is Latest Candidate to Challenge Congressman Ritchie Torres in NY-15 [“…Torres is already being challenged by five other candidates who have launched campaigns since the beginning of November in NY-15, one of the poorest congressional districts in America which stretches from the northwest of the borough to the South Bronx. His detractors have cited his position on Gaza and the fact that he is heavily backed by AIPAC-interests, as one of the main reasons for opposing him.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 12/11/25: No one is blander than Brad Lander
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 12/10/25: Brad Lander launches run for Congress against pro-Israel Jewish incumbent Dan Goldman [“The outgoing NYC Comptroller, who is Jewish, differentiated himself from Goldman saying he would not be ‘doing AIPAC’s bidding’ if elected.“]
• The City 12/10/25: Left Clears Lane for Brad Lander’s Challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman
• Bloomberg 12/10/25: NYC Democrats Fight for Congressional Seat Showing Israel Divide
• New York Daily News 12/10/25: Backed by Mamdani, Comptroller Brad Lander kicks off campaign against NYC Congressman Dan Goldman
• Politico 12/9/25: Brad Lander set to challenge Rep. Dan Goldman from the left [“The city comptroller and former mayoral candidate will have the endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, two people tell POLITICO.“]
• Jewish Insider 12/8/25: New York state Rep. Amanda Septimo plans primary run against Rep. Ritchie Torres [“Septimo would join a field of several challengers from Torres’ left, most of whom are focusing their campaigns squarely on the congressman’s support for Israel“]
• Jewish Insider 12/8/25: In 2020 AIPAC position paper, Michael Blake vowed to support Israel, highlighted Black-Jewish unity [“Blake also highlighted his efforts to combat the BDS movement and anti-Israel sentiment“]
• Jewish Insider 12/6/25: House Speaker Mike Johnson headed to New Square on Sunday to help Mike Lawler [“Johnson also headlining a pro-Israel event for GOP Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey on the trip“]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – North Carolina

• NOTUS 12/11/25: Rep. Valerie Foushee Gets a Primary Challenger Backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders
• NC Newsline 12/11/25: Democrat Nida Allam brings major progressive backers to challenge incumbent US Rep. Foushee
• The Intercept 12/11/25: AIPAC Spent Millions to Keep Her Out of Congress. Now, She Sees an Opening.  [“Growing dissatisfaction with the Israel lobby may pave a lane for Nida Allam, who launched her congressional campaign in North Carolina Thursday with the backing of Justice Democrats.“]
• The Hill 12/11/25: Sanders-backed progressive launches primary challenge against Rep. Foushee

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – Virginia

• Jewish Insider 12/11/25: Va. Jewish groups slam Sam Rasoul, anti-Israel state lawmaker exploring congressional bid
• Jewish Insider 12/11/25: Rep. James Walkinshaw wins warm reception from Jewish community after first few months on job [“Walkinshaw: ‘We have to be united. We have to be firm in our opposition to hatred in any form or opposition to antisemitism’”]
• Jewish Insider 12/8/25: Virginia lawmaker with history of anti-Israel rhetoric eyes 2026 congressional run

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – Illinois

• Arab News 12/9/25: Congressional candidate in Chicago slams Democrats’ inaction on Israel

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – California

• Jewish Insider 12/8/25: Khanna addresses California synagogues on Israel policy, antisemitism [“The California congressman, an outspoken critic of Israel, praised moderate Govs. Andy Beshear and Josh Shapiro as ‘offering a vision of how we move forward’“]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – Marjorie Taylor Green

• USA Today 12/11/25: Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene meets with anti-war group Code Pink
• Jerusalem Post 12/10/25: President Trump serves Israel’s interests over US, Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene says
• Times of Israel 12/8/25: GOP’s Taylor Greene says Trump no longer ‘America First,’ accuses him of serving Israeli interests
• CBS News 12/7/25: Marjorie Taylor Greene says Republicans “terrified to step out of line” when it comes to Trump

Targeting the Muslim Brotherhood

• Jewish Insider 12/11/25: Cruz rips House committee over changes to Muslim Brotherhood terrorism bill [“‘They took out the ‘designation’ part of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act,’ Cruz said”]
• Jewish Insider 12/8/25: House amendment to Muslim Brotherhood bill removes key terrorism designation, sanctions provisions [“‘The version approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee lacks the teeth of the original House bill as well as the current legislation in the Senate,’ an official at a pro-Israel group said”]

Other stuff

• Jewish Insider 12/11/25: Antisemitism envoy nominee Yehuda Kaploun backs labeling misinformation on social media [“Yehuda Kaploun’s strategy differs from the Trump administration’s stance against censorship”]

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 12/3/25: In this new episode of the Occupied Thoughts podcast, FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with author Naomi Klein about her new essay, “Surrealism Against Fascism,” (published in the Equator, 11/26/25), and the questions of whether we need new institutions, what happens next in Palestine, the meaning of fascism and what resistance to it can and may look like.

Of special note:

• December 11, 2025: Members of Congress, CPJ, Amnesty International USA to hold press conference about Israel’s systematic targeting of journalists, ft. Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT); Dylan Collins, AFP video journalist and survivor of October 13, 2023, targeted Israeli attack; Amelia Evans, advocacy director at the Committee to Protect Journalists; Elizabeth Rghebi, advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDEMNING ANTI-PALESTINIAN HATE) S. Res. 529 [resolution text]: Introduced 12/4/25 by Welch (D-VT) and Sanders (I-VT), “A resolution condemning anti-Palestinian hatred on the anniversary of the attack in Burlington, Vermont, on November 25, 2023.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Welch Introduces Resolution Condemning Anti-Palestinian Hate

UPDATE – (TARGETING HAMAS & ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH HAMAS) HR 176: Introduced 1/3/25 by McClintock (R-CA) and now having 19 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” [see: 2/27/25: Blackburn, Rosen Introduce “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act”]. HR 176 was marked up in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/26/25 [see Committee press release 2/26/25 – No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act (H.R. 176) Passes House Judiciary Committee] reported out of Committee on 3/21/25 [with H. Rept. 119-27], and placed on the Union Calendar (paving the way for a floor vote). UPDATE: Passed by the House 12/1/25 by voice vote. Also see:

• House passes bill to bar, deport Oct. 7 perpetrators [“’New laws would be helpful to prevent a future Joe Biden from making a mockery of our sovereignty and reopening our borders,’ the bill’s sponsor said.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 12/1/25)
• Mills (R-FL) X-post 12/4/25: “I’m proud to vote in favor of the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, which ensures that any non-U.S. national involved in the October 7 attacks, or tied to Hamas or PIJ, is barred from entering the United States and denied all immigration benefits. Floridians understand the importance of strong national security. Our communities, veterans, and military families expect leaders to take clear action to keep extremists out and protect the safety of every American. Terrorists have no place in America. We stand for Florida’s security and national security. We stand against terrorism.“

(NO MORE DUAL CITIZENSHIP!) S. 3283 [bill text]: Introduced 12/1/25 by Moreno (R-OH) and no cosponsors, “A bill to establish that citizens of the United States shall owe sole and exclusive allegiance to the United States, and for other purposes” aka the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025“. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: this bill does not include any exceptions, meaning, among other things, it would apply to the estimated hundreds of thousands of dual US-Israel citizens (living in both countries); the bill notably does not deal with Americans citizens serving in foreign militaries. Also see:

• press release: New Moreno Bill to Outlaw Dual Citizenship;
• media coverage: Citizenship Requirements Proposal Strikes Nerve in MAGA-Israel Tensions (Newsweek 12/4/25); ADL says Moreno’s dual-citizenship bill risks reviving ‘dual loyalty’ narrative (Jewish Insider 12/3/25), GOP senator moves to end dual citizenship, says Americans must choose – Those who don’t comply would automatically lose American citizenship under Sen Moreno’s bill  (Fox News 12/1/25); Citizenship Requirements to Change For Millions of Americans Under New Bill (Newsweek 12/2/25); Sen. Moreno introduces bill that would eliminate dual citizenship (WKBN 12/1/25); Sen. Moreno wants to end dual citizenship; renounce the other nation or lose your U.S. status (Cleveland.com 12/2/25)

(INTERNET FREEDOM FOR IRAN)  HR 6469 // S. 3360 [bill text]:  Introduced 12/4/25 in the House by Min (D-CA) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Rosen (D-NV) and McCormick (R-PA), “To require a report on internet freedom in Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Reps. Dave Min, Claudia Tenney and Sens. Jacky Rosen,  Dave McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Internet Freedom in Iran

(PUNISH NYC/MAMDANI BY RE-LOCATING THE UN) HR 6395 [bill text]: Introduced 12/3/25 by Jackson (R-TX) and 2 Republican cosponsors, “To implement a strategy to relocate the headquarters of the United Nations, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Remove UN Headquarters from New York

(CONDEMNING IRAN’S TREATMENT OF THE BAHA’I) H. Res. 925/ S. Res. 525: Introduced 12/3/25 in the House by Shakowsky (D-IL) and 21 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Wyden (D-OR) and 20 bipartisan cosponsors, “Condemning the Government of Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of the Baha’i minority in Iran and the continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. See press release: Wyden, Boozman, and 19 Colleagues Introduce Resolution Condemning Baha’i Oppression in Iran and Schakowsky, McCaul, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Persecution of Iranian Baha’i. Also see: Shakowsky X-post – “The Iranian government’s relentless assault on its Baha’i minority is an outrage that demands action.   My updated bipartisan resolution with @RepMcCaul sends a stronger, unified message condemning Iran’s grave human rights abuses.”; Bipartisan, bicameral congressional resolutions aim to protect Baha’is in Iran (Jewish News Syndicate 12/4/25)

2. Letters

• (STOP THE GENOCIDE) 12/3/25: An Open Letter to President Trump and Members of Congress from Amnesty International
• (LEBANON: DISARM HEZBOLLAH, OR ELSE) 12/3/25: Reported by Jewish Insider 12/3/25: Lawmakers to Lebanese leaders: ‘Disarm Hezbollah now’ or risk losing U.S. support [letter text]
• (FREE AMCIT HELD BY IRAN) 12/2/25: Suozzi Leads Bipartisan Letter to Secretary of State Rubio to Secure Release of Long Island Man Unjustly Imprisoned in Iran [letter text]. Also see: Press Iran to release Jewish man jailed for going to son’s bar mitzvah, lawmakers tell Rubio (Jewish News Syndicate 12/3/25)
• [WELL DONE EXPLOITING CONCERNS ABOUT ANTISEMITISM TO SHUT DOWN CRITICISM/PROTEST OF ISRAEL, BUT EXPAND YOUR EFFORTS!] 12/1/25: Walkinshaw Presses Chairman Walberg to Address Antisemitism Consistently [letter text]. Also see: Virginia lawmaker seeks consistency in antisemitism reviews (Center Square 12/2/25); Virginia House rep accuses Walberg’s antisemitism probe of ‘selective scrutiny’ (Jewish News Syndicate 12/2/25)

Re: previously reported letters:

• Philadelphia Jewish Exponent 12/2/25: Congressional Committee Investigates Alleged Antisemitism in School District of Philadelphia
• Markey (D-MA) 12/1/25: X-post – “I was proud to join my colleagues in writing to Sec. Rubio to investigate human rights violations in Gaza. All US allies must be held accountable to US law.”

3. Hearings & Markups, and Briefings

Targeting Members of Congress Who Criticize Israel

• Khanna (D-CA) 12/2/25: X-post w/ video – “My response to @AIPAC launching ads to take me down.” AIPAC responded on X: “Congressman: you’re cosponsoring a resolution that spreads a dangerous lie and blood libel about our ally Israel. The ad merely educates voters about your record. P.S. The same ad is running featuring other cosponsors. You’re not that special.” Pocan (D-WI) responded to AIPAC’s response: “So sad. @AIPAC hates that they keep turning off members of Congress with their blind, bloody loyalty to Netanyahu. Anyone with eyes sees the daily death that continues under a ‘ceasefire’ except for blindly-loyal-to-Bibi @AIPAC. Sort of pathetic watching people go by them.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 12/1/25: X-post – “.@brhodes lays out the future vision for Palestine & Israel that must be part of the 2028 Democratic platform. He gets that “sometimes to win, you must show that there are principles for which you are prepared to lose.” This is why @BarackObama & @BernieSanders inspire millions.” Linked to New York Times article by Ben Rhodes, This Is the Story of How the Democrats Blew It on Gaza. AIPAC responded on X: “A future vision for peace and progress should rely on facts, @RoKhanna, and not on inaccurate accusations and attacks on U.S. citizens. @SpencerGuard, an expert on war and conflict, posted a thoughtful and fact-based response to the outrageous assertions:” with link to X-essay by John Spencer
• Massie (R-KY) 12/1/25: X-post – “These three billionaires have spent two million dollars smearing my name because I don’t vote for foreign aid, I won’t infringe on free speech, and I won’t endorse the war being waged by their favorite country (hint: it’s not [US flag]).” With pix of Paul Singer, Miriam Adelson, and John Paulson
• Khanna (D-CA) 11/29/25: X-post – “AIPAC is spending against me in my district this weekend with FB and Instagram ads calling me a liar. Their tired playbook will not work this time. If you want to lead our party in the future, you need to have the guts to stand up to special interests.“

Concern for Palestinians

• Ramirez (D-IL) 12/4/25: X-post – “The ‘two suspects’ that ‘posed an immediate threat’ were 8 and 11 year old brothers, Fadi and Jumaa Assi. Fadi and Jumaa are 2 of the more than 300 people murdered by Israeli forces since the “ceasefire“ began. Enough. The time to Block the Bombs is now.” With pic of headline from CNN article, Two children were gathering firewood for their father. They were killed by an Israeli drone
• Pressley (D-MA) 12/4/25: WATCH: Pressley Makes Urgent Plea for Humanitarian Action to Save Gaza’s Children in Powerful Floor Speech
• Pressley (D-MA) 12/4/25: X-post w/ video clip from floor speech – “The children are all of ours, always. From Boston to Gaza. Our destinies are tied. The State Department must act to save lives. Humanitarian aid, baby formula, and medical evacuations now.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 12/3/25: X-post – “Grateful to meet the team behind the film The Voice of Hind Rajab. Israeli forces fired 335 bullets at the car Hind was in, murdering her hours after her family was killed next to her. I keep Hind’s picture hanging in my office. Thank you for telling her story.“
• DeLauro (D-CT) 12/3/25: X-post – “90% of civilian infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed, leaving families at risk of exposure and hypothermia during winter storms. 300,000+ new weather-resistant tents must be allowed in immediately, and rebuilding efforts must be accelerated. #LetTheTentsIn“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 12/3/25: X-post – “The IDF reportedly killed 2 kids getting firewood for their wheelchair-bound father. 300+ Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. We still need the Block the Bombs Act to hold the IDF accountable and push for adherence to the ceasefire.”
• Magaziner (D-RI) 12/3/25: X-post – “Heartbreaking and unacceptable. I will continue to support H.R.3565 to halt the transfer of offensive weaponry to Israel until the Israeli Military adopts stronger protocols to prevent civilian deaths.” Linked to CNN article, Two children were gathering firewood for their [paralyzed and wheelchair-bound] father. They were killed by an Israeli drone
• Tlaib (D-MI) 12/2/25: X-post – “Yet pro-genocide donors are demanding that Democrats not call it a genocide and many are listening. Many still don’t understand how disconnected they are with the Dem base.” Commenting on IMEU Policy Project 12/1/25 post – “77% of Democratic voters say Israel is committing genocide. 75% want to cut off weapons to Israel. The choice for Democratic leadership should be obvious: it’s time to listen to their voters, not the Republican billionaires who fund AIPAC.” Linked to article by Ben Rhodes in the New York Times: This Is the Story of How the Democrats Blew It on Gaza]
• Welch (D-VT) 12/2/25: Welch Statement (floor speech) on Release of Mohammed Ibrahim and the Prosecutions of Palestinian Children – excerpt: ” [READ THE WHOLE THING]
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 12/1/25: X-post – “We must keep calling out those that cave to the Trump Admin, and the latest is Northwestern. As part of their “deal,” NU will pay $75 million, stop vital research, renege on agreements with its students over the war in Gaza, and more. Throwing your students under the bus to please Trump. Shameful.“
• Castor (D-FL) 12/1/25: Castor Thankful for Release of U.S. Teen Mohammed Ibrahim
• Lee (D-PA) 11/29/25: X-post – “Mohammed has finally been released after his unjust imprisonment by the Israeli military. Like many Palestinian children, he was wrongly detained. Praying for his healing as he reunites with his family.”
• Doggett (R-TX) 11/28/25: X-post – “After so much destruction in Gaza, Palestinians remain in crisis as they face homelessness, malnourishment, and disease as winter brings rain and cold. Yet Israeli authorities are still blocking deliveries of food, tents, and other supplies. This is not the peace Trump promised. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely into Gaza NOW.“
• Pressley (D-MA) 11/28/25: X-post – “UPDATE: After nine months of unjust detention in an Israeli prison, Mohammed has been released. I met with his loved ones earlier this year, and I can only imagine the joy and relief they must be feeling. Praying for his healing and recovery, after months of inhumane treatment.“
• Omar (D-MN) 11/28/25: X-post – “Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim was finally released after being unjustly imprisoned for over nine months in an Israeli prison. My heart is filled with gratitude for every single person who spoke out and fought to bring him home.“
• Cantwell (D-WA) 11/27/25: X-post – “On a day of thanksgiving we are so grateful Mohammed Ibrahim is on his way home.”
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/27/25: X-post – “16-year-old American Mohammed Ibrahim has been released after over 9 months in an Israeli prison without trial. I was relieved to hear from his family today and to know that he’s safe and where he belongs — with his family.“

Standing with Israel!

• Lawler (R-NY) 12/3/25: X-post – “Today my colleagues and I had the privilege of welcoming the Chen and Neutra families to back to Capitol Hill. Omer Neutra and Itay Chen were taken hostage by Hamas in 2023. These families have weathered a nightmare no one should endure, standing by their sons every step of the way. Their resilience reminds us all that we must keep going.“
• Latimer (D-NY) 12/3/25: X-post – “Today, I met with Ronen and Orna Neutra the parents of Omer Neutra who was a New York native who was held hostage and killed by Hamas on Oct. 7th. I also met with Hagit Chen, father of Itay Chen an American citizen who was killed on Oct. 7th and whose body was held hostage until this November. May their memories be a blessing.“
• Kustoff (R-TN) 12/3/25: X-post – “As Chairman of the House–Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, I hosted a meeting today between Members of Congress and the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. We had a productive discussion focused on practical ways to strengthen our alliance and advance joint priorities moving forward.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 12/3/25: X-post – “While Dublin removed its antisemitic proposal to erase Jewish history from its streets, Ireland must do more to protect the Jewish community. As I have said: I remain deeply concerned by Ireland’s repeated antisemitic and anti-Israel actions.” Linked to Jewish Insider article, After uproar, Dublin shelves plan to remove Chaim Herzog’s name from park
• Fine (R-FL) 12/3/25: X-post – “Foreign governments are trying to divide and tear apart the longtime relationship America has with Israel. This is all being done so they can usher in a worldwide Islamic caliphate and conquer America. We can’t let them get away with it.“
• Graham (R-SC) 11/29/25: X-post – “When you think it couldn’t get any worse in Ireland regarding animosity toward Israel and the Jewish people, it just did. Apparently the Dublin City Council is going to rename a park that was dedicated to Chaim Herzog, who was raised in Dublin and became the 6th president of Israel. Mr. Herzog’s father was also the first Chief Rabbi of Ireland. Some are calling for the park to be renamed Free Palestine Park –whatever that means. In case anyone had forgotten, Israel withdrew from Gaza only to have Hamas take over by force and govern by terror, becoming one of the largest terrorist organizations in the world and the instigator of the October 7, 2023 attacks on the Jewish people. The Herzog family is one of the great families in the history of Israel. They are good people who have traditionally embraced the center politically. One of Mr. Chaim Herzog’s sons is the current president of Israel and another was most recently the Israeli Ambassador to the United States. I don’t know what the people of Dublin are trying to say, but this is what I hear: A complete turning upside down of history when it comes to the Jewish people and the state of Israel. Modern Ireland is a beautiful country with great scenery, but unfortunately it has become a cesspool of antisemitism.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/28/25: X-post – “Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords is an encouraging step toward further expanding and strengthening the Accords.   Broadening Israel’s relationships with additional countries helps make America, our troops in the region, and our allies safer.“

Islamophobia, Islamophobia, Islamophobia

• Fine (R-FL) 12/4/25: X-post – “The barbarians are no longer outside the gate, they’re inside. This is happening in Brooklyn, NY. America must wake up now.” Responding to an X-post with a video of Muslims prayer (morning prayers, 5am) in Brooklyn.  Rep. Lee (D-PA) responded on X: “Folks aren’t just silent, they’re awfully welcoming the rising tide of open anti-Muslim hate and prejudice. There’s little concern about any potential link between rhetoric like this and violence, even from an official government account. This type of hatred should never be tolerated.“
• Fine (R-FL) 12/4/25: X-post – “Islam is not compatible with the West.” Responding to 12/1/25 X-post from pro-Israel influencer Eyal Yakoby, with a video – “BREAKING: Masked pro-Palestinian Islamists barge through policy barricades in NYC, assaulting police officers. We don’t have to live like this.“
• Roy (R-TX) 12/3/25: X-post – “Sharia Law is INCOMPATIBLE with Western Civilization. It directly undermines the Constitution and the rule of law. SAVE WESTERN CIVILIZATION. STOP SHARIA LAW.“
• Self (R-TX) 12/3/25: X-post – “.@SecRubio is 100% right. Sharia isn’t just a threat to America and the West, but the entire world.“
• Ogles (R-TN) 12/2/25: X-post – “Islam is and has always been the enemy of Western society. Just days after I held this live stream an Afghani attacked our troops on US soil. Muslim migrants destroyed Europe and they are destroying our communities.“
• Roy (R-TX) 12/1/25: X-post – “Rep. Roy: ‘We know the solution. Stop importing Islamists. Deport Islamists.’” Linked to article from Xinhua (the official PRC news agency): Republicans threaten permanent ban on Muslim immigration following soldier’s killing
• Fine (R-FL) 12/1/25: X-post – “Six months ago, a Muslim terrorist from Egypt attacked Jews in Colorado. Last week, 2 National Guardsmen were shot by a Muslim terrorist in Washington, DC. We recently saw mainstream Muslims interrupt Black Friday shopping in New York City. The bottom line is that we can’t allow people to invade our country who hate America and what we stand for. It’s time to deport them all.”
• Tuberville (R-AL) 11/30/25: X-post – “We must BAN SHARIA LAW.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/29/25: X-post – “Somalians are trying to take over our cities in Minnesota. Foreigners in New York recently voted for a different mayor than natural-born citizens. A Muslim terrorist just shot two National Guardsmen in DC this week. We have made massive problems for ourselves. This is all self-inflicted. The only way we solve this crisis is by kicking them all out NOW.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/28/25: X-post – “This Muslim terrorist needs to be deported ASAP.”  NOTE: As of 12/4/25, Fine has chosen NOT to delete this post, which is a comment on a video clip with the claim “This Muslim in Dearborn Michigan is calling fo a ‘Revolution’ against America after the DC National Guard shooting by the Afghan national He is literally repeatedly yelling “Revolution!” This is Islam friends…“, despite the fact that every single piece of this post was immediately debunked, and there is now a community note on it stating “The clip is from a Nov. 22 pro‑Gaza march in Berlin led by Omar Mahmoud El Hajj, not a Dearborn rally after the DC shooting. The video predates the incident, so it can’t be a reaction to it.“

Targeting Free Speech/Academia

• Fine (R-FL) 12/2/25: X-post – “We should treat antisemitism the same way we treat racism. If you’re a university and you want to receive federal funds, it’s time to support American students, not Hamas terrorist sympathizers.”
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/28/25: X-post – “We’ve seen adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran try to use social media to sow division, misinformation, and hate. I’m glad X made this change and I hope they’ll work with Congress to fight antisemitism and all hate — and prevent malicious foreign influence.“

Other stuff

• Ramirez (D-IL) 12/5/25: X-post – “Firing a second shot to intentionally kill people in distress, who posed no threat, is a clear violation of international law. The Trump Administration’s actions should be thoroughly investigated. From Israel to Russia to the U.S., we must hold every war criminal accountable.”
• Boyle (R-PA) 12/1/25: X-post – “Yet another reminder the world’s worst and most sadistic regime continues to be Iran.” Linked to post about Iranian executions.

• The Nation 12/5/25: Can These Politician Activists Make it to Congress?
• Zeteo 12/3/25: Ro Khanna to Hillary Clinton: Don’t ‘Disparage the Intelligence of Young People’ on Israel [“Khanna pushed back on Clinton’s claims that Israel’s critics ‘don’t know the history’ while speaking with three American humanitarians abducted by Israel.”]
• LA Progressive 12/3/25: Are Congressional Democrats Out of Touch With Constituents on Israeli Genocide?  The political issue of complicity with genocide will not go away. And that’s a good thing.
• Newsweek 12/4/25: Map Shows Where Progressives Are Targeting House Democrats in Midterms
• The New Arab 12/4/25: No more fear: ‘Track AIPAC’ website, a sign of rapidly changing US public positions on Palestine and Israel
• Jewish Insider 12/4/25: Anti-Israel candidates struggling in the suburbs [“The results of the Tennessee special election show that the type of left-wing politics that can play in the city is a political turnoff for persuadable suburban voters“] [Commenting on this article, Arab Center Washington’s Yousef Munayyer observed on X: “AIPAC newsletter hoping to spin its waning relevance for as long as possible”]
• Washington Jewish Week 12/3/25: The AIPAC Backlash Isn’t About Foreign Influence or Democracy
• Mondoweiss 12/2/25: The Israel lobby is melting down before our eyes [“The American Jewish community is in open crisis over its support for Israel after two years of genocide in Gaza. A key issue in this crisis is a topic once considered too taboo to criticize: the Israel lobby.”]
• Politico 12/1/25: Top Jewish donors take stock of GOP infighting over Israel and antisemitism — They hope they can quell the tide of antisemitism in their party’s ranks, but a clear consensus on how to beat it back has yet to emerge.
• City & State NY 12/1/25: From Puerto Rico to Palestine, now is the time to grow our movement [“No matter how often our residents voice dissent to additional military funding for Israel, many of their representatives still vote to aid violence.“]
• The Guardian 12/1/25: Aipac over affordability: Democratic candidates come under fire for support of Israel
• YNet 11/29/25: Breaking with Bibi and bombs: progressive wave hits pro-Israel Democratic establishment [“A decade after Netanyahu’s Congress speech fractured the pro-Israel consensus, young Democratic outsiders are storming the primaries, rejecting AIPAC cash and old-guard politics; Sanders allies revolt, as the party shifts sharply left”]
• YouTube 11/29/25: Video clip of Van Hollen (D-MD) speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations — Sen. Van Hollen on Zohran Mamdani, Gen Z activism, and Palestinian rights

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – targeting Congressional critics of Israel 

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts Podcasts:

• 11/28/25: Boycott, solidarity & taking responsibility: Ahmed Moor speaks to Peter Beinart about the TAU speech – FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with Peter Beinart (also an FMEP fellow) about Peter’s decision to speak at Tel Aviv University, his apology for doing so, and criticisms of both.
• 11/25/25: Queerness and Liberation: A Discussion about ‘Fire in Every Direction’ – ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Palestinian analyst and author Tareq Baconi.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(ANTISEMITISM – FOR SURE TO MEAN CRITICISM OF ISRAEL/PROTESTS FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS & TO STOKE ISLAMOPHOBIA – IN EUROPE) HR 6297:  Introduced 11/25/25 by Fine (R-FL) and Miller (R-OH), the “Protecting Europe from Antisemitic Crime and Extremism Act” aka the “PEACE Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Media coverage (etc.) of bills/resolutions covered previously in the Round-Up:

• [S. 3273, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Budd (R-NC) press release 11/24/25: New Budd Bill Would Hold Mamdani, Municipalities Accountable Following Threats To Enforce International Criminal Court Arrest Warrants. Also see Budd X-thread 11/24/25: “Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s pledge to facilitate the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu is not just ridiculous; it represents a grave threat that could seriously damage America’s relationship with our closest allies and partners. The United States is not bound by the morally bankrupt ICC or the Rome Statute, displaying that Mamdani’s comments aren’t based in respect for any law, but rather to virtue signal to his radical, anti-Israel base. Seeking to prevent Prime Minister Netanyahu from setting foot in New York, home to the United Nations, would put Israel at a unique disadvantage at a critical time for the nation ahead of the next meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. It is unconscionable that the man elected to lead the city home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel would seek to target Israel’s leader, and Congress must take action to hold any leader accountable should they pursue this blatant overreach. My American Allies Protection Act would disqualify any state or municipality from receiving Justice Department funds should they take action that would harm America’s standing with our allies by throwing their governments into complete chaos.” Also see: Bill would pause federal funding to state, local govts enforcing ICC warrants against US allies (Jewis News Syndicate 11/26/25)
• [HR 6186, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Fine (R-FL) 11/25/25: X-article entitled “Congressman Fine Introduces the No Antisemitism in Education Act” [“Last week, Congressman Randy Fine introduced the No Antisemitism in Education Act, landmark legislation modeled directly on the bipartisan law he passed in Florida and built upon the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, the global gold standard used by the U.S. State Department and every major Jewish organization…”]. Also see: US Rep. Randy Fine Unveils New Legislation Aimed at Cracking Down on Campus Antisemitism (The Algemeiner 11/27/25)
• [H. Res. 904, covered in last week’s Round-Up] The Forward 11/24/25: Bipartisan bill in Congress would create ‘Jewish Refugee Day’ [“If approved, Nov. 30 would commemorate the expulsion of roughly 900,000 Jews from Arab countries after Israel’s founding“]
• [H. Res. 882, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Goldman (R-TX) press release – Goldman, Wagner, Huizenga, Lawler, Wilson, and Gottheimer Introduce Resolution Supporting Expansion of Abraham Accords
• [S. 3237, covered in last week’s Round-Up] Cassidy (R-LA) press release: Cassidy, Budd, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ban Terrorist Sympathizers from the United States. Also see Cornyn (R-TX) X-post 11/21/25 – “Since Hamas invaded Israel two years ago, we have seen an alarming wave of antisemitic, pro-terrorist advocacy by foreign visa holders in the U.S. who seek to harm Americans. I am proud to join @SenTedBuddNC and others to introduce the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act, which ensures those who support or sympathize with terrorist groups and their affiliates are inadmissible to the United States.“
• [S. 2293, covered in the 7/18/25 edition of the Round-Up] X-post w/ audio clip from Cruz (R-TX) 11/26/25, “I re-drafted my Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 so that instead of being top-down, it is now bottom-up. That’s a fundamental shift. We break it down on Verdict“, with link to full 11/26/25 episode of Cruz’s podcast dealing with the designation of the Muslim Brotherhoods (starting at 12:00 in the podcast)
• [S. 3237, covered in last week’s Round-Up, & S. 2293, covered in the 7/18/25 edition of the Round-Up]  X-thread from Joel Braunold (Abraham Center) 11/21/25: “Interesting theme I’m noticing in GOP bills in the senate. Cruz attempt to ban the Muslim brotherhood is based off the 1987 PLO Terror bill because it was the only place where Congress made its own FTO list. Its norm an administration action to list a group. In the late 80s Congress took a major role in trying to limit the executive ability to work with the PLO. This law that governed administrative relations with the PLO is part of the architecture of laws that make up a maze of rules. It was controversial to Regan at the time who issued a signing statement saying that he was signing this while rejecting the constitutionality of the legislative branch inserting itself on his FP prerogative. Here is the Cruz bill that builds off this and adds sanctions. The other bill comes from Budd which seeks to extent a visa ban from PLO officials that was another part of this maze and extend it to those who support terror groups through support of their actions in statements. In both cases laws passed by Congress to limit PLO relationships with the states are now being built upon as the scaffolding for visa bans and terror designations for other groups, visitors, students et al. The congressional moment in late 80s and though the end of Obama where text was passed as limiters on admin actions re the PLO are now the main tools to build on. I can’t imagine the coalitions exist for these laws to pass in this or a near future Congress but clear that much like Congressional laws re the UN – the Palestinian issue and laws surrounding it are the basis of so much of the push to build up additional visa and FTO bans. I think also with the admin less interested in banning relations with Muslim brotherhood given Qatar Turks etc – renewed push from Cruz wing of the party to use Congress to do it.”

2. Letters

• (US NOT ENFORCING LAW W/ RESPECT TO ISRAEL’S ACTIONS IN GAZA) 11/25/25: Letter to SecState Rubio led by Van Hollen (D-MD) & signed by 10 fellow Senate Democrats, on State Department OIG Leay Report. Excerpt: “The findings from this September 2025 State OIG report are deeply concerning. But even more troubling is the fact that this review is simply the latest confirmation from a series of different reports that have each described failures to uphold American human rights laws and policies governing the use of U.S. weapons and other assistance globally. Without effective enforcement mechanisms, these laws and policies become meaningless. Therefore, by December 9, 2025, please respond to this letter with your plans to adjudicate potential Leahy law violations by Israeli security force units and other foreign military partners receiving this category of security assistance in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law. In your response, please describe what additional staff and resources are needed to address these cases and how you plan to revise the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum protocol to ensure a uniform process is followed for every country.” Also see: Washington Post 11/26/25: Senators push Rubio to investigate Israel’s alleged violations in Gaza [“Classified findings by the State Department’s inspector general say hundreds of potential human rights violations are awaiting the U.S. government’s review.“]
• (TARGETING ACADEMIA/PROTEST, AGAIN) 11/24/25: Chair Walberg Launches Nationwide Investigation into Antisemitism in K-12 Schools [text of letters to Berkeley Unified School District, Fairfax County Public Schools, School District of Philadelphia]. There’s lots of media coverage on this – see: CNN, Washington Post, Virginia Mercury, WJLA/ABC News, CBS News, Jewish Insider, Jerusalem Post, Jewish News of Northern California, Daily Californian, Berkeleyside, NBC Philadelphia
• (HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA) 11/24/25: Sen. Markey, Rep. Dexter Lead Group of 100 Members of Congress in Urging Trump Administration to Help Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza [letter text]. Also see Markey (D-OR) 11/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Gaza’s medical system is collapsing. Hospitals destroyed. Supplies gone. Children without care. I’m demanding the State Department act now to restore access to lifesaving treatment and release Palestinian medical workers being held without charge.   Health care is a human right.“

3. Hearings & Markups

Concern for Palestinians, incl Palestinian-American Minor held by Israel for 9 mos without charges (released 11/27/25)

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/27/25: X-post – “16-year-old American Mohammed Ibrahim has been released after over 9 months in an Israeli prison without trial. I was relieved to hear from his family today and to know that he’s safe and where he belongs — with his family.“
• Merkley (D-OR) 11/27/25: X-post – “This brings tears to my eyes. Literally. Thank you everyone who has been advocating for Mohammed’s release. This makes my Thanksgiving. Let’s continue to seek the release of so many around the world unjustly detained.“
• Cantwell (D-WA) 11/27/25: X-post – “On a day of thanksgiving we are so grateful Mohammed Ibrahim is on his way home.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/26/26: X-post – “As winter arrives, over one million Gazans lack shelter, with 92% of housing destroyed by Israel. In violation of the ceasefire, Netanyahu continues to restrict the entry of tents and other aid, including food. The U.S. must demand that Israel allow full humanitarian access NOW” Linked to Washington Post 11/25/25 article, Lack of tents, food and warm clothes leaves Gazans exposed ahead of winter — As winter approaches in Gaza, more than a million residents are vulnerable to extreme weather and disease, as Israeli restrictions hobble the humanitarian response.
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/25/25: X-post – “In two years, Israel has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Every day, settlers attack Palestinian villages. Netanyahu & his extremist allies have one goal: annexation by force. The U.S. has enabled them. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID FOR ISRAEL.” With screenshot of headline from the Guardian: ‘They have total impunity’: West Bank settler violence surges after Gaza ceasefire – UN logs 260 attacks in October alone, its highest monthly tally, as settlers attack farmers and burn olive trees
• Pocan (D-WI) 11/23/25: X-post – “The best way to ensure an actual ceasefire in Israel and Palestine is for the US to quit sending offensive weapons. Pass the Block the Bombs Act.“
• Castro (D-TX) 11/23/25: X-post – “It’s harmful and disingenuous for American media to continue the charade that there’s a ceasefire in place.” Linked to 11/22/25 AP article, Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire’s latest test as hospitals say 24 killed,
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Netanyahu and Trump can’t be trusted. Throughout this so-called ‘ceasefire,’ Netanyahu has continued to bomb Gaza and is still restricting the flow of humanitarian aid. Congress must pass my Block the Bombs Act to stop the transfer of weapons, assert Congressional oversight, save lives, and hold Netanyahu accountable.” AIPAC responded: “Rep. Ramirez is lying about Israel, demonizing our ally, and pushing anti-Israel legislation. ‘Congresswoman Ramirez is a champion of J Street’s values and priorities.’ Backing the most anti-Israel members of Congress… @jstreetdotorg is many things, but it’s not pro-Israel.“
• Beyer (D-VA) 11/23/25: X-post – “Agreed. Mohammed Ibrahim should be released, and the Trump Administration should be pressuring Israel on this.” Responding to Van Hollen (D-MD)’s 11/22/25 post.
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/22/25: X-post w/ video – “Israel has held 16-year-old American, Mohammed Ibrahim, without trial, for 9 months. He has been denied contact with family & his health is deteriorating. He says he falsely confessed to throwing a rock after being beaten. America needs to secure his release NOW.” Also see on Van Hollen’s website, video on YouTube.
• Merkley (D-OR) 11/22/25: X-post – “Israel is holding a 16-year-old U.S. citizen in isolation. @SecRubio: act NOW to free Mohammed Ibrahim—it’s your responsibility to protect American citizens. I’m fighting like hell for Mohammed’s immediate release.“
• Pocan (D-MI) 11/22/25: X-post – Responding to 11/22/25 AP article, Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire’s latest test as hospitals say 24 killed, “Someone needs to explain to Netanyahu what the word ‘CEASEFIRE’ means. This is why we need to Block the Bombs legislation to pass, to put a real incentive on Israel to follow the ceasefire. @AIPAC, any help here? (Yes, I understand what a joke this is)“. AIPAC responded, “.@MarkPocan never lets the facts get in the way of attacking Israel. The strikes targeting and killing 5 senior Hamas leaders were a direct response to yet another Hamas ceasefire violation. Have you said a word about any of those? @BarakRavid has verification of the timeline.” Pocan responded, “@AIPAC is ok with 24 dead and over 50 injured. Ghoulish.”
• Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 11/21/25: X-post – “It’s been over 9 months since 16-year-old American citizen Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim was taken from his bed and detained in an Israeli prison with a track record of human rights abuses. In that time, his hearing has been repeatedly pushed back, his family has been unable to contact him, and his health has greatly deteriorated. The United States must secure his release immediately.“

Designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as an FTO, & Raging Islamophobia & anti-Muslim incitement following attack on 2 members of the National Guard in DC (by an Afghan refugee)

• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “Sharia law has no place in America.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “The problem is not radical Islam. The problem is mainstream Islam. DEPORT.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “Deporting EVERY illegal is just a start. We need full stop on “legal” immigration until our security and prosperity is guaranteed. We need to deport every non-citizen who practices Sharia. And we need to denaturalize every fake “citizen” who lied to gain a passport. NOW.“
• Self (R-TX) 11/27/25: X-post – “‘Islam will enter every household’ is a quote from the Koran. Their intent is clear.”
• Roy (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “We know the solution – stop importing Islamists. Deport Islamists. Reject Sharia law. Defend our Western Civilization.“
• Roy (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Rep. Roy on Islam: ‘We’re dealing with effectively, a political movement, a political effort to islamify Texas and the United States. It is designed for a more command and control type style to what they’re trying to do with respect to building a majority to then implement Sharia law and ultimately to convert people. That’s the goal, and they’re pretty open about it… When you’ve got something that is undermining our rule of law, undermining our Constitution, and purposely designed to upend Western civilization — that is a political movement. We do not have to allow more people to come in who adhere to it’”
• Biggs (R-AZ) 11/26/25: X-post – “Islam is incompatible with American values.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “Deny entry Deport all non-citizens. Denaturalize all fraudsters. We start with Afghanistan. But we must not end there.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “I said this six days ago and I have never been angrier to be right. It is time to face the Muslim problem.” Linking to his 11/20/25 X-post – “Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided Jews on October 7, 2023. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided the Druze in Syria on April 28, 2025. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar are genociding Christians in Nigeria right now. How many more religions are we going to allow Muslims to kill while screaming Allahu Akbar before we do something about it?“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “CBS News is reporting the name of the Muslim Terrorist who targeted the National Guard is Rahmanullah Lakanwal. His name translates to ‘Servant of Allah.’ ENOUGH.” [NOTE: Not that it matters but “Rahmanullah” means “Mercy” or “Grace” of Allah not “Servant of Allah”]
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “This terrorist attack was led by an illegal immigrant Muslim terrorist who came in under the Biden Administration in 2021. We should be angry at the fact that Democrats let these monsters into our country. It’s time to rid our country of Muslim terror once and for all.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post “He was an ILLEGAL. An illegal immigrant Muslim terrorist just attacked the National Guard. The time for soft words is over.” [this post now has a community note because of course he wasn’t illegal]
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “NBC is reporting the targeting of National Guardsmen was an act of Muslim terror by a non-American Muslim. Dark days ahead.”
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “A Muslim terrorist executed two of our service members in our nation’s capital today. Americans have every right to be outraged at what happened. Round these illegals up and deport every last one of these monsters who are in our country right now illegally. Enough is enough.“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post w/ video clip – “ICYMI — I joined @JSchanzer from @FDD to discuss @POTUS’s recent designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Muslim Brotherhood is a pernicious and dangerous terrorist group with global reach, including here in the United States. For many years, I have worked with“
• Self (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Spot on, @laralogan. Islam is a supremacist culture with a thin patina of religion. Sharia is its law—and it’s coming for the whole world, America included. We can’t let it. @SenTedCruz to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. I am grateful to President Trump for taking decisive action against this insidious threat, and I look forward to advancing my bipartisan bill through Congress to further strengthen the President’s ability to counter this danger.“
• Tuberville (R-AL) 11/26/25: X-post – “The Afghan terrorist who shot 2 National Guard heroes in D.C. was welcomed into this country with open arms by Joe Biden. We must IMMEDIATELY BAN all ISLAM immigrants and DEPORT every single Islamist who is living among us just waiting to attack.”
• Mace (R-SC) 11/26/25: X-post – “Mass deportations.”
• Gill (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Islamic terrorism isn’t native to America. It didn’t come on the Mayflower. It’s alien to most of American history. Rather, we imported Islamic terrorism in just the last few decades through our suicidal immigration system. It was a policy choice. The reality is that not all cultures are morally equal. Islam is incompatible with our culture and our governing system. Radical Islamists seek to fundamentally destroy our way of life. Why would we allow them to immigrate here? Islamic ideology has no place in the West, and it’s time our immigration system recognizes this.“
• Gill (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “‘The suspect is “an Afghan national.’ We can either mass deport these savages, or sit by passively and watch our civilization crumble.“
• Gill (R-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “How many times to do we have to hear ‘Allahu Akbar’ in America before we recognize Islam is a problem?“
• Cheering Trump’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood – Budd (R-NC), Mace (R-SC), Cotton (R-AR), Tuberville (R-AL), Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Baumgartner (R-WA), Lawler (R-NY), Brecheen (R-OK), Tenney (R-NY), Cornyn (R-TX), Scott (R-SC), Cruz (R-TX), Lummis (R-WY), Cruz (R-TX), McCormick (R-PA)
• Fine (R-FL) 11/26/25: X-post – “I was proud to win a Special Election seven months ago. Now it is Tennessee’s turn to stop the islamo-communists. Vote @MattForTN!“
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/25/25: X-post – “The persecution and targeting of dissenting voices is an attack on our First Amendment. Greg Abbott’s designation of CAIR as a ‘terrorist organization’ is no more than an attempt to silence us and vilify Muslim and Arab voices. Attacks on Muslim and Arab Americans make us all less safe! I stand in solidarity with American Muslims in Texas and all those who raise their voices to dissent across the country.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 11/24/25: X-post – “…The Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization masquerading as a political group. They are determined to carry out a ‘civilization jihad’ strategy within the U.S. and destroy the very moral fabric of American life. Designating chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations and global terrorists is an important step towards reversing the flow of funding to their pro-Hamas, pro-terror front groups and halting their illegal infiltration of America’s school system.” Stefanik has been a leader in Congress in combatting the Muslim Brotherhood’s attempt to splinter our nation into terror cells. She cosponsored the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act which would take steps to codify the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Just last month, Stefanik, along with Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR), sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent requesting the Treasury Department open an official investigation into the funding sources of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to determine if the organization is being funded or directed by Hamas or any other foreign terrorist group.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/23/25: X-post – “President Trump announced today he is naming the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. Tremendous news. We will use this to destroy Muslim terror affiliates like CAIR and SJP. So grateful to the President!“
• Self (R-TX) 11/23/25: X-post – “I’m proud to stand on the front line in the fight against Sharia in America. When Texas stands firm, America stands taller. And when America leads with moral clarity, the free world follows. This isn’t just politics. This is a fight for the soul of Western civilization.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/22/25: X-post – “New York City just elected a Muslim Mayor. The Muslim Mayor of Dearborn said Christians aren’t welcome in his city. Muslims don’t think they have to follow noise ordinances. Mainstream Muslims are trying to conquer America. We can’t let that happen.“

Congress Stand With Israel & Israelis, and against Palestinians and UNRWA

• Fine (R-FL) 11/23/25: X-post – “Israel giving up their land to Muslim terrorists is not a good idea.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/22/25: X-post – “Israel left Gaza in 2005. Mainstream Muslims in Gaza took billions of dollars in aid and turned the country into a terrorist safe haven. Until the people who live there stop embracing Muslim terror, a two state solution is not a possibility.“
• Hamadeh (R-AZ) 11/22/25: X-post w/ pics – “Congressman Hamadeh was pleased to host Yoseph Haddad and a large group of Israeli Arabs to discuss solutions for combating the rise of antisemitism worldwide.“
• McCormick (R-PA) 11/21/25: X-post – “Great work by my friend Jeff Bartos, @AmbUNReform. UNRWA has been systematically infiltrated by Hamas and other terror organizations and should be excluded from any international efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza.“
• Edwards (R-NC) 11/21/25: X-post – “After more than 700 days in brutal captivity, Israel’s hostages were finally freed. This week, I had the honor of meeting with a delegation of Israelis who survived the horrors of Hamas captivity, alongside their family members. Among them were Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Nimrod Cohen, Avinatan Or, Bar Kuperstein, brothers Ariel and David Cunio, and twins Ziv and Gali Berman. America stands with our ally Israel and with the hostage families as we continue to pursue lasting peace.“
• McGuire (R-VA) 11/21/25: X-post – “Thanks to President Trump‘s incredible leadership, this week we welcomed home 17 of the 20 recently released Israeli hostages who were beaten and tortured by Hamas terrorists for over 2 years. Just six weeks ago, they were prisoners in the tunnels in Gaza. We must never forget the unspeakable evil committed by Hamas terrorists through the attack on the Israeli people on October 7th, 2023. Stay vigilant and let’s keep an eye on each other.“

Targeting Free Speech/Criticism and Critics of Israel

• Kennedy (R-LA) 11/24/25: X-post – “An operative reportedly leading Zohran Mamdani’s transition is a blatant antisemite who thinks Israel is a ‘cancer which will be eliminated very soon.’ Why aren’t more Democrats calling out the rot within their party?” Linked to Washington Free Beacon 11/17/25 article, Mamdani Adviser Used ‘Jew’ as a Slur and Praised Iran’s President for Calling Israel a ‘Cancer’
• Goldman (D-NY) 11/24/25: X-post – “Whatever you think of the situation in Gaza, Jewish students on American college campuses have nothing to do with it. My office has been coordinating with @TheNewSchool and I’m grateful for their immediate response. There should be no dispute that this kind of antisemitism has no place in our city.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Palestinian protestors were recently caught on camera saying that they are Hamas. Believe them. They are trying to conquer the West.“
• Clark (R-MA) 11/22/25: X-post – “There is no place for antisemitism in America — in our government, our schools, and our communities. I’m grateful for the work of the Massachusetts Antisemitism Commission, as we combat hate and bigotry in every form.” Responding to report from the Commission, which notably relied on the IHRA definition of antisemitism in coming to its conclusions
• Stutzman (R-IN) 11/21/25: X-post – “Joined @CarolineGlick, Robert_Aderholt, @RepBrecheen, and the Values Action Team to talk about how to maintain strong U.S.-Israeli relations and how to combat antisemitism in the U.S. NO ONE should EVER have to suffer under religious persecution in America or anywhere across the globe!”

Saudi Arabia / UAE/ the Gulf

• Doggett (D-TX) 11/26/25: X-post – “Shamefully unsurprising that Trump attacked the reporter who dared to ask a question about journalist Jamal Khashoggi while defending Saudi leader MBS, who ordered assassination and dismemberment. To Trump, murderous dictators = friends, and the free press = enemies.“
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/24/25: X-post – “Trump knows exactly what was said on that 2019 call with the Saudi Crown Prince — and so do I. The American people should see the transcript for themselves.”
• House Judiciary Committee Democrats 11/24/25: New report – Trump, Crypto, and a New Age of Corruption [including discussion of UAE angle]
• Mast (R-FL) 11/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As Chairman of the @HouseForeignGOP, I met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Washington. The goal is always peace through strength.“
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/23/25: X-post – “Trump is so scared of releasing the transcript of his 2019 call with Mohammed bin Salman that he’s resorted to spewing lies in a pathetic attempt to silence me. Spoiler alert: it won’t work. Release the transcript, @POTUS .” Linked to article, Pentagon urges inquiry of Trump foe Vindman over Ukraine work (Washington Post 11/22/25)
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/22/25: press release – Trump’s Retribution Campaign: Silence & Intimidate Vindman for Speaking the Truth 

Iran

• Risch (R-ID) 11/26/25: X-post – “Many religious minorities in Iran are denied education and employment, Christians are imprisoned for worship and converts from Islam risk severe punishment. Freedom of belief shouldn’t come with a prison sentence. The regime’s persecution of citizens exercising their unalienable rights is reprehensible.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 11/24/25: X-post – “Iran spent billions to build a nuclear bomb and the proxies to destroy Israel instead of a water infrastructure. Iran or Gaza: stop attacking Israel and rebuild your own failed nations. Israel isn’t going anywhere.” With screenshot of Washington Post 11/24/25 headline – Taps are running dry in Iran. Decades of bad decisions are to blame. — Iran’s water crisis is so dire the president has proposed evacuating the capital. Largely at fault are official policies that exhausted precious water resources.

Syria

• Stutzman (R-IN) 11/24/25: X-post – “A free and democratic Syria could be a haven for investment from U.S. companies in the infrastructure, energy, and banking sectors. I’ve talked to countless business leaders who are eager to make substantial investments in Syria. One thing that must not be forgotten is how important it is that freedom of religion be front and center of the rebuilding of this nation. If it does not take hold, the people and businesses of Syria will face an uncertain future.“
• Risch (R-ID) 11/24/25: X-post – “Syria’s brutal civil war devastated religious minorities – Christians and others faced targeted violence. It is finally a new day in Syria, and a renewed hope for freedom remains. To ensure all live with dignity and respect, it is critical to protect religious freedom for every person.“

Lebanon

• Fetterman (D-PA) 11/23/25: X-post – “The IDF now offers its special home delivery on Sundays.”  With screenshot of headline: “Israel says it killed Hezbollah’s no. 2 leader in Lebanon airstrike“

Other stuff

• Fine (R-FL) 11/27/25: X-post – “From the river to the sea, let’s make Manhattan UN free. NO MORE.“
• Khanna (D-CA) 11/25/25: X-post – “AIPAC is spending in my district. They are asking people to disbelieve what they saw with their own eyes. Politicians who cave to special interests on Gaza won’t stand up against DC corruption or for working Americans. This is a moral test for anyone who wants to lead our party.“
• Welch (D-VT) 11/25/25: press release – Vermont Delegation Condemns Anti-Palestinian Hatred on Second Anniversary of Burlington Attack
• Massie (R-KY) 11/24/25: X-post – “I won’t bankrupt our country to fund Israel’s war, the war in Ukraine, or any war for that matter. That makes me a target for AIPAC, RJC, and other proxies of the military industrial complex. I’m America First and I will beat this neocon with your support…“
• Hoyer (D-MD) 11/22/25: press release – Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Mark Mellman

• Mondoweiss 11/27/25: The Shift: What does Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation mean for the growing fight over Israel in the GOP?
• The Guardian 11/27/25: Zohran Mamdani is rewriting the political rules around support for Israel
• Jewish Currents 11/26/25: The Zionist Right Has a MAGA Problem –  A conference aiming to confront antisemitism on the right offers a portrait of an old guard left twisting in the wind.
• Fox News 11/26/25: Mike Johnson: US-Israel alliance ‘really important’ for multiple reasons, antisemitism should be ‘called out’ Also see: Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu posted this article on X, with the comment, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Thank you, Speaker @MikeJohnson, for your strong and principled words about Israel. Your clarity and conviction strengthen our shared stand against terror.“
• Sludge 11/25/25: Jeffries Misleads on AIPAC PAC Money [“Though Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said that AIPAC PAC gives him only the per-cycle maximum, the group has flooded his campaign with more than a million dollars in earmarked donations.“]
• New York Times 11/25/25: Challengers Take on N.Y. House Democrats, Targeting Their Ties to Israel [“Several Democratic incumbents are facing primary battles after Zohran Mamdani’s win suggested that being pro-Israel was no longer a universal selling point.“]
• Haaretz 11/25/25: ‘AIPAC Radicalized Me’: Mamdani’s Jewish Gen Z Strategist on Big Money, Cynicism and the Weaponization of Antisemitism [“26-year-old Morris Katz is gearing up to guide Democratic progressives toward victory in the midterms and beyond“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 11/25/25: The AIPAC backlash isn’t about foreign influence or democracy [“It’s about discomfort over American Jews exercising political agency in ways that upset far-left fantasies and far-right conspiracies.“]
• Algemeiner 11/25/25: What’s Really Behind Attacks on AIPAC?
• Truthout 11/24/25: Is the Tide Starting to Turn Against AIPAC? [“Backing AIPAC may now be a political liability for candidates facing progressive challengers in Democratic primaries.“]
• Washington Free Beacon 11/24/25: Founder of ‘America First’ AIPAC Tracker Is Self-Proclaimed Marxist Who Lives in Germany
• Jewish Insider 11/24/25: Remembering Mark Mellman, a pro-Israel champion and a ‘mensch’ [“As political activists reflect on Mellman’s life, several Jewish Democrats told JI that his clear-eyed support for Israel — and his ability to articulate its strategic importance to Democrats — will leave a lasting impact on the party“]
• Jewish Insider 11/22/25: Brad Sherman to serve as top Democrat on Middle East subcommittee [“Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), who is among the most vocal Democratic supporters of Israel in the House, will serve as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa subcommittee beginning Friday, replacing Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) following her indictment earlier this week.”]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – TN Special Election

• Jewish Insider 11/26/25: Long-shot Tennessee special election candidate stakes out anti-Israel stance [“Aftyn Behn’s bid has attracted significant interest and support from national Democrats hoping for a show of Democratic strength in an upset victory“]
• Nashville Scene 11/24/25: Cash Advantage for Behn Heading Into Dec. 2 Special Election [“...Recent supplementary disclosures also show a haul from PACs and special interests for Van Epps as he tries to make up a last-minute cash gap. A special disclosure filed Nov. 23 shows an additional $38,000 from donors like corporate tobacco company Reynolds American, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and additional groups within the Trump fundraising universe…“]

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – NJ 

• Jewish Insider 11/24/25: Two Republicans condemned by Jewish groups looking to make comebacks in Texas

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – IL 

• The Intercept 11/22/25: AIPAC Donors Back Real Estate Tycoon Who Opposed Gaza Ceasefire for Deep-Blue Chicago Seat – Progressive Rep. Danny Davis rejected AIPAC cash at the end of his career. Now the Israel lobby is coming for his seat.

Israel/AIPAC/etc in US elex/politics – MI 

• Mission Local 11/24/25: And then there were three: The race to succeed Nancy Pelosi takes shape [” They will also be facing issues that no San Francisco candidate has dealt with in decades, if ever. This is a federal election, so Israel policy is, finally, germane. But not just Israel policy: If you don’t know the candidates’ One China policy, expect to by June.“]

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

New FMEP Podcasts:

• 11/18/25: Jewish Institutions and Anti-Zionism, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Arielle Angel (editor-in-chief of Jewish Currents) and Alissa Wise, Founding Director of Rabbis for Ceasefire and co-author of Solidarity is the Political Version of Love: Lessons from Jewish Anti-Zionist Organizing (Haymarket, 2024), about Jewish navel-gazing, Jewish institutions, and growing the anti-Zionist movement.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Accountability

(ENFORCING IHRA DEFINITION IN US EDUCATION) HR 6186: Introduced 11/20/25 by Fine (R-FL) and no cosponsors, “To require public elementary schools, public secondary schools, and institutions of higher education to treat discrimination motivated by antisemitism in an identical manner to how such school or institution treats discrimination motivated by race, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Antisemitism in Education Act”. Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. NOTE: This bill would enact into law the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples, without mentioning the fact that the definition/examples it uses are the IHRA definition/examples.

(TARGETING SUPPORTERS OF PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) S. 3237 [bill text]: Introduced 11/20/25 by Budd (R-NC) and 8 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to consider, for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act, that officers, officials, representatives, spokespersons, and members of Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, and individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activities conducted by such organizations are engaged in terrorist activity.“ Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Budd’s press release makes crystal clear the intent behind the bill: Senator Budd Leads Colleagues in Effort to Ban Terrorist Sympathizers from the United States [Budd: “Ever since the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, we have seen a dramatic rise in pro-Hamas rhetoric across our country, including from international students here on visas. This needs to stop. Those seeking to come to the U.S., whether for school, work, or otherwise, and who publicly endorse Foreign Terrorist Organizations, must face consequences for their actions. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act will close ambiguous loopholes in our immigration law by prohibiting them from entering our borders.”]. Also see Budd’s X-post – “Sen. Ted Budd introduced a bill that would codify and expand the @StateDept’s practice of denying visas to foreign students who have voiced support for Hamas and other designated terror groups on social media, preventing them from crossing U.S. borders.”

(PUNISHING STATES THAT CARRY OUT INTL LAW – IE, NO TARGETING BIBI ALLOWED!!!!) S. 3273: Introduced 11/20/25 by Budd (R-NC) and no cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit awarding grants to States that arrest certain foreign officials in cooperation with the International Criminal Court, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. 

Saudi Arabia/Gulf

(GIVING PRIVILEGES/IMMUNITIES TO THE GCC) HR 6095: Introduced 11/18/25 by Lawler (R-NY), “To extend privileges and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Gulf Cooperation Council.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see Lawler press release – Lawler Introduces Legislation That Authorizes the Gulf Cooperation Council to Establish Mission in Washington, D.C.

Other

(SYRIA THREAT ASSESSMENT) HR 1327: Introduced 2/13/25 by Luttrell (R-TX) and having 3 cosponsors (2 Republicans, 2 Democrat), the “Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act.” Passed 11/19/25 in the House under suspension of the Rules.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 6230 [bill text]: Introduced 11/20/25 by Self (R-TX) and no cosponsors “To designate certain individuals as specially designated global terrorists.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means. Also see: Washington Stand 11/20/25: EXCLUSIVE: New Legislation Would Sanction Iranian Clerics Who Targeted Trump, Netanyahu

2. Letters

• (BEWARE EXPANDED MILITARY SUPPORT FOR/TIES WITH KSA!) 11/19/25: Krishnamoorthi, Courtney, and Norcross Warn Trump Administration Against Risks of F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Expanding Saudi–PRC Military Ties [letter text]
• (WEST BANK SETTLER VIOLENCE) 11/19/25: Rep. Dan Goldman and Sen. Cory Booker Urge President Trump to Take Action Against Escalating West Bank Settler Violence [letter text]. Also see Booker, Goldman urge Trump to pressure Israel to crack down on West Bank settler violence, settlement expansion (Jewish Insider 11/19/25); Booker, Goldman ask Trump to respond to ‘settler violence’ (Jewish News Syndicate 11/20/25)
• (OPPOSING TRUMP NOMINEE FOR ANTISEMITISM MONITOR) 11/18/25: On 11/18/25, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported: Democrats urge Senate to oppose Trump’s pick for antisemitism envoy ahead of confirmation hearing [letter text].
• (TRUMP ADMIN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN MIDDLE EAST) 11/18/25: Warren, Murphy Investigate Ethics Conflicts Related to Trump’s Envoy to the Middle East [letter text]
• (SAUDI HUMAN RIGHTS, NUKES, ETC) 11/18/25: Castro, Markey, Colleagues Urge U.S. to Apply Highest Nonproliferation Standards to Any Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia Amid Growing Human Rights, National Security Concerns [letter text]

3. Hearings & Markups

That UNSCR Putting Gaza Under US Authority, Tossing Out Intl Law

• Tlaib (D-MI) 11/18/25: X-post – “It’s a shameful day in history when the UN votes to continue the illegal and violent occupation of Palestine.”
• Cornyn (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “Maybe the U.N. isn’t as useless as it so often shows. The Security Council endorsed President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, ratifying for the first time the requirements that Hamas disarm and Gaza be demilitarized“
• McCaul (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “President Trump’s 20-point plan offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance at peace in the Middle East. I’m encouraged so many other nations agree & hope their endorsement will put more pressure on Hamas to disarm, end its oppression of the Palestinian people, & allow peace to prevail.“
• Barr (R-KY) 11/17/25: X-post – “President Trump is the President of Peace. His leadership has brought the world together to end the war in Gaza, protect Israel, and save lives. Well done Mr. President!”
• McCormick (R-PA) 11/17/25: X-post – “Congratulations to President Trump, @SecRubio, and @USAmbUN on this important achievement that solidifies U.S. leadership in the peace process, brings together key Arab and Muslim security partners, and creates economic recovery opportunities in Gaza. Under @POTUS’s leadership, the UN is finally playing a constructive role in resolving this intractable conflict.“
• Kaine (D-VA) 11/17/25: X-post – “I applaud the Trump Administration for gathering UN votes for a path toward Palestinian statehood. No sustainable peace without it.”
• Salazar (D-FL) 11/17/25: X-post – “President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, now endorsed by the U.N., shows what American leadership can achieve a safer, demilitarized, and self-governing Gaza. Thanks to the President’s leadership, this historic agreement finally opens a real window for lasting peace in the Middle East.“

Israeli Terrorism/Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide Contiue in Gaza, West Bank

• McGovern (D-MA) 11/20/25: X-post – “Today, on the International Day of the Child, I call on @netanyahu to release 16-year-old American Mohammed Ibrahim from detention. For 9 months, Mohammed has suffered illness, malnourishment & potentially torture—and his family is increasingly worried he may not survive. Israel must uphold its obligations under the Convention of the Rights of the Child and immediately move Mohammed to an appropriate medical facility, allow his family to visit, and let him come home!“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 11/17/25: X-post – “As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza goes on, extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank are attacking Palestinians with impunity, displacing them & disrupting the olive harvest. We must end our complicity. Opposing annexation isn’t enough, we must demand an end to the occupation.“
• McCollum (D-MN) 11/14/25: X-post – “These attacks on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank are appalling. The Israeli government must end the encroachment of settlers into Palestinian land and do much more to protect civilians who are simply trying to harvest olives as generations of Palestinians have before them.“
• Ramirez (D-IL) 11/14/25: X-post – “Enough is enough. We cannot continue to provide weapons to Israel. Congress must pass my Block the Bombs Act to take the first steps toward oversight and accountability. Congress must listen to Americans and end our government’s complicity in Netanyahu’s genocidal campaign.” Responding to Axios article, Israel seeks 20-year military aid deal with U.S. with “America First” tweaks

MBS-POTUS Love-Fest

• Lawler (R-NY) 11/20/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As Chair of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, I can tell you that Saudi Arabia is a critical partner in support of our national and economic security. If we’re going to combat the malign influence of Iran, China, and Russia over the long term, Saudi Arabia remains a key strategic partner to counter that.“
• Coons (D-DE) 11/20/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The relationship with Saudi Arabia is a business transaction. Trump gives the Saudis national security favors – access to our most sensitive technology and weapons – and the Saudis make Trump personally rich. It’s old school corruption. Being normalized in front of our eyes.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/19/25: The Trump-MBS Love Fest – Oligarchy and Authoritarianism Go Global; also see his X-posts – here, here
• Lee (D-PA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Corruption. Human rights abuses. Butchering an American journalist. There are so many things wrong with inviting MBS to the White House, let alone selling him weapons and throwing him parties. Looks like the billions invested from Saudi’s Public Investment Fund into the Trump family bought them a president“
• Clyburn (R-SC) 11/19/25: X-post – “$1T is about equal to Saudi Arabia’s annual GDP. This is what the Trump admin does: announce some massive, unworkable foreign investment—no details, no timeline. Foreign leaders know that Trump prioritizes talking points for himself over actual benefits for the American people.“
• Goldman (D-NY) 11/19/25: X-post – “In 2018, Trump believed Putin over the U.S. intelligence community. Yesterday, Trump credited MBS over the U.S. intelligence community. Our foreign policy cannot be for sale. Khashoggi’s murder must not be brushed off as “things happen” simply because he is willing to invest in America. We must maintain our values in our foreign policy.”
• Omar (D-MN) 11/19/25: Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Condemns Trump’s White House Embrace of Saudi Ruler Mohammed Bin Salman
• Vindman (D-VA) 11/19/25: Vindman Demands President Trump Release Transcript of 2019 Call with Mohammed bin Salman Following Murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Also see: Daily Beast 11/19/25: Secret Tape That Could Spin Trump Into Another Cover-Up Scandal. Also see Vindman’s X-posts: here, here, here, here, here, here, here
• Foster (D-IL) 11/19/25: X-post – “During Trump’s first term, the CIA concluded that Saudi Prince MBS ordered the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Apparently to Trump, that’s red carpet-worthy.“
• Lee (D-PA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Corruption. Human rights abuses. Butchering an American journalist. There are so many things wrong with inviting MBS to the White House, let alone selling him weapons and throwing him parties. Looks like the billions invested from Saudi’s Public Investment Fund into the Trump family bought them a president“
• Gonzales (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “From defense cooperation to economic endeavors—Saudi Arabia is a critical ally in the Middle East. President Trump has done an incredible job of bringing world leaders together to leverage partnerships and showcase America’s strength.“
• Whitehouse (D-RI) 11/19/25: X-post – “Trump: ‘Murders happen’” with link to Washington Post article, Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
• Cruz (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “The Abraham Accords are one of the most historic peace negotiations in decades. And I predict that within the next year, the Saudis will enter the Abraham Accords. Expanding the Accords to continue bringing together Arabs and Jews is historic.“
• Blackburn (R-NT) 11/19/25: X-post w/ video clip – “President @realDonaldTrump’s deal with Saudi Arabia can best be summed up with an acronym my mom used—TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More. Foreign leaders know working with President Trump leads to prosperity and peace.“
• Markey (D-MA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Saudi Prince MBS had Jamal Khashoggi killed and dismembered with a bone saw. Trump rewarded MBS with dinner at the White House and a defense deal for the Saudis. How about an MBS admission of guilt, consequences, and an apology to Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi?“
• Coons (D-DE) 11/19/25: X-post – “Trump has rolled out the red carpet for Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom has enriched his family in industry after industry. Trump promised to drain the swamp. Now, he’s swimming in it.“
• Walkinshaw (D-MA) 11/18/25: X-post – “Seven years ago, VA-11 resident & Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered by Saudi operatives with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s approval. Today, President Trump rolled out the red carpet for him and didn’t have the guts to raise human rights abuses. Disgusting.“
• Pallone (D-NJ) 11/18/25: X-post – “Saudi Arabia’s leader is being hosted by Trump to great fanfare for the first time in the seven years since he ordered hired thugs to dismember a Washington Post journalist with a bone saw. Why? Because he’s about to make Trump a whole lot richer. This administration is running one of the biggest corruption rackets in history.“
• Bell (D-MO) 11/18/25: X-post – “TLDR: President Trump is hosting a press conference with Saudi Prince MBS—who ordered the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi for reporting on Saudi Arabia. When a reporter asked about it, Trump said ‘you don’t have to embarrass our guest.’“
• Jacobs (D-CA) 11/18/25: X-post – “Any move to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia ignores years of civilian harm in Yemen and the need for real accountability. Transferring one of the world’s most advanced weapons systems without clear safeguards undermines U.S. values and puts more innocent lives at risk.“
• Norton (D-DC) 11/18/25: X-post – “Pres. Trump’s flyover honoring MBS, the man responsible for killing Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, offends me on three fronts: as a defender of freedom of the press, as DC’s member of Congress, and as co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus.“
• Doggett (D-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “Trump again rolls out the red carpet for another murderous foreign leader. As his family’s billion-dollar business deals flourish in Saudi Arabia, he defends MBS’ directed assassination, dismembering American resident Jamal Khashoggi, by saying: ‘Things happen.’ Trump rewards the Crown Prince’s human rights abuses with F-35 fighter jets.“
• McGovern (D-MA) 11/18/25: X-post – “Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist—a human being with thoughts and feelings and a family and a future. A Saudi prince didn’t like his viewpoint—so he had him brutally murdered and hacked to death. Anyone who can put that aside for polite dinner conversation is sick in the head.“
• Whitehouse (D-RI) 11/18/25: X-post – “He had WaPo columnist murdered and chopped up with bone saws. How will @PostOpinions editorial board respond?“
• Markey (D-MA) 11/18/25: X-post – “We can’t hand Saudi Arabia the keys to nuclear tech while ignoring its desire for nuclear weapons. I’m urging the Trump administration to insist on the ‘gold standard’ safeguards—enrichment bans and full inspections—before any deal.”
• Coons (D-DE) 11/18/25: X-post – “Things didn’t ‘happen’ to Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s own administration judged he was murdered by the Saudi government. Saudi Arabia is a critical security partner in the region, but that doesn’t mean whitewashing history.“
• Omar (D-MN) 11/18/25: Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Condemns Trump’s White House Embrace of Saudi Ruler Mohammed Bin Salman
• Kaine (D-VA) 11/18/25: Kaine Statement on Trump’s Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Refusal to Condemn Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
• Hoyer (D-MD) 11/18/25: Hoyer Statement Condemning Trump’s Comments on the Murder of Washington Post Columnist Jamal Khashoggi
• Shaheen (D-NH) 11/18/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on President Trump’s Meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman
• Blumenthal (D-CT) 11/17/25: X-post – “Trump’s suggested sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia has huge negatives for our national security—starting w/technology theft risks, no commitment to normalize relations w/Israel, potential hostile uses, balance of power shifts & more. Even Republicans owe it critical scrutiny.“
• Beyer (D-VA) 11/17/25: X-post – “No surprise Trump rolled out the red carpet for MBS. The Saudis invested billions in Trump family businesses, so giving Saudi Arabia our most advanced fighter aircraft and maybe a NATO-esque security guarantee is the least he could to pay them back. The corruption is endless.“
• Durbin (D-IL) 11/17/25: X-thread – “.@realDonaldTrump must make human rights central to the discussions with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince MBS during his visit to the White House tomorrow. A THREAD Here are just a few ideas: Release political prisoners like Waleed Abu al-Khair. Let Raif Badawi reunite with his family in Canada. Improve conditions and protections for vulnerable populations such as foreign workers and religious minorities.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 11/17/25: X-post – “Trump is welcoming MBS, the Saudi crown prince, to the White House. This is the dictator who had a U.S. columnist murdered for criticizing the Saudi royal family. Sadly, we have a president who prefers the Saudi model — an autocracy run by a trillionaire family — to democracy.“
• Markey (D-MA) 11/17/25: X-post – “Trump says he will sell our most advanced fighter jets to the Saudis, who US intelligence says killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Looks like Saudi Arabia’s billion-dollar business deals with the Trump family are paying off. This is outrageous.“
• Whitehouse (D-RI) 11/16/25: X-post – “No mention of the Saudi personal deal with Trump letting family pocket millions?“

Islamophobia & Unabashed Targeting of US Muslims by Texas Gov

NOTE: On 11/18/25, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has designated the Muslim Bortherhood and CAIR as “foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations.” Also this week, The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) released a new report, The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Entryism into Western Society: A Systematic Analysis — laying out, in effect, the theory that the Muslim Brotherhood is halfway through a 100-year plan to manipulate and influence the United States to carry our a “civilizational transformation strategy in North America,” largely via Muslim Americans strategically/cynically/quite effectively exercising their rights and seizing their opportunities as Americans to openly engage in American life and the American political process, in a manner that is entirely legally and closely resembles what every other community of Americans, including Jewish and pro-Israel Americans — do in terms of community organizing and engagement in U.S. politics — and similar too in terms of what members of those communities do as individuals, including working in public policy via choosing careers in public service and standing for public office, etc. (HOW. DARE. THEY.)]. Also, earlier this month, FDD published: Meet the Muslim Brotherhood – Working to reestablish the caliphate for almost a century; and WINEP published their own report 11/19/25: A More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood. Also see X-post 11/19/25 from Laura Loomer, “SCOOP. Admin source tells me that the plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization was a done deal 2 weeks ago, but it was killed off because the Qataris asked the Trump administration to release a senior Muslim Brotherhood terrorist from Egypt and ultimately decided it wouldn’t be good for Qatar for the US to designate the Muslim Brotherhood. This is outrageous and the truth is going to come out about this foreign lobby effort by the Qataris to endanger our national security.”

• Fine (R-FL) 11/20/25: X-post w/ video of full comments delivered in committee “Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided Jews on October 7, 2023. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar genocided the Druze in Syria on April 28, 2025. Muslims screaming Allahu Akbar are genociding Christians in Nigeria right now. How many more religions are we going to allow Muslims to kill while screaming Allahu Akbar before we do something about it?“
• Omar (D-MN) 11/19/25: X-post – “Greg Abbot called CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights organization, a “terrorist organization” and said Muslims are a “threat to our freedom.” The normalization of anti-Muslim hate speech is vile. This bigot should have no place in elected office.“
• Self (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post w/ video of floor speech – “This is a time for choosing. Either we defeat the Sharia advances in America, or government of the people, by the people, for the people may indeed perish from the earth.” Also see Self press release w/ full transcript of his rant – Congressman Keith Self Sounds Alarm on Existential Threat of Sharia in America During Fiery House Floor Speech
• Cruz (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “‘Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 earlier this year. Cruz described the bill as ‘a new modernized strategy for designating Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group.’ This is the sixth time the senator has attempted to introduce this bill – other times include in 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2024.’ | @keranews“
• Cruz (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “Excellent and important decision. The Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization. I’m committed to designating the Muslim Brotherhood at a federal level as well, and we have many paths to do so. I’ve introduced legislation that implements a new and modernized strategy, and I am pushing my colleagues to pass it expeditiously. The same thing could also be done by President Trump as an Executive Order. Getting this done is critical to the safety and security of Americans.“
• Fine (R-FL) 11/18/25: X-post – “Outstanding leadership. Muslim terror organizations like CAIR need to be shut down.“
• Self (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “I have co-sponsored legislation that labels the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations. Federal, state, and local entities must work together to protect America from Sharia dominance over Western culture.“
• Van Duyne (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “I have long fought against CAIR and Islamists in North Texas who are waging civilizational warfare against our state and nation. Just as I did as Mayor of Irving, every level of government must do everything in their power to stop the expansion of Islamists in our country. They want one thing and that is to get rid of the rest of us. No Sharia courts. No Islamist dominance of neighborhoods. Never let these people take root.”
• Roy (R-TX) 11/18/25: X-post – “MORE:” with link to 11/4/25 article in The Blaze, Exclusive: Chip Roy introduces bill to strip ‘absurd’ tax-exempt status from CAIR, other groups with terrorist ties
• Fine (R-TX) 11/14/25: X-post – “Islam is not compatible with Western values.”

Members Meetings with IDF pilots & with former hostages

• Franklin (R-FL) 11/20/25: X-post – “The MACH 1 Caucus met with Israeli Defense Force pilots yesterday to discuss their recent operations and our nations’ shared security priorities. As a former Naval Aviator, I have deep respect for those who strap into a cockpit to defend their country. Their dedication and skill highlight the importance of our partnership with Israel.”
• Pfluger (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “I had the privilege of meeting with pilots from the Israeli Defense Force this morning. Israel is the beacon of freedom in the Middle East, and these remarkable individuals are on the frontlines of protecting that. I admire their service and courage to defend their country against adversarial threats.“
• Pallone (D-NJ) 11/19/25: X-post – “Heard Avinatan Or’s inspiring story of survival at an event tonight with Israeli civilians who were taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific October 7th, 2023 attacks. I’m happy that the hostages are home.“
• McGovern (D-MA) 11/19/25: X-post – “Today, I heard from Israeli and Palestinian citizens about their efforts to co-create a safe, just, and shared future for their people. The U.S. government must be a partner in those efforts—not a yes-man to Netanyahu’s attempts to sabotage them. Only by insisting that Israel uphold its human rights obligations can we guarantee its long-term security.“
• Sherman (D-CA) 11/19/25: X-post – “For two years, many others and I fought tirelessly to bring every last hostage home. Not for politics — but for real people who were being tortured, starved, and abused by Hamas. Today, I met with some of the hostages who are now free because for two years we did not give up on this fight. Seeing them reunited with their families is a reminder of why this mission mattered. I’m endlessly grateful they can begin their lives again.“
• Ellzey (R-TX) 11/19/25: X-post – “I got to kick off my morning by visiting with pilots from the Israeli Defense Force. I congratulated them on their successful strikes against Iran using the U.S. built F-35 and thanked them, as well as the people of Ukraine, for their courage in defending their nations against existential threats. America is stronger when our allies are strong.”

Other stuff

• Cornyn (R-TX) 11/20/25: op-ed in Dallas News – Antisemitism’s rise is intolerable [“In the wake of Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel two years ago, college campuses have become hotbeds for hate, synagogues have become canvases for vandalism, and Jewish Americans have become targets for ridicule, prejudice, and physical harm. Of course, it is natural to feel sympathy towards the suffering of innocent Palestinians trapped in Israel’s war against Hamas, but we cannot forget that the responsibility rests with the terrorists themselves, who use Palestinians as human shields.”]
• Budd (R-NC) 11/17/25: X-post – “UNRWA must not play any role in efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza. Glad to join @SenRicketts & my colleagues to encourage the U.S. to work with vetted partners committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 11/16/25: X-post – “Disappointed by this statement from @LebArmyOfficial. The LAF are a strategic partner, and — as I discussed with the CHOD in August — Israel has given Lebanon a real opportunity to free itself from Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists. Instead of seizing that opportunity and working together to disarm Hezbollah, the CHOD is shamefully directing blame at Israel.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/15/25: X-post – “The Turkish government has a long record of hostility toward Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus — and maintains ties to Hamas terrorists. I remain deeply skeptical of Turkey’s intentions, reliability in ensuring peace, and potential role in Syria’s stabilization.“
• Doggett (D-TX) 11/14/25: X-post – “Sudan has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis with over two years of ethnic killings, rape, and mass displacement. Weapons supplied by the UAE and other outside forces sustain atrocities as the Trump Administration does nothing.“

MBS-POTUS Lovefest

• Reuters 11/19/25: Saudi crown prince hosted at friendlier US Congress
• Jewish Insider 11/19/25: Lawmakers from both parties meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman [“House Speaker Mike Johnson said MBS ‘wowed’ members of Congress and praised his ‘sense of humor’“]
• Jewish Insider 11/19/25: Democrats raise concerns about Trump’s sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia [“Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): ‘There are very serious, potential negative impacts on our national security and they include changing the qualitative edge for Israel’“]
• Jewish Insider 11/18/25: House Republicans largely supportive of F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia [“Several Democrats expressed a more skeptical view on the deal”]
• Punchbowl News 11/18/25: MBS cancels Senate meeting but still on for House 

Other

• Jewish Insider 11/21/25: Syria sanctions repeal on track to pass in 2026 defense bill
• Jerusalem Post 11/19/25: Former Gaza hostages travel to DC to meet with Congress, Trump [“The Lobby for the Return of Abductees and Captives will host a cohort of freed hostages who traveled to Washington DC.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 11/20/25: Fetterman, Terrell awarded for pro-Israel advocacy
• Jewish Insider 11/19/25: Blumenthal, Kelly alarmed by IRGC seizure of tanker in the Strait of Hormuz [“The Senate Democrats said the Iranian moves were indicative of Iran’s broader continued malign activity“]
• B’tselem 11/18/25: X-post – “Yesterday congresswoman @RepRashida and our Executive Director, Yuli Novak, and Field Research Director, Kareem Jubran, discussed how can accountability be effectively ensured for our genocide, while the international community allowed this to happen.”
• B’tselem 11/18/25: X-post – “In a meeting with senators @ChrisVanHollen, @SenPeterWelch our Executive Director, Yuli Novak, and Field Research Director, Kareem Jubran, talked about the genocide that Israel committed in the Gaza Strip and the unchecked Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank. We also discussed the importance of accountability and ways to advance human rights for all people living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea“
• B’tselem 11/18/25: X-post – “In our conversations today with Senator @SenJeffMerkley, our Executive Director, Yuli Novak, and Field Research Director, Kareem Jubran discussed the accountability that decision-makers and political leaders must face for the genocide in the Gaza Strip“
• Jewish Insider 11/14/25: N.J. teachers’ union fires editor after Jewish officials express concern over antisemitic posts [“Upon being fired, Ayat Oraby pushed back on condemnation by Rep. Josh Gottheimer over her post comparing Israel to Nazi Germany”]