FMEP Legislative Round-Up March 20, 2026

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:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(DISAPPROVAL OF US ARMS SALES TO ISRAEL): on 3/19/26, Sanders (I-VT) and 3 Democratic cosponsors – Van Hollen (D-MD), Merkley (D-OR) and Welch (D-VT) – introduced 3 resolutions disapproving of arms sales to Israel, all of which were referred to the Foreign Relations Committee:

  • S. J. Res. 136: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed licensing of certain defense articles and services to Israel.
  • S. J. Res. 137: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.
  • S. J. Res. 138: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.

Also see:

(REMOVE US FORCES FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 118: Introduced 3/5/26 by Booker (D-NJ) and 5 Democratic cosponsors, “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.” On 3/18/26, a motion to discharge S. J. Res. 118 from the Committee on Foreign Relations (to bring it to the floor for consideration – a procedural vote that in this case can be viewed as a vote on the underlying resolution) was defeated by a vote of 47-53, with all Republicans except for Paul (R-KY) voting “no,” and all Democrats except for Fetterman (D-PA) voting “yes.”

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 1422: Introduced 2/18/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and having 295 cosponsors, “To impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in significant transactions related or incidental to the processing, refining, export, transfer or sale of oil, condensates, or other petroleum or petrochemical products in whole or in part from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Brought to the House floor 3/16/26 under suspension of the rules and passed by a Voice Vote. Also see: AIPAC 3/16/26 X-post – “AIPAC applauds the House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act (H.R. 1422) with broad support. As American servicemembers courageously operate alongside our ally Israel to confront the Iranian regime, Congress is making clear that we must toughen our economic tools against Iran and China’s purchases of Iranian oil. We thank @RepMikeLawler (R-NY) and @CongresswomanSC (D-FL) for leading this bipartisan effort and the 296 total House members who cosponsored the legislation. The House passing this bill reflects overwhelming bipartisan resolve to cut off the financial lifelines that fuel Iran’s aggression against American servicemembers, our allies, and U.S. interests. We urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation as quickly as possible to ensure the United States maintains every available economic tool to counter the Iranian regime.”

(BANNING BETTING ON WAR/DEATHS/ETC) HR 7942 // S. 4035 [bill text]: Introduced in the House 3/16/26 by Levin (D-CA), and in the Senate 3/10/26 by Schiff (D-CA), “A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit the listing of contracts relating to war, death, and similar activities.” Also see: Schiff press release – Sen. Schiff Introduces Legislation to Explicitly Ban Death and War Prediction Contracts

(BANNING PREDICTION MARKET BETTING ON WAR/ASSASSINATIONS ETC) HR 7955 // S. 4115 [bill text]: Introduced 3/17/26 in the House by Casar (D-TX) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, and in the Senate by Murphy (D-CT) and Hickenlooper (D-CO), the “‘Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions Act” aka the “BETS OFF Act,” aka, “To prohibit any person from placing, accepting, or facilitating the placement or acceptance of a wager regarding a specified event, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committees on the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Financial Services; and to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Also see:

  • Casar (D-TX) 3/17/26: X-post w/ video clip – “A single secret account made $500,000 off of betting precisely right when Trump would go to war with Iran. We have a corruption crisis in America, and new prediction markets are making it worse. Today, @ChrisMurphyCT and I introduced a bill to crack down on this corruption.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 3/17/26: X-post – “The day before the Iran War, a flurry of big prediction market bets were placed – likely from Trump staff – that the war would start the next day. That’s outrageous, and today @RepCasar and I introduced legislation to ban these corrupt prediction markets.“
  • Murphy (D-CT) 3/16/26: X-post – “We need to end prediction markets for government action. NOW. This bone chilling story about a reporter’s life threatened bc he simply reported on Iran missile strikes: ‘After you make us lose $900,000 we will invest no less than that to finish you.‘” Commenting on Times of Israel article, Gamblers trying to win a bet on Polymarket are vowing to kill me if I don’t rewrite an Iran missile story [“Bettors are using death threats to try to get The Times of Israel’s military correspondent to change his report on a missile impact in central Israel. This is his alarming account“]

(STRIPPING US CITIZENSHIP FROM ANYONE FOR ALLEGED SUPPORT FOR AN FTO) HR 7958: Introduced 3/17/26 by Harrigan (R-NC), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to deem specified activities in support of terrorism as renunciation of United States nationality,” aka the “Expatriate Terrorist Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: 

  • On 3/13/26 Cruz (R-TX) posted on X: “Yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Virginia and Michigan were both committed by Islamist radicals who were naturalized citizens. Terrorists and their supporters have no place in the United States, and denaturalizing and deporting them will save lives. Next week I’ll introduce a modernized version of my Expatriate Terrorist Act from 2017. I began pushing this policy during my first term in the Senate. It will enable the U.S. government to revoke the citizenship of foreigners who’ve committed or support terrorism.”  The referenced bill is S. 361, introduced by Cruz on 2/13/17. On 3/13/26, Harrigan (R-NC) re-posted Cruz’s post, adding: “I’m leading this charge in the House and I’m proud to be working alongside SenTedCruz to get it done. When you come to this country, earn citizenship, and then turn around and commit or support terrorism against the very people who welcomed you, you have forfeited your right to be here.”
  • Back in 2014, when this bill was first introduced (S. 2779), the ACLU laid out its objections —  Specifically, the ACLU noted: “The bill would strip U.S. citizenship from Americans who have not been convicted of any crimes, but who are suspected of being involved with designated foreign terrorist organization.  S. 2779 is dangerous because it would attempt to dilute the rights and privileges of citizenship, one of the core principles of the Constitution.” The ACLU continues: “…the bill would treat suspected provision of material assistance as an act that affirmatively renounces one’s American citizenship. Thus, unlike treason or conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government, this provision would not require a prior conviction. It would only require an administrative finding by an unspecified government official that an American is suspected of providing material assistance to a designated foreign terrorist organization with the intention of relinquishing his or her citizenship. This provision would violate Americans’ constitutional right to due process, including by depriving them of citizenship based on secret evidence, and without the right to a jury trial and accompanying protections enshrined in the Fifth and Sixth Amendments. In sum, the bill turns the whole notion of due process on its head. Government officials do not have the power to strip citizenship from American citizens who never renounced their citizenship and were never convicted of a crime. Second, the material assistance provision suffers from the same constitutional flaws that plague other material support laws, and goes far beyond what the Supreme Court has held is constitutionally permissible when First and Fourth Amendments rights are at stake…“
  • As of this writing, text of the bill is not online, so it is not known what Cruz has done to “modernize” the bill. Given current political climate — in which viewpoints and activism are increasingly labeled or equated with terrorism and support for terrorism, and or accused of “aligning with” foreign terrorist organizations — it is fair to say that “modernizing” has an ominous ring to it.

(STRIPPING US CITIZENSHIP FROM ANY NATURALIZED CITIZEN FOR ALLEGED SUPPORT FOR TERROR) S.4105 [bill text]: Introduced 3/17/26 by Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to include any felony conviction as a ground for revocation of naturalization, to strike the 5-year limitation on the revocation of naturalization for membership in certain totalitarian or treasonous organizations, and to eliminate the 10-year statute of limitation for certain criminal penalties that would disqualify a person from naturalization.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Per Cotton’s press release, the bill would “Ensure any naturalized citizen who is a member or affiliated with a terrorist organization, at any point after receiving citizenship, is subject to having his or her citizenship revoked.”

(BARRING U.S. ENTRY TO PEOPLE FROM OR WHO HAVE LIVED IN TARGETED COUNTRIES) HR 7964: Introduced 3/17/26 by Ogles (R-TN) and 3 Republican cosponsors, the “Halt Immigration from Countries with Inadequate Verification Capabilities Act” (HICIVA),” aka,”To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission of aliens from certain countries where the United States cannot reliably verify the identities or backgrounds of individuals seeking entry, building upon the framework established by Presidential Proclamation 9645 and upheld by the Supreme Court in Trump v. Hawaii, 585 U.S. ___ (2018), and for other purposes.” No bill text is available as of this writing, but per Fox News, the bill, “targets Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. The bill describes those countries as regions ‘where the government or prevailing conditions do not allow for reliable verification of the identities, backgrounds, or intentions’ for travelers looking to enter the U.S. The ban would also apply to individuals who have lived in the listed countries in the five years before the date of their attempted entry.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. 

(PUTTING LIMITS ON DEPARTMENT OF WAR’S USE OF AI) S. 4113:  Introduced 3/17/26 by Slotkin (D-MI), “A bill to provide for limitations on the use of artificial intelligence by Department of Defense.” Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Also see: press release – Slotkin Legislation Puts Common-sense Guardrails on DOD AI Use Around Lethal Force, Spying on Americans and Nuclear Weapons 

Media related to other legislation:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

March 18, 2026: The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held an OPEN hearing entitled, Worldwide Threats. Witnesses were: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (statement); CIA Director John L. Ratcliffe; FBI Director Kash Patel; Acting Commander, U.S. Cyber Command; Performing Duties of Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service U.S. Cyber Command; NSA/CSS William J. Hartman; and DIA Director James H. Adams III.

March 18, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a closed/classified (TS/SCI) briefing, Update on the Current Situation in the Middle East. The briefers were Don Blome, senior official in the Department of State/Bureau of Intelligence and Research; and Steve Galpern, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Analysis in the Department of State/Bureau of Intelligence and Research.

March 20, 2026: The House Appropriations Committee held a an Oversight Field Hearing – Accountability and Reform at the United Nations [hearing video]. The sole scheduled witness was U.S. Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations Michael Waltz. Also see: press release – Diaz-Balart Remarks at Oversight Field Hearing on Accountability and Reform at the United Nations

4. Selected Members on the Record

REMINDER: At some point earlier this month X appears to have killed the feature that allowed me to (relatively) easily track what members of Congress are saying using keyword searches of X lists (after previously killing the functionality that permitted me to conduct this tracking via a script). AS A RESULT: if you want track what members of Congress are saying about Israel/Palestine/Iran/etc on X, you – like me – are now obliged to track 535 accounts individually. Which I don’t have the capacity to do. Meaning that this section of the Round-Up will henceforth be a lot thinner, comprised of press releases posted on members’ website and statements on the Congressional Record, as well as odds and ends of statements on X that I have come across. 

ALSO REMINDER: It is simply beyond the capacity of the Round-Up to track [let alone document] what every member of the House and Senate is saying about the US/Israel war with Iran. To see what a specific member has said, check their websites and social media accounts.

Israel/AIPAC & US politics/elex

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 3/20/26: X-post – “The only attacks are coming from the millions of dollars of donor money you wasted against Biss and the lies you’re telling about us. Sorry you couldn’t buy this election!” Responding to AIPAC X-post – “Where Jayapal & Casar make the case to demonize and discriminate against pro-Israel Americans. Millions of AIPAC members are Democrats who will not be silenced. Is there any other group of Democrats being singled out and attacked for their beliefs, or just the pro-Israel ones?“
  • Casar (D-TX) 3/20/26: X-post – “You guys just blew $7 million in Trump donor money telling lies like this one, and you still lost to progressive Daniel Biss. Keep it up!” Responding to AIPAC X-post – “Where Jayapal & Casar make the case to demonize and discriminate against pro-Israel Americans. Millions of AIPAC members are Democrats who will not be silenced. Is there any other group of Democrats being singled out and attacked for their beliefs, or just the pro-Israel ones?“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 3/19/26: Meeks Calls out Trump Admin for Again Abusing Emergency Authorities to Bypass Congress on Arms Sales
  • Jayapal (D-WI) 3/18/26: “The problem isn’t just AIPAC – it’s a system that lets any special interest pour unlimited cash into our elections and hide it from voters. That has to end. Get dark money out of our elections NOW.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/18/26: X-post – “Then why @AIPAC do none of your commercials mention Israel? Or being pro-Israel? Or even get purchased under your name instead of a fake LLC? Sure seems like something is fishy… Keep your Trump donor money and quit spending it in Democratic primaries.” Responding to AIPAC X-post, “This isn’t a hard equation, David: The overwhelming majority of pro-Israel candidates are winning. + The overwhelming majority of anti-Israel candidates are losing. = Being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics.” That post was a response to an X-post from David Hogg, “Always remember no matter how many times AIPAC says being pro Israel is good politics not one of their ads they spent 22 million on in Illinois mentions Israel a single time and their reputation is so toxic they had to spend that money through shell pacs and bundling.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/18/26: X-post – “Or one could say that a former member of Congress, who represented part of that area, got elected again. Gee that story is a lot less exciting and doesn’t cover for AIPAC’s giant losses elsewhere.” Responding to Jewish Insider post, “My new analysis @J_Insider: “AIPAC shows staying power in Illinois Democratic primaries” ‘Reports of the demise of AIPAC’s political clout in Democratic primaries, it turned out, were greatly exaggerated.’“
  • Casar (D-TX) 3/18/26: X-post – “After AIPAC spent $6 million trying to defeat him, progressive @DanielBiss just won his primary in Chicago. Congratulations to our newest Progressive Caucus member and his supporters on this hard fought victory over big money.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 3/17/26: X-post – “I was proud to stand with @BernieSanders & endorse candidates who stood against war, against big money, and for justice. I lost twice before I won, including an anti-Iraq war campaign, and Bernie lost 4 times before he won. In the long run, principles matter.” Responding to AIPAC X-post – “Being endorsed by @BernieSanders, @RoKhanna, @justicedems and @sunrisemvmt was a kiss of death in Illinois. Democratic voters rejected their extreme anti-Israel candidates, instead choosing mainstream candidates. AIPAC is proud to help defeat six would-be Squad members tonight!“
  • Casar (D-TX) 3/17/26: X-post – “If you care about the future of Democratic Party, you should be watching today’s elections in Illinois. AIPAC spent $22 million to try to punish candidates who stand up for human rights. We have to get big money out of politics.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 3/17/26: X-post – “AIPAC is spending $22 million in Illinois on Democratic primaries. AIPAC and other Republican super PACs should not be allowed to spend millions using shell PACs to support Israel’s genocidal apartheid regime.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) v. AIPAC & the ADL on X, 3/17/26: CAP’s Patrick Gaspard posted, in response to a post by a Jewish Insider journalist about the ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt attacking Rep. Khanna (D-CA) and Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD), “This nonsense is no longer going to fly. Every Democrat should denounce this and defend ⁦@ChrisVanHollen ⁩ and ⁦ @RoKhanna ⁩ – two public servants with integrity who have always repudiated hate while defending the rights of all.” Khanna responded, “Facts don’t matter to Greenblatt. He is a Trump apologist who attacked Obama’s nuclear deal, defends Elon, and is basically a shill for the Trump Administration and Netanyahu. Sad to see. He has zero respect among any House Democrats anymore.” AIPAC responded: “Facts like you using a clip of an antisemite in a video you posted OR you applauding a group that is trying to drive pro-Israel Democrats out of politics OR you sitting with a podcaster who says Zionists are neo-Nazis OR you speaking at a conference where they laughed at 10/7?” Khanna responded, “When will @aipac & @ADL be merging? Greenblatt you’ve sucked up enough to Trump you can probably get the merger approved in this Administration.”
  • Massie (R-KY) 3/17/26: X-post – “AIPAC should be required to register as an agent of a foreign government under FARA, because even U.S. citizens are meant to be subject to FARA. AIPAC and closely associated entities have spent over $6 million to influence my election….“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/16/26: X-post – “AIPAC is spending millions in Democratic primaries to smear critics of Netanyahu’s genocidal policies. It’s time to kick AIPAC and other billionaire-funded super PACs out of Democratic primaries.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 3/16/26: X-post – “I don’t follow the polls. As a Democrat, I unapologetically stand on the side of moral clarity and our ally Israel.” Commenting on headline, Support for Israel Among Democrats Has Plummeted More Than 50% Since October 7 Attacks: New Poll
  • Khanna (D-CA) 3/15/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I was a proud early endorser of @KatAbughazaleh when no one gave her a shot. Now she can win. @MarkRuffalo is right — we must do everything to help her overcome millions in Super PAC funding and send her to Congress.” Commenting on post w/ Mark Ruffalo video, “Mark Ruffalo endorses Kat Abughazaleh for IL-09 ‘Don’t let AIPAC buy our politicians. Vote for Kat. Vote for a politician who will be working for you, not a foreign entity who drags us into wars and cares nothing for the American people’“

Israel/US vs. Iran & Lebanon

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 3/19/26: X-post – “I know this Ramadan was incredibly hard for our families, especially those with family in Lebanon and Palestine. Even among all the pain and suffering, I hope this Eid is filled with hope as we continue to keep showing up, speaking out, and caring for our communities.“
  • Lee (D-PA) 3/19/26: X-post – “Our tax dollars are paying for bombs dropped on civilians from Gaza to Iran to Lebanon, and we’re supposed to just sit back and watch full homes blown up on social media. It’s sickening. No more weapons to Israel or bombs sent abroad, period.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 3/18/26: X-post – “As we approach the celebration of Eid, thousands of our families with relatives in Lebanon are struggling right now. This year’s Eid feels different for us. I know many have lost loved ones and watched the Israeli apartheid regime bomb their grandparents’ homes and uproot entire neighborhoods.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/18/26: X-post – “As we focus on Iran and Lebanon, let’s not forget what’s happening in the West Bank. In one year, more than 36,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced and 240 were killed. There were over 1,700 attacks by Israeli settlers. We must end U.S. military aid to Netanyahu.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 3/18/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I am praying for the many families in the 12th District with loved ones in Lebanon as the Israeli apartheid regime bombs cities and forcibly displaces entire neighborhoods. We must put an immediate end to this ethnic cleansing and destructive regional war.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/17/26: X-post – “Joseph Kent, a top counterterrorism official under Trump, just resigned. Kent and I don’t agree on much, but he is right: ‘Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.'”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 3/17/26: X-post – “Joe Kent resigning and immediately pivoting to blaming Israel for everything is as predictable as it is unserious. Scapegoating Israel isn’t just a tired antisemitic trope – it’s anti-American. This is a guy with ties to white supremacists and has ‘PANZER’ tattooed on his arm, referring to a Nazi tank infamously used in crimes against Jews. Kent’s reduction of Iran to “Israel’s fault” isn’t leadership, it’s bigoted deflection.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 3/17/26: X-post – “As a Democrat, I’m deeply proud to stand with Israel through the horror of 10/07. I’m deeply proud of our military and what they’ve accomplished in Epic Fury. Picking country over party is never wrong.” Linked to headline, Fetterman condemned by Carville for supporting Iran war, says he’s always on wrong side of issues
  • Khanna (D-CA) 3/17/26: X-post – “The American people deserve to know why this Administration dragged us into war in Iran. @joekent16jan19 should come before Congress. If even officials like Joe Kent do not believe Iran posed an imminent threat, why are we sending more Americans to die in this war?”
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/17/26: “Just spoke to @POTUS about our European allies’ unwillingness to provide assets to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning, which benefits Europe far more than America. I have never heard him so angry in my life. I share that anger given what’s at stake. The arrogance of our allies to suggest that Iran with a nuclear weapon is of little concern and that military action to stop the ayatollah from acquiring a nuclear bomb is our problem not theirs is beyond offensive. The European approach to containing the ayatollah’s nuclear ambitions have proven to be a miserable failure. The repercussions of providing little assistance to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning are going to be wide and deep for Europe and America. I consider myself very forward-leaning on supporting alliances, however at a time of real testing like this, it makes me second guess the value of these alliances. I am certain I am not the only senator who feels this way.“
  • Beyer (D-VA) 3/16/26: X-post – “The disastrous chain of reckless escalations beginning with the US-Israeli war of choice against Iran, followed by Hezbollah’s tragic decision to join the war looks to be culminating in another Israeli ground invasion in Lebanon. Lebanese civilians are paying the ultimate price for tragic mistakes out of their control, with hundreds killed and nearly one million already displaced from their homes. A broader, regional war engulfing all of Lebanon is in no one’s interests. The US must prioritize mediation efforts and strengthening the ability of the Lebanese state to keep its people safe.“
  • Murphy (D-CT) 3/26/26: X-post w/ links & video clips – “Trump’s illegal attack on Iran has set off regional war. The latest – Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon. 800 are already dead. 1/ Tonight, I want to walk you thru a thread on how devastating this new war could be, and how Trump’s blunder set it in motion. 2/ Iran’s terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, operates out of Lebanon. Fierce fighting between Israel and Hezbollah broke out after the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. It lasted for a year until a ceasefire in November 2024. Trump inherited this ceasefire. 3/ But Trump inherited something else good: a new Lebanese government – the most competent in decades – that was open to confronting Hezbollah. And this was the only real, long term solution – the Lebanese government taking full control of the country. 4/ But Trump threw it away with his attack on Iran. It was totally foreseeable that Iran would activate Hezbollah. Hezbollah started sending rockets into Israel. And the hardline Israeli government’s reaction – total war with Lebanon – was foreseeable too. 5/ But just like in Gaza, Israel risks throwing caution to the wind in a massive new invasion of southern Lebanon. We are going to do [to Lebanon] what we did in Gaza,” a senior Israeli official said. Tens of thousands could die. 6/ Israel needs to defend itself from Hezbollah rocket attacks. But a full ground invasion, modelled after Gaza, would likely be a strategic and humanitarian disaster. There are better options. This could be Trump’s legacy: a second Gaza. 7/ The Strait of Hormuz is closed. Gas prices are spiking. Missiles rain down on Iran’s neighbors. Iraq and Syria are teetering. And now war between Israel and Lebanon that will kill thousands and displace hundreds of thousands. All the result of Trump’s incompetence.“

Palestinian Lives/rights matter!

  • Ramirez (D-IL) 3/16/26: X-post – “The genocide of Palestinians has not ended. Israeli soldiers just murdered Ali and Waed Odeh and two of their children, while wounding their other two children. Congress can’t turn a blind eye to the horrors happening to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. We must hold the Israeli government accountable. That starts by passing Block the Bombs. Not one more dollar, not one more excuse.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 3/13/26 X-post w/ video clip – “Last month another American was killed in the West Bank, the 9th in just over 4 years. Israeli settler violence is out of control but the Trump Admin, like the Biden Admin before it, hasn’t gotten justice for any of these killings. Rubio & Huckabee: DO YOUR DAMN JOBS!“
  • Jacobs (D-CA) 3/13/26; X-post – “Hind Rajab was a brave and beautiful five-year-old Palestinian girl who was reportedly killed by the IDF in Gaza. In her memory, Senator Welch and I are fighting for accountability for her death and all the civilian harm in Gaza.“

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest/Academia critical of Israel/Zionism; Weaponization of Claims of Antisemitism

  • McConnell (R-KY) 3/17/26: X-post – “Joe Kent testified before the Senate one year ago that Iran and its terror proxies threatened U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East. He said it would be an honor to return to the fight against terrorism, and he pledged to lead with integrity and accountability. The virulent anti-Semitism of his resignation letter makes it clear that Mr. Kent is incapable of upholding these pledges, and those who mistake its baseless and incendiary conspiracies for brave truth-telling are only fooling themselves. Isolationists and anti-Semites have no place in either party, and certainly do not deserve places of trust in our government.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 3/17/26: X-post – “I am relieved that Leqaa Kordia has been released from ICE’s custody and is finally free. This should never have happened. Thank you to all in NJ who stood up for Leqaa. Because of you, she is now able to be reunited with her family.“
  • House Committee on Education and the Workforce (GOP) 3/17/26 X-post: “BREAKING !! the Committee just released a bombshell report on the spread of antisemitism on American college campuses. The report found that weak leadership, radical faculty, activist student groups, and foreign funding are to blame. Read the report“. Also see: press release – Education & Workforce Committee Releases Bombshell Report on Antisemitism in Higher Ed [almost entirely framed in terms that conflate criticism of Israel/Zionism and advocacy for Palestinian live/rights with antisemitism]; text of report; text of 818-page appendix. Also see X-post from HCE&W Chair Walberg (R-MI) 3/17/26: “Antisemitism continues to spread like wildfire at schools across the nation. Let the release of this report serve as an important reminder: if university leaders forget their legal responsibility to address discrimination of any form on campus, my colleagues and I will remind them.” NOTE: The Committee followed this with a multi-day flurry of X-posts promoting the report – examples: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here. Also see:  House Republicans 3/18/26: X-post – “Antisemitism on campus isn’t an accident. It’s what happens when those in charge stay silent and extremists take over — backed by radical professors, foreign funding, and activist groups. Universities across the country are FAILING Jewish students and faculty. Jewish students deserve to feel SAFE. Everywhere.” Also, cue the THANK YOU! WE LOVE & ENDORSE THIS! X-post from the ADL.
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 3/13/26: X-post – “Today marks a year of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian activist, being unlawfully detained by the Trump Administration in an inhumane ICE prison for exercising her first amendment right. Her crime? Speaking out against genocide. Her release is long overdue! Let’s pass my Melt ICE Act and end detention.“

Islamophobia

  • Tuberville (R-AL) 3/16/26: X-post – “The Quran calls on Muslims to wage ‘jihad’ or holy war against nonbelievers. WAKE UP. They want EVERY SINGLE freedom-loving Christian and Jew DEAD. I will not back down.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

  • New Jersey Globe 3/13/26: Pro-Way group’s ad blitz was funded by AIPAC donors [“80% of DLGA’s fundraising during NJ-11 special came from donors who have also given to pro-Israel groups“] NOTE: Illustrating what it looks like to conflate “AIPAC” with all Jewish people (conflation that, if committed by someone critical of AIPAC or Israel would spark howls of “ANTISEMITISM!!!!”) the Executive Editor of Jewish Insider commented on this article on X, “‘AIPAC donors’ are American citizens who have the same right as any other American citizen to donate to the candidates and PACs they feel best support their interests. It would have been easier for the NJ Globe to just write ‘Jews.'”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Colorado

  • Jewish Insider 3/19/26: Colorado far left mobilizes against John Hickenlooper, Diana DeGette [“Gonzales is a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America…she’s made criticism of Israel a centerpiece of her bid, accusing Israel of genocide, supporting an arms embargo and vowing, ‘I will never vote to send U.S. taxpayer dollars to Israel. Especially when communities here at home are being told there’s no money for schools or healthcare.’…Another lesser-known candidate in the Senate, University of Colorado Professor Karen Breslin, is, like Gonzales and Kiros, endorsed by the extreme anti-Israel group Track AIPAC…”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Arizona

US/Israel War on Iran & Lebanon

Islamophobia

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest/Academia re: Palestinian lives/rights

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:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(JUSTICE FOR HIND RAJAB) HR 7903 // S. 4905 [bill text]: Introduced 3/12/26 in the Senate by Welch (D-VT) and Van Hollen (D-MD), and in the House by Jacobs (D-CA), Castro (D-TX) and Jayapal (D-WA), the “Justice for Hind Rajab Act“, aka, “To call for accountability for the killing of innocent civilians, including 5-year-old Hind Rajab and two paramedics, in an attack in Gaza City on January 29, 2024, by Israel Defense Forces, to require the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the attack, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary; and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Also see: press release – Welch, Jacobs Introduce Bicameral Bill Demanding Accountability for Hind Rajab, Palestinian Child Killed by Israeli Forces; one-pager on the bill; U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Hind Rajab Accountability Bill (Exclusive) (The Hollywood Reporter 3/12/26)

(REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 123: Introduced 3/10/26 by Duckworth (D-IL) and 5 Democratic cosponsors, “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.

(US PERSONNEL WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE WORKING ON IRAN SHOULD NOT BE DOING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT DURING US WAR ON IRAN!)  S. Res. 638: Introduced 3/11/26 by Gallego (D-AZ), “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the law enforcement agents and other personnel of the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, who have been temporarily engaging in civil immigration enforcement operations, should be returned to their primary missions during periods of active hostility with Iran.”  Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (All Actions)

(POLISARIO BETTER NOT COOPERATE WITH IRAN-LINKED ORG!) S. 4063: Introduced 3/11/26 by Cruz (R-TX) and 2 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to impose sanctions on the Polisario Front if it cooperates with an Iranian-affiliated terrorist organization.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(CENSURING REP. ANDY OGLES) H. Res. 1113: Introduced 3/12/26 by Thanedar (D-MI), “Censuring Representative Andrew Ogles and Removing Him from the House Committee on Homeland Security.” Referred to the House Committee on Ethics. Also see: press release – Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Resolution to Censure Andy Ogles for his Hateful Bigotry

Media related to legislation previously covered in the Round-Up:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

March 12, 2026: The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing entitled, Transparency and Trust: Exposing Malign Foreign Influence in Higher Education [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Peter Wood, National Association of Scholars (statement – includes sections on “Ideological Capture through Middle East Studies Centers” and “The “Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions” (BDS) Movement and Campus Networks” and “Iranian Government Connections in Academia”); Craig Singleton, FDD (statement); and Robert Daly, Asia Society (statement).

March 20, 2026: The House Appropriations Committee will hold a an Oversight Field Hearing – Accountability and Reform at the United Nations. The sole scheduled witness (as of this writing) is U.S. Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations Michael Waltz.

4. Selected Members on the Record

REMINDER: At some point last week X appears to have killed the feature that allowed me to (relatively) easily track what members of Congress are saying using keyword searches of X lists (after previously killing the functionality that permitted me to conduct this tracking via a script). AS A RESULT: if you want track what members of Congress are saying about Israel/Palestine/Iran/etc on X, you – like me – are now obliged to track 535 accounts individually. Which I don’t have the capacity to do. Meaning that this section of the Round-Up will henceforth be a lot thinner, comprised of press releases posted on members’ website and statements on the Congressional Record, as well as odds and ends of statements on X that I have come across. 

ALSO REMINDER: It is simply beyond the capacity of the Round-Up to track [let alone document] what every member of the House and Senate is saying about the US/Israel war with Iran. To see what a specific member has said, check their websites and social media accounts.

Israel/AIPAC/Etc

  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/12/26: X-post – “Friends don’t let friends vote @AIPAC. (Or any other name they use to make you think a candidate’s not purchased by @AIPAC)“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/12/26: X-post – “Hey @AIPAC, any comment on Israel dropping the charges of soldiers who sexually assaulted a Palestinian detainee? Silence is complicity. That was f**cking sick.“
  • Omar (D-MN) 3/12/26: X-post – “Just so that we are clear, Israel drops criminal charges on five Israeli soldiers who were caught on camera sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee. But Israel will keep kids in prison for decades because they were throwing rocks? Make it make sense“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 3/12/26: X-post – “Just as they did in Gaza, Israeli troops are killing women and children and displacing thousands in Lebanon. Congress must act to end our complicity in the start of another endless war. Congress must pass a War Power Resolution and my Block the Bombs Act to save lives, and hold Netanyahu and Trump accountable.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 3/12/26: X-post – “@jkirchick does a hit piece on me for standing up to the Epstein Class. His real beef with me has been that I have called what happened in Gaza a genocide. I welcome the hatred of Netanyahu apologists.” Responding to Washington Post op-ed, How Ro Khanna turned a sex trafficking scandal into a campaign stunt
  • DeLuzio (D-PA) 3/11/26: Deluzio Statement on Cosponsoring H.R. 3565, the “Block the Bombs” Act
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/11/26: X-post – “I was just informed that the Spanish government has permanently recalled their ambassador to Israel. This is hard for me to absorb. Spain is a member of NATO, and the United States and Israel are in joint operations against the Iranian regime who openly calls for the destruction of the Jewish State, attacks against the West, and seeks to purify Islam in its own image. The religious Nazi regime in Iran is the problem, not the Jewish State. I hope Spain’s actions will not encourage the tyrannical, fanatical regime in Iran — that abuses its own people — to hang on. Time will tell.”

Islamophobia [just a brief selection – in most cases the members doubled down repeatedly in response to push-back)

  • Tuberville (R-AL) 3/12/26: X-post – “The enemy is inside the gates.” Posted as a comment on a post showing pictures side-by-side the the World Trade Center burning on 9/11 and New York City Mayor Mamdani.
  • Fine (R-FL) 3/12/26: “We need more Islamophobia, not less. Fear of Islam is rational.“
  • Ogles (R-TN) 3/9/26: X-post – “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/8/26: X-post – “Our allies in Israel have shown amazing capability when it comes to collapsing the murderous regime in Iran. America is most appreciative. However, there will be a day soon that the Iranian people will be in charge of their own fate, not the murderous ayatollah’s regime. In that regard, please be cautious about what targets you select. Our goal is to liberate the Iranian people in a fashion that does not cripple their chance to start a new and better life when this regime collapses. The oil economy of Iran will be essential to that endeavor.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/7/26: X-post – “Unfortunately, @AIPAC’s cheerleading of Netanyahu and Trump’s attack on Iran continues to hurt the reputation of Israel and the United States across the world. Killing Palestinian kids isn’t enough. Now it’s ok to kill Iranian kids. Pro Netanyahu. Pro killing kids. AIPAC.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 3/7/26: X-post – “These comments are not only wrong, but they are dangerous and will feed more antisemitism in our country. Is it really worth throwing Jews under the bus to advance your political ambitions?” Responding to Politico article, Newsom likens Israel to ‘apartheid state,’ questions future military support
  • Meeks (D-NY) 3/6/26: Meeks Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Invoke the Arms Export Control Act’s Emergency Authority to Send Weapons to Israel
  • Also see – Members’ videos in support of Israel, posted — with thanks — by AIPAC): Haley (D-MI), Pappas (D-NH), Jack (R-GA), West (D-MO)

Other stuff

  • Warren (D-MA) 3/12/26: At Hearing, Warren Slams State Department and DoD’s Failure To Evacuate Americans From Middle East (at hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee)
  • Warren (D-MA) 3/12/26: ICYMI: CBO Director Confirms The Cost of Trump’s War in Iran Could Cover Health Care for Millions of Americans (at hearing of the Senate Finance Committee)
  • Mace (R-SC) 3/12/26: Rep. Nancy Mace Brings Stranded South Carolina Family Home From Iran Conflict, Helps Evacuate 155 More Americans
  • Cotton (R-AR) 3/10/26: X-post – “We do not share a political movement with anyone who traffics in antisemitism, promotes Liz Warren’s economic policies, or promotes Rashida Tlaib’s foreign policy.“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 3/10/26: X-post – “‘Zionist thugs’ is codeword for ‘Jews.'” Commenting on X-post by Carrie Prejean Boller, “I can’t wait for you all to see my sit down interview with the one and only @TuckerCarlson. Your courage to defend me against the Zionist thugs is honorable. Thank you Tucker“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 3/10/26: Speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition Symposium on Antisemitism [worth reading in full; sample of the flavor of the speech: “There’s a reason antisemitism is called the ancient hatred. It’s been with us always, sadly it will probably always be with us whether it’s spouted by the likes of Father Coughlin, Adolf Hitler, Louis Farrakhan, Ilhan Omar.“
  • Strickland (D-WA) 3/10/26: Marilyn Strickland Sounds Alarm On Low Number Of U.S. Missile Interceptors Amid Strikes On Iran
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/9/26: X-post – “The American Embassy is being evacuated in Riyadh because of sustained attacks by Iran against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is my understanding the Kingdom refuses to use their capable military as a part of an effort to end the barbaric and terrorist Iranian regime who has terrorized the region and killed 7 Americans. Question – why should America do a defense agreement with a country like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is unwilling to join a fight of mutual interest? Americans are dying and the U.S. is spending billions to dislodge the terrorist Iranian regime that threatens the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia seems to be issuing statements and doing things in the background that are marginally helpful, but unwilling to participate in military operations to end the reign of terror coming out of Iran. Hopefully Gulf Cooperation Council countries will get more involved as this fight is in their backyard. If you are not willing to use your military now, when are you willing to use it? Hopefully this changes soon. If not, consequences will follow.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nebraska

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida

  • Center for Strategic Politics 3/10/26: FL-23 Democratic Primary Poll (Feb/Mar) – also see X-thread on the poll: “NEW POLL of Democratic primary voters in FL-23 | Oliver Larkin leads incumbent Jared Moskowitz 49-36 after positive bios | 63% of voters want to end or reduce military aid to Israel | Voters oppose strikes on Iran by a 50-point margin…On the issues, Moskowitz is severely out of step with FL-23 voters. *63%* of Democratic voters support reducing military aid to Israel, with 30% supporting a full cessation of aid. And while Jared Moskowitz has signaled support for the war on Iran, FL-23 Democrats oppose military strikes by a 50-point margin.“

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Kentucky

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Iran

Islamophobia

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. Bills & Resolutions

US/Israel War with Iran

  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 104: Introduced 1/29/26 by Kaine (D-VA) and 27 cosponsors [24 Democrats plus Sanders (I-VT) 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.” Defeated in the Senate 3/4/26 by a vote of 47-5 [the vote was on a motion to discharge the resolution from the Committee on Foreign Relations]. All Democrats except for Fetterman (D-PA) voted in favor; all Republicans except for Paul (R-KY) voted against. Also see: Senate rejects bid to restrain Trump’s war in Iran (Axios 3/4/26); Senate defeats resolution to halt Iran war, largely along party lines (Jewish Insider 3/4/26); Senate Republicans Block War Powers Limits as Mideast Crisis Widens (New York Times 3/4/26); War Powers resolution fails in Senate as Democrats scramble to figure out position on Iran war (Mondoweiss 3/5/26). NOTE: Pretty much every senator made some kind of statement regarding his/her vote on S. J. Res. 104 – check websites and social media accounts to see what a specific senator said.
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) H. Con. Res. 38: Introduced 6/17/25 by Massie (R-KY) and having 94 cosponsors (all Democrats), “Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.“ Brought to the House floor 3/4/26; the Chair declared the measure defeated by a Voice Vote. After a roll call vote was demanding, the measure was defeated by a vote of 212-219, thanks to 4 Democrats voting “no” [Democrats voting NO were: Cuellar (D-TX), Golden (D-ME), Landsman (D-OH), and Vargas (D-CA); Republicans voting YES were: Massie (R-KY) and Davidson (R-OH)]. The Arab Center Washington’s Yousef Munayyer commented on the vote on X: “This tells you the outcome was managed by AIPAC Shakur Jeffries. Allowing exactly the amount of Dems needed to defeat this is the tell. Dems will pose as if they worked to stop this in most races but in reality it is staged.” NOTE: Pretty much every House member made some kind of statement regarding H. Con. Res. 38 – check websites and social media accounts to see what a specific member said. Also see: statement from Rep. Moskowitz (D-FL), explaining why, after hearing from Trump Admin briefers, he changed his mind about voting NO on this resolution, and decided to vote YES; and Gottheimer (D-NJ) statement on his “YES” vote, stating that there will be a vote on his resolution (H. Con. Res. 75 – below) the week of March 26. HFAC Ranking member Meeks (D-NY) also announced that “he would force a vote on his own Iran War Powers Resolution introduced last year if President Trump’s war of choice continues past 60 days.” Also see: House narrowly defeats war powers resolution to end operations in Iran (Jewish Insider 3/5/26); House defeats Iran war powers resolution as Democrats wrestle with Israel (The Forward 3/5/26)
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM IRAN WAR, BUT NOT UNTIL YOU’VE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO FIRST WAGE THE WAR YOU WANT TO WAGE) H. Con. Res. 75: Introduced 3/4/36 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and 8 Democratic cosponsors, “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Gottheimer press release 3/3/26 — DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE NEW WAR POWERS RESOLUTION [“President Has Thirty Days to Present Case for Extended Aggression to Congress, American People; No Ground Troops Without Explicit Congressional Approval; Congress, Relevant Committees Must be Regularly Briefed During Thirty-Day Period“]; Also see: House Iran War Powers Resolution Could Lose Support to Competing Bill by Pro-Israel Democrat [“The Senate version already failed, with Fetterman once again casting the only Democratic vote against imposing restrictions on Trump’s Iran war.”] (The Intercept 3/4/26); Moderate House Democrats pitch alternative war powers resolution on Iran (Jewish Insider 3/3/26); House Dems tells Trump to convince Congress soon or end war in Iran (Jewish News Syndicate 3/4/26).
  • (IRAN = TERRORISM) H. Res. 1099: Introduced 3/4/26 by Mast (R-FL) and two Republican cosponsors, “Reaffirming Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism” [in essence, a resolution making the case for why the Trump Administration attacked Iran]. Brought to the floor immediately (3/4/26) under suspension of the rules, passed by a vote of 372-53. Also see: Why did 53 Democrats vote against describing Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism? (Jewish Insider 3/5/26)
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 114: Introduced 3/5/26 by Baldwin (D-WI), “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.
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN)  S. J. Res. 115: Introduced 3/5/26 by Murphy (D-CT) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “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 red to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 116: Introduced 3/5/26 by Murphy (D-CT) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “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.
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 117: Introduced 3/5/26 by Schiff (D-CA) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “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.
  • (REMOVE U.S. FROM UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN) S. J. Res. 118: Introduced 3/5/26 by Booker (D-NJ) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “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.

Other stuff

  • (CONDEMNING SETTLER TERRORISM, SETTLEMENT EXPANSION, ETC) H. Res. 1092:  Introduced 3/2/26 by Khanna (D-CA), “Condemning Israeli settlement expansion, settler violence, and related human rights abuses in the West Bank, and calling for accountability and specific United States policy responses to deter further violations and protect the viability of a negotiated two-State solution.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Exclusive: Ro Khanna to introduce sweeping resolution condemning Israeli settlements, settler violence (Middle East Eye 2/26/26)
  • (TARGETING US 501c3 SECTOR) HR 7799 [bill text]: Introduced 3/4/26 by Moran (R-TX), “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that 501(c)(3) organizations are liable for the use of funding provided as a fiscal sponsor,” aka the “Stop Proxy Organizations Nurturing Subversive Operations and Riots (SPONSOR) Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. NOTE: this is the House version of S. 3942, covered in last week’s Round-Up. This week Cruz (R-TX), lead sponsor of S. 3942, issued a press release laying out the explicit intent behind the legislation.

Media related to legislation previously covered in the Round-Up:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

March 5, 2026: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing, entitled, Advancing National Security through Public Diplomacy (hearing vide0). The sole witness was Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers (statement). Also see: Meeks (D-NY) opening statement;

March 3, 2026: The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing (part open/part closed), entitled, To receive an update on the National Defense Strategy (hearing vide0). The sole witness was Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge A. Colby (statement). Also see:

March 3, 2026: The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled, Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (hearing video). The sole witness was Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (statement). Also see:

4. Selected Members on the Record

NOTE: At some point this week X appears to have killed the feature that allowed me to (relatively) easily track what members of Congress are saying using keyword searches of X lists (after previously killing the functionality that permitted me to conduct this tracking via a script). AS A RESULT: if you want track what members of Congress are saying about Israel/Palestine/Iran/etc on X, you – like me – are now obliged to track 535 accounts individually. Which I don’t have the capacity to do. Meaning that this section of the Round-Up will henceforth be a lot thinner, comprised of press releases posted on members’ website and statements on the Congressional Record, as well as odds and ends of statements on X that I have come across. 

ALSO NOTE: It is simply beyond the capacity of the Round-Up to track [let alone document] what every member of the House and Senate is saying about the US/Israel war with Iran. To see what a specific member has said, check their websites and social media accounts.

Israel/Palestine

  • Graham (R-SC) 3/5/26: X-post – “Anyone who claims that Israel is an apartheid state has drunk the Far Left Kool-Aid and has no idea what they are talking about. This kind of irresponsible rhetoric is music to the ears of the Iranian regime, Hezbollah, Hamas and all other radical Islamic terrorists.   This is slander of the Jewish people and demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the dynamic Israel faces.   So much for Gavin Newsom being considered more mainstream as a potential nominee for the Democrat party in 2028.   Any would-be candidate that repeats this slanderous rhetoric is completely unqualified to be commander in chief.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 3/4/26: X-post – “Dismissing Jewish organizations as a “Zionist lobby” and pledging to boycott engagement with them is offensive and dangerous.  With antisemitism on the rise, we must protect the Jewish community. Hate and divisive rhetoric have no place in our country.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/1/26: X-post – “Israel must reopen access to aid groups. If not, Netanyahu must be arrested immediately. He continues war crimes.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Arizona

Iran

Other stuff

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. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDITIONS ON MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL) HR 7645 [bill text]: Introduced 2/23/26 by Casten (D-IL) and 25 Democratic cosponsors, “To prohibit the use of United States-origin defense articles in the West Bank and Gaza unless certain conditions are met, and for other purposes,” aka the “Ceasefire Compliance Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see from Casten: press release; section-by-section explanation; two-page summary; X-thread. Also see:

(TARGETING THE GOVT OF IRAN) HR 7622: Introduced 2/20/26 by Lawler (R-NY) and 6 bipartisan cosponsors, “To support human rights and internet freedom in Iran and hold the Iranian regime accountable for the repression of the Iranian people.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and  the Committee on Financial Services. Also see: Bipartisan House legislation aims to break through communications restrictions in Iran (Jewish News Syndicate 2/24/26)

(TARGETING THE GOVT OF IRAN) S. 3900: Introduced 2/24/26 by McCormick (R-PA) and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to promote human rights, internet freedom and accountability in Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Rosen, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Internet Access for Iranian Civilians and Combat Iran’s Human Rights Abuses

(VOTE ON IRAN MILITARY ACTION) Some developments this week:

(TARGETING US 501c3 SECTOR) S. 3942: Introduced 2/26/26 by Cruz (R-TX) and Budd (R-NC), “A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that 501(c)(3) organizations are liable for the use of funding provided as a fiscal sponsor.” Referred to the Committee on Finance.

(DOUBLING DOWN ON REALLY IDIOTIC, MANUFACTURED ISLAMOPHOBIC BS) HR 7611: Introduced 2/20/26 by Fine (R-FL) and 12 Republican cosponsors, the “Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act.” [REMINDER: There is not a single Muslim country in the world that as a matter of policy or law targets dogs or bans people from keeping them as pets in their homes.] Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see: Fine X-post w/ video clip – “BREAKING: I have introduced the Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act. This legislation does the following: – Bans funding for any city or state that says you can’t own a dog. – Ensures American citizens have the right to own a dog. We’re not going to let Mainstream Islamists tell us that we’re not allowed to have dogs.”

——————–

Legislation-related media:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

 

4. Selected Members on the Record

IRAN WAR IN THE AIR

Many, many members posted online this week about Iran – pro-war, anti-war, and using possible US military attack as hook to make political points about other issues. Check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what they’re saying. Also see this handy resource compiled by the Center for International Policy: LAWMAKER STATEMENTS OPPOSING AN UNAUTHORIZED ATTACK ON IRAN [if anyone has seen a compilation of pro-war statements by lawmakers, please send it to me so I can link it here, too].

Another American Killed by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/23/26: X-post – “The Israeli apartheid regime and its settler gangs have murdered yet another U.S. citizen in the West Bank, and our government does absolutely nothing. Justice for Nasrallah Abu Siyam. Killings like this will keep happening until we stop funding genocide and apartheid.“
  • Evans (D-PA) 2/22/26: X-post – “I send my condolences to the family of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a U.S. citizen born in Philadelphia, and I call for an independent investigation into this tragedy.” Linked to BBC article, Family of Palestinian-American man killed in West Bank demand accountability
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/21/26: X-post – “Another Palestinian American murdered by Israeli settlers. Nasrallah Abu Siyam deserves justice.    Everyone in Congress must stop turning a blind eye to the horrors happening to Palestinians, including American citizens, due to Israel-sanctioned settler violence. We must hold the Israeli government accountable. Not one more dollar, not one more excuse. Let’s start by passing Block the Bombs.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 2/20/26: X-post – “The death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old American citizen from our region, is a tragedy and there must be an independent investigation into this incident.“

Huckabee, Tucker, Greater Israel, Etc.

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/25/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Amb Huckabee made headlines for saying it’d be ‘fine’ if Israel took over the West Bank & all the land he says God gave Israel 3,500 yrs ago. Last year, I asked him if Palestinians living there would have equal political & legal rights. See for yourself his inability to answer.“
  • Stutzman (R-IN) 2/23/25: X-post – “.@TuckerCarlson made wild false accusations in his interview with @GovMikeHuckabee, and showed very little respect for our great Ambassador. I’ve lost all respect for him“
  • Levin (D-CA) 2/22/26: X-post – “Let’s call this what it is: stealing BILLIONS from the American people. $10 BILLION of taxpayer money. No Congressional approval. No explanation. Just Trump writing checks at yet another building he took over and renamed after himself.” Linked to Washington Post article, Trump vows $10 billion contribution to his own Board of Peace
  • Stutzman (R-IN) 2/21/26: X-post – “I used to respect @TuckerCarlson but after watching his interview of @GovMikeHuckabee I am appalled. Tucker gave ample platform and time to Nick Fuentes to share his anti-Semitic vitriol, but constantly interrupted, was impatient, disingenuous, argumentative and disrespectful to Huckabee. Ambassador Huckabee was nothing but gracious and kind. Carlson suggesting all ‘Jews’ do a DNA test in order to live in Israel is repulsive and smacks of ignorance regarding the oldest faith practice in the world combined with the worst kind of exclusionary prejudice and elitism. @TuckerCarlson is intentionally divisive with an obvious anti-modern Israel agenda when it comes to the Bible, Christianity and the deep roots of America‘s friendship with the Jewish people.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/21/26: X-post – “Thank you @GovMikeHuckabee for your humiliating takedown of @TuckerCarlson last night. You got him to state that he believes Jews should have to get DNA tests to prove they are Jewish and that he cares so little for his own daughters that he would not kill Muslim terrorists in order to save them from rape and murder. I believe this interview will be seen as the moment where Tuckerian Groyperism “jumped the shark.” Thank you for being a spiritual successor to the Righteous Among the Nations.”

Targeting Palestinians & Those Who Defends Their Lives/Rights

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 2/26/26; X-post – “Francesca Albanese is a raging antisemite and a Hamas sympathizer. Her position at the UN is compatible with the UN’s deep and broad bias against Israel. She rightly earned those sanctions and is better fit for Hamas’ PR department.” With pic of AP headline, Family of UN human rights investigator sues Trump administration over sanctions for Israel criticism
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 2/26/26: X-post – “I commend President @DanielNoboaOk’s decision to withdraw from the anti-Israel committee, reinforcing Ecuador’s commitment to principled leadership and strengthening U.S.–Ecuador defense and security cooperation.”
  • Salazar (R-FL) 2/25/26: X-post – “I applaud Ecuador’s decision to withdraw from the UN’s CEIRPP, a committee that for decades has served as a platform for anti-Israel propaganda. It has distorted the conflict and hindered serious efforts toward a real and lasting peace. Last November, I wrote to President @DanielNoboaOk urging Ecuador to oppose the resolution. Today, Ecuador shows leadership and moral clarity. The UN should not be in the business of institutionalizing bias.“
  • Sheehy (R-MT) 2/25/26: X-post – “The Hamas Caucus was a national embarrassment last night. Jeering at the memory of Israeli hostages and families being slaughtered. Defending illegal immigrant murderers as their victim’s family stood in the gallery. I can’t imagine the pain Jacqueline Medina felt watching lawmakers refuse to acknowledge the death of her daughter. And, of course, great warriors like Eric Slover being disrespected. This may not have been the tone of all the Democrats last night, but it sure was the behavior of these two terrorist sympathizers.” With pic of Reps. Omar (D-MN) and Tlaib (D-MI) at the State of the Union.
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/23/26: X-post – “This is Leqaa’s second Ramadan in a cage. Why? They didn’t like her advocacy for Palestinian human rights. Her mother is a US Citizen and her daughter Leqaa was recently hospitalized. Where is the outrage?“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/20/26: X-post – “Right now, there are thousands of Palestinians in Israeli prisons being held without charge. Now the Israeli government wants to administer capital punishment to those denied both their freedom and due process. Whether through bombs, displacement, famine, or the death penalty, Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians. Congress can assert its authority and end its complicity in these horrors. Not one more dollar. Not one more excuse. Not one more bomb.“

AIPAC/Israel in US Elex

  • Bilirakis (R-FL) 2/27/26: X-post – “This week, I had the meaningful opportunity to meet with constituents from across the Tampa Bay region who shared their heartfelt and unwavering belief that the United States must continue to stand firmly and proudly alongside Israel. They spoke with clarity and conviction about the importance of the U.S.–Israel alliance – a partnership grounded in shared democratic values, mutual security interests, and decades of strong cooperation. It was important for them to ensure their voices were heard and that America’s commitment to our ally remains resolute. I am always grateful to engage in thoughtful dialogue with members of our community who care deeply about America’s role on the global stage and the strength of our enduring alliances.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/25/26: X-post – “Thank you to AIPAC for coming in for a great conversation on U.S.–Israel defense relations and the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act — a bipartisan effort to stand with the Iranian people in their fight for human rights, democracy, and basic freedoms, while holding the Islamic Republic accountable for decades of repression.“
  • Barr (R-KY) 2/25/26: X-post – “It was terrific to catch up with Dr. @yechielleiter, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, to reaffirm the United States alliance with the State of Israel and deter aggression from Iran, and its terrorist proxies. @IsraelinUSA“
  • Cuellar (D-TX) 2/25/26: X-post – “This week, I met with @AIPAC members, alongside my Defense Fellow, Fady Antoon, to discuss evolving security challenges in the Middle East, U.S.–Israel security assistance and defense cooperation, and concerns surrounding Iran’s destabilizing activities and nuclear ambitions. We had a thoughtful conversation about current developments and what they mean for U.S. interests abroad. I appreciate the opportunity to hear these important perspectives and to discuss how Congress can continue advancing policies that keep our nation safe.“
  • Finstad (R-MN) 2/25/26: X-post – “Great to meet with leaders from @AIPAC to discuss the evolving security landscape in the Middle East and the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how critical our security partnerships are and will continue working to strengthen cooperation with our ally Israel and advance policies that keep America safe.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 2/24/26: X-post – “Corporate super PACs are trying to buy the 2026 elections. AIPAC: $96 million AI: $150 million Crypto: $193 million This is not democracy. It’s oligarchy. We must end Citizens United and establish public financing of elections.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) v. AIPAC 2/23/26 – 2/25/26: Khanna X-post w/ video clip – “Today, I’m calling on the DNC to release the full 2024 autopsy report. We need to deal with the hard truths about the genocide in Gaza.” AIPAC response –  “.@RoKhanna isn’t seeking facts — he’s seeking cover to repeat a modern blood libel.” Khanna response – “You guys still around?” AIPAC response – “Always will be. You demonize. We unite. You destroy. We build. You lie. We rise.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) vs. David Frum, with comment from CIP’s Dylan Williams  2/24/26: Khanna X-post (responding to AIPAC) – ” “You guys still around?” Frum‘s response – “A question that has been repeatedly asked in dozens of now forgotten languages over the past 3,000 years.” Williams‘ comment: “Equating the antidemocratic warmongers at AIPAC with the Jewish people is antisemitic, dude.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 2/24/26: X-post – “Proudly welcomed @AIPAC and a survivor of the Bondi Beach massacre—a living reminder of the global scourge of antisemitism. My voice and vote will always stand with and support the global Jewish community and our special ally.”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/24/26: X-post – “Great discussion this morning with my colleague @SenJackyRosen at @AIPAC’s Congressional Summit. I stand unequivocally with our ally Israel and support a strong diplomatic approach toward countries in the Middle East—especially in light of ongoing tensions with the Iranian regime and its support for regional terror proxies that threaten stability and lasting peace around the world.“
  • Ciscomani (R-AZ) 2/24/26: X-post – “Thank you @AIPAC for the important update on the threats facing the USA and Israel as a result of Iran and its funding of international terror organizations. Supporting the people of Iran and putting pressure on the government is key to regional stability.“
  • Garbarino (R-NY) 2/24/26: X-post – “I was glad to meet with leaders in town for the annual @AIPAC Policy Conference. We discussed preventing Hamas and Hezbollah from regaining strength, unrest in Iran, and the disturbing rise of antisemitism here at home. The Jewish community must always know we stand with them, both here on Long Island and across the country.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 2/23/26: X-post – “Now more than ever, we need Members of Congress who will say: “No, I won’t take your dark money. No, I won’t take your AI money. No, I won’t take your AIPAC money. Because I answer to the people, not the oligarchs.” @JunaidForUs is that type of leader.“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 2/20/26: X-post – “It was an honor to speak at the Judeo-Christian Zionist Leaders Congress in Nashville this week. The bonds of alliance between the United States and our friends in Israel remain stronger than ever.“

Praising Trump at SOTU for Bringing Peace to the Middle East!

  • Van Epps (R-TN) 2/24/26: X-post – “The state of our union is stronger, more prosperous, and more respected than ever before because President @realDonaldTrump’s leadership. Tonight’s #SOTU address should be incredible! From the creation and expansion of the Abraham Accords and getting every single hostage back from Hamas to taking decisive action against the Iranian regime, @realDonaldTrump is the most pro-Israel president in history. #SOTU2026“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 2/24/26: X-post – “Getting all the hostages returned home from Gaza was a great accomplishment for the Administration.“
  • Johnson (R-LA) 2/24/26: X-post – “I am honored and grateful to host an incredible group of guests for President Trump’s State of the Union Address. Here’s who will be joining tonight…On May 21, 2025, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were murdered on the streets of Washington, D.C. These two young diplomats of the Israeli Embassy, devoted to the cause of peace and to one another, had their futures stolen in a violent act of antisemitism. Yaron’s brother, Hanan Lischinsky, has shown remarkable courage in shedding light on the extremism that took his brother’s life. I am honored to invite him as my guest for President Trump’s State of the Union address…”
  • LaLota (R-NY) 2/24/26: X-post – “Israel has shown the world what resilience looks like. We must continue to stand by our greatest ally in the Middle East. By confronting threats and leading with strength, America can maintain the stability that President Trump helped advance across the region.“
  • Dean (R-PA) 2/24/26: X-post – “The hostages are all finally home. Now is the time for peace — for Israelis and Palestinians. President Trump — I urge you to stay committed to long-term stability in Israel and Gaza.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 2/24/26: X-post – “President Trump is the President of Peace, from Operation Midnight Hammer to a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.”
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 2/24/26: X-post – “Grateful to President @realDonaldTrump for having secured the release of the 20 living Israeli hostages after two excruciating years marked by depravity, horror, and unimaginable pain in Hamas terrorist captivity. We honor the lives lost and continue to pray for every grieving family.“
  • Salazar (R-FL) 2/24/26: X-post – “Thank you @POTUS for finally ending the nightmare for the Israeli hostages and their families, and getting them ALL back. By restoring American strength, we’ve seen 8 global conflicts ENDED. The President’s diplomatic negotiations have saved thousands of lives, and changed the course of history. America is strong again!“

UAE  & Saudi Arabia

  • Warren (D-MA) 2/26/26: X-post w/video clip – “Trump’s own bank regulator is reviewing the Trump family’s application to form a crypto bank. A company tied to the UAE’s top spy is a co-owner. The public deserves transparency, so I asked to see the unredacted application. Here’s his response:”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 2/24/26: X-post – “The UAE secretly paid Trump $187 million. Money in his pocket personally. And then Trump overrode decades of national security objections to selling Nvidia chips to UAE because we feared UAE would send the chips to China. Corruption has consequences.“
  • Sherman (D-CA) 2/24/26: press release – Congressman Brad Sherman Sounds Alarm on Potential Saudi Nuclear Deal; Moves to Require Tough Safeguards
  • Sherman (D-CA) 2/24/26: X-post – “At today’s @HouseForeign I made clear: any U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear deal must meet the strongest safeguards, or risk a nuclear-armed Saudi. That’s why I’m reintroducing the Sherman-Rubio ‘No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act’ which I introduced with then-Sen. Rubio in 2018.“

Islamophobia Inc. & Pushback

  • Self (R-TX) 2/24/26: X-post – “Qatar has joined the U.S. led Pax Silica initiative — State Department’s flagship effort on AI and supply chain security. But Texans still deserve answers about Saudi and Qatari funding tied to Islamization efforts in our state. Economic alignment doesn’t cancel out legitimate security concerns about Sharia in our nation.“
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 2/22/26: X-post – “We CANNOT allow the United States to become the “United Caliphate of America.” SHARIA LAW HAS NO PLACE HERE.“
  • Magaziner (D-RI) 2/21/26: X-post – “Rep. Randy Fine’s insults toward Muslims are abhorrent. I, along with all 21 members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, stand to condemn this Islamophobic rhetoric, which has no place in Congress or anywhere else.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/21/26: X-post w/ video clip – “There are 57 other countries in the world where you can go be Sharia compliant and not have a dog. It’s my job to ensure that America does not become the 58th country.” FACT CHECK: No Muslim country on earth bans dogs as pets.
  • Gill (R-TX) 2/20/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Importing people from unassimilable cultures is idiotic and suicidal.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine

  • Jewish Insider 2/26/26: Graham Platner boosts antisemitic conspiracy theorist online [NOTE: Platner did not boost antisemitic conspiracy theory; he quote-posted a post (accompanied by a video clip of Trump’s SOTU address) reading: “War with Iran is the only thing Republicans and Democrats have both given a standing ovation for”. For folks who don’t use X, it is worth noting that X’s algorithm pushes–for its own reasons–posts to users from accounts that the users don’t follow. Platner, for the record, follows a grand total of 9 accounts; the person who posted the (non-offensive) post Platner quote-posted is NOT among those Platner follows. Meaning that the explanation given by Platner’s spokesperson, that he quote-posted it without knowing anything about the poster, is not merely plausible but is the most obvious explanation. The fact that Platner deleted the post immediately after learning that the poster is problematic .]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Iran

Saudi Arabia & Gulf

Rep. Fine (R-FL) Makes Headlines for Islamophobic Post

Other stuff

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. Bills & Resolutions

None.

——————–

Legislation-related media:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

 

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/Palestine & related

  • Hagerty (R-TN) 2/20/26: X-post – “It was an honor to speak at the Judeo-Christian Zionist Leaders Congress in Nashville this week. The bonds of alliance between the United States and our friends in Israel remain stronger than ever.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/20/26: Middle East Eye X-post w/ video clip – “‘Just flatten it. We flattened Berlin. We flattened Tokyo.’ In an interview with Sky News Arabia, US Senator Lindsey Graham defended Israel’s genocide in Gaza, comparing the actions used by the US and its allies during World War II“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/19/26: X-post – “Congratulations, @AIPAC. You’ve fully devolved into a liability to the people you endorse. Toxic. Was covering for the barbaric behavior of Netanyahu worth it?“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/16/26: X-post – “Thank you, my friend. Foreign Minister @gidonsaar is a good man who loves Israel and the United States. He is doing great work for the people of Israel.” Responding to a 2/26/26 post by Israeli Foreign Minister Saar: “Senator @LindseyGrahamSC is one of the most influential American senators and also one of Israel’s greatest friends in the US and around the world. It’s always good to meet with him, and so it was during his current visit to Israel. Lindsey possesses a clear geopolitical vision, alongside a distinct moral dimension regarding our region and beyond. We’ll continue working together to strengthen the interests of Israel, and our ally, the United States.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/16/26: X-post – “Promising.” Commenting on 2/15/26 New York Post article, Syrians warm up to US and Israel under new regime, poll finds
  • Welch (D-VT) 2/15/26: X-post – “Even though he’s in this country legally, the Trump Administration is still attempting to deport Mahmoud Khalil because of his activism against the war in Gaza. Like Mahmoud, we must keep fighting to protect free speech in America.“
  • Balint (D-VT) 2/15/26: X-post – “I was grateful to reconnect with Mahmoud Khalil last week as he continues to fight for his 1st amendment rights. Speaking up for what you believe in is not a crime. We stand with you, Khalil.“
  • Murphy (D-CT) 2/15/26: X-post – “At the Munich Security Conference this weekend, I told a hard truth. There is no ceasefire in Gaza. The assault continues. Palestinians continue to die. And Trump is issuing glossy brochures about fake future Gaza real estate deals instead of working to end the war.“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 2/15/26: X-post – “The U.N. is rotten to the core. Instead of stamping out antisemitism, it continues to back organizations that push antisemitic, anti-Israel propaganda. As the General Assembly continues to relentlessly target Israel, the UN’s credibility as a peacekeeping body dwindles by the day.” Commenting on 2/15/26 Fox News article, Waltz calls UN a ‘cesspool for antisemitism’ as Trump administration pushes major reforms
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/14/26: X-post- “Palestinian is a synonym for evil.” Commenting on a 2/13/26 Daily Mail Article, My Hostage Nightmare — NOTE: See below for the pushback against Fine for an Islamophobic X-post. That pushback stands in stark contrast to the TOTAL SILENCE in response to this post dehumanizing every single Palestinian man, woman, child — whether they live in the U.S., Gaza, the West Bank, or anywhere else. And think about what that silence means, in the context of the ongoing genocide Israel has been carrying out against Palestinians in Gaza for more than 2 years; the escalating terrorizing and ethnic cleansing Israel is carrying out against Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; and the targeting of organizations and individuals working to defend Palestinian lives/rights, including human rights organizations and activists.
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 2/14/26: X-post – “Don’t let the world forget the heinous atrocities committed by Hamas.” Commenting on a 2/13/26 Daily Mail Article, My Hostage Nightmare
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 2/14/26: X-post – “Deeply disturbing. We need more voices strongly condemning this taxpayer funded antisemitism from the NYC Mayor’s office. ‘A NYC manufacturer that supplies drones to Israel to monitor the Gaza Strip border was booted from the city-owned Brooklyn Navy Yard six weeks after pro-Palestine Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office.‘” Commenting on a 2/13/26 New York Post article, City Hall boots Israel drone supplier from Brooklyn Navy Yard — after Mamdani took office 
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 2/13/26: X-post – “This is not accountability. This is the moral and academic rot of the revolving door of failed “elite” higher education. More on just how bad Magill’s leadership was is featured in the UPenn chapter in my upcoming book POISONED IVIES publishing by @simonschuster on 4/14“. Commenting on 2/13/26 Politico article, She Resigned as Penn President After a Controversial Hearing. Now She’s Back.

Iran

  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/20/26: X-post – “GOTTHEIMER AND LAWLER JOINT STATEMENT ON IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION“
  • Evans (D-PA) 2/20/26: X-post – “President Trump is failing to address Americans’ everyday needs: lowering prices and making health care affordable. Now he’s threatening to strike Iran, risking servicemembers’ lives and potentially dragging our country into an ill-conceived ‘forever war.’“
  • Kaine (D-VA) 2/20/26: Kaine Statement on Trump’s Threat of Illegal War with Iran
  • Foushee (D-NC) 2/19/26: X-post – “Trump’s threats of strikes on Iran are not acceptable. Congress must stop him before we are launched into another disastrous war. I am a cosponsor of @RepRoKhanna and @RepThomasMassie’s War Powers Resolution and will support the discharge petition to prevent Trump from putting servicemembers in harm’s way.“
  • Smith (D-WA) 2/19/26: X-post – “Donald Trump should not start a war with Iran.”
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 2/19/26: X-post – “For years, Iran has been the bully in the Middle East. They have threatened Israel and targeted U.S. personnel and assets across the region. The Iranian regime can either end their aggression or face the full consequences of their actions. Thank you @WolfBlitzer and @CNN for having me on.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 2/19/26: X-post – “Iranians deserve far better than a regime that attempts to shroud its violent suppression in technological darkness. As President Trump weighs various actions in Iran, I commend the admin for continuing to ensure those responsible for these atrocities face consequences.“
  • Velazquez (D-NY) 2/19/26: X-post – “Without a single vote in Congress, the Trump admin is building up the largest military force in the Middle East since Iraq. The American people do not want another catastrophic regime change war. We must pass a War Powers resolution. No war with Iran.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/19/26: X-post – “We cannot allow Iran to continue with uranium enrichment and its missile program. Both are a threat to US forces, and our allies & partners in the Middle East. The Ayatollah’s terrorist regime is the greatest barrier to peace and prosperity in the region.“
  • Clyburn (D-SC) 2/19/26: X-post – “As Americans live paycheck to paycheck, Trump is preparing the U.S. for a costly potential war with Iran. We had a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear program. Trump tore it up in 2018 and is now threatening military action without Congressional approval.“
  • Evans (D-PA) 2/19/26: X-post – “I strongly oppose Trump’s dangerous escalations against Iran. The Constitution is clear – Congress, not the president, has the authority to declare war. I will support Rep. Khanna’s discharge petition to bring a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to the House floor and rein Trump in.”
  • McGovern (D-MA) 2/19/26: X-post – “The Iranian regime is awful and has committed horrific human rights abuses. But bombing Iran in the name of freedom and democracy is as naive as it is stupid. Look at what’s happening in Venezuela. Same regime—one dictator replaced with another. Enough already! NO MORE WAR!”
  • Bera (D-CA) 2/19/26: X-post – “The American people do not want to be pulled into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East. I strongly support the people of Iran who are fighting for freedom and a better future. That said, the Administration must come to Congress before taking action that puts American lives on the line.“
  • Plane (D-CA) 2/19/26: X-post – “If President Trump intends to risk the lives of our servicemembers by going to war with Iran or anyone else, he needs to come before Congress and present a plan. Anything else is a violation of our laws and a disregard for the safety of our troops.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 2/19/26: X-post – “Throwback Thursday to a presser on Iran: We lost over 600 Americans to Iranian proxy forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 600 families suffered the loss of a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father. Americans cannot forget what Iran has done, and we should not rest until this regime is out.“
  • Massie (R-KY) 2/19/26: X-post – “Article I, section 8, clause 11 [The Congress shall have Power] To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water Which means, to initiate war requires Congress. There’s no imminent threat from Iran to invoke 1973 WPA.“
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 2/19/26: X-post – “The Islamic Republic rules by fear at home and force abroad. It jails dissidents, crushes protests, and arms proxy militias across the region, then demands to be treated like a normal government. Iran is an ancient, proud nation, and it deserves leaders who answer to their people, not a regime that survives by silencing them.“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 2/19/26: X-post – “To see the mullahs toppled would be a tremendous advance for the people of Iran and the Middle East. But most critically, it would be a massive improvement in the national security of the United States.“
  • Warren (D-MA) 2/19/26: X-post – “The American people voted for lower prices, not another war in the Middle East. But Trump is itching to go to war with Iran. The Constitution is clear: the president doesn’t have the authority to start a war without Congress’ approval. I won’t support another endless war.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/19/26: X-post – “No war with Iran! Trump’s illegal warmongering will only bring death and destruction. This is a disaster in the making and we must do everything in our power to stop it. Pass a War Powers resolution. Organize. We must rebuild the anti-war movement.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 2/18/26: X-post – “What does going to war with Iran get you? Does it make you safer? Does it make it easier to pay your bills? Does it make you more optimistic about your future? Trump is bringing our country to the brink of war with no reason, no plan, and no regard for you.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 2/18/26: X-post – “The American people do not want to go to war with Iran. This is another dangerous escalation by Trump without a clear plan or consent from Congress. A reminder to the President: you don’t get to unilaterally decide when we go to war.“
  • Casar (D-TX) 2/18/26: X-post – “The American people do not want a war with Iran. My entire adult life, politicians have been sending other people’s kids — our U.S. troops — to die in reckless, endless wars. Enough.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 2/18/26: X-post – “NOT without authorization from Congress. The American people do not want another war.”
  • McGovern (D-MA) 2/18/26: X-post – “Americans don’t want a war with Iran. We want lower prices, better health care, more jobs, and affordable housing. We want leaders who are on OUR side—not the billionaire Epstein-class!“
  • Ansari (D-AZ) 2/18/26: X-post – “Islamic Republic regime officials complicit in violent crackdowns and internet blackouts shouldn’t be welcomed into the United States. Visa restrictions are a step toward accountability. We must keep standing with the people of Iran demanding freedom and dignity.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 2/18/26: X-post – “Trump is threatening to take America to war with Iran unless they make a deal like the one he tore up in 2017 to give up the nuclear weapons program he claimed to have “completely and totally obliterated” a few months ago. No war with Iran.“
  • Baumgartner (R-WA) 2/18/26: X-post – “Thanks to our brave airmen and President Trump’s leadership, Iran’s nuclear program was dealt a very serious blow in “Midnight Hammer”, however it’s extensive ballistic missile program and support for terrorist groups still remain a dire threat to US national security interests.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 2/18/26: X-post – “Trump officials say there’s a 90% chance of strikes on Iran. He can’t without Congress. @RepThomasMassie & I have a War Powers Resolution to debate & vote on war before putting U.S. troops in harm’s way. I will make a motion to discharge to force a vote on it next week.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/18/26: X-post – “Again, the ‘No New Wars’ president seems to be on the verge of attacking another country. Trump may’ve told Netanyahu about his plans, but only Congress has the power to declare war. Dragging us into another destabilizing war in the Middle East is what Trump pledged NOT to do.“
  • Garamendi (D-CA) 2/17/26: X-post – “Let’s remember how we got here with Iran. Donald Trump torpedoed the Iran nuclear deal in his first term. Now he’s threatening military action and putting American service members’ lives at risk to renegotiate it. Stop the wars. End the senseless violence.“
  • Markey (D-MA) 2/17/26: X-post – “Trump claims he wants a deal with Iran, not war. That’s B.S. We had a great deal with Iran on its nuclear program in 2015, but Trump tore it up and then bombed Iran last summer. Trump is a dangerous warmonger that must be stopped.”
  • Mullin (R-OK) 2/17/26: X-post – “President Trump does not bluff with Iran. He also does things on his own time. He believes in giving the USA options to maximize peace through strength. At the same time, he knows we can’t have another Hillary Clinton Arab Spring. We stand with the freedom-loving people in Iran.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/17/26: X-post – “Iran’s regime funds terrorism and gives China & Russia a dangerous partner in the Middle East. They’re racing to rebuild nuclear facilities despite setbacks. Under President Trump, maximum pressure is back. Decisive action now will protect US interests.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/17/26: X-post – “The Iranian regime has been a menace to the region through its support for terrorist proxies and pursuit of a nuclear weapon. The Ayatollah’s penchant for sowing destruction and chaos has done nothing for the people of Iran. The Iranian people deserve freedom.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/14/26: X-post – “I was incredibly honored to be able to speak in Munich, Germany at a rally of 250,000 supporting the brave Iranian people. Being in the company of so many demanding freedom and justice was inspiring and one of the highlights of my life.   I have chosen the Iranian people over the ayatollah. I believe they could be good allies of the United States and would march the region toward the light.   I believe the ayatollah is a religious Nazi, who would keep the region and the world in turmoil. He’s a religious fanatic who wants to purify Islam, destroy the Jewish people and come after the United States, which he refers to as the Great Satan. 2026 is the time of choosing. I’ve chosen the brave Iranian people over their oppressor. I do believe help is on the way.“

Syria

United Arab Emirates

  • Graham (R-SC) 2/18/26: X-post – “To those who are perpetuating false narratives against the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed personally, you are full of it. I met with him today for an hour and a half. Not only is he alive, but he is also well and as sharp as I’ve ever seen him. To those powers that feel the need to attack MbZ and the UAE for doing the right thing – you do so at your own peril. Our meeting today was very enjoyable and informative. We discussed the historic moment that is facing the region. I told him how much I appreciated his courage and vision to create an Islamic country that can be integrated into the world in a win-win fashion, both for the people of the UAE and for those who visit and do business with the country. However, there are other voices in Islam that have the darkest vision of mankind. Those voices are distinctly in the minority, in my view. MbZ’s decision to embrace the Abraham Accords and to modernize his country while still maintaining the faith is the biggest change in the Middle East in my lifetime. What the United Arab Emirates have done to try to integrate the region with the whole world is one of the bravest and most consequential decisions any Middle Eastern leader has made. I was very candid with MbZ that he cannot do this by himself. Other people in the region have to buy-in to what’s happening with the UAE, not just be casual observers. To the region: Understand that history is about to be made. President Trump wants a region that looks more like the UAE and less like the Ayatollah. The region can only move forward if it follows the vision that embraces the light instead of going backwards into the darkness. The UAE’s vision for the Middle East and the 2030 vision previously expressed by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is something I would fully embrace because it would be great for South Carolina, and great for America. The forces that are merging here recently are trying to undercut the movement toward the light. They are going back to the old way of doing business, playing cheap politics. Your actions have not gone unnoticed by me or others. If this continues, it will do enormous damage to the best opportunity I’ve seen in hundreds of years to change the Middle East for the better. Finally, to those who believe that the region still flourishes if the ayatollah’s regime survives, I could not disagree more. If this religious Nazi regime in Iran still stands after all this bluster and the people are shut out and continue to be oppressed, it puts everything we’ve worked for at risk, including the Abraham Accords. Now, I am off to Saudi Arabia where I look forward to meeting with the Crown Prince who has shown a lot of courage and wisdom and has embraced, in the past, a vision that will forever change the Middle East for the better. Time will tell as to what happens.”
  • Ernst (R-IA) 2/16/26: X-post – “This is a completely false rumor. UAE President MBZ is a brave leader and dear friend. He has charted a path towards greater peace and cooperation in the Middle East and deserves better than nasty online rumors that are intended to stoke chaos.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/16/26: Speaking in Jerusalem, via @clashreport on X (with video clip): “Bibi wanted me to tell the press that he’s amazed by the level of cooperation and the significance of the partnership of the United Arab Emirates with Israel — that MBZ has done everything asked and then some, that they’ve been a stalwart partner, a reliable partner under difficult circumstances. And I want to go there tomorrow, acknowledge MBZ’s leadership, and suggest that America improve its capability to defend the United Arab Emirates and the region.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/14/26: X-post – “The RSF murdered 6,000 people in the city of El Fasher in only 3 days. What more will it take for the Trump Admin to act? Congress must pass my & @RepSaraJacobs bill to halt US arms sales to the UAE until we know they have stopped arming the RSF’s slaughter in Sudan.“

Islamophobia: Randy Fine — and some pushback

  • On 2/15/36, Fine (R-FL) posted on X: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.“
  • Ten minutes after posting this, Fine added, “For context, this is the leader of one of the key mainstream Muslim groups that supported Mamdani” with a screenshot from a post from Palestinian activist Nisreen Kiswani 2/12/26 reading: “Finally, NYC is coming to Islam. Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we’ve said all along, they are unclean.” Two hours after posting that, Kiswani had added: “Lmao at the Zionists frothing at the mouth at this, thinking they’re doing something. It’s obviously a joke I don’t care if you have a dog, I do care if your dog is shitting everywhere and you’re not cleaning it. Also clearly trying to weigh in on an issue unaware of the current nyc discourse where we’re collectively (jokingly) hating on dogs given all the visible dog shit in the unmelted snow lmao“.
  • Commenting on Fine’s post re: dogs v. Muslims, Kiswani posted 2/15/26: “Randy fine posted this genocidal statement about me. Thing is, no one is forcing you to choose. He’s just like the millions of other racists hounding me this past week, looking for a reason to be Islamophobic. Just replace Muslims with any other religion and ask if this is ok.”
  • Further commenting on Fine’s post and his subsequent defense of that post and the media around it, Kiswani posted a thread 2/16/26: “Some people are rewriting the timeline around the ‘dog discourse,’ so here are the actual receipts. I did not start this conversation. I stepped into one that NYC politicians, media, and thousands of residents were already having. Feb 11: @nypost reports NYC sidewalks turning into “dog poop minefields.” [NY Post article] | Feb 11: Councilmember @CMShahanaHanif calls dog waste a public health hazard. [link to post] |  Feb 12: Councilmember @OsseChi tells dog owners to “pick up your f*cking dog shit.” | Feb 12: In the middle of that hyperlocal discourse, I post a joke. | Feb 13: NY Post covers the controversy while quoting multiple officials already discussing the issue. [NY Post article] | Daily Mail publishes a more inflammatory story and later changes its headline after being notified it was defamatory. [Daily Mail article] | As that article circulated, large political figures began directing hate toward me Randy Fine Laura Loomer And many Zionists organizations and individuals. It was a clearly targeted astroturfing campaign that capitalized on the concept of a “ban” when I never used the word.”
  • Kiswani also noted 2/16/26 in a post: “I keep getting called a key Mamdani advisor without any of the perks. It’s like when they say I’m funded by Qatar/Soros/Iran like where’s my check?? Illiterate boomers really turned my joke into a national headline.” She later posted, jokingly: “To whom it may concern, Effective immediately, I am resigning from the position many of you seem convinced I hold. While it has been an honor to apparently wield this level of imaginary authority, I believe it is time to step aside so the public may recover from the trauma of a tweet. I wish my successor the best in this critical role.”
  • Kiswani also pointed out the contrast between the performative outrage Fine and his supporters are unleashing over her joke about dogs on X, and their silence over Kristi Noem’s story about shooting and killing her dog. After reportedly receiving death threats, she also posted, “Death threats over dogs from people who never uttered a word about animals killed in Gaza. 97% of Gaza’s animal life has been wiped out. But I don’t expect anything from people who don’t even care about humans in Gaza. In fact, they cheer on their deaths.” She noted in another post: “It’s genuinely strange watching how fast the conversation shifted from the Epstein regime and powerful people escaping accountability… …to a completely manufactured outrage cycle about me ‘banning dogs.’ These people don’t even have this energy for actual pedophile…“
  • Many, many Democrats responded to Fine’s posts (including by calling for censure and/or resignation, including: Kenyatta (D-PA), Barragan (D-CA), Pocan (D-WI), Garcia (D-CA), Meng (D-NY), Meng (D-NY), Swalwell (D-CA), Menendez (D-NJ), Veasy (D-TX), Olszewski (D-MD), Brown (D-OH), Khanna (D-CA), Ansari (D-AZ), Boyle (D-PA), Pou (D-NJ), Rosen (D-NV), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Ramirez (D-IL), Scanlon (D-PA), Goldman (D-NY), Khanna (D-CA), Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Khanna (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Min (D-CA), Lee (D-PA), McIver (D-NJ), Kenyatta (D-PA), Pocan (D-WI), Pocan (D-WI), Carson (D-IN), McGarvey (D-KY), Pocan (D-WI), McIver (D-NJ), Clark (D-MA), Chu (D-CA), Aguilar (D-CA), Kim (D-NJ), Garamendi (D-CA), Quigley (D-IL), Pocan (D-WI), Schneider (D-IL), Jewish Democrats, Friedman (D-CA), Torres (D-CA), Moore (D-WI), Vargas (D-CA), Foushee (D-NC), Elfreth (D-NC), Neal (D-MA), Larson (D-CT), Kennedy (D-NY), Frankel (D-FL), Schneider (D-IL), Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Jeffries (D-NY)
  • NOTABLY: As of this writing, NO Republicans in either the House or Senate have spoken out to criticize or otherwise oppose Fine’s post(s). On the other hand, some House Republicans weighed in to agree with Fine: Self (R-TX) 2/18/26 – “You will not take away our dogs. You will not take away our individual liberties. And you will certainly not impose any form of Sharia on the American people.“; Stutzman (R-IN) 2/19/26 – “Dogs are a man’s best friend and a staple of the American family. Anyone who doesn’t agree can go bark up someone else’s tree.“; Self (R-TX) 2/19/26: “Dogs are a gift from God. I stand with @RepFine.“
  • ALSO NOTABLY: As of this writing there has been no similar pushback against fine for his post, a day earlier before the dog-related post, dehumanizing every Palestinian man, woman and child (discussed above). 
  • In response to criticism, Fine has doubled down/escalated — including: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, etc…
  • On 2/19/26, Fine announced on X: “I am proud to introduce the Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act. Democrats are losing their minds because I made a simple statement—given a choice between our dogs and those who would ban them, the choice is easy. They can pound sand. This bill will ban federal funds to any state or local government that considers dogs ‘haram.’ Proceed accordingly, Mamdani.” [Reminder: Mamdani has NEVER SAID A WORD ABOUT BANNING DOGS]. Reps. Roy (R-TX) and Self (R-TX) announced they are co-sponsoring [Self: “Proud to cosponsor this bill. In America, we cherish dogs—loyal companions, beloved family, and yes, true gifts from God. Any foreign ideology that tries to strip Americans of our right to own dogs is not welcome here.“]
  • Zeteo’s Mehdi Hassan called BS on Fine’s response to Tapper, posting on X: “It’s insane how much these people lie. To try and justify his racist genocidal rhetoric Fine claims Kiswani is ‘a key Mamdani advisor’ (she isn’t), that she said ‘we must give up our dogs’ (she didn’t), and then pretends that justifies him suggesting Muslims are lower than dogs.” Yashar Ali noted: “Yes, a sarcastic post (and even if it were serious) from a woman with 40,000 followers on this app should lead a member of Congress from Florida to comment on it as if she were an elected official or a commentator with significant influence. Is she an elected official, Joey? Is she the host of one of the top ten podcasts?” Zeid Jilani noted: “There is not a single Muslim country or country period that bans dogs. The rights media is full of making up something to get mad at.“

Islamophobia – Other Stuff

  • Gill (R-TX) 2/19/26: X-post w/ video – “Sharia Law is incompatible with America“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/13/26: X-post – “Under Sharia, there are no individual rights or freedoms. We cannot allow it to influence our communities or local governments because once accommodation begins, intimidation follows.“

5. Selected Media

Munich Security Conference

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

  • Tahoe Daily Tribune 2/13/26: Chris Bennett, candidate for CA-03, discusses platform with the Tribune [“Bennett said many of his platforms he was running on were linked to defending democracy. ‘I swore an oath to defending democracy and the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And while I have grown a lot in my views of American foreign policy, I am still proud of my service. And I want people to feel good that they served, not to deal with PTSD and moral injuries because we were doing war crimes in foreign countries.’ That’s one of the reasons Bennett says he is not interested in taking AIPAC or corporate money. ‘We should not be sending our money to foreign countries to hurt people, especially in violation of international humanitarian law, when we could be using that money to help people here,’ he said. ‘We need to get big money out of politics, and that includes not allowing foreign countries to influence our internal affairs.'”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland

Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Etc.

Rep. Fine (R-FL) Makes Headlines for Islamophobic Post

Other stuff

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:

  • 2/9/26: Forced Displacement & Ethnic Cleansing in the Service of Jewish Supremacy, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Myssana Morany, a lawyer and coordinator of the Land and Planning Rights Unit of Adalah, the legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel, and Sarit Michaeli, the International Advocacy Director at the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDITIONS ON US ASSISTANCE TO ISRAEL) HR 7545 [bill text]: Introduced 2/12/26 by McCollum (D-MN) and 14 Democratic cosponsors, “To prohibit funds made available for assistance to the Government of Israel to be used to support certain violations of international law, and for other purposes” aka the “The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Congresswoman Betty McCollum Re-introduces The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.

  • Per McCollum’s press release, “The legislation would prohibit Israel’s government from using U.S. taxpayer dollars in the Occupied West Bank for the military detention, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention; the seizure and destruction of Palestinian property and homes in violation of international humanitarian law; or any assistance or support for unilateral annexation of Palestinian lands in violation of international humanitarian law.”
  • Previous versions: HR 3103 (2023); HR 2590 (2021); HR 2407 (2019); HR 4391 (2017)
  • Per the press release: “The legislation has been endorsed by nearly a dozen civil society organizations including JStreet, New Jewish Narrative, Oxfam America, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Peace Action, Win Without War, Demand Progress, Arab American Institute, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Center for International Policy.“

(AID TO GAZA) HR 7565: Introduced 2/12/26 by Waters (R-CA) and 16 Democratic cosponsors, “To ensure sufficient food assistance for the civilian population of Gaza,” aka, the ” Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act

(EXPANDING/DEEPENING US-ISRAEL DEFENSE COOPERATION) HR 7540 [bill text]/S. 3855 [bill text]: Introduced 2/12/26 in the House by Jackson (R-TX) and Davis (D-NC), and in the Senate by Budd (R-NC) and Gillibrand (D-NY), the “United States–Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026.” Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs; and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Per Jackson’s press release, “This bill would strengthen the U.S.–Israel alliance and establish a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation defense technologies, ensuring that investments in collaborative technologies deliver an operational edge to America’s servicemembers.” Among other things the bill would authorize $150 million a year for FY2027-FY2029 for the initiative. Also see:

  • press releases – Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Modernize America’s Defense Technologies and Strengthen U.S.-Israel Alliance; Budd, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Bilateral Defense Programs between the U.S. and Israel. The press releases include endorsement of the bill from Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action: “The United States and Israel benefit enormously from each other’s defense technologies and manufacturing efficiencies. Israel innovates and fields defense systems with rapid deployments out of necessity, given the layered and immediate threats it faces. The United States–Israel FUTURES Act builds on decades of successful collaboration by improving cooperation across the public, private, and academic sectors to swiftly develop, test, and field defense technologies that will help safeguard U.S. service members and provide Israel with the means to combat a diverse set of threats from foreign adversarial states and terror groups. FDD Action strongly supports the bipartisan United States-Israel FUTURES Act.”
  • Jewish Insider 2/12/26: Bipartisan bill seeks to strengthen U.S.-Israel defense cooperation [“The United States-Israel FUTURES Act, will be introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and in the House by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX)”]
  • Budd (R-NC) X-post 2/12/26: “I am proud to introduce the FUTURES Act with @SenGillibrand to advance regional security in the Middle East and strengthen U.S. and Israeli defense.“; Budd (R-NC) X-post 2/12/26: “The U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act offers an opportunity to strengthen existing bilateral programs by advancing joint investments such as emerging technologies, defense industrial base cooperation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology initiatives.“

(CONDEMNING THE GOVT OF IRAN) S. Res. 606 [resolution text]: Introduced 2/11/26 by Lankford (R-OK) and 24 bipartisan cosponsors, “A resolution condemning the Government of Iran for its suppression of the right of Iranians to peacefully assemble.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Lankford Leads Bipartisan Resolution as Iranian Protests Face Violent Regime Crackdown; Bipartisan Senate resolution condemns Iranian crackdown against protesters (Jewish Insider 2/11/26)

(OVERSIGHT OF VENEZUELA OIL $$ IN QATAR) S. 3838: Introduced 2/11/26 by Schumer (D-NY) and Schiff (D-CA), “A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit of a United States and Venezuela energy deal, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Schumer dials up oversight pressure on Trump’s Venezuela oil fund (Politico 2/11/26)

(SANCTIONS ON UAE) HR XXXX: A new piece of legislation, the “‘UAE Financial Accountability Act of 2026,” aka “To expand the scope of existing sanctions to include activities by entities of the United Arab Emirates,” showed up online this week in the House documents depository. The bill text, dated 1/27/26, does not include any information about the sponsor/sponsors. The text was posted in connection with a 2/10/26 hearing in the House Financial Services Committee, entitled: Priced Out of the American Dream: Understanding the Policies Behind Rising Costs of Housing and Borrowing [one of a total of 6 bills listed]. Regarding this bill text, the hearing announcement states: “This discussion draft expands the secondary sanctions regime involving Iran to include all transactions between Emirati financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks that handle the purchase of petroleum and petroleum products. This draft also requires an annual determination of whether Emirati financial institutions have engaged in sanctionable conduct.” NOTE: I did not watch the whole hearing, but from a quick scan of the video it seems this bill was not discussed.

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Legislation-related media:

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

February 12, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider a number of Trump nominations [hearing video], including his nomination of Jeremy Carl to be an Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. Members questions/comments with respect to Carl focused on statements he has made about Jews and Israel. Also see:

February 10, 2026: The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing entitled, “Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Scott Walter, Capital Research Center (statement); Caitlin Sutherland, Americans for Public Trust (statement); Adam Sohn, NCRI and Narravance (statement); Bruce Dubinsky, Dubinsky Consulting (statement); and Robert Weissman, Public Citizen – minority witness (statement). Also see:

February 10, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, Syria at a Crossroads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post [hearing video]. Witnesses were: James Jeffrey, WINEP (statement); Andrew J. Tabler, WINEP (statement); Nadine Maenza, Former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (statement); and Mara Karlin, Brookings Institution (statement). Also see:

  • Chairman Mast (R-FL) opening remarks
  • Mills (R-FL) 2/10/26: X-post – “Today, I helped Chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, “Syria at a Crossroads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post-Assad,” I made clear that America must look beyond the past and focus on the future. That means countering our adversaries, learning from hard lessons, holding bad actors accountable, and working toward a free and stable Syria, one that contributes to long-term security across the region, not more chaos. U.S. leadership matters. Strategic clarity matters. The stakes could not be higher.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “While I have great hope for Syria post-Assad, the country remains in a fragile period of transition. As former chairman of @HomelandGOP during the rise of ISIS & the caliphate, I am concerned about an ISIS resurgence. Watch my full remarks at today’s @HouseForeignGOP hearing:“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “After decades of repression and brutal conflict, the Syrian people are finally free of the Assad regime. The U.S. must continue to use policy to support Syria’s new government through diplomacy and dialogue, not punishment and isolation.“
  • McBride (D-DE) 2/10/26: X-post- “When the U.S. steps back and dismantles key foreign policy tools like USAID, we leave the door open for our adversaries to fill the void. At today’s @HouseForeign Committee hearing on Syria, I underscored why the U.S., alongside our NATO allies, must remain engaged in countering Russian influence to build a stable future for Syria.“
  • Brecheen (R-OK) 2/12/26: X-post – “During Tuesday’s @HouseForeignGOP hearing, @nadinemaenza informed Congress that Turkey’s President Erdoğan is seeking to restore the Ottoman Empire all the way to Jerusalem and beyond. This is important because President Erdoğan is closely connected to Syria’s current leader, al-Sharaa. The recent horrific treatment of religious minorities in Syria, including Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Kurds, makes this witness testimony critical. If Turkey continues cheering what is happening in Syria with the extermination of those not in line with an Islamic (Jihad-minded) state, we are looking at a powder keg waiting to explode. If this happens, Israel and the 750,000 U.S. citizens living within its midst will be the next target. The extermination of religious minorities in Syria must TRULY BE AT AN END, or Congress must act by reimposing sanctions!!!“

February 10, 2026: The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitutions and Limited Government held a hearing entitled, “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Stephen Gelé, Pelican Institute for Public Policy (testimony); Robert Spencer, David Horowitz Freedom Center (testimony); Krista Schild, RAIR Foundation USA (testimony); and Ilya Somin, George Mason University (testimony). NOTE: In case there is any confusion, it should be understood that throughout this hearing, as well in members’ X-posts (and in statements around last week’s anti-Sharia caucus event), the term “Sharia law” is being treated as synonymous with “Islam” (the religion), and warnings about “Sharia Law” taking over the U.S. are in effect warnings about the existence and growth of the Muslim population (and the visibility of this population) in the U.S. Also see: House panel hears testimony on Sharia law in America (Jewish News Syndicate 2/10/26). Also see:

  • X-post 2/10/26 from CAIR – “CAIR is on Capitol Hill right now to remind congressional Republicans that all Americans have the constitutional right to practice their own faith or no faith at all. That’s why today’s hearing calling for a ban on the practice of Islam in the United States is as ludicrous as it is un-American. Fascist politicians have made it clear that they would ban, expel or exterminate every “mainstream Muslim” in the United States if they could. The hate such politicians spew about Muslims today is no different than what was once said about Catholics, Jews and other minorities in our nation. American Muslims are an integral part of America. CAIR and our partners will, God willing, continue to ensure that all Americans can continue to freely and openly practice their faith on equal terms. Religious freedom applies to all. You can find the memorandum, letter and fact sheet we shared with @JudiciaryGOP and @HouseJudiciary to expose the sharia hoax and the long history of anti-Muslim hate expressed by witnesses at today’s hearing: https://bit.ly/4tkfDUO“
  • X-post 2/11/26 from CAIR – “Rep. @chiproytx and @RepKeithSelf’s Exterminate Muslims Caucus…sorry Sharia Free America Caucus… is what happens when governing is hard, but culture-war branding is easy.“; response from Self (R-TX): “Texans don’t care about the unsolicited opinion of a designated foreign terrorist organization.” [designated by Texas state government]
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip: “Rep. Roy: ‘Is Sharia law central to most Muslims throughout the world?’ Robert Spencer, Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center: ‘Absolutely, Sharia is considered Divine Law, and thus it takes precedence over all other legal systems.’“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip: “Rep. Roy: ‘Over the last few years, efforts to impose Sharia on American communities have taken off, and nowhere more than in my home state of Texas. In 2024, members of a Plano mosque sought to create their own 402 acre Islamic enclave governed by Sharia within the state of Texas. It was called the East Plano Islamic Center, or EPIC. Texas ranks third among US states in the number of mosques, with 224 counted in 2020 and estimated over 300 today.‘”
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip- “Rep. Roy in opening statement on the threat of Sharia law: ‘Sharia encourages violence, silences dissent, rejects religious freedom and subjugates women and children. Let’s be clear, this is not about having the freedom of worshiping a religion of one’s choosing, such as Islam, but forcing a foreign legal code that is incompatible with our laws and legal system that provides unwanted consequences to the American people. It’s everything we’ve fought against for more than 250 years.‘”
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “BREAKING: Expert witness in today’s @JudiciaryGOP hearing on Sharia: ‘Sharia is considered divine law and, thus, it takes precedence over all other legal systems.’ Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for your candor and thorough research. We will not back down.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “Fascinating to see Democrats defend Sharia, which denies freedom of speech and religion and considers women second-class citizens. Not very ‘progressive’ of them!“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Rep. Roy: “Is Sharia law not inherently political?” Robert Spencer: ‘There’s no doubt whatsoever this is all about political power.’“
  • Harris (R-NC) 2/10/26: X-post – “Much of Sharia law involves violating constitutionally protected freedoms. If a religion violates the United States Constitution, then it does not belong in the United States. Get Sharia Law out of my country.“
  • Hageman (R-WY) 2/10/26: X-post – “Sharia law puts women and children at risk, circumventing the safeguards our Constitution guarantees.“
  • Harris (R-NC) 2/10/26: X-post – “If a kid growing up in the suburbs of North Carolina can be radicalized by the Islamic state, who else can be radicalized by Sharia Law? We must protect Americans by allowing Sharia Law NEVER to have a place here.“
  • Cline (R-VA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Any effort to impose Sharia law in the United States should be met with serious scrutiny and firm opposition. Importing extremist ideologies that conflict with our legal system poses a real national security concern. Today, @JudiciaryGOP is examining the implications tied to the infiltration of Sharia law in the U.S.“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “TOMORROW: Rep. Roy to lead hearing titled, “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution.” Rep. Roy: ‘In my home state of Texas, Dallas has become ground zero for the Islamification of America, and there are more mosques being built in Texas than in any other state in the union. If we are not careful, America will fall just like what we’re seeing happen in London or Paris.‘“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Roy: ‘You can believe whatever you want, but you cannot engage in what is a political effort to Islamify the United States of America and not expect us to fight back.’ Tomorrow, Rep. Roy leads a @JudiciaryGOP hearing on the threat posed by Sharia law.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Members of the Sharia-Free America Caucus will continue sounding the alarm in Congress about the dangers of Sharia. Tune in to the @JudiciaryGOP Committee hearing TOMORROW.“

February 10, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Europe Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “Weaponized Mass Migration: A Security Risk to Europe and the United States” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: RADM (ret.) Mark Montgomery, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (statement); Matthew Boyse, Hudson Institute (statement); and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan, Migration Policy Institute (statement).

Note that in his testimony, Boyse asserts: “Weaponized migration has also fed the growth and spread of Islamist groups and ideology that exacerbate societal tensions and undermine Allies’ reliability in confronting challenges facing the Global West. NATO member states remain not only targets of terrorism – as Taylor Swift’s cancelled concerts in August 2025 in Vienna demonstrated – but also breeding grounds, bases of operation, and launchpads for global Islamist networks. This nexus has altered political dynamics across the alliance; every NATO member state now has at least one party with a strong focus on migration, Islam, and Islamism, which in almost a dozen countries is either among the most popular, can influence policy, decide governing coalitions, holds power or is a candidate for power. While this focus is positive, many of these parties are also accommodationist or explicitly pro-Putin, not strongly supportive of NATO, contain varying degrees of anti-Americanism, and/or oppose key U.S. foreign policy priorities in Europe. This nexus has, for example, increased differences with the USG over Middle East policy, especially on Israel, as European governments prioritize pro-Palestinian sentiment and winning elections. The USG has had difficulty generating support for designating the IRGC, Hamas, Lebanese Hizballah, and Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, in large part because of large Muslim and Arab voting blocks. Over the years, the nexus has contributed to softer Iran policies, enabling Tehran to expand its malign influence across the Middle East, as well as to surges in domestic antisemitism and hostile environments for Jews. Islamist networks based in Europe and elsewhere fan the flames of antisemitism, weaponizing it against Allies and partners, and weakening U.S. interests and positions. After Labor benefitted from large voting blocks in the 2024 UK elections, PM Starmer dropped longstanding policy and recognized Palestine and his government refuses to confront visible and growing manifestations of Islamism. French PM Macron has behaved in a similar manner.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/Palestine & related

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/13/26: X-post – “The remains of the final hostage in Gaza, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, were finally returned to Israel this past month. Since October 7, I’ve had these posters outside my office to remind visitors and colleagues of the 251 ripped from their homes and held by terrorists in tunnels. Thankfully, for the first time since 2014, there are no hostages in Gaza.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/12/26: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil was torn from his wife and kept from their newborn son for speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. Now he’s being threatened with rearrest. The Trump Administration is targeting freedom of speech and trying to silence the growing movement for Palestinian freedom. We will not be silent. Free Palestine.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/12/26: X-post – “Fact check: True.” Responding to a Department of State X-post 2/12/26 w/video clip: “.@POTUS:  ‘I’ve been the best friend to Israel I think that they’ve ever had.'”
  • Carson (D-IN) 2/12/26: X-thread – “The Israeli government’s decision to escalate toward outright annexation of the occupied West Bank is a blatant violation of international law and a direct assault on the possibility of peace. Expanding settlements, consolidating permanent control over Palestinian land, and deliberately weakening Palestinian governance and self-determination are not security measures. Annexation is illegal. Settlement expansion is illegal. Collective punishment and land seizure are illegal. These policies cement a reality of unequal rights and permanent occupation for millions of Palestinians. Congress cannot continue to provide a blank check while ignoring actions that undermine human rights and destabilize the entire region. If we are serious about peace, accountability must apply to everyone, including Israel – we cannot continue to look the other way.   The administration must make clear that permanent occupation and further annexation, alongside an ongoing genocide, will carry consequences.“
  • Meeks (D-NY) 2/11/26: Statement by Ranking Member Gregory Meeks on Israel’s Decision to Deepen Control over the West Bank
  • Booker (D-NJ) 2/11/26: Booker Statement on Recent Israeli Security Cabinet Decision to Expand Control Over the West Bank
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/10/26: X-post – “From Gaza to the West Bank, Netanyahu and the Israeli government seek total control of Palestinian lands. They do not care about the international laws they break or the Palestinian lives they take. We have to assert our authority, demand an end to imperialistic expansion and settler violence, and put a stop the military support. Oversight is needed and that starts by passing Block the Bombs Act. Not one more bomb!“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 2/10/26: X-post – “I am deeply concerned by the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision yesterday, which even settler groups admit is tantamount to de facto annexation of the entire West Bank. These moves undermine the fundamental principles of the Oslo Accords. They make Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank permanent and preclude a two-state solution with a viable Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. Implementing such a move jeopardizes Israel’s relationship with its neighbors and many countries around the world. Ensuring safety and stability for the people of Israel will not be achieved through annexation and estrangement of allies and friends, but rather only from separation through negotiation. While the current Israeli government pursues a policy agenda at odds with Israel’s fundamental security and global interests, I continue to stand in solidarity with the Israeli people making their dissenting voices heard and join them in praying for sanity to prevail through Israel’s democratic processes.“
  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Francesca Albanese, a UN employee who flies around the world at taxpayers’ expense continues to spew antisemitic vitriol. This time attacking Israel as the “common enemy.” Her latest smears and actions underscore @SecRubio was right to sanction her. @USAmbUN are there no term limits on UN ‘Special Rapporteurs’?” NOTE: For folks who believe facts do – or at least should – matter, No, the UN’s Francesca Albanese did not call Israel ‘the common enemy of humanity’ (France 24, 2/12/26; watch side-by-side – deceptively/maliciously edited version vs. full version of her speech]
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Dems) 2/10/26: Senators Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Murray, Durbin, Schumer, Coons and Schatz Urge President Trump to Oppose Israeli Settlement Expansion in the West Bank
  • Warner (D-VA), Reed (D-RI), Shaheen (D-NH), Murray (D-WA), Durbin (D-OH), Schumer (D-NY), Coons (D-DE), and Schatz (D-HI) 2/10/26: Warner, Reed, Shaheen, Murray, Durbin, Schumer, Coons, and Schatz Urge President Trump to Oppose Israeli Settlement Expansion in the West Bank
  • Stansbury (D-NM) 2/7/26: X-post – “Attacks on Gaza have not stopped since the ceasefire agreement in October and have killed more than 520 Palestinians, including an 11-year-old girl just last week.  Israel must abide by the terms of the ceasefire. This cannot go on.“

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex

  • Johnson (R-LA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Instead of trying to force a radical-left foreign policy agenda, the bureaucrats in Zohran Mamdani’s Department of Health should focus on delivering the services New Yorkers pay for with their tax dollars.“
  • Casten (D-IL) 2/8/26: X-post -“This is a good summary of my own feelings and those of a lot of my democratic colleagues right now: ‘Political relationships rooted in intimidation rarely build durable support. More often, they breed resentment.’” Linked to J Street/Jeremy Ben-Ami Substack post – What Was AIPAC Thinking When It Went After Tom Malinowski? A Lament.
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/8/26: X-post – “Sending condolences to @AIPAC for killing any usefulness of their PAC after the monumental failure of their effort in the NJ special election. Their money is so toxic that the very people they are trying to help are now hurt by their involvement, no matter how well disguised.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/8/26: X-post – “I was honored to join the Westchester Jewish Council for their 50th Anniversary Gala. For 50 years, the Westchester Jewish Council has been a strong voice for community, standing up for Israel, combating antisemitism, and ensuring Jewish families in Westchester are heard and respected. Proud to stand with the Jewish community today and always. Congratulations on 50 years, here’s to many more.“
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/6/26: X-post – “My advice to @AIPAC supported candidates: People want candidates who support human rights and not killing babies in Gaza. And their money – no matter how hidden – is TOXIC. Beware being too cute by half. You may find voters like their elected officials less deceitful.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 2/6/26: X-post – “.@AIPAC is having a bad week. First, they are silent on the killing of a 4 month old child, I guess arguing they’re a Hamas militant. Then they put millions in a primary in NJ, pick the wrong person to attack, come in 3rd & elect a human rights progressive. Can’t make this up.“

Iran

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/11/26: X-post – “Today, President Trump is meeting with PM Netanyahu, as Netanyahu tries to get Trump to bomb Iran (again). Just days ago, the Netanyahu government authorized a plan to take over even more Palestinian land in the West Bank, in violation of Trump’s own 20-pt peace plan. Will Trump, once again, give Netanyahu a blank check, or will he stand up for American values and peace?”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/12/26: X-post – “Iran’s proxies are now a shadow of their former selves thanks to President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign. The IRGC’s capabilities have taken a major hit, and the Ayatollah’s regime is on the back foot. Khamenei’s days as regional despot are numbered.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “In 2020, Iran’s oil revenue was $7.9B. Under Biden, it exploded to over $42B. Iran sowed chaos and destruction with an extra $35B for proxies like Hamas & Hezbollah. Trump has put the cuffs back on through his max pressure campaign. No more money for the Mullahs’ war chest.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “President Trump is spot on: “Iran will not possess nuclear weapons or missiles.” This is the hard deterrence that we need to remind rogue states that the US military is capable and willing to respond with overwhelming force. All options are on the table.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The President is giving Iran one last chance at a PEACEFUL resolution before it is resolved using other means.  It’s hard to expect a good result when our president is trying to negotiate with a Muslim terrorist.  We CANNOT let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “In 2020, Iran’s oil revenue was $7.9B. Under Biden, it exploded to over $42B. Iran sowed chaos and destruction with an extra $35B for proxies like Hamas & Hezbollah. Trump has put the cuffs back on through his max pressure campaign. No more money for the Mullahs’ war chest.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/10/26: X-post – “To the brave people of Iran: President Trump has always heard your cries and demands for justice. The regime has proven yet again it’s incapable of real change. If this regime continues the course they are on, then I believe President Trump’s statement that help is on the way is becoming more real by the day.”
  • Wicker (R-MS) 2/9/26: Wicker: Trump’s Iran Opportunity
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “The Ayatollah is the very epitome of evil, and Iran’s people deserve freedom. The Iranian regime can never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. Under President Trump, all options are on the table.“
  • Britt (R-AL) 2/8/26: X-post – “I’m thankful to @POTUS for continuing to apply maximum pressure on Iran. The Ayatollah has the blood of countless Americans on his hands, and anyone who does business with this murderous regime should think twice. Now they will.“
  • Davidson (R-OH) 2/8/26: X-post – “Why do you suppose the United States has been so heavily involved in Iran since 1951? I always support defending America, but a regime change war in Iran should not be our mission. The National Security Strategy is solid America First. Let’s stay focused.“
  • Babin (R-TX) 2/8/26: op-ed in the Washington Times – Atrocities in Iran remind us what American strength preserves
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/7/26: X-post – “As to any deal between Iran and the U.S., I hope it can meet our national security objectives and the needs of the people of Iran through diplomacy. Given Iran’s behavior regarding deals, it could be a tough sell. However, I am open minded, understanding any agreement with the Islamic Republic and the United States must come to Congress for review and a vote.“

United Arab Emirates

  • Kamlager-D0ve (D-CA) 2/10/26: X-post – “Donald Trump approved the sale of 500,000 AI chips to the UAE just a few months after an UAE royal bought a 49% stake in Trump’s crypto company.   Is this sh*t legal? No, no, and HELL no.“

Unconcealed Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 2/11/26: X-post + illustrative graphic – “4 in 10 Muslims say they want Sharia law in the United States. We have seen how state-enforced Sharia functions in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. Women are beaten and forced to wear full-body coverings. Girls as young as nine are permitted to be married. Christians are persecuted and killed for their faith. Under Sharia, there are no individual freedoms—you are simply a cog in the machine of jihad. America must remain governed by the Constitution and the rule of law. Sharia has no place here.” [Per the posted graphic, this data comes from a 2024 survey conducted by the Heritage Foundation–that polled a grand total of  “500 Muslims”; see the full details of that poll here. Notably, per the ACTUAL POLL, the question respondents were asked as NOT “do you want Sharia law in the United States.” Rather, they were simply asked to rate their support for Sharia law: strongly support (25%), somewhat support (14%), neither support nor oppose (21%), somewhat oppose (6%), strongly oppose (25%), or don’t know (10%). Also see article about the poll in the Daily Signal]
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “Educate | Reduce intimidation and fear | Take legislative action – These priorities are at the core of the Sharia-Free America Caucus’s mission. We will advance legislation to ensure American law remains governed solely by the U.S. Constitution.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “Sharia poses a serious threat to Texas and its citizens. At its core, Sharia is not only incompatible with the Constitution but entirely anti-Constitution. It has no place in America.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/10/26: X-post – “.@RepEliCrane and I have both seen Sharia’s harsh realities firsthand. As members of the Sharia-Free America Caucus, we urge you to listen and learn from the stories of those who’ve witnessed or escaped this authoritarian ideology. We will never surrender. America must stay free.“
  • Brecheen (R-OK) 2/10/26: X-post – “Sharia and radical Islam have no place in America. Those unwilling to assimilate into the American way of life ought not be allowed into our nation.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Keith Self: ‘We’ve got to rise up as a people to protect our individual rights.’ Come forward with your stories. Do not be afraid. Do not be intimidated. Islamists seek accommodation first—then intimidation. BAN SHARIA.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Rep. Keith Self: ‘Sharia, a culture of violence and domination, is fundamentally incompatible with individual freedoms, our Constitution, and our heritage.’ Texas is ground zero in this fight. We must remain steadfast and persistent in the battle against Sharia.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post w/ audio clip – “Sharia has no home here.” [repost-ing and doubling down on an enraged post over signs along a road in Texas reading — I kid you not — “Hate Has No Place Here” in a bunch of different languages, including Arabic]
  • Self (R-TX) 2/9/26: X-post – “Thank you, @KenPaxtonTX. A “sharia city” has absolutely no place in Texas or any other state in America.” Thanking the Texas Attorney General for announcing “an investigation into a potentially illegal ‘sharia city’ development in Kaufman County.“
  • Harris (R-NC) 2/7/26: X-post w/ video – “Radical Islam glorifies violence. The American Constitution protects freedom. These two ideas are not compatible — period. Sharia Law has ZERO place in our country. America runs on liberty, not theocracy.“
  • Crane (R-AZ) 2/7/26: X-post – “Proponents of Sharia Law believe in a mandate to dominate those who don’t conform to their belief system. We can’t ignore this dangerous legal and political ideology.“

Other stuff

  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/11/26: X-post- “It’s becoming glaringly clear as to why an organization that spent months disrupting Congress over Gaza went radio silent over the slaughter of the Iranian people. I support @StateDept’s investigation of @codepink’s ties to the PRC.” Linked to: State Department identifies Code Pink and other far-left groups as vectors of Chinese influence operations (New York Post 2/11/26)
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 2/9/26: X-post – “Obama declared chemical weapons a red line in Syria, then stood by as Assad gassed his own people with zero consequences. Biden’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal left 13 service members dead at Abbey Gate. Now Trump is hunting down every terrorist his predecessors ignored, because this administration doesn’t let American blood go unanswered.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

NOTE: On 2/10/26, Instagram suspended the account known as TrackAipac [which has more than 137k followers]. TrackAipac’s post on X about the suspension has been seen by more than 1.8 million people, and liked by more than 42k people). DropSite posted [in a post seen by more than 585k people) on X: “Instagram has suspended Track AIPAC, the highly popular watchdog project that documents AIPAC’s political spending, citing a violation of Instagram intellectual property rules, specifically trademark rules. The account tracks FEC donations, and points out top-funded lawmakers.” CIP’s Dylan Williams commented (seen by more than 144k people): “Wow… this is a chillingly antidemocratic move and a stark reminder of how Trump-aligned, oligarch-owned media is helping to destroy our democracy.” On 2/10/26, Instagram restored the account without any explanation as to why it had been suspended.

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

  • Algemeiner 2/12/26: US Congressional Race in Illinois Features Showdown Between AIPAC and New Anti-Israel Group
  • The Hill 2/12/26: Progressive groups back Abughazaleh in crowded Dem field for Illinois House seat
  • Evanston Roundtable 2/12/26: Fine calls on supporter super PAC to disclose donors early [“Fine repeatedly avoided directly answering questions about AIPAC’s organizational support of her campaign during the RoundTable’s video interview, pivoting her answers toward individual donors and why they would support her. When asked directly whether she is aware of AIPAC supporting her by soliciting those donations or other efforts, she said “if they are doing anything, it is as an independent expenditure, and our campaign does not communicate with independent expenditures.”]
  • Punchbowl News 2/12/26: N.J. special boosts progressives in AIPAC feud
  • Politico 2/12/26: Justice Democrats endorse Kat Abughazaleh in Illinois primary [“The race is turning into a proxy war over Israel“]
  • The Intercept 2/12/26: AIPAC Is Flooding Illinois With Cash. Pro-Palestine Groups Are Backing Kat Abughazaleh [“The pro-Israel lobby has made Illinois a top target. Justice Democrats and the newly launched PAL PAC are trying to counter their influence.“]
  • Jewish Insider 2/12/26: Longtime Chicago Jewish federation leader Jason Friedman makes a bid for open House seat [“Friedman, who has been the strongest fundraiser in the field, is also running as a stalwart ally of the Jewish community. But AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, is backing Conyears-Ervin’s campaign, airing a blitz of positive television ads this week promoting her candidacy. In a statement seemingly responding to the UDP ads, Friedman said that he “joined this race to fight and deliver results for everyone. The people of the 7th District deserve a representative with integrity, not career politicians with ethical baggage who sell out their constituents to the highest bidder.”]
  • American Prospect 2/10/26: A Fourth Candidate in Illinois Gets the AIPAC Boost [“AIPAC has chosen a candidate for Illinois’s Seventh Congressional District, the fourth Illinois open-seat House race where the pro-Israel organization is spending money. In this case, AIPAC switched to Chicago city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, after previously steering donors to businessman Jason Friedman, who leads a crowded field in fundraising. Conyears-Ervin, who has a history of local corruption scandals, is benefiting from what sources describe as a $2.8 million ad buy from United Democracy Project (UDP), which is AIPAC’s designated super PAC. The ad expenditure will cost approximately $500,000 a week through the duration of the campaign. Other races in Illinois have seen AIPAC use so-called ‘shell PACs’ with neutral-sounding names like Elect Chicago Women or Affordable Chicago Now.“]
  • Jewish Insider 2/10/26: AIPAC super PAC launches ads supporting Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s House campaign [“In the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary, Conyears-Ervin faces, among others, Kina Collins, a Justice Democrats-backed, anti-Israel progressive candidate“]
  • Politico 2/10/26: Another super PAC, now in IL-07 [“Watch for new ads from a group affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This time, it’s in support of Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who’s running in the competitive Democratic primary in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. Watch here Why it’s interesting: One of Conyears-Ervin’s challengers is Jason Friedman, who is Jewish and has been the target of antisemitic attacks that falsely weaponized AIPAC against him — protesting at events and shouting out epithets related to the war in Gaza.“]
  • WGN9 2/9/26: Highly competitive Democratic primary unfolds for Illinois’ 9th Congressional seat [“Two of the frontrunners, State Senator Laura Fine and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, are Jewish, and divisions among Democrats over U.S. support for Israel are in the spotlight. A dark-money super PAC called Elect Chicago Women is spending heavily in support of Fine. The group is reportedly backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Some of AIPAC’s top backers have been major donors to President Donald Trump. “]
  • The Daily Northwestern 2/9/26: Congressional candidates face off at NAACP forum, marking start of Black History Lecture Series [“Although it has not publicly endorsed her, AIPAC has fundraised on Fine’s behalf. This week, a new super PAC reportedly tied to the lobbying group spent over $500,000 on pro-Fine advertisements. ‘My FEC filings list all of my individual donors,’ Fine said during the forum. When pressed by audience members for a yes-or-no response, Fine said her congressional campaign’s filing does not include any lobbying money, only individual contributions. Biss said he doesn’t accept donations from corporate PACs, fossil fuel interests or AIPAC, later clarifying that he’d accept money from ‘important causes’ he supports, including from ‘lobbyists who lobby for labor unions.’”]
  • Hyde Park Herald 2/9/26: Out-of-state donors propel Donna Miller to fundraising lead [“Records also show that at least 258 of Miller’s individual donors had previously given to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) or its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project (UDP), contributing more than $470,000 — more than a third of her total fundraising overall…A Herald analysis shows that at least nine of Miller’s top donors ranked among the top 150 contributors to AIPAC and UDP during the 2023–2024 election cycle.“]
  • Shaw Local 2/8/26: More than $12M pouring into 9th Congressional District race [“Fine has been criticized by other candidates for taking donations from people who also have contributed to Republican politicians and for accepting assistance from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a group that labeled Abughazaleh ‘a direct threat to our mission and the future of Israel’s security’ in a leaked, pro-Fine fundraising email. AIPAC also called Abughazaleh and Biss ‘dangerous’ in a different leaked email. In a recent group video interview with the Daily Herald, Fine denied responsibility for the AIPAC emails and denounced them. As for the donors who have been singled out, Fine said no one is going to sway her by donating to her campaign.”]
  • Chicago Tribune 2/6/26: Jabs at Jesse Jackson Jr., Donna Miller as South Side Congress race heats up [“‘Between MAGA money, AIPAC donors and shady, dark-money super PACs, it’s clear that right-wing forces are playing games with the Democratic primary election,’ Matthew Fisch, a Peters campaign manager, said in a Tuesday news release.” and “And after Miller promised she ‘would not listen to internal pressure’ when asked if she accepted money from groups funded by corporations, Preston said Miller ‘just displayed what every American hates about politicians.’ ‘She’s lying. Donna Miller is supported by AIPAC,’ he said. For her part, Miller has not rejected the claim that she has received money facilitated by the powerful organization, but told the Tribune Editorial Board Friday that AIPAC has not endorsed her. ‘I have supporters who might support AIPAC, and some who don’t,’ she said. ‘I have worked very hard in my professional and governmental career to build a broad coalition of donors, and those individual donors are the ones donating to my campaign, and I think that the coalition of support speaks to the work that I’ve done.’”]
  • The American Prospect 2/6/26: AIPAC Coordinates Donors in Illinois House Primaries [“Three Democratic candidates are benefiting from dark-money super PACs, and they share hundreds of donors who have previously given to AIPAC and its subsidiaries.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Etc.

Other stuff

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:

  • 2/6/26: Enduring devastation: “They redefined the human being in Gaza”, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart speaking with Jaser Abu Mousa, a 2025 Yale Peace Fellow and past Program Officer working for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Gaza. The two discuss life and death in Gaza on personal and collective levels. They look at Hamas, which Jaser calls a “symptom” of the problem of occupation; at how the past two-plus years of war have destroyed not only all the infrastructure needed for life in Gaza but also the social fabric, as starvation and deprivation have broken human bonds and relationships; and the ways in which Israel works to make Gaza unlivable. On a personal level, Jaser speaks of his experiences in Gaza, from the violence he witnessed as a child during the second Intifada to the devastation he experienced on and since October 7, 2023: his wife, Heba, and two of his children were killed by Israeli missiles in mid-October 2023; after two years of starvation and deprivation, his mother, sister, and sister’s children were killed in the war in July 2025; and his family suffered other losses, including the killing of a nephew in the beginning of the war, injuring of his father, and arrest, detention, and violence against his brother along with other medical workers. Navigating these unfathomable losses, Jaser points to his faith in God and religion as guides as he seeks to protect his living children and look towards the future. Finally, Jaser reflects on how he relates to Israelis and declares that “if I strip him from his right to tell his story, that does not make me more just, but will make me less human.”
  • 2/1/26: Severed: Looking at Disability Justice, Palestinian rights, and Gaza, ft. 2025 FMEP fellow Hilary Rantisi speaking with filmmaker and activist Jen Marlowe about the film Severed, which Jen directed. The film, released in late 2025, tells the story of Mohamad Saleh, a teenager from Gaza who has endured five major Israeli assaults, lost his home, close family members, his best friends, and—at the age of 12—his leg. Hilary and Jen discuss disablement, disability justice, and Gaza, which now has the largest cohort of child amputees in the world.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(REPORT ON KILLING OF SHIREEN ABU AKLEH) HR 7281: Introduced 1/30/26 by Carson (D-IN) and 13 Democratic cosponsors, “To require a report on the death of Shireen Abu Akleh.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Rep. Carson Reintroduces the Justice for Shireen Act

(INTERNET FOR IRANIANS) HR 7380 [bill text]: Introduced 2/4/26 by Swalwell (D-CA) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors, “To make certain improvements relating to the coordination of efforts to promote internet freedom and access to information in Iran, and for other purposes,” aka the “Internet Reach and Access Now Act” or “IRAN Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Also see: Swalwell press release – Swalwell, Lawmakers Introduced Bill to Promote Internet Freedom and Accesss to Information in Iran; Tenney (R-NY) press release – Congresswoman Tenney Leads Bipartisan IRAN Act to Expand Internet Freedom for the Iranian People

(CONDEMNING IRANIAN REGIME) H. Res. 1031: Introduced 2/2/26 by Mills (R-FL) and no cosponsors, “Condemning the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its violent repression of peaceful protesters, its documented pattern of human rights abuses, and its sponsorship of extremist militant groups across the Middle East.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Mills X-post – “Today, I introduced a resolution condemning the Iranian regime for its violent repression, persistent human rights abuses, and its continued sponsorship of terrorism around the world. The people of Iran deserve freedom, dignity, and the opportunity to live without fear under an authoritarian regime. Their courage is seen, their voices matter, and I will continue to stand with them in their pursuit of justice and liberty.” Also see: press release – Congressman Mills Introduces Resolution Condemning Iran’s Repression and Terror Sponsorship

(REVERSE DECISION TO ALLOW EXPORT OF AI CHIPS TO UAE) S. Res. 598: Introduced 2/5/26 by Warren (D-MA) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “A resolution condemning and calling for the reversal of President Trump’s decision to allow the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to the United Arab Emirates, despite significant risks to national security and just months after the United Arab Emirates signed a secret $500,000,000 deal to buy close to a majority stake in the Trump family crypto company World Liberty Financial.” Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

(ISRAEL/MIDDLE EAST IN THE FY26 CONSOLIDATED APPROPS) HR 7148: On 1/22/26, the House passed HR 7148, a consolidated appropriations bill combining FY26 Appropriations Bills that remained un-passed until now, by a vote of 341-88. On 1/30/26 the Senate amended and passed HR 7148 by a vote of 71-29. On 2/3/26, the House passed the Senate-adopted version of HR 7148 by a mostly party-line vote of 217-214 [a notably difference from the 1/22/26 vote], clearing the way for the bill to be signed into law by the President that same day (and ending the brief partial government shutdown). As a reminder, HR 7148 is a House-Senate conference version of the combined remaining FY25 Appropriations Bills, and is accompanied by a Joint Explanatory Statement. 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, as laid out in the 1/23/26 edition of the Round-Up:

  • 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: House passes funding bill establishing FDA office in Abraham Accords region (Jewish News Syndicate 2/4/26)

AIPAC statement 2/3/26:  Congress Demonstrates Overwhelming Support for Israel

Today, Congress sent a powerful message about the strength and vibrancy of the U.S.-Israel alliance, providing more than $4 billion for vital security assistance and cooperative programs. This funding makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and ensures our democratic ally can defend itself from our shared enemies.

We applaud the Republicans and Democrats who worked together to fully fund the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, including $3.3 billion in security assistance and $500 million for missile defense cooperative programs including Iron Dome and Arrow.

In this bill, the House and Senate also ensured that America works together with Israel to confront 21st century security challenges. New funding partnerships in counter-drone, counter-tunnel, directed energy, and other emerging technologies will bolster America’s capabilities and ensure that we are working with Israel to be on the cutting edge in these fields. The bill includes:

  • $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel emerging technology cooperation, an increase of $27.5 million.
  • $75 million for U.S.-Israel counter-drone and directed energy investment, an increase of $20 million.
  • $80 million for U.S.-Israel anti-tunnel defense cooperation, an increase of $32.5 million.

In addition, many other bipartisan pro-Israel provisions are in the bill, including:

  •  A complete ban on funding to UNRWA, the Hamas-affiliated U.N. agency in Gaza, whose members participated in the October 7th massacre.
  • A prohibition on funds to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the U.N. Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) against Israel, demonstrating American opposition to international bodies that abuse their platforms to target Israel and threaten U.S. personnel.
  • $37.5 million for the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA), supporting economic cooperation and people-to-people peacebuilding.
  • $3 million for U.S.-Israel international development cooperation.

AIPAC appreciates the pro-Israel leadership demonstrated by House and Senate leaders from both parties, including Speaker Mike Johnson, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked together to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship. We also thank the leadership of Representatives Tom Cole (R‑OK), Rosa DeLauro (D‑CT), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), and Betty McCollum (D-MN), and the work of their colleagues in the Senate, including Senators Susan Collins (R‑ME), Patty Murray (D‑WA), Lindsey Graham (R‑SC), Brian Schatz (D‑HI), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Chris Coons (D‑DE). 

Congress once again came together to send an unequivocal and bipartisan message of support for Israel and the U.S-Israel relationship. This strong bipartisan support reflects that the enduring partnership between the United States and the Jewish state remains stronger than ever. 

———————

Re: bills covered in previous Round-Ups:

2. Letters

  • (TARGETING MAYOR MAMDANI FOR REVOKING IHRA DEFINITION) 2/4/26: Chair Cassidy Launches Oversight into Zohran Mamdani Emboldening Antisemitism, Endangering Jewish New Yorkers [letter text]. The letter is 100% focused on the enforcing the IHRA definition of antisemitism. It suggests – incorrectly – that Mamdani is wrong in saying that “a number of leading Jewish organizations have immense concerns around [the IHRA] definition” [they have]. It goes on to suggest that, based on Trump’s 2019 EO on antisemitism (which invokes the IHRA definition with respect to Title VI), Mamdani’s rescinding of Mayor Adams’s EO adopting the IHRA definition (an EO Adams signed more than 5 years after Trump’s EO) “risks misalignment with federal antisemitism policy and may hinder the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights’ enforcement of Title VI.” The letter warns that this could jeopardize “$2.2 billion in total federal funding” for New York City. The letter goes on: “Decisions by your administration that weaken established safeguards for Jewish students in New York and are out of alignment with federal executive orders warrant careful scrutiny,” and demands that Mamdani answer, by February 19, a list of IHRA-related questions. For a superb analysis on what this letter is really about, see: Senator Cassidy’s IHRA Crusade Is a Political Stunt, Not a Plan to Protect Jews (Kevin Rachlin/Nexus in the Times of Israel 2/5/26). Also see varying degrees of credulous/breathless reporting on the letter from:  New York Post,  Washington Times, Times of Israel, New York Jewish Week, Jewish News Syndicate, Jewish Insider, Politico, Arutz Sheva. Also see X-post from CIP’s Dylan Williams: “Please reconsider this tawdry political stunt. Mamdani revoked the last orders of a corrupt mayor, including IHRA definition and anti-boycott measures. Those orders harmed free speech and the fight against antisemitism, endangering Jewish Americans to quash criticism of Israel.”
  • (IMPLEMENT REWARDS FOR TERRORISM WHISTLEBLOWERS) 2/3/26: Grassley, Fetterman Urge Implementation of Whistleblower Program to Fight Money Laundering [letter text]. Also see: Grassley, Fetterman urge Treasury to implement whistleblower program to combat terror financing (Jewish News Syndicate 2/4/26)
  • (ATTACKING PROGRESSIVES FOR NOT PROTESTING OVER IRAN): On 2/2/26 Jewish Insider published: Reps. Gottheimer, Tenney, Golden blast progressive groups over silence on Iranian violence against demonstrators. The article reports on a their letter attacking the League of Conservation Voters, Democratic Socialists of America, Sierra Club, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Jewish Voice for Peace, Queers for Liberation, Sunrise Movement and Justice Democrats. The letter argues “Over the last two years, you have shown no hesitation in loudly and unequivocally condemning our democratic ally Israel, after terrorists brutally raped, burned alive, decapitated, and murdered more than 1,200 people, including dozens of Americans. Yet, as the Iranian regime guns down peaceful protesters, tortures dissidents, and shuts off the internet to hide its crimes, your voices are unfortunately and conspicuously silent.“ NOTE: This letter is amplifying a transparent “whatabout-ist” straw man argument, predicated on the manifestly false assertion that protests of the Gaza genocide have merely been about criticizing Israel. In reality, those protests centered on specific/concrete calls to END SUPPORT FOR AND COMPLICITY WITH ISRAEL’S GAZA GENOCIDE — BY THE U.S. GOVERMENT, CONGRESS, U.S. UNIVERSITIES, U.S. BUSINESSES, THE U.S. TECH SECTOR, U.S. WEAPONS COMPANIES, AT THE UN, etc. In contrast, in the case of the Iranian regime’s heinous treatment of Iranian protesters, there is no U.S. complicity to protest, given longstanding, far-reaching U.S. sanctions targeting virtually every avenue for potential U.S. engagement with Iran, & the U.S. government and Congress are already all-in in support of the protesters. 

3. Hearings & Markups

February 10, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing entitled, Syria at a Crossroads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post. Witnesses will be: James Jeffrey, WINEP; Andrew J. Tabler, WINEP; Nadine Maenza, Former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; and Mara Karlin, Brookings Institution.

February 10, 2026: The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitutions and Limited Government will hold a hearing entitled, “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution.” Witnesses have not yet been announced.

February 10, 2026: The House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond.” Witnesses have not yet been announced.

February 4, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, “Defending Religious Freedom Around the World” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Sam Brownback, Former US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom (statement); Grace Drexel, Daughter of Pastor Ezra Jin (statement); and Stephen F. Schneck, Former Chair, US Commission on International Religious Freedom (statement). Also see: Former U.S. religious freedom ambassador warns of genocide of Syrian minorities (Jewish Insider 2/4/26).

  • NOTE: Rep. Fine (R-FL) took over as chair of the hearing starting around 1:35:44 in the proceedings. On-brand, as ever, Fine took the opportunity to deliver a rant against “moderate Islam” (including taking a shot at Palestinians by suggesting that the decrease in the Christian population in the West Bank is due to fear of Muslims, and suggesting that the Christian population inside Israel has flourished since 1948). He closed by tossing a bash-Europe-and-Muslims-in-the-name-of-Jewish-safety final question to Brownback. Fine’s statement: “I believe the greatest threat to religious freedom in the world is the rise of mainstream Islam. And I call it mainstream Islam because I think we’re calling it “radical Islam” is attempt to minimize the threat that it exists. The radical Muslims are the ones who don’t want to kill us. They do exist. Not all Muslims are bad, but I think that we use that to minimize the threat. And I believe it’s the largest threat because it’s religiously motivated. When China or Russia or other countries persecute religions, they’re doing it in the pursuit of political power. When they no longer believe it is good for them to get political power, they will stop. Whereas the rise of mainstream Islam is based on religion. It is a belief that is deeply held and is why we have to fight it. So I and by the way, we see this threat in the United States. The leading civil rights organization for mainstream Muslims in the United States, the Council on American Islamic Relations, argued in the state of Texas that three Muslim children had the right to attempt to destroy a Christian church because they were practicing their first amendment rights. That is how they tried to get them out of being criminally prosecuted. So I find it very troubling when there ends up being a focus on Israel, a country that I would note where the Christian population has risen dramatically since the creation of the state of Israel. Whereas if you look at a place like Bethlehem where Jesus was born, the Christian population has dropped from 85% to under 10%. It is not because Christians did not want to live near the birthplace of Jesus. It was because they no longer felt safe to be there. So I have a question for Ambassador Brownback if you don’t mind. I introduced a bill, the Peace Act, which passed unanimously out of the out of the Foreign Affairs Committee that directs the State Department to coordinate with our allies to protect the rights of Jews in Europe to practice their faith, a place where we have seen dramatic increases in antisemitism, again, as we’ve seen the rise of mainstream Islam come to Europe. Muslim terrorists are openly targeting people because they are quote ‘visibly Jewish.’ Are you confident in our European allies protecting religious freedom? They seem to be interested in potentially legalizing cousin marriage or or banning New Year’s Eve, because that might offend certain religions. But are you confident our European European allies protecting other religions? Because what’s happening in Europe is certainly very concerning to me.” For more on religious freedom as it relates to Christians in Israel/West Bank/Gaza, see: Jerusalem churches denounce Christian Zionism as betrayal of faith (New Arab 1/20/26); Christians under increased pressure in West Bank (Baptist Standard 2/4/26); Christian leaders blame Israel for dwindling number of Christians in Holy Land (Detroit Catholic 9/30/25); Violence against Christians is on the rise in Israel (Armenian Weekly 9/11/25); Christian communities in Israel face growing hostility, annual report reveals (EWTN News 3/29/25); Rossing Center presents report on life of Christians in the Holy Land (Vatican News 4/1/25); It is a myth that in the Middle East Christians are only thriving in Israel (Christian Daily 9/30/25); ‘They are trying to make it unbearable’: Jerusalem Christians face Easter under Israeli crackdown (The Guardian 4/18/25); Christians in Jerusalem face restrictions, violence amid holy celebrations (National Catholic Reporter 6/2/25). Also see X-post by Agora’s Khalil Sayegh, responding to Fine: “I am a Christian from the Holy Land. I studied Christian theology in Bethlehem and served at a local church for over 7 years. I was beaten by the Israeli military, denied access to Christian holy sites, and separated from my family in Gaza for years. These policies are driving Christians out. Do you mind commenting on these policies?“

February 3, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled, “Countering Terrorism in North Africa: Opportunities and Challenges” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Robert J. Palladino, official in the Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (statement); and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joel Borkert, Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (statement). Also see: Jewish Insider 2/4/26: Ted Cruz takes aim at Iran-backed Polisario Front for threatening U.S. interests in North Africa [“The Texas senator has drafted legislation to designate the group as a foreign terrorist organization ‘if there’s no change in their behavior’“]

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

February 3, 2026: The Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) held a hearing entitled, “Securing Syria’s Transformation by Diminishing Russia’s Influence” [hearing video]. Witnesses were: Anna Borschevskaya, WINEP [yes, WINEP will have FOUR people testifying on the Hill on 2/3/26] (testimony),  Michael Doran, The Hudson Institute; and Richard Outzen, The Atlantic Council. Also see: Lawmakers, witnesses push back on Syria sanctions effort, urge Turkish-Israeli rapprochement (Jewish Insider 2/4/26); US lawmaker: Türkiye backs removal of Russian military bases from Syria (Caliber 2/4/26)

4. Selected Members on the Record

Israel/Palestine & related

  • Cornyn (R-TX) 2/5/26: X-post – “It is truly sad to watch @tuckercarlson parade around the Middle East attacking Israel. America has no better friend than Israel.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/5/26: X-post – “Congratulations to Deni Avdija, the first Israeli to ever be named an NBA All-Star! After a breakout season, his selection marks a historic moment for Israel and the NBA, and I look forward to watching him compete with the best players in the world at the All-Star Game!”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 2/5/26: X-post – “Via @Forbes— ‘Brad Sherman: There Is An ‘Historic Opportunity’ To Disarm Hezbollah In Wake Of Israel-Hamas War‘”
  • Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 2/4/26: X-post – “After October 7, I shared photos of every Israeli hostage outside my office as a reminder of the need to bring them home. Now that the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage in Gaza, are returned, I can finally take their pictures down. Their stories will never be forgotten.“
  • McCormick (R-PA) 2/4/26: X-post – “I condemn the pro-Hamas protest that took place this week in Philadelphia. It was filled with rank antisemitism and calls for violence. It has no place in Pennsylvania or anywhere.” Linked to Times of Israel 2/2/26 article – Philly Jewish groups condemn support for terror, ‘incitement to violence’ at anti-Israel protest
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 2/4/26: X-post – “Honored to have met with Israel’s Foreign Minister @gidonsaar, @DeputySecState Christopher Landau, @RepMariaSalazar, and key partners from across the Western Hemisphere. The growing alliance between the United States, Israel, and Latin America is strengthening the cause of freedom and advancing our shared security and democratic values.“
  • Diaz-Balart 2/4/26: X-post – “Proud that my FY26 NSRP legislation, signed into law by President @realDonaldTrump stands firmly with Israel while promoting freedom and security across the Americas.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 2/3/26: X-post- “As President Trump has said, Israel is a model ally that demonstrates how countries can make the world safer for Americans when we supply them with the weapons they need. Republicans approved this sale long ago, but Democrats held them up and are now pitching a fit. I’m very supportive of the Administration’s decision to send weapons to our ally, Israel.”
  • Ciscomani (R-AZ) 2/3/26: X-post – “This weekend, Laura and I welcomed Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Yechiel Leiter to Tucson. Meaningful dialogue and the opportunity to highlight the deep, values-based bond between the U.S. and Israel. Proud to support our strongest ally in the Middle East.“
  • Doggett (D-TX) 2/3/26: X-post – “Pleased to meet with Rabbi Kelly Levy, Sarah Avner, and Jewish high school students from Austin’s Congregation Beth Israel. Joined by Rabbi @JonahPesner from @TheRAC, we discussed shared support for reproductive care, humane immigration, and a just two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 2/2/26: X-post – “The BDS movement seeks to isolate and defeat Israel, the only democracy in the region. Israel is our best ally in the region as well. The BDS movement is fueled by anti-Semitic hate. I strongly encourage UNL students to oppose. Nebraska Nice is not with the haters.“
  • Kiggans (R-VA) 2/1/26: X-post – “While in Israel, I had the opportunity to visit our servicemembers at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CNCC), a U.S.-led coordination hub established following last October’s ceasefire. The CNCC plays a critical role in intelligence sharing and in coordinating U.S. forces, partner militaries, and humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to Gaza and support stability and reconstruction in the region.“

Israel/AIPAC in US Elex

  • Massie (R-KY) 1/31/26: X-post – “Within hours of the Epstein file release, a superPAC funded by Israel-first billionaires Miriam Adelson, Paul Singer, and John Paulson, who himself appears in Epstein’s black book, bought another $800,000 of TV ads against me. I’ll still win, but if I lose, it was worth it.”

Iran

  • Kennedy (R-LA) 2/5/26: X-post – “For years, Iran has exported terrorism. It can’t do that anymore. Why? Because the United States and Israel have given Iran and its friends a CURB-STOMPING.“
  • Britt (R-AL) 2/2/26: X-post – “With Operation Midnight Hammer, @POTUS sent a message to the world on how important it is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, and that our military capabilities are second to none. As the murderous Ayatollah regime continues to slaughter innocent men, women, and children who are standing up to tyranny, they would be wise to remember that when our President speaks, he means what he says.“
  • Sullivan (R-AK) 2/2/26: X-post – “We need to continue to stand with the brave young men and women of Iran. The terrorist regime in Iran would be wise to heed the President’s warnings.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 2/2/26: X-post – “After the recent, historic protests in Iran against the regime, it is clearer than ever that internet access is a lifeline for the Iranian people. This is why there has long been strong, bipartisan support for U.S. efforts that support Iranian internet freedom. @SenatorLankford and I, along with @SenBooker and @LindseyGrahamSC, are urging Secretary Rubio to continue and grow programs that help the Iranian people access the internet and communicate with the outside world.“
  • Mullin (R-OK) 2/1/26: X-post – “President Trump is 100% right on Iran— the murderous Ayatollah regime has chanted “death to America” since 1979. Without question, @POTUS makes America and the world is safer with his ‘peace through strength’ foreign policy. We stand with the freedom-loving people of Iran.“
  • Budd (R-NC) 2/1/26: X-post – “.@POTUS has been clear: Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. We must enforce sanctions that restrict Iran’s ability to fund terrorism against us & our ally Israel, and dismantle the regime’s ballistic missile program.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 1/31/26: X-post – “Glad to see that the EU came to their senses and will designate the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization, as I have urged them to do for years. The IRGC has carried out acts of terror against the U.S. and our allies, and is responsible for the killing of thousands of protesters in the streets of Iran this month. We all must condemn IRGC and its actions.”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 1/31/26: X-post – “Any regime that murders thousands of its own people doesn’t deserve any sort of appeasement. The EU finally designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization — a decisive step for Europe and long overdue. The IRGC’s brutality must not be emboldened.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/31/26: X-post – “To Iran’s puppets in Iraq and to Nouri Maliki: You are insulting President Trump. Try that out, test your luck, and see what happens Free Iraq from Iran Free Iran“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 1/31/26: X-post – “Iran with a nuclear weapon is not in America’s national interests. And, 609 American service members were killed in Iraq by Iran funded and led militias. And, we shouldn’t ignore the regime murdering tens of thousands of its own people.“

Syria

  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/30/26: X-post – “Grateful to President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and @USAmbTurkiye Tom Barrack for their tireless efforts in achieving this historic peace deal which will save lives and bring a better future for all Syrian communities.“

Lebanon

  • Graham (R-SC) 2/5/26: X-post – “I just had a very brief meeting with the Lebanese Chief of Defense General Rodolphe Haykal. I asked him point blank if he believes Hezbollah is a terrorist organization. He said, “No, not in the context of Lebanon.” With that, I ended the meeting. They are clearly a terrorist organization. Hezbollah has American blood on its hands. Just ask the U.S. Marines. They have been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by both Republican and Democrat administrations since 1997 – for good reason. As long as this attitude exists from the Lebanese Armed Forces, I don’t think we have a reliable partner in them. I am tired of the double speak in the Middle East. Too much is at stake.”

United Arab Emirates

  • Cleaver (D-MO) 2/2/26: X-post – “For years, America’s national security leaders objected to selling advanced AI chips to the UAE on a bipartisan basis. After the UAE sent hundreds of millions of dollars to the Trump and Witkoff families, this administration reversed course. The corruption is staggering.“
  • Landsman (D-OH) 2/2/26: X-post – “Trump gets $500 million in cash then approves deal sending advanced AI chips to UAE. Blatant corruption. He gets richer every day. You get poorer. That’s his presidency. America needs new leaders, and massive anti-corruption reforms.”
  • Murphy (D-CT) 2/2/26: X-post – “A UAE investor secretly gave Trump $187 million and his top Middle East envoy $31 million. And then Trump gave that investor access to sensitive defense technology that broke decades of national security precedent. Brazen, open corruption. And we shouldn’t pretend it’s normal.“
  • Bennet (D-CO) 2/2/26: X-post – “Just before Trump took office, a senior UAE official secretly bought a $500 million stake in Trump’s crypto venture – channeling millions to Trump family accounts. Later, the White House approved the sale of America’s most advanced AI chips to the UAE, despite serious national security concerns. Just last week, Republicans blocked my amendment to add common-sense guardrails that would prevent this blatant corruption. Transactions like these make the urgent need for ethics reforms abundantly clear.“
  • Murphy (D-CT) 2/1/26: X-post – “Trump reversed decades of national security objections to selling advanced AI chips to UAE. National security experts were alarmed. But there was a secret. Before the deal, UAE had sent $187M to the Trumps and $31M to the Witkoffs in secret payments. Mind blowing corruption.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/1/26: X-post – “Foreign countries are bribing our president to sell out the American people.   Trump family businesses made $187 MILLION from this deal, and just months later he gave the UAE some of our most top-secret AI tech.   They are selling our national security to the highest bidder.”
  • Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) 2/1/26: X-post – “Trump is selling out U.S. national security for his personal financial gain. The UAE invested $500 million in Trump’s crypto company before he gave them access to hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips. A company long flagged by U.S. intelligence is getting 100k of those chips. I tried to force an investigation into this apparent quid pro quo back in September—and Republicans shot it down. When Democrats take back the House in November, my first action as Chair of the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over export controls will be to launch an investigation into this staggering corruption.“

Unconcealed Islamophobia [incl targeting CAIR and MB]

Background: 12/18/25 – Reps. Roy, Self Launch Sharia Free America Caucus; 1/15/26 – Congressman Self and Congressman Roy’s Sharia Free America Caucus Surges in Congress, Adding Twenty-Four Members in Under One Month

  • Self (R-TX) 2/5/26: X-post – “A pastor from North Texas just told me his personal story from 2010, 16 years ago. He was in the old city of Jerusalem talking to a Muslim shopkeeper. When he told the shopkeeper the city he lived in, the shopkeeper said that he knew of that city and that ‘they were moving thousands of ‘brothers’ into Plano to start something called EPIC.’ The plan to dominate Texas with Sharia has been working for at least 16 years, undoubtedly longer. Wake up, Texas! We must defend our Texas heritage!“
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/4/26: X-post – “If you would like to live under Sharia law, you have 57 countries to choose from. The United States will NEVER be the 58th. If you do not agree with our ways, I will point you to the door.“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/3/26: X-post – “Sharia-Free America Caucus Press Conference happening TODAY at 2pm ET/1PM CT. @RepKeithSelf Rep. Roy previews on @Bannons_WarRoom : ‘You’ve got people here who want to Islamify our country. They’re at war with our way of life. They want to undermine Western civilization. They want Sharia law to apply, and all of those things that will destroy our great country.’“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/3/26: X-post w/ video – “LIVE NOW: Sharia-Free America Caucus“
  • Miller (R-IL) 2/3/26: X-post – “I’m joining @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy this afternoon for a press conference to address the growing threat of Sharia law in America. It is fundamentally incompatible with the Constitution and Western values. America must remain free from it. TUNE IN!”
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/3/26: X-post – “HAPPENING TODAY: Sharia-Free America Caucus Press Conference. 1 PM CT / 2 PM ET Watch live here on X. @RepKeithSelf, @SenTuberville, @GOPMajorityWhip, @RepAndyBiggsAZ, @RepEliCrane, @RepMarkHarrisNC, @RepScottPerry, @RepBarryMoore, @RepMichaelCloud, @RepBrandonGill, @AndyOgles, @RepMaryMiller, @Rep_Clyde, @RepBrecheen, @RepRalphNorman, @RepFine, @RepRussFulcher, @RepHaridopolos, @RepMillsPress“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/3/25: X-post – “Sharia operates by dominating and then eroding societies from within. We have to put a stop to this. DO NOT SHARIA MY TEXAS. DO NOT SHARIA OUR CHILDREN.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/3/26: X-post – “No Sharia. No surrender. TODAY: Rep. Keith Self | Rep. Chip Roy | Sen. Tommy Tuberville and more Sharia-Free America Caucus Press Conference 1 PM CT / 2 PM ET Tune in. You won’t want to miss it.“
  • Biggs (R-AZ) 2/3/26: X-post – “Sharia Law has no place in our Constitutional Republic. It is completely antithetical to the principles upon which our Founders built this great nation.”
  • Miller (R-IL) 2/2/26: X-post – “Reminder: Sharia law stands in direct opposition to the U.S. Constitution. It’s fundamentally incompatible with American values and has no place in our country.“
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/2/26: X-post – “Rep. Roy on the need for the PAUSE Act: ‘Let’s make sure that we’re stopping adherence to Sharia law. Let’s make sure that we’re stopping the abuse of diversity visas and chain migration and H-1B’s. Let’s fix and reform the system and then we can have a debate.’“
  • Fine (R-FL) 2/2/26: X-post – “Tomorrow at 2:00 PM ET, I’ll be speaking at the first-ever Sharia-Free America Caucus press conference with @RepKeithSelf and @RepChipRoy. There is NO place for Sharia law in the United States. End of story. Don’t miss it.“
  • Self (R-TX) 1/30/26: X-post – “We will not stop until every American understands the dangers of Sharia. We have the legislation. We have the resolve. We will not back down. DEFEND THE WEST.“
  • Roy (R-TX) 1/30/26: X-post – “Rep. Roy on the rise of Sharia law: “They want to take Texas out so they can take America out, so they can Islamify the entire Western Hemisphere. They want to destroy everything that is good about our Judeo-Christian culture and Western civilization, and we’re playing freaking tiddlywinks while they’re trying to kill us.” @marklevinshow“
  • De La Cruz (R-TX) 1/30/26: X-post – “America is the greatest nation on earth, and I am dedicated to preserving the way of life that makes the American Dream possible for all. Proud to join the Sharia Free America Caucus alongside Rep. Keith Self and Rep. Chip Roy to ensure our nation’s laws remain rooted in the U.S. Constitution and upholds our principles of freedom and liberty for all!“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

  • Jewish News Syndicate 2/5/26: AIPAC calls out Democratic lawmakers for ‘timidity’ on Iran killing teenage protesters NOTE: AIPAC is amplifying a transparent “whatabout-ist” straw man argument, predicated on the manifestly false assertion that protests, including from inside Congress, of the Gaza genocide have merely been about criticizing Israel. In reality, those protests centered on specific/concrete calls to END SUPPORT FOR AND COMPLICITY WITH ISRAEL’S GAZA GENOCIDE — BY THE U.S. GOVERMENT, CONGRESS, U.S. UNIVERSITIES, U.S. BUSINESSES, THE U.S. TECH SECTOR, U.S. WEAPONS COMPANIES, AT THE UN, etc. In contrast, in the case of the Iranian regime’s heinous treatment of Iranian protesters, there is no U.S. complicity to protest, given longstanding, far-reaching U.S. sanctions targeting virtually every avenue for potential U.S. engagement with Iran, & the U.S. government and Congress are already all-in in support of the protesters. 
  • The America Prospect 2/4/26: Big Money Is Back
  • Sludge 2/2/26: Crypto, AI, and AIPAC Set up to Smash Super PAC Spending Records
  • Jewish Insider 2/2/26: Pro-Israel candidates show strong fundraising in key races [“In many of the closely watched Democratic primaries pitting pro-Israel candidates against anti-Israel antagonists, both sides posted strong fundraising figures”]
  • Haaretz 2/1/26: AIPAC Gears Up for Midterm Election Cycle With $95 Million War Chest [“The pro-Israel group’s Super PAC has the most cash on hand since its establishment ahead of the 2022 midterms, and has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars ahead of next week’s New Jersey Democratic primary“]
  • New York Times 2/1/26: The Richest 2026 Players: A.I., Crypto, Pro-Israel Groups and Trump [“A pro-Israel super PAC is bigger than ever. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the influential pro-Israel group, has spent aggressively in Democratic primary races in recent years to target candidates it views as opposed to the Jewish state. Now, at a time when tensions over Israel have divided both parties, particularly Democrats, AIPAC is cutting huge checks to get even more involved. The group moved $30 million to its allied super PAC, the United Democracy Project, last year. That super PAC raised $61.6 million in the second half of 2025 and entered this year with almost $96 million on hand, putting it among the best-funded outside groups in the country. The super PAC, which started in 2022, spent about $35 million in House primaries in the 2024 cycle. That amount appears to be chump change compared with the group’s potential 2026 budget.“]
  • NBC News 1/31/26: AI, crypto and Trump super PACs stash millions to spend on the midterms [“United Democracy Project, a pro-Israel group that’s aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) raised more than $61 million from July through December and ended 2025 with almost $96 million banked away, the latest campaign finance reports show. The group wades into primaries on both sides of the aisle, but largely plays in Democratic contests…While United Democracy Project received a massive $30 million check from AIPAC, its second-biggest contributor was GOP megadonor Paul Singer. Donations from Singer and other prominent Republicans have been a point of contention for Democrats because of the group’s heavy involvement in their party’s primaries.”]
  • Haaretz 1/29/26: ‘I Don’t Think a Presidential Candidate Can Win a Democratic Primary by Taking AIPAC Money’ [“What does Mamdani’s win suggest about how Democratic primaries are changing around Israel? I think AIPAC is in a really bad spot. Their peak of political influence was helping defeat Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman. It came at the right time, in the right districts. There’s a reason they didn’t try against Ayanna Pressley or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. But since public opinion really turned on what’s happening in Gaza, it’s increasingly becoming a litmus test for Democrats. I don’t think a 2028 presidential candidate can win a Democratic primary by taking AIPAC money. I’m not trying to be a prisoner of the moment, but it feels like a low ask at this point. And so many are ditching it, even moderate candidates. That puts someone like [Pennsylvania governor and Democratic presidential hopeful] Josh Shapiro in a difficult spot. I just don’t see a plurality or majority of primary voters in two years, three years, supporting a candidate that takes AIPAC money.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

  • American Prospect 2/6/26: AIPAC Coordinates Donors in Illinois House Primaries [“Three Democratic candidates are benefiting from dark-money super PACs, and they share hundreds of donors who have previously given to AIPAC and its subsidiaries.“]
  • Evanston Now 2/5/26: Andrew, Biss go on offense in lively forum [“…Biss also pushed Fine on AIPAC’s tacit support of her campaign for the first time publicly, in a response to questions about U.S.-Israeli relations after laying out his position on blocking military assistance to Israel, something Fine has said she disagrees with. ‘If that’s what you agree with,’ Biss said, ‘it should be very troubling that the overwhelming majority of Laura Fine’s donations come from AIPAC supporters, that she traveled the country in recent months, raising money from AIPAC, because she supports blank checks of military aid for Israel.’ Biss, son of an Israeli citizen with continued familial ties to the country, released a post last week after Evanston Now’s reporting about his communications with the powerful lobbying group early in the campaign, laying out what he described as the same policy position he submitted to AIPAC when asked about his stance on the issues…“]
  • The Daily Northwestern 2/5/26: Democratic congressional candidates spar over campaign donations at CSNA forum [“...In mid-January, Chicago 50th Ward Committeeperson Bruce Leon announced he would drop out of the race, following a months-long pressure campaign from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the country’s largely pro-Israel lobbying group. Leon alleged that the group was attempting to consolidate support around Fine. AIPAC has not endorsed Fine, but the group has reportedly sent at least two fundraising emails on her behalf. At Wednesday’s forum, Biss routinely attacked Fine for her purported connection to AIPAC. While decrying Israel’s actions in Gaza, Biss said it should be ‘troubling’ to voters that Fine supports a ‘blank check of military aid for Israel’ and has allegedly received donations from AIPAC supporters. ‘That is deeply problematic,’ Biss said. ‘That is a right-wing policy that is bad for Palestinians, Jews, Israelis, America and the world.’ At that, Abughazaleh applauded. Abughazaleh took a more veiled strike at Fine in her remarks, suggesting that voters should be ‘looking at who supports unconditional military aid to Israel and who is backed by AIPAC.’ In her rebuttal, Fine focused on her record and experience as a legislator in Springfield, but did not address claims about her donors.“]
  • Politico 2/4/26: Illinois Playbook [“…SUPER PACs: We hear two super PACS are hitting the ground in Illinois today with big ad buys. Watch for ‘Elect Chicago Women’ to start running ads in the IL-08 and IL-09 congressional contests, endorsing Democrats Melissa Bean and Laura Fine respectively. Also on air: The “Affordable Chicago Now” committee will start running ads in the IL-02 congressional district race, supporting Democrat Donna Miller. Big money: The PACs have booked six figures’ worth of Chicago broadcast TV ads, via post. Who’s behind them? The super PACS are supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), according to two people familiar with campaigns.“]
  • NBC News 2/4/26: Secret money roils Democratic primaries
  • Jewish Insider 2/4/26: Major ad buys boost moderates facing anti-Israel challengers in Chicago-area House races [“The ad buys for the two groups add up to millions of dollars across the three races. Given that the groups were just launched, FEC filing policies will not require them to disclose their donors until close to Election Day. But the ads, which do not focus on Israel policy, are widely rumored to be connected to the United Democracy Project, the AIPAC-affiliated super PAC. UDP did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and AIPAC has not made formal endorsements in any of the races in question.  Fine has established herself as a supporter of Israel during her campaign, and Bean had a pro-Israel record in office. Miller’s public record on the issue is less established.“]
  • David Dayen (The American Prospect) 2/4/26: X-post – “AIPAC cash has popped up in the race to replace Robin Kelly in IL-02. The “Affordable Chicago Now” SuperPAC just organized a week ago & hasn’t identified any of its donors. The PAC is supporting Donna Miller, whose donors are primarily AIPAC donors…“
  • Times of Israel 2/3/26: Daniel Biss Deserves Pro-Israel Support
  • Chicago Tribune 2/3/26: Millions raised fuel fierce fights for 5 open Illinois congressional seats ahead of March primary [“…In recent months, Fine has seemingly received the tacit support of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and many of its previous donors, though she has denied seeking the group’s endorsement. State Sen. Mike Simmons of Chicago, who had about $135,000 at the end of the quarter, criticized Fine this week for receiving significant backing from people who had also supported President Donald Trump or AIPAC, which advocates for Israel’s interests and supports both Democrats and Republicans. ‘If people who donate to AIPAC are donating to me, it’s because of the fact that they appreciate what I have done and my accomplishments, and they have faith in my candidacy, but I’m pretty darn independent,’ Fine said Monday.“]
  • Jewish Insider 2/3/26: Pro-Israel moderates hold momentum in several Chicago-area House races [“Former Rep. Melissa Bean emerged as the clear frontrunner in her old suburban Chicago district, while state Sen. Laura Fine looking formidable in race to succeed Rep. Jan Schakowsky”]
  • The Daily Northwestern 2/2/26: Abughazaleh, Biss, Fine lead fundraising as $11 million floods congressional race
  • Evanston Roundtable 2/1/26: Fine and Biss lead in cash, Abughazaleh raised and spent big entering 2026, disclosures show

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

  • Politico 2/3/26: Suozzi, Gillen and Riley have a midterm $tash [“Reps. Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen and Josh Riley are sitting on massive piles of campaign cash as they look to defend their battleground seats, bolstered by leadership PACs, joint fundraising committees and the pro-Israel advocacy group AIPAC…Meanwhile, in the state’s most competitive House race, GOP Rep. Mike Lawler reported a whopping $3.5 million in cash on hand. Like the incumbent Democrats, the Hudson Valley moderate is a prodigious fundraiser whose coffers are fortified by his victory fund, PACs seeking to keep Republicans in the majority and hundreds of thousands in AIPAC cash.”]
  • Jewish Insider 2/3/26: Mamdani, socialist allies face first electoral test in battle for NYC House seat [“The fight to succeed Rep. Nydia Velazquez pits Mamdani and the DSA faithful against the congresswoman and her protege”]
  • City & State NY 2/2/26: Mark Levine endorses Dan Goldman for Congress [“Levine’s endorsement didn’t mention either candidate’s orientation toward Israel, but Lander, Goldman and Levine are three of the city’s most prominent Jewish leaders, and each has been scrutinized by New Yorkers for their response to Israel’s war in Gaza. While Lander as comptroller chose not to reinvest roughly $40 million in Israeli government bonds after they matured, Levine, his successor in the office, has said he would buy Israeli bonds again. (Lander, who opposes the Boycott, Sanctions, Divestment movement, did invest public pension funds in Israeli companies, including the weapons company Elbit Systems.)“]
  • Jewish News Syndicate 2/2/26: NYC comptroller endorses Dan Goldman over city’s prior chief financial officer [“Lander has criticized Israel extensively and supported boycotting the Jewish state. Levine has said that the city should not divest from Israel Bonds, in direct opposition to the views of Zohran Mamdani, city mayor. Goldman has also supported Israel but has been very critical of the Israeli prime minister.“]
  • Columbia Spectator 2/1/26: Congressional contenders vying to replace Nadler gather for NY-12 candidate forum [“The eight contenders fielded questions from audience members, whose key concerns included the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, American Israel Public Affairs Committee funding, and military aid to Israel.”]
  • New York Jewish Week 1/30/26: Ritchie Torres’ challengers are testing how Israel plays in the Bronx — and taking aim at ‘Zionists’ in a Jewish neighborhood

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – North Carolina

  • News & Observer 2/6/26: Valerie Foushee and Nida Allam post fundraising hauls in competitive NC-4 primary [“So far, the race isn’t shaping up to be as expensive as last time — perhaps, in part, due to Foushee’s new pledge not to accept donations from AIPAC, the pro-Israel group that funneled over $3 million toward electing her in 2022. And, unlike last time, Allam may actually have an edge over Foushee in fundraising.”]
  • WRAL 2/1/26: Can Trump, Stein picks survive NC primary elections? Races to watch [“A Democratic-leaning Congressional district in the Triangle features a rematch between Democrats who squared-off in a contentious primary in 2022. Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam is challenging U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, who is seeking a third term representing North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District…Foushee faced criticism that year for not rejecting outside spending on her behalf by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee…Foushee says she plans to reject financial support from AIPAC, if it’s offered this year. She told WRAL News: ‘I am not accepting AIPAC donations and have co-sponsored legislation to block arms sales to Israel because it is clear to me and my constituents that the Netanyahu government’s indiscriminate killing of innocent Palestinians cannot continue.’ Foushee added that she has also demanded that Israel allow humanitarian aid to reach starving Palestinians. Stein and Cooper endorsed Foushee in the race. The primary could shed light on how much or how little those endorsements — and Foushee’s actions on Israel — matter to voters in one of the most progressive parts of the state.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nebraska

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

  • The Intercept 2/4/26: He’s Running to Fill Jasmine Crockett’s House Seat From Her Left. He’s Also Her Pastor. [“The 65-year-old Dallas pastor has already attracted some national attention for his outspoken criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, putting him at odds with many of his peers in Texas and the Deep South, where an open affinity between right-wing Christianity and pro-Israel Zionism is common. That stance also marks an apparent difference between him and Crockett. While Haynes is running on ending U.S. military support for Israel and the genocide in Gaza, Crockett has drawn criticism for voting to send U.S. military aid to Israel and taking a trip there as a first-term member of Congress in August 2023 with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Israel Defense Forces. “]
  • Austin Weekly News 2/3/26: Who is the front runner in 7th CD race? Hard to say. [“…Showalter took the opportunity to blast two of the front runners. ‘Jason Friedman will answer to AIPAC (the America Israel Public Affairs Committee),’ he wrote… The issue of AIPAC-funded congressional candidates has been a flash point in several Illinois congressional contests. Friedman was pointedly called out by a questioner at a recent Democratic Party of Oak Park presentation in January and heckled loudly by another audience member regarding AIPAC. “]
  • Texas Tribune 2/2/26: After two Houston Congress members died in office, Al Green defends his seniority to voters [“...Green also said he expects to get outspent in the primary and that, given there are three prominent candidates, it will go to a runoff. The elongated timeline, he said, will allow monied interests to try and push him out — including, he speculated, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. The group spent millions in Democratic primaries last cycle to successfully push out two lawmakers critical of Israel. ‘AIPAC is willing to spend inordinate amounts of money to get me out of office,’ said Green, who has voted against sending military aid to Israel.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Connecticut

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – South Carolina

  • The Algemeiner 2/3/26: South Carolina Republican Senate Candidate Floats Antisemitic Conspiracies in Effort to Boost Long-Shot Campaign [“…’I’m America first and not Israel first, not Ukraine first. We always have to ask what is in the foreign policy interest of the United States citizen. How are we helping the people back home thrive and be safe?” Dans said during an October 2025 interview with South Carolina local news.’…Dans also appeared on ‘The Tucker Carlson Show’ in November 2025, in which he and the podcaster criticized US Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for his steadfast support for Israel, insinuating that Graham focuses more on uplifting Israel than the US.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland

  • The Hill 2/4/26: Harry Dunn launches second Maryland House bid, this time for Hoyer’s seat [“One looming question over the race is whether the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) super PAC gets involved in his primary. The super PAC, United Democracy Project, supported Elfreth in the primary in 2024, and Hoyer is a key ally of AIPAC’s.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Kentucky

More US Weapons/Aid for Israel!

  • Politico 2/4/26: How Israel is navigating its next bid for US funding [“Israel is seizing on a moment when lawmakers appear ready to resume business as usual after the Biden administration paused a limited number of bomb shipments. Responding Tuesday to a new $7 billion arms sales package to Israel, Senate Foreign Relations Chair JIM RISCH (R-Idaho) praised the deal and dinged the Dems. ‘Republicans approved this sale long ago, but Democrats held them up and are now pitching a fit,’ he wrote…Some Democrats continue to call for more accountability for Israel. Sen. JEFF MERKLEY (D-Ore.) told NatSec Daily he’d oppose a new deal with offensive weapons transfers unless Israel changed its conduct. But one Democratic House aide, granted anonymity to speak frankly about internal discussions, told your anchor that the party was prioritizing other emergencies. On Gaza, the aide said, following the nominal ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration, ‘everyone started to tune out.’“]
  • DropSite 2/2/26: $6B arms deal to Israel bypassed Congress; U.S. signals “readiness” for Iran talks; Last U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty set to expire
  • Jewish Insider 2/1/26: Meeks says Trump WH sidestepped congressional review on arms sale to Israel [“The administration announced a $6 billion arms sale to Israel on Friday, in a move Meeks said ‘blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives’”]

Saudi Arabia, Iran

New Attack on Rep. Tlaib

Other stuff

  • Jewish Insider 2/6/26: Lindsey Graham hints at reducing U.S. support for Lebanese Armed Forces over general’s Hezbollah stance
  • Jewish News Syndicate 2/6/26: Graham ends meeting with Lebanese army chief over Hezbollah stance
  • Atlantic Council 2/5/26: Washington’s UNRWA report shows how public discourse is divorced from reality [“Critics of UNRWA are not wrong to identify real vulnerabilities. The agency operates under extraordinary political pressure, relies on host-authority curricula it does not control, and faces genuine challenges enforcing neutrality among a locally recruited workforce of Palestinians living largely under conflict conditions in Gaza and the West Bank. Oversight mechanisms, while extensive, are imperfect, and implementation gaps are real. There is evidence to suggest that there is influence by staff members who are aligned with Hamas, something that UNRWA has attempted to address, but cannot avoid due to the political realities of the population from which it draws its employees, particularly in Gaza. Where critics often overreach is in treating these constraints as evidence of institutional intent or systemic failure. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, for example, claimed that UNRWA ‘is literally funneling American tax dollars to terrorism,’ while Rep. Ritchie Torres called UNRWA ‘long a purveyor of anti-Israel, and anti-Jewish hate.’ The GAO tells a different story. Through their interviews with UNRWA educators, administrators, students, and diplomatic leaders in the US Embassy, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the PA Ministry of Education, and UNRWA leadership and field staff, GAO staff collected significant data and input. Their report, analyzing US funding for assistance, the extent to which UNRWA and the US State Department identified and addressed problematic content, and the extent to which the State Department reported accurately to Congress, does not find sufficient evidence to substantiate claims that UNRWA’s education programs functioned as vehicles for incitement during the period reviewed, nor that US funds were misused.“]
  • Armenian Weekly 2/4/26: When lobbying collides: Azerbaijan, Israel and Armenian American advocacy

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:

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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

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.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Note: Many, many members of Congress (both chambers, both parties) made statements celebrating Israel’s retrieval of the remains of the final Israeli hostage from Gaza. If you want to see who said what, check members’ websites and social media.

Gaza/West Bank

  • Welch (D-VT) 1/29/26: X-post – “It’s been two years since 5-year-old Hind Rajab and six members of her family were killed by Israeli tank and machine gun fire. Two Red Crescent workers sent to rescue them were also killed. I will continue to fight for justice for her and so many other Palestinians who have died.“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Republican) 1/29/26: X-post – “Hamas terrorists cannot be reasoned with, negotiated with, or trusted. @USAmbUN is right, they don’t belong anywhere near the next government in Gaza.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 1/29/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Violent settlers in the West Bank are burning Palestinian villages & beating residents with impunity. These attacks have been met w/ silence from the Trump Admin & Netanyahu govt. US taxpayers shouldn’t be giving the Netanyahu govt an annual $3 billion blank check for weapons.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/26/26: X-post – “I’m very grateful that the remains of the last hostage, a real hero of Israel, were found so he could be buried in his homeland. As to Hamas, nothing has changed. They are religious Nazis bent on the destruction of the Jewish state and oppressing the Palestinian people. They don’t seek peace. They only seek destruction. One decent thing doesn’t change who they are. Mr. President, you’re right to seek immediate disarmament. This has gone on too long. If Hamas doesn’t disarm, allow Israel to finish the job. There will never be peace with Hamas in power or in play.“

Israel in Congress & in US Elex

  • Bost (R-IL) 1/29/26: X-post – “It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel. I believe it is important to have close and continued communication with our closest ally in the Middle East regarding our shared security interests, lingering instability in Gaza, and continued threats from Iran and its proxies. This trip, which included in-depth briefings from government leaders and military officials, reinforced why the United States must remain firmly committed to this important partnership.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 1/27/26: X-post – “All but one Dem candidate say they’ll refuse support from U.S. citizens who want a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship. The Dem party is increasingly anti-Israel. I hate to see this become partisan. Bipartisan support is best for the only democracy in region.“
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 1/24/26: X-post – “Today’s debate between @JamesTalarico and @JasmineForUS showed just how out of touch the Democrat Party is with Texans. They want to abolish ICE, bankrupt our country with Medicare for All, and cut funding to Israel. Their polices are dangerous and will not prevail in Texas.“

Iran

  • Graham (R-SC) 1/29/26: X-post – “The Iranian religious Nazi murderous regime and a fair nuclear deal do not go in the same sentence. The protestors who have been dying by the thousands are not seeking a fair nuclear deal for the ayatollah. They are seeking to end the ayatollah’s repressive regime so they can have a life with freedom and without fear. Keep protesting. Help is on the way.”
  • Self (R-TX) 1/29/26: X-post – “I applaud the EU for its moral clarity today in designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization—an army with the blood of thousands of Iranians on its hands and a primary supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah.   It is now past time for the United Kingdom to follow suit with a designation as the Iranian people continue their struggle for freedom.”
  • Markey (D-PA) 1/28/26: X-post – “First Venezuela. Then Greenland. Now more reckless saber rattling from Trump. Attacking Iran would be illegal, dangerous, and unwise. No more endless wars.”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 1/27/26: X-post – “We should be arming the protesters in Iran. NOW. For the Iranian people to overthrow the Ayatollah—a tyrant who routinely chants “death to America”—would make America much, much safer.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/27/26: X-post – “Mr. President… I hope so. As long as it’s a good deal. Well done. Keep standing by the protestors in Iran. They can be our friends. The ayatollah will never be our friend.“
  • Carter (R-GA) 1/26/26: X-post – “Good riddance. Patient care has improved in Georgia now that this individual with ties to violent terrorists is no longer entrusted to protect our health and livelihoods.” Linked to New York Post 1/25/26 article: Daughter of top Iranian official ousted from Emory University following massive public outrage, CA Post pressure

Iraq

  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/28/26: X-post – “Grateful to support the spectacular efforts of President Donald Trump and Special Envoy @Mark_Savaya on Iraq and work hand in hand with both to Make Iraq Great Again and Free Iraq from Iran. It is critical that Iraqi leaders do not repeat the mistakes of the past by misreading the position of the United States as ambiguous or negotiable. Under President Donald J Trump the position of the United States is clear and unequivocal. Iranian influence in Iraq will no longer be tolerated. The era in which outside actors imposed prime ministers on Iraq is over. The new prime minister and government must serve only the interests of the Iraqi people. The practice of sacrificing Iraq’s wealth sovereignty and stability to serve external agendas has ended. Any new Iraqi government must place Iraq and its people first by meeting the following requirements. Fully disarm and dismantle all Iranian aligned militia groups within six to twelve months. Tackle corruption and money laundering immediately and systematically across Iraq with no exceptions. Establish a genuinely independent judiciary. The judiciary must not be influenced by any individual political party or faction. It must serve the rule of law exclusively and must never be used as a political weapon. Sever Iranian influence in Iraqi affairs. All Iranian advisers operatives and agents must be removed from Iraq and from all Iraqi institutions. Institutionalize and clearly define the role of the Popular Mobilization Forces under the Iraqi Armed Forces and official security institutions. There must be unified command and control with no parallel or uncontrolled structures. Ensure that all cabinet members are competent professional and loyal to the state not to parties factions or individuals. Commit to building strong durable and strategic economic and security ties with the United States. As stated previously Special Envoy Savaya will play a decisive role in helping Iraq restore its sovereignty stability and national strength. No More Iranian influence in Iraq. Free Iraq from Iran.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/27/26: X-post – “As usual Mr. President, you’re dead right about what’s going on in Iraq. I had a front row seat to the al-Maliki prime ministership — a complete disaster for all concerned. You’re right to weigh in because America First requires us to have reliable partners in countries that matter like Iraq. Iraq has a lot of potential still and it’s up to the Iraqi people to decide their future. However, I believe this would be a giant step backward regarding the Iraq-U.S. relationship. Mr. President, you’re right to let Iraq know America has its own interests that have to be protected. Well done.” Linked to Trump post on TruthSocial 1/27/26: “I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/27/26: X-post – “I told you Trump would fix it! Make Iraq Great Again” Linked to Trump post on TruthSocial 1/27/26: “I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!“

Targeting Academia

  • Stefanik (R-NY) 1/24/26: X-post – ““This kind of skewed, racist brainwashing feeds division and hostility not just on campuses but at corporations, government, the media and other key institutions. It’s the kind of depraved curricula that fueled the pro-terrorist, antisemitic encampments after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and surely underlies some of the anti-ICE riots today.'” Quoting from linked New York Post editorial, Woke colleges are still wasting young American minds

Just Straight-up Islamophobia

  • Self (R-TX) 1/29/26: X-post – “The nationwide strike against ICE is being fueled by CAIR, a terrorist organization pushing radical Islam. America will not bow to Islamic extremism. We will enforce the law, defend our sovereignty, and stand with ICE.“
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 1/25/26: X-post – “Sharia Law and Radical Islam have NO PLACE in America. We CANNOT allow the United States to become the “United Caliphate of America.” We must BAN SHARIA LAW.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 1/25/26: X-post – “Sharia law is incompatible with the West.“

Other Stuff

  • Graham (R-SC) 1/29/26: X-post- “The thumbs up tour continues. Great meeting with the Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman.   Wow, these people are clever.“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 1/29/26: X-p0st – “Honored and grateful to meet with Elizabeth Tsurkov after her release. She was held captive by Iran-controlled Kata’ib Hezbollah terrorists for over 900 days. Her courage is an inspiration.”

5. Selected Media

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

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nebraska

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Colorado

Saudi Arabia, Iran

Other stuff

 

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:

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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

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.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

Palestinians, West Bank, Gaza

  • Shreve (R-IN) 1/22/26: X-post – “Following a letter I led with @RepAndyBarr, President Trump sanctioned foreign actors and organizations for supporting Hamas. Strong laws. Strong enforcement. Zero tolerance for terrorist financing.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 1/21/26: X-post – “Israeli forces continue to blatantly disregard international law and Palestinian lives. Their campaign of death and destruction goes beyond Gaza. We cannot allow Netanyahu to continue starving, displacing, and murdering Palestinians. It is past time for Congress to take action and protect Palestinian lives. Pass the Block the Bombs Act now!“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 1/21/26: X-post – “There is no path to peace or prosperity in Gaza so long as Hamas is allowed to operate in the shadows, steal from donors, and use civilians as cover for violence. We must remain relentless in holding terrorists and their conspirators accountable. Today’s action by the Treasury Department cuts off Hamas’s access to the global financial system while ensuring legitimate humanitarian aid can continue to reach innocent civilians.”
  • McCormick (R-PA) 1/21/26: X-post – “I am pleased that the Trump admin continues to keep the pressure on Hamas by targeting its terror-fundraising infrastructure. As @UnderSecTFI rightly says, ‘Hamas continues to show a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people.’ Hamas must have no future role in governing Gaza and must fully disarm immediately. That’s why I have supported using every tool at our country’s disposal to dismantle Hamas, including my cosponsorship of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 1/20/26: X-post – “In yet another outrageous action, the Netanyahu gov just demolished the @UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu & Trump have pushed fake propaganda that UNRWA is a proxy for Hamas, as far-right politicians in Israel work to erase the Palestinian refugee identity altogether. Europe & the international community need to stand up.”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 1/20/26: X-post – “It took less than one year for President @realDonaldTrump to bring home all living hostages from Gaza and broker the release of dozens of Americans detained abroad.   Promises made, promises kept.“

WE LOVE ISRAEL & STAND WITH ISRAEL 100% FOREVER ON EVERYTHING!

  • Graham (R-SC) 1/18/26: X-post w/ pic – “Just met with my good friend David Barnea, Director of Mossad. Wow, these people are clever. God Bless America. God Bless Israel.” NOTE: in response to this post, an X user asked Grok, “How many times has Lindsey Graham posted about ‘Israel’ and how many times has he posted about ‘South Carolina’ in the past year? Numbers only please.” Grok responded: “Based on my analysis of Lindsey Graham’s X posts from the past year, he mentioned ‘Israel’ in approximately 250 posts and ‘South Carolina’ in approximately 120 posts. This aligns with his role in foreign policy while representing his home state.” The user then asked Grok “How many other foreign countries did he post about and how many times each?” Grok responded: “Based on analysis of Lindsey Graham’s posts over the past year, besides Israel, he mentioned: Iran: 53 times Ukraine: 53 times Russia: 54 times Lebanon: 18 times Syria: 5 times Saudi Arabia: 3 times Afghanistan: 2 times China: 2 times North Korea: 0 times Qatar: 0 times This covers 9 other foreign countries.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 1/18/26: X-post – “Psalm 23: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.’ Israel walks through the valley every day. But they do not walk alone. We will ALWAYS stand with Israel and the Jewish community. God Bless America. God Bless Israel.“

The Gaza “Board of Peace” [which is increasingly recognized as a Trump effort to replace the UN]

  • Doggett (D-TX) 1/21/26: X-post – “Trump doesn’t want to be just king of America. He wants to be king of the universe. With the ‘Board of Peace’ still unformed and unable to stabilize postwar Gaza, Trump has expanded its mission and invited fellow authoritarians Putin, Lukashenko, and Orban to join a pay-to-play institution with Trump himself granted the only veto—a corrupt institution in his own megalomaniac image.”
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 1/20/26: X-post – “Cooperation amongst world leaders is crucial to rebuilding Gaza and stabilizing the region. However, extending an invitation to Putin to join the Board of Peace undermines the mission to eradicate Hamas, secure peace, and promote reconciliation amongst nations. Putin has denigrated humanitarian principles and morals through his illegal invasion of Ukraine. This invitation is an insult to the Ukrainians and Europeans who are actively fighting against the relentless assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump’s refusal to hold Putin accountable is not only disgraceful, but also dangerous. His continued efforts to appease and partner with this craven dictator is a betrayal of freedom, democracy, and international law.”
  • Markey (D-MA) 1/20/26; X-post – “This isn’t a Board of Peace, it’s Cash for Trump.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 1/19/26: X-post – “Inviting Vladimir Putin and his puppet in Belarus to the ‘Board of Peace’ is like inviting an arsonist to the ‘Board of Preventing Fires.’ The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is too serious to have adversaries like Russia and Belarus involved.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 1/18/26: X-post – “Trump is selling the future of Gaza and of the Palestinian people to the highest bidder. That is not peace and diplomacy. That is CORRUPTION. IMPERIALISM. THEFT. The future of Palestine must be led and directed by the Palestinian people“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 1/16/26: X-post – “Today, the White House announced the members of the Executive Board for the Gaza Board of Peace, an international body with American leadership tasked with overseeing Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success. This is a positive first step toward sustaining the ceasefire and bringing much needed stability to Gaza. Led by international specialists, the Board will play a critical role in supporting the demilitarization and disarmament of Hamas, while ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.“

Iran

  • Ansari (D-AZ) 1/23/26: X-post – “A harrowing firsthand account of the regime’s massacre in Iran. Please read and share. ‘The death was incomprehensible. Corpses were piled in parks and hospitals throughout Mashhad. Some of the injured were treated by protesters in alleyways.’”
  • Babin (R-TX) 1/23/26: X-post – “The ayatollah has crossed President Trump’s red line. There’s no ambiguity and no walking it back. Actions have consequences.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 1/22/26: X-post – “My heart is with the families of those killed by the Iranian government. The future of Iran belongs to the people. I applaud the bravery of the protestors who are standing up for their rights. We are with you and will keep fighting for justice.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/21/26: X-post – “I was unnerved by statements being made by people involved in the Iran file suggesting that if the ayatollah could change his ways, we might be able to reach an agreement with the regime. Anyone who believes that the ayatollah is remotely interested in changing his ways does not understand the history of the ayatollah and the murderous regime. That’s the same as believing someone could have done a deal with Hitler. They were wrong then about Hitler, and they are wrong now about the ayatollah. Adolf Hitler wanted a master race governed by the superiority of the Aryans. The ayatollah is a religious Nazi who wants a world religion that he governs. Both are sick. You cannot do a deal with evil. You have to confront it. In this case, that means standing behind the people of Iran.“
  • Ansari (D-AZ) 1/20/26: Rep. Ansari Led Bipartisan Press Conference and Candlelit Vigil in Support of Iranian Protestors
  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/20/26: X-post – “Courageous Iranians are being slaughtered in streets, homes, and hospitals by the tens of thousands. The deranged terrorist regime that pledges death to America and Israel must be stopped. For 25 years, Putin has cried “poor Russia” as HE invades sovereign countries and demands endless war with 0 benefit to Russia. Attacking energy infrastructure in subzero temperatures and hunting toddlers with drones is disgusting, pathetic, and a display of ultimate weakness. War criminal Putin and terrorist Khamenei are a cancer to the civilized world. With proper treatment, this sickness can be stopped.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/19/26: X-post – “Thank you on behalf of those seeking freedom from oppression throughout the world for your decision to not allow the Iranian Foreign Minister to speak at the Davos World Economic Forum. I am very pleased to hear that those in charge of Davos realized having the Iranian Foreign Minister – the mouthpiece for the terrorist regime murdering its citizens with American blood on its hands – should not attend and speak at the conference. Well done. This action by the Davos group will encourage people in Iran to continue to demand an end to their oppression. This kind of statement is what the world should deliver. Unequivocal, uncompromising condemnation of the religious Nazi regime in Iran. Again, well done.” Linked to Jerusalem Post article, ‘Akin to inviting Hitler’: Iran’s FM disinvited from Davos following backlash
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 1/18/26; X-post – “Iran has been at war with the West & has American blood on their hands. They have also threatened to wipe Israel off the map & developed a nuclear weapons program that thankfully @POTUS had the courage & decisiveness to step in & thwart. The sanctions that the President has put into place have weakened Iran’s economy, exerting maximum pressure on the regime. I’m glad to see him standing up in support of these protestors.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/16/26: X-post – “I just landed in Israel, the one and only Jewish State, and America’s strongest ally and friend since its founding.   If you think I flew all the way to Israel after having not slept much in days to make sure we do not hold the ayatollah’s murderous regime accountable for the slaughter of its own people, being the largest state sponsor of terrorism with Americans’ blood on its hands, and who has an endless quest to cheat and obtain a nuclear weapon to advance their sick religious Nazi beliefs, then you have missed a lot.   I look forward to meeting with our Israeli allies to see how we can build upon the momentum created by President Trump’s bold and unprecedented leadership in Iran, where he picked the people over the ayatollah. The people are right to demand an end to this regime.   We cannot allow this historic moment to pass – and I agree with President Trump. The downfall of the ayatollah and his regime would be on par with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Remember President Trump is not Obama. I believe he is Reagan Plus.“

Syria

Other

  • Massie (R-KY) 1/20/26: X-post – “Selling stolen oil and putting billions of dollars in a bank in Qatar to be spent without Congressional approval is not Constitutional. Only Congress can appropriate money. The President can’t legally create a second Treasury overseas for his own piggy bank. Wake up Congress.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 1/16/26: X-post – “Reports that Gov. Josh Shapiro was asked if he was a ‘double agent for Israel’ during VP vetting are nothing short of outrageous, and, if true, demand an immediate explanation from the Harris campaign. That kind of insinuation and targeting is antisemitism, plain and simple. No one should be judged or discriminated against because of their faith. We must do better.” NOTE: As CIP’s Dylan Williams correctly observed on X: “Shapiro volunteered for a foreign country’s army & worked in public affairs at its embassy. It’s basic diligence for those vetting him to be next in line for President to ask if he ever acted as an agent—a legal term—of that country. His harping on it is divisive & distracting.“

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Illinois

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Virginia

Other stuff

 

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:

Also of note:

—————————-

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

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.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

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)

  • Graham (R-SC) 1/15/26: X-post – “I am traveling to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team at this crucial time in the history of the Middle East. The goal is to build on the historic opportunities created by President Trump’s unprecedented leadership, to stand up to evil, and to support the people who are sacrificing for freedom. The Trump-Netanyahu alliance has thus far been one of the strongest partnerships in the history of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and I am hopeful it will pay dividends in the near future. We live in a time of great consequence with the Middle East on the verge of previously unimaginable change. Standing together and following through on our commitments only makes us stronger.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/15/26: X-post – “All the headlines suggesting that our so-called Arab allies have intervened on behalf of Iran to avoid decisive military action by President Trump are beyond disturbing. The ayatollah’s regime has American blood on its hands. They are slaughtering people in the streets. If it is accurate that the Arab response is “action is not necessary against Iran” given this current outrageous slaughter of innocent people, then there will be a dramatic rethinking on my part regarding the nature of the alliances now and in the future.”
  • Grassley (R-IA) 1/15/26: Grassley Opens Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting, Highlights Iran Oversight [excerpt: “…since Iran’s in the news again, I’d like to highlight some of my oversight from last year. First of all, where are all of the Pro-Hamas, Anti-Israel protesters? You’d think they’d be out here supporting the people of Iran against the repressive regime. But, they’re nowhere to be seen. In March of 2025, I released a majority staff report detailing whistleblower-provided records. Those records showed that the Obama-Biden State Department obstructed law enforcement efforts to arrest high-level Iranian targets. This obstruction, led by then-Secretary John Kerry, was done because of the political considerations of the failed Iran Nuclear Deal.”]
  • Meeks (D-NY) 1/15/26: Meeks Cautions Against U.S. Military Strikes on Iran
  • Massie (R-KY) 1/15/25: X-post – “In the wake of U.S. threats of military action against Iran if protesters there are killed while demonstrating against the Iranian government, 70% of voters think the U.S. should not get involved, while 18% think the U.S. should take military action…”
  • Paul (R-KY) 1/14/26: X-post w/ video – “America should always support the cause of freedom, but dropping bombs on Iran won’t help. It could make things worse. We owe it to the Iranian people to stand with them, but NOT through foreign intervention.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 1/14/26: X-post – “I’m outraged and disgusted by the shootings of thousands of unarmed protesters in Iran. These protests demonstrate that the brave Iranian people share the same desire for freedom and a better life as Americans and people everywhere.  They also illustrate the horrific risks of deadly force when autocratic governments with so much power consolidated in a single person refuse to share any of that power. At the same time, I’m deeply opposed to President Trump’s threats to use military force against Iran.  Any decision to do so must be made by Congress, consistent with the Constitution and the War Powers Act.  If there is anything we have learned from America’s wars of regime change in Afghanistan and Iraq, it’s that the use of American military force can threaten the very people fighting for freedom—by associating them with foreign forces and interests. My thoughts and hopes are with the Iranian people, that their aspirations for freedom will be realized by the strength of their courage and perseverance.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/14/26: X-post w/ video – “Meeting with @PahlaviReza, the exiled crown prince of Iran. We stand with the people of Iran and against the brutal regime. Make Iran Great Again.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/14/26: X-post – “Every indication that I’ve seen says that the Iranian regime’s killing of protestors is still very much in full swing. The death toll is mounting by the hour. Hoping that help is on the way.“
  • Jacobs (D-CA) 1/14/26: X-post – “U.S. intervention in Iran would be lawless and reckless. It would most likely backfire, causing retaliation and civilian casualties, putting us in *another* endless quagmire, and making this about the U.S. rather than the desires of the Iranian people.“
  • Schakowsky (D-IL) 1/14/26: X-post – “Americans overwhelmingly do not want another war, and the United States must not weaponize their struggle for political gain.” Linked to Politico article: New poll reveals majority of voters oppose US strike on Iran, say Trump has gone too far abroad
  • Carter (R-GA) 1/14/26: X-post – “Iran has gone nearly a week without access to the internet and phone calls, with thousands of protestors reportedly murdered. @Apple, the leading phone brand in the world, must enable satellite messaging for Iran so they can message family and report atrocities being committed by the Iranian regime.”
  • Ogles (R-TN) 1/14/26: X-post – “FACT: Qatar funds terrorism and Qatar’s opinion on what happens in Iran is self serving.” Responding to Mark Levin X-post, “As Iran slaughters thousands of mostly young people seeking freedom, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are reportedly lobbying POTUS not to hit Iran. So much for our new friends.”
  • Kaine (D-VA) 1/13/26: X-post – “Military action in Iran would be a major misstep. The Iranian people are courageously protesting a brutal regime, and any US strikes would shift the focus away from Iran leaders’ disastrous policies. I’m proud of the Iranian people fighting for human rights, dignity, and freedom.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 1/13/26: X-post – “President Trump is ready to take action against the Muslim terror regime in Iran. Where is the United Nations as thousands of Iranians are being killed standing up for freedom? Nowhere to be found. Their silence speaks volumes.”
  • Lieu (D-CA) 1/13/26: X-post w/ video – “We should absolutely support the people of Iran who are fighting back against a brutal regime that has repressed them. But if the President wants to use military force, the Constitution requires authorization from Congress. He cannot just do so without our authorization.”
  • Mast (R-FL) 1/13/26: X-post w/ video – “ICYMI: In today’s @TransportGOP hearing, I asked USCG Rear Admiral David C. Barata on whether Iran’s ‘Ghost Fleet’ vessels pose an environmental threat to the Gulf of America.“
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 1/13/26: X-post – “Donald Trump promised to intervene if the Iranian regime resorted to mass murder, and the protesters heard him and are dying in the streets.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 1/13/26: X-post w/ video – “The extremely targeted strikes against our enemies have made President Trump successful. We got Maduro, took out Iran’s nuclear facilities, and will figure out what is specific and targeted to deal with Iran moving forward. This is the way, not endless conflicts that could drag us in for trillions of dollars and decades in a country.”
  • Mullin (R-OK) 1/13/26: Senator Mullin Joins “Squawk Box”, Puts Iran on Notice
  • Daines (R-MT) 1/12/26: Daines on Fox Business: Regime Change in Iran is “A Berlin Wall Moment for the Middle East
  • Bacon (R-NE) 1/12/26: X-post – “Iran has murdered over a thousand American service members since the Beirut barracks bombing. The regime hates America and its values. I encourage the President to do whatever it can overtly and covertly to sink the enemy who hates us.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 1/12/26: X-post – “I stand with the people of Iran who are demanding a life free from oppression and state violence. The international community must demand an end to the violence against civilians and accountability for what has unfolded. However, Congress has not authorized the U.S. to take military action. Peace and democracy around the world have never been realized through U.S. military intervention“

Syria/Turkey

  • Pallone (D-NJ) 1/15/26: X-post – “There are now credible reports that Syrian forces, alongside Turkey, may be advancing against our Kurdish allies in Northern Syria. I’m deeply concerned by this news.   Any further attacks on these forces, who were central to defeating ISIS and remain key allies of the United States, are unacceptable. There must be immediate de-escalation.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/15/26: X-post – “As I have previously stated, I am growing increasingly concerned that the new Syrian government is aligning with Turkey to use military force against the Syrian Kurds, who are our strongest ally in the enduring defeat of ISIS in Syria. They also have control of about 9,000 of the worst of the worst ISIS prisoners. It is in our vital national security interest that these prisoners do not go back to the battlefield. I support a fair chance for the new Syrian government, however if there’s an escalation of attacks against the Kurds by Syrian forces supported by Turkey, this will create a whole new dynamic. I believe there would be wide and deep bipartisan support to push back against such action. If anyone believes that I or any of my colleagues would be comfortable – at this stage – for the ISIS prisoners to be guarded by the Syrian army or Turkey instead of the Kurds, you are sadly mistaken. Choose wisely.“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Dems) 1/13/26: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: I continue to monitor the situation in Aleppo with great concern and call for urgent de-escalation. All displaced civilians must be permitted to return to their homes, while food and basic supplies must reach Syrian Kurdish areas in need. It is vital for all Syrian communities to be protected and fully represented in the new Syria.”

5. Selected Media

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – GENERAL

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

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

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Alaska

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey

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