1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Congress Continues to Stoke Hysteria Over Student Protests for Palestinian Rights
3. Letters
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

• 5/3/24: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, The Attack on Academic Freedom, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart speaking with Professor Sahar Aziz of Rutgers University
• 5/1/24: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Why Palestine Is Part of (& Central To) the Movement for Climate Justice, ft. FMEP Non-resident Fellow Rania Batrice  speaking with Mary Annaïse Heglar, a climate justice writer and essayist
• 4/28/24: FMEP’s Lara Friedman interviewed by Ian Masters for Background Briefing, The House and Senate Move to Strip Non-Profit Status From Foundations That Support Palestinian Causes

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM

HR 6090: Introduced 10/26/23 by Lawler (R-NY) and having 61 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” For background on this legislation (which has been introduced numerous times and which has nothing to do with fighting antisemitism, and everything to do with delegitimizing and suppressing campus free speech/activism critical of Israel, see this compendium of resources; for a deep dive into the history/objectives of this legislation, see this article by FMEP’s Lara Friedman. Also see my evergreen X-post (posted 3/21/23): “The battle over the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in a nutshell: ‘you have to define it to fight it’ = ‘you have to define all meaningful criticism of Israel/its policies/ Zionism as ‘antisemitism’ in order to suppress it, because we can’t win the arguments otherwise.’“

• RULES COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION: On 4/29/24 the House Rules Committee took up HR 6090, passing the measure out of committee and sending it to the floor for a vote. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Nadler (D-NY) testified AGAINST HR 6090 in committee, and Democrats on the Rules Committee were strongly critical of the measure and of Republicans for pushing it through (notably without ever having a hearing in the Judiciary Committee). See: video of hearing in Rules Committee (starting at 01:17:00). Also see: Antisemitism bill clears House Rules panel following partisan feud — “This bill threatens to chill constitutionally protected speech,” Rep. Jerry Nadler said. (Politico 4/29/24)
• HOUSE PASSAGE: On 5/1/24, the House took up and passed HR 6090. Discussion on the bill is here. Democratic leaders did not take a position on the bill, letting members vote however they wanted. In the end,  the bill passed by a vote of 320-91. Voting “no” on the bill were 21 Republicans and 70 Democrats (as in, more than 1/3 of Democrats voted “no”).
• GOP OPPOSITION/BILL STALLED IN THE SENATE?: On 5/1/24, HR 6090 was sent to the Senate, accompanied by reports from Senate source that it would soon be “hot-lined” – i.e., brought to the floor to be passed by Unanimous Consent. However, that plan appears to have been immediately derailed, as laid out in this Jewish Insider report (5/3/24), which documents much broader opposition/objections to the bill than many may have anticipated, including from Republicans. From JI: “Objections to the bill on the right have been growing on and off the Hill, with conservative influencers Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk on Thursday echoing Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) accusations that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism would label the Bible as antisemitic, claiming that Christian scripture dictates that Jews are responsible for Jesus’s death. Ben Shapiro, the influential Orthodox Jewish conservative commentator, said on his podcast on Thursday that he also opposes the AAA, arguing that it improperly broadens what he described as an already unconstitutional civil rights law. He argued that some of the examples included in the IHRA definition, including the language around the death of Jesus, are ‘obviously are vaguely worded, to say the least, and almost certainly encroach on free speech concerns. I think it’s overbroad, and I think the definition should not be applied in American law in this way,’ Shapiro continued…Other Republicans opposing the bill, claiming it limits free speech, include Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Johnson (R-WI) and, reportedly, Mike Lee (R-UT). ‘An appropriate response by the Senate would be to condemn the murderous rampage of October 7th and condemn the voices on campuses across America who are shouting their support for the carnage committed by Hamas,’ Paul said in a statement to JI. ‘But what would be inappropriate is for the Senate to rush, in reactionary fervor, to place new limits on speech in America.’…Johnson told JI in a statement, ‘I believe in free speech, even speech I vehemently disagree with. This bill unconstitutionally limits free speech.’” Also see: Bill to Combat Antisemitism on Campuses Prompts Backlash From the Right (New York Times 5/2/23)
• OPPONENTS OF HR 6090: Organizations actively opposing HR 6090 include: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU);  FIRE; PEN America; Americans for Peace Now (before House vote); Americans for Peace Now (after House vote); Jewish Voice for Peace; Bend the Arc; SPLC; IMEU; Kenneth Stern (lead author of the IHRA definition); NEXUS Project; former chair of the Conference of President of Major Jewish Organizations Alan Solow
• SAMPLE OF MEDIA ON HR 6090: House committee to vote on Jew-hatred awareness act at end of Passover (JNS 4/26/24); Antisemitism vote set to reignite House Democrats’ divisions Axios (4/28/24);  House Dems divided over planned vote on college antisemitism bill (Fox News 4/29/24); House Poised To Vote To Codify Official Definition of Anti-Semitism in Face of Left-Wing Objections (Free Beacon 4/30/24); Why top Democrats oppose bipartisan bill targeting antisemitism in universities (The Forward 5/1/24); While Fighting Antisemitism, Be Careful Not To Set Dangerous Precedent (Newsweek 5/1/24); House passes antisemitism bill despite free speech concerns (New York 1 5/1/24); House passes bill that would enshrine contentious and popular antisemitism definition into US law (JTA 5/1/24); U.S. House Passes Controversial Bill Cracking Down on Alleged Campus Antisemitism — Bipartisan ‘Antisemitism Awareness Act’ has been slammed for unfairly conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism (Haaretz 5/2/24); Jewish Democrat on voting against bill: Anti-Zionism not ‘inherently’ antisemitism (The Hill 5/1/24); House vote on IHRA codification likely to divide Democrats [“The run-up to the vote has also appeared to pit two antisemitism bills, which major advocacy groups see as complementary, against each other”] (Jewish Insider 5/1/24)
• HR 6090 vs HR 7921: Many Democrats — including both Democrats who voted for and against HR 6090 [see Cohen D-TN, Phillips (D-MN), Hoyer (D-MD), Schakowsky (D-IL), Casten (D-IL), DeGette (D-CO)] — made the case for urgent passage of ANOTHER antisemitism bill, HR 7921, the bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act, which seeks to legislate a whole-of-government approach that in effect would require virtually every federal agency to prioritize fighting antisemitism (as opposed to fighting all other kinds of hate/racism/discrimination, which are not similarly prioritized in law).
• Also see: 4/29/24: Letter to Speaker Mike Johnson from Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on the Bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act [on the need to “urgently consider comprehensive legislation designed to address the dangerous rise in antisemitism across America” – this is HR 7921, the Combating Antisemitism Act; notably, the letter does NOT suggest any opposition to the Antisemitism Awareness Act, HR 6090]; Jeffries calls on Johnson to hold vote on antisemitism bill (The Hill 4/29/24). As a reminder, this “holistic” bill – introduced in both the House and Senate with bipartisan sponsorship – is being promoted – misleadingly – as a moderate alternative to the Antisemitism Awareness Act, based largely on the fact that it involves a “softer” embrace of the IHRA definition — a characterization of the bill that some people, including the author of the Round-Up, strongly disagree with (for my analysis of why HR 7921 is deeply problematic – arguably more so than HR 6090 – see the 4/12/24 edition of the Round-Up.) In the House it is clear that there is momentum in the direction of passing both HR 6090 and HR 7921 — in effect viewing them as complementary measures, with HR 6090’s clear embrace of the IHRA definition trumping, in effect, HR 7921’s soft embrace. However, given push-back in the Senate against HR 6090, in the near term it seems increasingly likely that pressure will increase for the Senate to pass HR 7921 as a compromise (even as pressure to pass HR 6090 also continue) – leaving House leaders to decide if they are willing to press ahead with HR 7921 on its own.
• SELECTED HOUSE GOP STATEMENTS OPPOSING HR 6090: Republicans voting no included: Massie (R-KY), opposing the measure over free speech principles [“There’s a bipartisan effort in Congress to equate criticism of the secular state of Israel to violence toward Jewish people in America. The latter is illegal and the former is protected speech, but if a false equivalency is established, it will be forbidden to criticize Israel.“]; Taylor-Green (R-GA), who is worried about being called an antisemite if she wants to blame the Jews for killing Christ [“Antisemitism is wrong, but I will not be voting for the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 (H.R. 6090) today that could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews. Read the bill text and contemporary examples of antisemitism like #9.”] and is also worried that people will be called antisemitic for blaming Soros for all the ills in the world [“Since George Soros is Jewish and funds the radical left including the Pro-Hamas Protests breaking out on college campuses, thanks to Mike Lawler’s new Antisemitism bill, college kids who speak out against Soros could be convicted of being Antisemitic. Talk about opening Pandora’s box.”]; and Gaetz (R-FL) who is also worried about not being allowed to blame Jews for killing Christ [“This evening, I will vote AGAINST the ridiculous hate speech bill called the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words. The Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism under the terms of this bill! The bill says the definition of antisemitism includes “contemporary examples of antisemitism” identified by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). One of those examples includes: “…claims of Jews killing Jesus…” The Bible is clear. There is no myth or controversy on this. Therefore, I will not support this bill“]
• NADLER ON HR 6090: Explaining his “no” vote on HR 6090, Rep Nadler (D-NY) stated: “…Instead of engaging in political theatrics that do not do anything concrete to stop antisemitism on campus, we need to put our money where our mouth is. Last year, the Biden Administration outlined a comprehensive National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, the cornerstone of which was increasing enforcement actions by the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education. President Biden’s budget called for a 27 percent increase in funding for that office. If my Republican colleagues were serious about antisemitism, they would have fully funded that request. Instead, they bragged about proposing to slash funding by 25 percent and ultimately insisted that funding be kept flat despite the marked increase in complaints. If my Republican colleagues were serious about antisemitism, we would be considering legislation to codify the National Strategy today instead of fiddling around with definitions. If my Republican colleagues were serious about antisemitism, they would have spoken up after Neo-Nazis in Charlottesville chanted that, quote, ‘Jews will not replace us.’ If my Republican colleagues were serious about antisemitism, they would have spoken up when President Trump declared that there were, quote, ‘very fine people on both sides’ of that rally, or when he said that the Charlottesville rally was a ‘little peanut’ compared to ongoing campus protests regarding the Israel-Gaza war. We hear nothing from our Republican colleagues when some conservatives repeat antisemitic tropes about George Soros or others. I say to my Republican friends, for too long, your selective silence on these matters has been deafening. If you mean what you say here today—if you believe that the threats and vitriol that Jewish students face on college campuses is unjust and that combating antisemitism is more than a convenient talking point in your politically motivated crusade against institutions of higher education—then I beseech you: Please move beyond pointless gestures and posturing and actually help us protect Jewish students. Fully fund the Administration’s efforts to counter antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. Our Nation’s students deserve no less. By contrast, this legislation threatens freedom of speech, one of our most cherished values, while doing nothing to combat antisemitism.”
• JACOBS ON HR 6090: Explaining her “no” vote on HR 6090, Rep. Jacobs (D-CA) stated: “As a Jewish woman, I’ve experienced antisemitism all my life. I’ve been called a kike while I was waiting for a drink at a bar when I was at college. I’ve heard too many ‘jokes’ to count about my frizzy hair and my big nose. I remember my classmates who thought it was funny to say people were ‘being Jewed’ when someone was being frugal. I know the hatred and ignorance that lie behind all these comments, and how they can quickly escalate into violence – and I’m deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitism in San Diego and across the country. But I do not believe that anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitism. I support Israel’s right to exist, but I also know many people who question whether Israel should exist as a Jewish state who are deeply connected to their Judaism. Today, I voted against H.R. 6090, because it fails to effectively address the very real rise of antisemitism, all while defunding colleges and universities across the country and punishing many, if not all, of the non-violent protestors speaking out against the Israeli military’s conduct. Conflating free speech and hate crimes will not make Jewish students any safer. This bill would stifle First Amendment rights to free speech and free assembly. And it would distract from real antisemitism and our efforts to address it.”

TARGETING US NGOs

• (TARGETING NGOs THAT SUPPORT PALESTINIAN RIGHTS) HR 6408 / S. 1436: As covered in detail in the 4/19/24 edition of the Round-Up, on 4/15/24 the House passed HR 6408 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 383 – 11. This is a bill “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations.”  UPDATE: On May 3, 2024, it was reported from Hill sources that the Senate plans to hotline this bill – that is, bring it directly to the Senate floor and pass it by Unanimous Consent – imminently. It remains to be seen if any senator will object (even 1 Senator objecting will prevent it coming to the floor/passing by Unanimous Consent) – stay tuned.
• In addition, there are rumors that there may be an attempt to add this legislation as an amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 1939), which is set to come to the Senate floor next week.
• As discussed in detail in both the 4/19/24 edition of the Round-Up and the 11/17/23 edition of the Round-Up, US charitable organizations — like ALL other US entities — are already barred by law from providing material support for terror and already face intense scrutiny. Given this reality, and based on (a) the discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee on 11/30/23, and (b) the substitute text adopted by that committee, it is evident that HR 6408 (and now S. 1436) is aimed at legislating broad Executive authority to suspend normal due process (carried out by the Justice Department, according to clear rules), so as to permit the Secretary of the Treasure to strip US groups of their non-profit status in a peremptory manner, with virtually no limitations, accountability, or meaningful recourse. As such, this new legislation, if enacted into law, would  represent a powerful weapon to impose mass harm on the U.S. non-profit sector.
• And to be clear: while this legislation is being introduced/promoted as a means to target 501(c)(3)’s engaged in Palestine rights activism, if enacted into law it could be used against 501(c)(3)’s working on any issue or for an objective disfavored by the Administration in power. For folks who doubt that the (initial) target of this bill is Palestine rights activism see the 11/15/23 hearing of the House Ways & Means Committee at which this bill was first discussed. And for folks who doubt that this bill would be used as a political weapon to target a broader universe of US tax-exempt organizations see this campaign, launched this week, making the case for using this law to target George Soros/Open Society Foundations.
• Notably, over the past week this bill — and its potential implications for all US tax-exempt organizations — has finally drawn some public scrutiny. See:

• • The New Republic 4/30/24: This Bipartisan Bill Could Give Trump Huge Power Against His Enemies [“The House has overwhelmingly passed a bill empowering the executive branch to strip organizations of their non-profit status with little due process. The Senate is now considering its own version“]
  • The Nation 4/29/24: The Bipartisan War on Pro-Palestinian Activism [“A House bill asks the Treasury to revoke the nonprofit status of suspected ‘terrorist supporting organizations.’” Advocates are already singling out Muslim and Palestinian groups.”]
  • NakedCapitalism.com 4/26/24: Free Speech on the Ropes: Legislation to Revoke Not-for-Profit Status of Organizations that Support Palestine Protests Passes in House
  • The Lever 4/24/24: SIROTA’S SIGNALS: Trump Could Get New Powers — With Dems’ Help [“If bipartisan legislation passes and Trump wins, he’ll have new power to punish nonprofits he deems to be ‘terrorist supporting.’”]
  • Reason 4/24/24: This Bill Would Give the Treasury Nearly Unlimited Power To Destroy Nonprofits [“It supposedly bans financing terrorism, but that’s already illegal. It’s really a power grab for the secretary of the treasury.“]
  • Also see Lara Friedman’s viral X-thread 4/24/24 on this same topic
  • For more info see: the 12/1/23 edition of the Round-Up; analysis from Charity & Security Network – Charity & Security Network Opposes Legislation that Targets Charities; press release – Kustoff Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status to Nonprofits Supporting Terrorists Passes House.

TARGETING PALESTINIANS & UNRWA

•  HR 8232: Introduced 5/2/24 by Mast (R-FL), “To authorize the Secretary of State to withdraw from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Federal funds previously made available to such organization.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

• HR 3935: This week the Senate considered HR 3935, the “Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.” This bill has nothing to do with the Middle East – but that didn’t stop a couple of senators from offering anti-Palestinian amendments. These were not voted on but they are worth highlighting as examples of the kinds of things some in the Senate are determined to keep pushing, including in the hopes of quietly attaching them to major and must-pass bill. Specifically, Daines (R-MT) offered an amendment to, in effect, bar entry to the U.S. for any alien holding a passport issue by the Palestinian Authority [note that this wording suggests that it applies even Palestinians who also hold passports from other countries]; and Ernst (R-IA) offered an amendment to, in effect, bar the use of funds “to facilitate the admission or parole into the United States of any alien who is known to have been a resident of the Gaza Strip during the 10-year period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act” and to make ineligible for Federal funds under this Act an alien “known to have been a resident of the Gaza Strip during the 10-year period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act who has been a recipient of housing provided using Federal Aviation Administration funds.”

TARGETING STUDENTS/PROTESTS/ACADEMIA (DEPORT/PUNISH)

• HR 8221 (bill text): Introduced 5/1/24 by Van Duyne (R-TX), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect the removability of aliens who are charged with any crime related to their participation in pro-terrorism or antisemitism rallies or demonstrations.“Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions) Also see: press release – Rep. Van Duyne Introduces the “Hamas Supporters Have No Home Here Act” to Deport Aliens Who Participate in Pro-Terrorism and Antisemitic Mob Gatherings. Note: this bill would enable the deportation of students based merely on CHARGES related to protests – doesn’t even require convictions. Also see: Rouzer Supports Legislation to Deport Aliens Who Participate in Criminal Activity During Pro-Terrorism and Antisemitic Mob Gatherings

• HR 8242/S. 4240: Introduced 5/2/24 in the House by Williams (R-NY), “and in the Senate by Cotton (R-AR) and 18 Republican cosponsors, “To establish that an individual who is convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law related to the individual’s conduct at and during the course of a protest that occurs at an institution of higher education shall be ineligible for forgiveness, cancellation, waiver, or modification of certain Federal student loans.” In the House referred to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Energy and Commerce; in the Senate referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
• S. Res. 670 (bill text): Introduced 5/2/24 by Scott (R-SC) and 20 Republican cosponsors, “A resolution strongly condemning the rise of antisemitism on campuses of institutions of higher education across the United States.”  Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Also see: press release – Sen. Scott Leads Resolution Condemning Campus Antisemitism

• HR XXXX: On 5/1/24, Fox News reported – that Rep. Pfluger (R-TX), “will soon introduce legislation that would withhold federal financial aid from student protesters convicted of rioting or attacking police in the latest wave of anti-Israel unrest.” The article goes on: “‘As a nation founded on principles of justice and respect for the rule of law, we must take a firm stance against violence and lawlessness, especially when directed at those who risk their lives to uphold order and protect our communities. My new legislation aims to send a clear message: if you assault a police officer or engage in rioting, you forfeit your right to federal financial aid,’ Pfluger told Fox News Digital in a statement.”

TARGETING QATAR

• HR 8190: Introduced 4/30/24 by Wagner (R-MO) and Golden (D-ME), “To review and consider terminating the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Press release – Wagner, Golden Introduce Bill to Pressure Qatar, Evaluate Status as Major Non-NATO Ally

TARGETING REP. OMAR, AGAIN

• On 4/29/24, Axios reported that Rep. Bacon (R-NE) is preparing to introduce yet another resolution censuring Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), this time for her statement made to media during a visit to a student protest encampment:  “I actually met a lot of Jewish students that are in the encampment, and I think it is really unfortunate that people don’t care about the fact that all Jewish kids should be kept safe…We should not have to tolerate antisemitism or bigotry for all Jewish students, whether they are pro-genocide or anti-genocide.” Per the Axios report: “Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said he is working on a censure measure, telling Axios ‘talking about pro-genocide Jewish students is wrong.’ ‘Folks can protest Israel, but don’t blame Jewish-American students for Israel. That is by definition anti-Semitism,’ Bacon said. The Nebraska Republican added that ‘all students deserve [a] safe environment.’…’Congresswoman Omar clearly condemned antisemitism and bigotry for all Jewish students,’ Omar spokesperson Jacklyn Rogers told Axios. ‘Attempts to misconstrue her words by drafting this baseless resolution are meant to distract from the ongoing violence and genocide occurring in Gaza and the large antiwar protests happening across our country and around the world.'”

 

2. Congress Continues to Stoke Hysteria Over Student Protests for Palestinian Rights/Lives

A. Johnson kicks off Congress-wide Antisemitism Extravaganza!

On 4/30/24, House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) announced a new initiative involving at least 6 House committees that in the coming weeks and months will engage in a public relations bonanza of a witch hunt in the name of ferreting out and destroying antisemitism on campuses wherever they find it — and by “antisemitism” Johnson has made clear he is referring to criticism of Israel/Zionism EXCLUSIVELY (so anyone thinking that this might be the moment when House Republicans belatedly start to care about Nazi and their ilk – shame on you for your political naivete). Johnson press release 4/30/24: Speaker Johnson Launches House-wide Effort to Crack Down on Antisemitism on College Campuses “We will use all tools available to us to address this scourge” Also see:

• Scalise (R-LA) 5/1/24: Scalise: House GOP to Examine Federal Funding Universities Receive
• Insider Higher Ed 5/1/24: New Battle Lines Drawn in Congressional Fight With Colleges — House Republicans are escalating their scrutiny and criticisms of colleges and universities and planning a wide swath of investigations of institutions in response to student protests.
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/1/24: House Appropriations Committee member warns schools about inaction on Jew-hatred [“I respect the right to assemble and free speech. Denying students access to areas of campus because they are Jewish is discrimination,” the congresswoman said. “Intimidating and harassing Jewish students, breaking into academic buildings and spewing hate speech is not legitimate discourse. There is no place for this vile behavior in America. I would remind college and university administrators that violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act could result in a loss of federal funding,’ she added.“]
• Fox News 4/30/24: Johnson to kick off wide-ranging House probe on college campus antisemitism — At least half a dozen GOP-led House committees are involved in the probe, sources say
• JTA 4/30/24: Citing antisemitism, House Republicans take aim at universities’ funding, tax exemptions and visas

B. Members Sound Off Attacking Students, Faculty, Administrators, & Biden Admin

• Capito (R-WV) 5/2/24: Capito: Biden’s statement against campus violence and hate speech is overdue
• Thune (R-SD) 5/2/24: Thune: Antisemitic Harassment and Violence Have No Place in America
• LaLota (R-NY) 5/2/24: LaLota Meets with Stony Brook Police Chief Following Campus Protests
• Bacon (R-NC) 5/2/24: Bacon Issues Statement on Campus Protests
• Kuster (D-NH) 5/2/24: Kuster Statement Following Protests and Arrests at Dartmouth College
• Scott (R-FL) 5/2/24: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Pro-Israel Rally at George Washington University
• Lawler (R-NY) 5/2/24: Here’s what I saw during my visit to Columbia University
• Ernst 5/2/24: Ernst Calls Universities’ Choice to Support Terrorists “Un-American”
• Kennedy (R-LA) 5/1/24: Kennedy on antisemitic campus protests: “President Biden could stop this stuff on a dime”
• Fischer (R-NE) 5/1/24: Fischer: Rising Antisemitism on U.S. College Campuses is “Disgusting,” “Beyond the Pale”
• Scott (R-FL) 5/1/24:Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton & Colleagues Condemn Antisemitic Protestors Demand Accountability for Attacks on Jewish Students & Lawlessness
• Scott (R-FL) 5/1/24: Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Jewish & Pro-Israel Students at George Washington University
• Tenney (R-NY) 5/1/24: Congresswoman Tenney Condemns Upcoming Anti-Semitic Rally at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Jewish Insider 4/30/24: McConnell likens Columbia protesters to ‘student Nazis of Weimar Germany’ in call to restore order
• Emmer (R-MN) 4/30/24: Emmer: Ilhan Omar is encouraging violence against Jewish students
• Axios 4/29/24: Ilhan Omar faces new Republican censure threat [“A House Republican is preparing a resolution to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) for referring to some Jewish students as ‘pro-genocide’ during a visit to Columbia University last week.“]
• Stefanik 4/29/24:Stefanik Statement on Columbia University Surrendering To The Pro-Hamas Antisemitic Mob
• Foxx (R-NC) 4/29/24: Foxx Statement on Continued Campus Chaos [“Illegal actions must have consequences. It’s that simple. Parents teach their toddlers this very basic notion—if you do something wrong there will be repercussions. So it boggles my mind that university leaders are failing to grasp this concept. Kowtowing to these radicals, who harass and threaten Jewish students, denying them the right to a safe learning environment, is wrong. We are the greatest nation on the earth, in part, because we believe in the rule of law. So when a school like Barnard gives rule-breaking students amnesty it contributes to the degradation of our civil society.  The inmates are truly running the asylum.” 
• Times of Israel 4/28/24: ADL accuses Rep. Omar of ‘blood libel’ for saying some Jewish students pro-genocide

C. Supportive or kind of supportive of students & right to protest

• Houlahan (D-PA) 5/1/24: Houlahan Issues Statement on University Demonstrations
• Daily Beast 4/30/24: New York Lawmakers ‘Outraged’ After Cops Raid Columbia University
• Axios 4/30/24: Congress seeks Yale, UCLA and Michigan testimony on Gaza protests
• Sanders 5/2/24: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders on the Nationwide Student Protests and the Ongoing Humanitarian Disaster in Gaza [“...It is not antisemitic to point out that Netanyahu’s government’s bombing has completely destroyed more than 221,000 housing units in Gaza, leaving more than one million people homeless – almost half the population. No, Mr. Netanyahu it is not antisemitic to point out what you have done in terms of the destruction of housing in Gaza. It is not antisemitic to realize that his government has annihilated Gaza’s health care system, knocking 26 hospitals out of service and killing more than 400 health care workers. At a time when 77,000 people have been wounded and desperately need medical care, Netanyahu has systematically destroyed the health care system in Gaza. It is not antisemitic to condemn his government’s destruction of all of Gaza’s 12 universities and 56 of its schools, with hundreds more damaged, leaving 625,000 children in Gaza have no opportunity for an education. It is not antisemitic to make that point. It is not antisemitic to note that Netanyahu’s government has obliterated Gaza’s civilian infrastructure – there is virtually no electricity in Gaza right now, virtually no clean water in Gaza right now, and sewage is seeping out onto the streets. It is not antisemitic to make that point. President, it is not antisemitic to agree with virtually every humanitarian organization that functions in the Gaza area in saying that his government, in violation of American law, has unreasonably blocked humanitarian aid coming into Gaza. They have created the conditions under which hundreds of thousands of children face malnutrition and famine. It is not antisemitic to look at photographs of children who are starving to death because they have not been able to get the food that they need. It is not antisemitic to agree with American and UN officials that parts of Gaza could become famine districts in the not very distant future. Antisemitism is a vile and disgusting form of bigotry that has done unspeakable harm to many millions of people for hundreds of years, including my own family. But it is outrageous and it is disgraceful to use that charge of antisemitism to distract us from the immoral and illegal war policies that Netanyahu’s extremist and racist government is pursuing. Furthermore, it is really cheap politics for Netanyahu to use the charge of antisemitism to deflect attention from the criminal indictment he is facing in the Israeli courts. Bottomline, M. President: it is not antisemitic to hold Netanyahu and his government for their actions. That is not antisemitic. It is precisely what we should be doing…“
• Kim (D-NJ) 5/1/24: Congressman Andy Kim’s Statement on Protests on College Campuses [“When I was in college I along with many others protested against the 2003 Iraq War. As we had the right to peacefully protest then, so do students now. I understand the enormity of what many young people feel right now watching violence consume the lives of tens of thousands. I also understand the fear that many Jewish students and community members have in the wake of the October 7th attacks that antisemitism could be normalized and Israel’s right to exist could be put in doubt. Every student deserves to be able to study and attend classes free from intimidation and discrimination. Whether affiliated with the colleges or not, no one should make harassing statements blatantly aimed at scaring students and others. Raising voices publicly should be a means to persuade and build coalitions rather than to divide. There is a difference between those raising legitimate concern and those spewing hate, and let us work to separate and not conflate those motivations. It is core to our American values that each of us has the right to express our opinions; attempts to shut down voices of dissent only weakens our standing and our ability to find common ground. We must condemn those who only use their voices to suppress and repress, and we must listen to and lift up those who wish to find solutions.”

D. Other related stuff

• Jewish Insider 5/3/24: University of Maryland-Baltimore students threaten to disrupt graduation over Sen. Cardin’s pro-Israel record

 

3. Letters

[HOLD ISRAEL ACCOUNTABLE ALREADY!!!!] 5/3/24: Reps. Crow, Deluzio Lead 86 Members in Letter Urging Biden to Enforce U.S. Law & Policy Regarding US Humanitarian Aid to Gaza — Members urge Biden to enforce National Security Memorandum 20 and Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act [letter text]

[SENATE NEEDS TO HOLD ANTISEMITISM HEARINGS!] 5/2/24: Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans to Chairman Durbin: Hold Hearing on Civil Rights Violations of Jewish Students and Proliferation of Terrorist Ideology on Campuses [letter text]

[BERNIE MUST HOLD AN ANTISEMITISM HEARING] 5/2/24: Jewish Insider reports, “Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the top Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sent a letter to Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Thursday urging him to convene a hearing on the uptick in antisemitism on college campuses.  Cassidy’s letter, obtained exclusively by Jewish Insider, marks the second time in six months that the Louisiana senator has written to Sanders requesting that he allow for a full committee hearing ‘on ensuring safe learning environments for Jewish students, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.’ Cassidy released a statement last week re-upping his call for a hearing, though he told JI that effort got no response.”

[NO GAZA REFUGEES IN USA] 5/2/24: Ernst Leads 34 Senators Demanding Biden Stop Plan to Welcome Gazan Refugees [letter text]

[TARGETING DC] 5/2/24: Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Roger Marshall Call on D.C. Mayor Bowser to Answer for Refusal to Provide Law Enforcement to Protect Jewish GW Students [letter text] – [“As Members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, we urge you to schedule a hearing and require the attendance of Mayor Bowser and the MPD Chief of Police to address this alarming lapse in effective law enforcement at the earliest opportunity. The committee should also invite Jewish students and members of the faculty at George Washington University to testify and share their experiences with the antisemitic protests on campus. Our committee has the jurisdiction and responsibility to conduct effective oversight over the affairs of the District of Columbia, and we cannot sit idly by as the nation’s capital descends into lawless chaos.”]

[PREVENT AN ISRAELI ASSAULT ON RAFAH!] 5/1/24: Jayapal, Dean [and 55 Democratic cosigners- Call on Administration to Help Prevent Assault on Rafah [letter text]

[NEED ANSWERS RE KSA NUKE COOPERATION] 5/1/24: Sen. Markey Seeks Answers on Nuclear Cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Calls for Congressional Oversight of Any 123 Negotiations [letter text]

[FIRE COLUMBIA PRESIDENT] 5/1/24: Stefanik Urges Trustees of Columbia University to Remove President Shafik [letter text]

[TARGETING HARVARD OVER ALLEGED ANTISEMITISM] 4/30/24: The Riverdale Press reports: “U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres has written a letter to Harvard University interim president Alan Garber asking the school to address campus antisemitism and do something about a Jewish student from Riverdale who Torres said faced “antisemitic harassment and intimidation” from an employee…”

[TARGETING DC OVER ALLEGED ANTISEMITISM] 4/30/24: Oversight Committee Republicans: DC Officials Must Take Action Against Pro-Hamas Camp and Restore the Rule of Law [letter text] – including: “As you know, the Constitution grants Congress plenary legislative authority over the District of Columbia in all cases. If the District of Columbia and MPD refuse to exercise their authority to assist GWU in securing the safety of its students and faculty, Congress will be obliged to exercise its legislative powers to do so” and demanding answers to a list of questions that appear designed to produce fodder for a hearing attacking Bowser

[HOW DARE BIDEN EVEN PRETEND TO THINK ABOUT HOLDING ISRAEL ACCOUNTABLE TO US LAW!] 4/30/24: McCaul, Risch Call For Biden, Blinken to Repeal National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) [letter text] — “...NSM-20 plainly was designed to appease critics of Israel. Following the brutal October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas – a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) – Israel has been engaged in a campaign to destroy the military and governing capacity of Hamas in Gaza. Israel faces near-daily rocket fire from Hezbollah, another FTO, into its northern territory (where tens of thousands of citizens have been displaced), while Iran and Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen pose grave threats to Israel. Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on April 13, 2024, was only the latest in a long series of aggressive actions that threaten regional stability. The February 2024 release date of the NSM, and the subsequent media attention it has generated on Israel alone, make clear that the policy is primarily motivated to placate anti-Israel sentiment at home and abroad...”

[COLUMBIA MUST UTTERLY QUASH STUDENT PROTEST FOR PALESTINIAN RIGHTS/SAFETY- TO DO OTHERWISE FAILS TO PROTECT JEWISH STUDENTS (but to be clear, this letter isn’t talking about the many, many Jewish students taking part in the protests whose presence complicates what members prefer to view as an elegantly simple, black-and-white, good-vs-evil narrative of terrified Jewish kid cowering in the face of terrifying hordes of violent antisemitic protesters! And it also doesn’t talk about pro-Israel students and allies counter-protesting (with no apparent fear) and actively harassing/abusing/seeking to stoke confrontations with pro-Palestine protesters. As far as this letter is concerned, the safety of all of those students, not to mention their right to protest, is totally cancelled out by the discomfort of some pro-Israel students with having to face ideas/signs/slogans that make them uncomfortable)] 4/29/24:  Gottheimer, Goldman Lead 21 Democratic Members of Congress Urging Columbia University’s Board of Trustees to Protect Jewish Students, Disband Encampment [letter text] Also see: Scoop: Democrats turn up the heat on Columbia University (Axios 4/29/24)

[TARGETING DC OVER ALLEGED ANTISEMITISM] 4/29/24: Cotton to Bowser: Allow D.C. Police to Uphold the Law [letter text] [“Since last week, protestors have “occupied” George Washington University’s campus and are demanding that the university divest from the one Jewish state. Campus officials requested help from the D.C. Metro Police last week, but even as they prepared to assist the ‘mayor’s office told police to stand down and said it would look bad publicly for police to disrupt a ‘small number of peaceful protestors.’ I’m writing to inform you: What looks bad publicly is D.C. allowing a band of antisemitic, mask- wearing fanatics who call for an ‘intifada revolution’ to tum a university into a pro-Hamas encampment. I have no doubt that if protestors were illegally gathered in opposition to Washington, D.C.’s disastrous record on crime, you would have quickly ordered the police to intervene. Whether it is due to incompetence or sympathy for the cause of these Hamas supporters, you are failing to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens by letting a terrorist-supporting mob take over a large area of a university. Your actions are a good reminder of why Washington, D.C. must never become a state. I’m calling on you to reverse your decision and allow the D.C. police to uphold the law.”

 

4. Hearings & Markups

5. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Bibi Big Day in Congress!

• The New Republic 5/3/24: Chuck Schumer Falls in Line with Mike Johnson on Netanyahu
• Common Dreams 5/3/24: After Rebuking Netanyahu on Senate Floor, Schumer to Invite Israeli PM to Address Congress
• The Hill 5/2/24: Schumer poised to join Johnson invite for Netanyahu address to Congress
• The Grio 4/26/24: Members of the Squad, who face primary challenges because of their stance on Israel, scored their first victory. Here are the other races to watch.

Politics/Elex (general)

• The Intercept 5/3/24: AIPAC’s Next Top Target? Rep. Jamaal Bowman — The Israel lobby is expected to start a $20 million ad blitz backing its handpicked candidate against the incumbent Squad member.
• The Eagle Online 5/3/24: Advocacy groups project messages condemning AIPAC on the committee’s headquarters Wednesday night
• Jewish Insider 5/3/24: Bowman’s break with Biden on campus antisemitism isn’t helping him back home
• Jewish Insider 5/3/24: Inside the College Democrats’ antisemitism problem
• Sludge 5/2/24: Here Are the Top Recipients of AIPAC Money
• Politics PA 5/2/24: AIPAC Halts Campaign Fundraising for Perry, Other GOP Members Who Voted Against Israel Aid
• Jewish Insider 5/2/24: Bowman seeks to rally voters at fundraiser co-hosted by Jewish progressives
• Haaretz 5/2/24: AIPAC Halts Campaign Fundraising for Republicans Who Voted Against Emergency Israel Aid [“AIPAC, the powerful and divisive Israel-U.S. lobby group, pulled funding for 15 Republican lawmakers’ reelection campaigns after they refused to vote for the recent $14 billion Israel aid bill, though the halt is unlikely to affect the politicians’ reelection chances“]
• The GW Hatchet 5/1/24: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators project messages onto AIPAC headquarters
• Maryland Matters 4/30/24: Political notes: Shaken not stirred, an AIPAC counterpoint in CD-3, the gloves come off about the training wheels staying on
• Axios 4/30/24: Scoop: GOP plots ad blitz over anti-Israel college protests
• Washington Examiner 4/28/24: Pro-Israel groups ramp up efforts to oust progressive targets over Gaza
• Yahoo 4/26/24: Members of the Squad, who face primary challenges because of their stance on Israel, scored their first victory. Here are the other races to watch.
• Washington Post 4/26/24: Republican Jewish Coalition takes on GOP lawmakers who voted against Israel aid

Unconditional Support for Israel and Israeli Impunity

• McConnell (R-KY) 5/1/24: The Quickest Path To Peace: Destroy Hamas, Curb Iran’s Influence
• Jewish Insider 4/30/24: Schumer accuses ICC of ‘long term, anti-Israel bias’ amid Israeli arrest warrant fears
• Jewish Insider 4/29/24: Johnson urges WH to push ICC to walk back plans for Israeli arrest warrants
• Lawler (R-NJ) 4/29/24: Representatives Mike Lawler and Jared Moskowitz Visit Nova Music Festival Exhibition in New York City
• Rubio (R-FL) 4/28/24: Photos: Rubio Meets with Families of Hostages Held by Hamas Terrorists

Targeting the ICC

• International Criminal Court X-post 5/3/24: statement noting that “…independence and impartiality are undermined…when individuals threaten to retaliate against the Court or Court personnel should the Office, in fulfillment of its mandate, make decisions about investigations or cases falling with its jurisdiction. Such threats, even when not acted upon, may constitute an offense under the administration of justice Art. 70 of the Rome Statute…” and  insisting that “all attempts to impede, intimidate or improperly influence its [the ICC’s] officials cease immediately“
• Jewish Insider 5/3/24: Lawmakers push back against potential ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders
• Axios 5/2/24: Scoop: Senators meet with ICC over concerns about possible Israel arrest warrants
• FDD 5/1/24: U.S. Legislators Push Back Against Possible ICC Warrants for Israeli Officials
• Axios 4/29/24: Scoop: Congress threatens ICC over Israeli arrest warrants
• Johnson (R-LA) 4/26/24: X-post – “The ICC should stand down on this immediately.    Israel has the right to defend itself from terrorist organizations seeking to destroy it.   Note to the ICC: the real criminals are with Hamas and in Iran.” Fetterman (D-PA) 4/28/24 response: X-post – “Our politics diverge on many issues, but intersect on this. This is a just war against Hamas—terrorists who designed and instigated the 10/7 massacre. The ICC shreds what credibility it has if it prosecutes Israel but ignores Hamas.“

Other stuff

• Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 5/3/24: Wasserman Schultz, Díaz-Balart, Gonzales, Espaillat, Salazar, Cuellar Lead Latino-Jewish Caucus in Condemning Columbia President Petro’s Severing Ties With Israel
• Ernst (R-IA) 5/2/24: Ernst Slams Biden Admin for Creating Threats to Americans
• Schneider (D-IL) 5/1/24: Schneider Returns From Official Visit to Saudi Arabia
• Mast (R-FL) 4/30/24: Mast Statement on Biden’s Leaked Plan to Import Palestinians from Gaza
• Gomez (D-CA) 4/30/24: Rep. Gomez Urges Adoption of Ceasefire-Hostage Release Proposal 
• Wall Street Journal 4/28/24: Congress Leads on Iran Sanctions – The foreign-aid package includes a series of new sanctions, countering Biden’s accommodation.

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Congress Continues to Stoke Hysteria Over Student Protests for Palestinian Rights
3. Letters
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

• FMEP webinar 4/25/24: Dead, Disabled, Displaced, Detained, Orphaned: The Toll of Israel’s War on Palestinian Children, ft. Miranda Cleland, Defense for Children International-Palestine & Hamdi Shaqqura, Palestinian Center for Human Rights, in conversation with 2023 FMEP Fellow Dr. Yara Asi

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

(LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM: HR 6090: Introduced 10/26/23 by Lawler (R-NY) and having 42 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. For background on this legislation (which has been introduced numerous times and which has nothing to do with fighting antisemitism, and everything to do with delegitimizing and suppressing campus free speech/activism critical of Israel, see this compendium of resources; for a deep dive into the history/objectives of this legislation, see this article by FMEP’s Lara Friedman.

• On 4/29/24 the House Rules Committee will take up HR 6090 — meaning that House leadership intends to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote imminently.
• Also see: Amid growing campus protests, House to vote on codifying Trump’s antisemitism executive order — The legislation would codify the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in considering campus antisemitism cases, which could prove controversial (Jewish Insider 4/26/24)
• Also see my evergreen X-post (posted 3/21/23): “The battle over the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in a nutshell: ‘you have to define it to fight it’ = ‘you have to define all meaningful criticism of Israel/its policies/ Zionism as ‘antisemitism’ in order to suppress it, because we can’t win the arguments otherwise.’“
• Also, to get a sense of how the IHRA definition of antisemitism might be weaponized against free speech on US campuses, see the Torres-Lawler legislation described directly below.

(FEDERAL ANTISEMITISM MONITORS FOR US COLLEGES) HR XXX: On 4/26/24, Jewish Insider reported: Torres, Lawler push for federal antisemitism monitors on college campuses. Per that report, “As encampments of anti-Israel protesters spring up on a growing number of campuses across the country bringing with them instances of antisemitism, Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) are threatening to condition federal funding for universities as part of a push for more stringent federal oversight and monitoring of campus antisemitism, Jewish Insider has learned. The lawmakers plan to introduce the College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act, which would allow the Department of Education to impose a third-party monitor for antisemitic activity on any campus receiving federal funding. Schools that do not adequately cooperate with monitoring could potentially lose their federal funding. Compliance with such monitoring would, under the proposed legislation, be a condition of receiving continued federal funds; the monitor would release quarterly public reports on the progress that schools have made in addressing antisemitism and providing recommendations to federal, state and local lawmakers and officials.” Also: “The proposed monitors would be appointed by the secretary of education, while expenses for the monitors would be paid by the schools being monitored.”

• Also see: Lawler press release 4/26/24 – Reps. Lawler, Torres Introduce Legislation Empowering Federal Department of Education to Impose a Third-Party Antisemitism Monitor On Colleges and Universities Receiving Federal Funding
• My X-thread 4/26/24 on this legislative initiative: “...As the House gets set to pass legislation that would codify/endorse the IHRA definition of antisemitism on US campuses, 2 members of Congress who back that bill have helpfully given us a hint at the future they they envision 1/  Reminder: the SOLE PURPOSE of codifying the IHRA definition is to legally enforce the conflation of criticism/protest of Israel/Zionism with antisemitism, so as to delegitimize/punish/quash/chill ideas/criticism/protest that doesn’t align with unconditional support for Israel. 2/ What might that look like? We don’t need to speculate because 2 House reps are getting set to introduce complementary legislation to add extremely sharp teeth to the IHRA definition on campus. 3/ Say hello to the “College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act” which per @J_Insider would allow the Dept of Education ‘to impose a 3rd-party monitor for antisemitic activity on any campus receiving federal funding.’…Maybe you love this idea; maybe you hate it. Either way, don’t say you didn’t know. Final reminder: [embedded evergreen X-post] – The battle over the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in a nutshell: ‘you have to define it to fight it’ = ‘you have to define all meaningful criticism of Israel/its policies/ Zionism as ‘antisemitism’ in order to suppress it, because we can’t win the arguments otherwise.’“

(BILLIONS IN ADDITIONAL UNCONDITIONAL MILITARY AID FOR ISRAEL, PLUS SOME OTHER STUFF) HR 8034 / HR 8038 / HR 815: In the wake of Iran’s recent (retaliatory) attack on Israel, pressure massively increased last week on House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) to take action on and   pass emergency aid for Israel. In the end he did so, and over the weekend, on 4/20/24, the House passed HR 8034 — providing billions in totally unconditional military aid for Israel, along with substantial funding for humanitarian assistance. Notably, not a penny of the latter is specifically earmarked to help Palestinians, yet the bill does include numerous provisions imposing conditions/restrictions/oversight requirements in the event that a penny of that funding is used for Palestinians (including a total ban on any of the funding going to UNRWA). In addition, the House  passed HR 8038, the “sidecar” bill added to the emergency funding package, containing a long list of anti-Iran/anti-Iran-diplomacy measures (and also legislation targeting TikTok). On 4/23/24, the Senate voted on both of these bills, along with two other emergency funding bills, all bundled together as an amendment-in-the-nature-of-a-substitute to HR 815 (the pre-existing vehicle for the emergency funding). A number of Israel-related amendments were offered to the bill, including a Scott (R-FL) amendment to in effect permanently bar US aid for Gaza; a Sanders (I-VT) amendment to cancel the ban on aid to UNRWA; a Sanders (I-VT) amendment to cut offensive military aid for Israel out of the bill; a Van Hollen (D-MD) amendment to put conditions on offensive military aid for Israel in the bill; a Van Hollen (D-MD) amendment to allow funding for UNRWA — none of which were considered. For exhaustive coverage/details of the substance of these bills see last week’s edition of the Round-Up. Further details of what happened over the weekend and this week:

• HR 8034 was passed by the House 4/20/24 by a vote of 366-58
• HR 8038 was passed by the House 4/20/24 by a vote of 360-58.
• HR 815 was passed by the Senate 4/23/24 by a vote of 79-18. 
• List of the 37 Democrats who voted “no” on HR 8034 (and where they made statements explaining their vote, links to those statements): Balint (D-VT) [also here], Beyer (D-VA), Blumenauer (D-OR), Bowman (D-NY), Bush (D-MO), Carson (D-IN), Casar (D-TX) Castro (D-TX), Chu (D-CA), DeSaulnier (D-CA), Doggett (D-TX), Frost (D-FL), Garamendi (D-CA), Garcia (D-IL), Green (D-TX), Jackson (D-IL), Jayapal (D-WA), Johson (D-GA), Khanna (D-CA), Kildee (D-MI), Lee (D-CA), Lee (D-PA), McGovern (D-MA), Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Omar (D-MN), Pingree (D-ME), Pocan (D-WI), Pressley (D-MA), Ramirez (D-IL), Raskin (D-MD), Takano (D-CA), Thompson (D-MS), Tlaib (D-MI), Tokuda (D-HI), Velazquez (D-NY), Waters (D-CA), Watson Coleman (D-NJ) [also see Coleman Watson statement here
• List of the 21 Republicans who voted “no” on HR 8034 (and where they made statements explaining their vote, links to those statements): Biggs (R-AZ), Boebert (R-CO), Burchett (R-TN), Clyde (R-GA), Crane (R-AZ), Davidson (R-OH), DesJarlais (R-TN), Gaetz (R-FL), Good (R-VA), Gosar (R-AZ), Greene (R-GA), Harris (R-MD), Massie (R-KY), Mills (R-FL), Nehls (R-TX), Norman (R-SC), Perry (R-PA), Rosendale (R-MT), Roy (R-TX), Tiffany (R-WI), Zinke (R-MT)
• Of the 18 “no” votes in HR 815, 15 were Republicans — Barrasso (R-WY), Blackburn (R-TN), Braun (R-IN), Budd (R-NC), Cruz (R-TX), Hagerty (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), Johnson (R-WI), Lee (R-UT), Lummis (R-WY), Marshall (R-KS), Rubio (R-FL), Schmitt (R-MO), Scott (R-FL),Vance (R-OH)
• The other 3 “no” votes on HR 815 (and links to statements they made explaining their votes), were: Merkley (D-OR), Sanders (I-VT) [also here], and Welch (D-VT)
• On 4/24/24, President Biden signed the supplemental aid package (including the sidecar) into law
• Selected media:  The Democrats who flipped on Israel aid, and why–Half the members who signed a letter to Biden in the aftermath of aid worker killings voted for the package anyway (Responsible Statecraft 4/23/24); Why it matters that some Democrats voted against aid for Israel (Washington Post 4/21/24)

 

2. Congress Continues to Stoke Hysteria Over Student Protests for Palestinian Rights/Lives

Statements

• Cardin (D-MD) 4/23/24: Cardin Calls on Higher Education Officials to Curb Antisemitic and Violent On-Campus Activity
• Hawley (R-MO) 4/23/24: Hawley to Biden: Send in the National Guard to Protect Jewish Students on Campus
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/22/24: RELEASE: Gottheimer, Goldman, Moskowitz, and Manning Stand with Jewish Students at Columbia University — Walk through campus with Jewish students. Urge university administrators — at Columbia and nationwide — to take more action against targeting and harassment of Jewish students.
• Malliotakis (R-NY) 4/22/24: Malliotakis Calls for Resignation of Columbia University President Nemat Shafik
• Scott (R-SC) 4/22/24: Sen. Scott Calls for Columbia University President to Resign Over Rampant Antisemitism on Campus
• Schumer (D-NY) 4/21/24: Schumer Statement on Anti-Israel Protests at Columbia University [“College campuses must be places of learning and discussion. Every American has a right to protest, but when protests shift to antisemitism, verbal abuse, intimidation, or glorification of Oct. 7 violence against Jewish people, that crosses the line. Campuses must remain safe for all students.”]
  

Letters

• 4/26/24: ICYMI: Emmer demands action to protect Jewish students at University of Minnesota following Ilhan Omar’s pro-terrorist remarks [letter text]
• 4/23/24: Cotton, Colleagues: Biden Administration Must Act to Protect Jewish Students from Pro-Hamas, Anti-Semitic Mobs [letter text]
  
• 4/23/24: Hawley Demands Biden Use National Guard to Protect Jewish Students Amid Pro-Hamas Campus Protests [letter text]
• 4/23/24: Sen. Rick Scott to Columbia University Board: Take Action Against Antisemitism or Lose Federal Funding [letter text]
• 4/23/24: Stefanik Demands Biden Administration Take Action To Ensure The Safety of Columbia University’s Jewish Community [letter text] — call on the Department of Education to “revoke any federal funding flowing to Columbia and similar institutions so taxpayers are not funding the ongoing discrimination” and calls on the the Department of Homeland Security to “revoke the visas and deport students here on visas who are suspended for their antisemitic actions.” Also see: Columbia University protests: Rep. Elise Stefanik calls on Biden admin to deport terrorist supporters on visas (Fox News 4/23/24)
• 4/21/24: Foxx Calls on Columbia President, Trustees to Restore Order on Campus [letter text] [“…This situation is unacceptable, and it is imperative that Columbia’s leaders restore order and safety without further delay, in line with their commitments before the Committee at its April 17 hearing. … Columbia is failing to deliver on these commitments, as Jewish students are being harassed, assaulted, threatened, and intimidated to the point where they are departing campus for safer environments. The students, faculty, and staff responsible for this mayhem, including members of the groups Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, and Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, repeatedly and flagrantly have violated multiple University rules, and in many cases, federal law. The University must decisively hold them accountable in a manner commensurate with the severity of their offenses, including expulsion and termination of employment.”]

Media

• CBS News 4/25/24: McConnell says university presidents need to “get control of the situation” amid protests
• ABC News 4/25/24: Speaker Johnson alleges Hamas support for anti-Israel campus protests, threatens intervention
• CBS 12 4/25/24: Ilhan Omar praises ‘bravery and courage’ of Columbia anti-Israel protesters
• Axios 4/24/24: Columbia University becomes a congressional pilgrimage
• Politico 4/23/24: Stefanik demands Biden administration yank Columbia’s federal funding — Stefanik wants Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to penalize the institution and for other federal agency leaders to become involved.
• WRVO 4/23/24: Congress Continues to Stoke Hysteria Over Student Protests for Palestinian Rights/Lives
• Washington Examiner 4/23/24: Cotton calls for antisemitic protesters with student visas to be deported
• New York Post 4/22/24: Elise Stefanik, all NY House GOP lawmakers demand Columbia President Minouche Shafik resign immediately
• New York Post 4/22/24: Sen. Fetterman blasts ‘a–hole’ anti-Israel protests, Dems’ ‘crazy’ response to Iran attacks
• Fox News 4/22/24: Fetterman hammers ‘a–hole’ anti-Israel protesters, slams own party for response to Iranian attack: ‘Crazy’ [“‘It is not appropriate or legal or helpful to advance your argument,’ Fetterman said of some protests”]
• The Hill 4/22/24: New York’s House Republicans call on Columbia president to resign amid protests
• Fox News 4/22/24: Fetterman ‘not wrong’ to compare Columbia protests to Charlottesville, CNN host says
• Democracy Now 4/18/24: The New McCarthyism: Congress Grills Columbia Univ. President Amid Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Speech

Defending Right to Protest & Campus Free Speech

• Pressley (D-MA) 4/25/24: Rep. Pressley’s Statement on Peaceful Student Protests
• Sanders (I-VT) 4/25/24: Sanders Responds to Netanyahu’s Claim that Criticism of the Israeli Government’s Policies is Antisemitic
• Axios 4/25/24: Top House progressives fight back in campus messaging wars

 

3. Letters

• [IRAN SANCTIONS] 4/24/24: Sullivan & Blumenthal Call on President to Enforce Stronger Sanctions Against Iran [letter text
• [IMPOSE POLITICAL LITMUS TEST FOR TAX-EXEMPT ORGS!] 4/24/24: Ways and Means Republicans Call for Rigorous Oversight of U.S. Tax-Exempt Organizations with Suspected Ties to Chinese Communist Party [letter text]. Also see: Lawmakers Ask IRS To Probe Chinese Funding to Anti-Israel Protests (Free Beacon 4/24/24). Apparently believing that protesters against Israel’s war on Gaza were insufficiently demonized, delegitimized, and dehumanized accusations they are (a) in league with terrorists, (b) antisemitic, and (c) modern-day-Nazis who are worse than ACTUAL Nazis who march in the US, some powerful House Republicans are upping the ante. With this new letter, they now seem to be claiming is that these protesters are….agents of the Chinese Communist Party, and seeking to use hate/fear of China and hysteria around antisemitism (defined to mean criticism of Israel/activism for Palestinian rights) as a springboard to suggest that the IRS should impose a political/ideological litmus test on tax exempt groups, and should revoke tax-exempt status of organizations that “promote conduct that is counter to public policy.“ The letter also suggests the IRS must vet tax-exempt organizations for “antisemitism” and asks “Does the IRS have a definition of antisemitism in place within the agency that it considers when evaluating the claimed exempt purpose of a tax-exempt organization?” Notably the letter does not ask whether the IRS has definitions of anti-Black hate, or Islamophobia, or any other kind of hate that it “considers when evaluating the claimed exempt purpose of a tax-exempt organization.” For those paying attention (for years now) to efforts in Congress to legislate and enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitsm (for the most recent examples see Section 1 of this Round-Up), this question strongly suggests an intent to legislate the IHRA definition of antisemitism into IRS regulations, with the goal of making “violations” of that definition (that is, criticism/activism focused on Israel, Israeli policies, Palestinian rights, Zionism, etc) a basis for denying/revoking tax-exempt status of an organization. In practice such a policy would mean revoking the tax exempt statys of pretty much every US 501(c)(3) organization working on these issues (from anything other than an explicitly pro-Israel perspective and for pro-Israel objectives). Moreover, it would have a chilling effect on US 501(c)(3) organizations that work on such issues in the context of, for example, a broader focus on human rights, or status of children, or corporate resonsibility in conflict zones, or hunger, or health — in effect creating a situation in which such organizations would be compelled to implement a blind spot/exception for Israel, or face charges of “antisemitism” that could destroy their ability to work on everything else. To anyone reading this who thinks this this sounds far-fatched, please take some time to learn about the attacks on the entire movement for ethical investing (known as ESG), and a company called Morningstar in particular. Claiming that ESG is antisemitic for daring to try to hold Israel accountable to the same ethical screens/standards as every other country has become a primary weapon used both by defenders of Israeli impunity and by illiberal/conservative forces who oppose ESG in general. Attacks have focused specifically on Morningstar, a company that some have viewed as the standard-bearer for ESG practices. Those attacks succeeded in their goal, with Morningstar eventually re-tooling its entire approach to ESG to ensure an Israel exception.
• [HOLD ISRAEL TO US LAW ON NSM20] 4/16/24 (not previously reported in the Round-Up): Reps. Escobar, Castro Lead Letter on NSM20 and U.S. Origin Weapons in Israel [letter text]

 

4. Hearings & Markups

5. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Politics/Elex (general)

• Jezebel 4/26/24: Democrats Are Taking Money From Pro-Israel PAC That’s Backing Anti-Abortion Candidates [“New data shared with Jezebel shows that AIPAC endorsed over 200 anti-abortion GOP lawmakers and candidates, all while Democrats who are campaigning on reproductive rights continue to accept their funding & endorsements.”]
• Commentary 4/26/24: Progressive Dems between a rock and a hard place on Gaza
• Washington Post 4/26/24: Republican Jewish Coalition takes on GOP who voted against Israel aid
• Jewish Insider 4/26/24: Angela Alsobrooks distances herself from Van Hollen on Israel policy
• New Jersey Globe 4/26/24: Kean smacks Altman’s silence on anti-Israel protests – Freshman GOP congressman looks to make Israel an issue in his re-election campaign
• Politico 4/25/24: California Senate candidate Steve Garvey calls student protesters ‘terrorists’
• Jewish Insider 4/25/24: Johnson says he’ll push Biden to call in National Guard to quell Columbia unrest
• Mother Jones 4/24/24: AIPAC Spent Millions to Take Down the Squad. The Working Families Party Is Fighting Back. The Squad came out for a ceasefire in October. The pro-Israel lobby is seeking retribution.
• Washington Informer 4/24/24: MALVEAUX: AIPAC Is an Enemy of Humanity
• Responsible Statecraft 4/24/24: Top GOP megadonor’s quiet connection to US militarism–TikTok investor and billionaire Jeff Yass has sent millions to anti-Muslim orgs and hawkish pro-Israel groups
• Newsweek 4/24/24: Pro-Palestinian Democrats Get Warning Signs About Reelection
• Detroit News 4/23/24: Arab American candidates challenge pro-Israel Democrats in Michigan
• Free Beacon 4/23/24: Jamaal Bowman Says AIPAC Only Calls Him Anti-Semitic Because It Can’t Use ‘the N-Word’
• Jacobin 4/23/24: MAGA Loves Jamaal Bowman’s Opponent
• The Hill 4/22/24: Pro-Israel groups target progressive lawmakers in primaries
• Fox News 4/22/24: ‘Our Revolution’: Far-left lawmakers host event taking aim at ‘anti-peace’ pro-Israel group
• Huffington Post 4/22/24: ‘Head-Spinning’: John Fetterman’s Breaks With Joe Biden Confound Some Democrats
• Washington Post 4/22/24: A ‘Squad’ member’s primary tests shifting politics of Israel-Gaza war
• The Guardian 4/22/24: The pro-Israel groups planning to spend millions in US elections –A handful of groups, led by Aipac, have been a powerful force in American politics – but has Israel’s war in Gaza changed the equation?
• The Guardian 4/22/24: Pro-Israel US groups plan $100m effort to unseat progressives over Gaza — Aipac and other groups targeting candidates critical of Israel’s war in Gaza – but progressives are not going down without a fight
• Jewish Insider 4/19/24: Stefanik accuses Columbia president of perjury after pro-Hamas prof denies reprimand
• The Intercept 4/19/24: Since October, Sen. John Fetterman Has Been Building a Roster of Republican Donors
• Jewish Insider 4/19/24: Top MD-03 congressional candidates suggest support for Van Hollen’s efforts against Israel

Rep. Summer Lee Primary

• Vox 4/24/24: Summer Lee’s primary puts Democrats’ divides on Israel on display — Lee, the first Squad member to face a 2024 primary challenge, scored a decisive win.
• Mondoweiss 4/24/24: AIPAC stayed out of Pennsylvania so they wouldn’t lose to Summer Lee again
• New York Times 4/23/24: Summer Lee, ‘Squad’ Member, Wins Democratic House Primary in Pennsylvania
• Yahoo News 4/23/24: How one ‘Squad’ member avoided an avalanche of pro-Israel money
• Washington Post 4/23/24: Summer Lee beats primary challenger after facing pressure over Israel-Gaza
• The Intercept 4/23/24: How Rep. Summer Lee Cruised to Victory — What powered Lee’s primary win was her ability to win over the Democratic Party establishment.
• The Guardian 4/23/24: Summer Lee wins Pennsylvania primary in victory for progressives — Significant victory for ‘Squad’ member comes amid concerns of pro-Israel funding targeting pro-ceasefire candidates
• Politico 4/23/24: Summer Lee of the ‘Squad’ beats back primary challenge
• Free Beacon 4/23/24: ‘Squad’ Member Summer Lee Prevails in Primary That Drew Attention to Anti-Israel Views
• Free Beacon 4/22/24: Bob Casey Does Delicate Dance With Besieged ‘Squad’ Member Summer Lee [“The Pennsylvania senator tries to have it both ways, standing by his endorsement of the anti-Israel Democrat in the face of a primary challenge but keeping his distance, too”]
• Haaretz 4/21/24: AIPAC Isn’t Targeting Squad Member Summer Lee in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary. Here’s Why [“The pro-Israel lobby is looking to spend its hefty war chest in other primaries, leaving one GOP megadonor with an explicit interest in Israeli politics to bankroll efforts against the Pittsburgh progressive“]

Unconditional Support for Israel and ONLY Israel

• Rubio (R-FL) 4/26/24: Photos: Rubio Meets With Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
• Rubio (R-FL) 4/25/24: PHOTOS: Rubio Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
• Wicker (R-MS) 4/23/24: Senator Wicker Statement on Reported Gaza Pier Attack
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/22/24: RELEASE: Gottheimer Statement Marking 200 Days Since Hamas’s October 7 Terrorist Attacks  –Reaffirms call for hostages to be released
• Wicker (R-MS) 4/22/24: Wicker Reaffirms Israel’s Right to Self-Defense — Standing with Allies Protects America
• Real Clear Politics  4/20/24: David Brooks: John Fetterman Has Been As Pro-Israel As Golda Meir

Other stuff

• Washington Jewish Week 4/25/24: Sen. Chris Van Hollen is a True Friend of Israel – and Maryland’s Jewish Community
• Washington Jewish Week 4/25/24: Sen. Van Hollen’s Israel Record
• Rubio (R-FL) 4/25/24: Rubio: Biden Sanctions on Netzah Yehuda Battalion Helps Israel’s Enemies
• Washington Jewish Week 4/25/24: Raskin’s ‘Moral’ Vote Against Israel Aid
• The Intercept 4/25/24: House Responds to Israeli-Iranian Missile Exchange by Taking Rights Away from Americans
• Reason 4/24/24: This Bill Would Give the Treasury Nearly Unlimited Power To Destroy Nonprofits
• NIAC 4/23/24: With Israel and Iran on the Brink, Congress Doubles Down on War Path in the House
• NBC News 4/23/24: Nancy Pelosi says Israel’s Netanyahu ‘should resign’ as prime minister
• Newsweek 4/23/24: Congress Accused of Using TikTok Ban to Silence Israel Criticism

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Emergency $$/Weapons for Israel Back on the Agenda (& more!)
3. Letters
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

• 4/16/24: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Updates on Gaza & Looking to the Future: Mass Depopulation & Continued Violence, ft. political analyst Khalil Sayegh in conversation with FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart, to look at the current situation on the ground in Gaza, where Sayegh’s family is located,
• 4/12/24: FMEP webinar, RESIGNED: The Former Biden Admin Officials Who Left Their Jobs Over Gaza, ft. Tariq Habash, former official at the U.S. Department of Education, Josh Paul, former official at the U.S. Department of State, and Annelle Sheline, former official at the  U.S. Department of State, in conversation with FMEP Fellow Rania Batrice
  

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

NOTE: In the wake of Iran’s retaliatory military action against Israel last weekend (retaliation for Israel’s earlier bombing of an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria), House leadership replaced the planned schedule for this week (here) with a scheduled devoted almost 100% to anti-Iran and anti-Palestinian legislation (here). Also see: House changes legislative calendar to focus on Israel, Iran (Jewish News Syndicate 4/14/24); Congress moving swiftly on bipartisan action to punish Iran after revenge attack on Israel (PBS 4/18/24); Ocasio-Cortez Statement on House Republican Incompetence (Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, 4/16/24); Legislative Outlook: Irresponsible Votes This Week on Iran Bills (NIAC) 4/15/24).

This section of the Round-Up covers all of that legislation, plus other fun stuff introduced in or moved on by Congress this week. All of that is in addition to a package of new legislation to provide emergency aid for Israel, Ukraine, etc — a package that includes a “sidecar” pulling together, among other things, a lot of of the anti-Iran and anti-Hamas/Hizballah legislation passed in the House (laid out below). See Section 2 of this Round-Up for discussion of the emergency funding package.

(A) Anti-Palestinian/Anti-Free Speech

• TARGETING NGOs THAT SUPPORT PALESTINIAN RIGHTS) HR 6408 / S. 1436: Introduced in the House 11/14/23 by Kustoff (R-TN) and having 7 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations.” Introduced in the Senate 4/17/24 by Cornyn (R-TX) and King (I-ME) — see Cornyn press release. HR 6408 was passed by the House 4/15/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 383 – 11.  As noted in the 11/17/23 edition of the Round-Up, US charitable organizations — like ALL other US entities — are already barred by law from providing material support for terror and already face intense scrutiny (for example, see the landmark Holy Land Foundation case). Given this reality, and based on (a) the discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee on 11/30/23, and (b) the substitute text adopted by that committee, it is evident that HR 6408 (and now S. 1436) is aimed at legislating broad Executive authority to suspend normal due process (carried out by the Justice Department, according to clear rules), so as to permit the Secretary of the Treasure to strip US groups of their non-profit status in a peremptory manner, with virtually no limitations, accountability, or meaningful recourse. As such, this new legislation, if enacted into law, would  represent a powerful weapon to impose mass harm on the U.S. non-profit sector. And to be clear: while this legislation is being introduced/promoted as a means to target 501(c)(3)’s engaged in Palestine rights activism, if enacted into law it could be used against 501(c)(3)’s working on any issue or for an objective disfavored by the Administration in power. For more details see: the 12/1/23 edition of the Round-Up; analysis from Charity & Security Network – Charity & Security Network Opposes Legislation that Targets Charities; press release – Kustoff Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status to Nonprofits Supporting Terrorists Passes House. And for folks who doubt that the (initial) target of this bill is Palestine rights activism see the 11/15/23 hearing of the House Ways & Means Committee at which this bill was first discussed. From that hearing, note the following:
  • Chairman Smith (R-MO) 11/15/23: “…this committee has jurisdiction over the tax code and must address two related issues that have been laid bare in the aftermath of October 7^th. First, tax exempt charities operating in the United States are providing support encouragement and potential financing to Hamas and Hamas-Affiliated groups. This concern is not theoretical. In the early 2000s the US government identified and shut down the Holy Land Foundation in the United States. That foundation funneled $12.4 million from Americans to Hamas. Shockingly, a 501c3 entity called ‘American Muslims for Palestine’ and its related c4 have been sued in federal court for operating as an alter ego of the Holy Land Foundation. The two groups have many of the same leaders and may be continuing the same efforts to support Hamas. Second, the eruption of hatred towards Jewish students on college campuses after the October 7 attack has been disturbing to watch. But the organization around it is not some organic movement. It has been carefully built over years in part by American Muslims for Palestine. They helped build, shape, and train a group called Students for Justice in Palestine or SJP. Many SJP events have involved pro-Hamas slogans and have led to intimidation, harassment, and violence against Jewish students…”
  • ADL head Jonathan Greenblatt at that same hearing: “…urge governmental authorities– the FBI and the IRS — to look at and conduct a thorough review of these organizations like AMP and SJP that you’ve heard about today“
  • FDD’s Jonathan Schanzer: “…I think there should be number one investigations into nonprofits that could be supporting terrorism and we’ve talked about a few of them today…” and again: “if you’re referring to the activities of some of these extremist groups and how we can stop them, look: I think part of it is about perhaps reforming the tax code, not giving 501c3 breaks to organizations that we know are embracing hate speech, and targeting specific sectors of American society that should be beyond the pale.“
  • Rep Schweikert (R-AZ), in response to Greenblatt urging the committee to go after DAFs: “You will be happy to know, the chairman and a couple of our members here who actually sit on Intelligence — we’ve had side conversations on charitable giving, pre-tax monies, those things and how we make sure it’s doing good in the world and not ultimately financing evil.

• (TARGETING PALESTINIAN ACTIVISM & FREE SPEECH) H. Res. 883: Introduced 11/21/23 by D’Esposito (R-NY) and having 20 cosponsors (2 Democrats), ” Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the slogan, ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ is antisemitic and its use must be condemned.” Also see: X-thread from Prem Thakker (the Intercept) noting that the son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Netanyahu, has posted as the bio line on his X account: “from the river to the sea, this flag [followed by pic of an Israeli flag] is all you’ll see!” and noting the original platform of Netanyahu’s Likud party included: “…between the Sea and the Jordan [river] there will only be Israeli sovereignty.” Passed by the House 4/15/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of  377-44-1.
  • Also see: Forty-four House members vote against resolution declaring ‘river to the sea’ slogan antisemitic (Jewish Insider 4/16/24); Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Partisan GOP Stunt to Exploit Mid-East Crisis; X-thread from AAI’s Jim Zogby: “Israel occupies everything from the Jordan to the Mediterranean. They’re committing genocide in Gaza, seizing land & terrorizing West Bank Palestinians, & subjecting its Arab citizens to discrimination. So when we say “from the river to the sea…” we mean stop this oppression 1/5 For Congress to condemn the expression saying it’s antisemitic, is racist & insulting to Israel’s victims. It says Palestinians have no rights & should not speak out. It’s like telling the black community in the Jim Crow south that it’s anti-white to sing “We shall be free” 2/5 Some deliberately misinterpreted the expression saying it means genocide & makes them uncomfortable. It never meant that. But you know what makes Arabs uncomfortable? Genocide, apartheid, occupation, & LIKUD’s platform claiming Israeli sovereignty from the river to the sea. 3/5 Congress just allowed heavy-handed pro-Israel groups to pressure them to define the terms of debate by silencing critics of Israeli policies. Meanwhile ignoring behaviors & expressions that truly are antisemitic like “Jews will not replace us” a favorite of the neo-Nazis. 4/5 This is an abuse of Congressional power & dangerous infringement of free speech. Looking at the Congressional docket, this is only the beginning of a massive effort to silence critics of Israeli policies. It’s the New McCarthism & will only make civil discourse more difficult 5/5“. Also see: Congress passes resolution declaring ‘From the River to the Sea’ antisemitic (Jewish News Syndicate 4/19/24)

• (LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM) S. 4127: Introduced 4/16/24 and Scott (R-SC) and 29 cosponsors (bipartisan), “The Antisemitism Awareness Act.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Also see: press release – Cardin Cosponsors Casey, Scott Bill that Takes On Antisemitism on College Campuses; Thirty senators introduce bill codifying IHRA definition of antisemitism in Department of Education (Jewish Insider 4/17/24)

• US MUST TREAT SETTLEMENTS AS PART OF ISRAEL – & NOT DOING SO IS ANTI-ISRAEL,ANTISEMITIC BDS) HR 5179: Introduced 8/8/23 by Tenney (R-NY), “To require the maintenance of the country of origin markings for imported goods produced in the West Bank or Gaza, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Anti-BDS Labeling Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Reminder: As has always been the case in this battle over how to label the place-of-origin of settlement products, this argument behind HR 5179 boils down to: (1) if people know that a product was produced in a settlement, some will likely choose NOT to buy the product, in a decision that reflects their personal opposition to Israeli occupation/settlements; (2) such an action by an individual consumer, as an expression of their own deeply-held values, is a form of BDS and as such is antisemitic, anti-Israel; (3) the U.S. government, as part of its support for its ally Israel, must implement policies that in effect establish special place-of-origin rules for Israel [i.e., hold Israel to a different standard than the rest of the world] (4) These Israel-specific rules-of-origin must ensure that U.S. consumers who might want to make an informed decision with respect to purchasing or not purchasing settlement products are prevented from doing so — in this case, by depriving consumers of accurate place-of-origin data; and (5) Failure to implement/enact policies that in effect prevent US consumers making informed decisions with respect to whether or not they wish to purchase settlements products is antisemitic, anti-Israel, and a form of BDS. HR 5179 was marked up by and reported out of the House Ways & Means Committee 4/17/24 by a vote of 25-17 (paving the way for it to be brought to the House floor for a vote). Also see Tenney press release on committee passage of HR 5179 – “…For years, the anti-Semitic BDS movement has sought to cripple the Israeli economy and arbitrarily discriminate against goods made in Israeli-controlled areas of Judea and Samaria…Ways and Means Republicans reinforced existing U.S. policy that prevents federal funds from being used to support the BDS movement. By passing this bill out of Committee, we reiterate our support for our greatest ally in the Middle East and the lone beacon of freedom and democracy, Israel.”
  

B. Keeping the Focus on Hamas

• (HUMAN SHIELDS) HR 5917: Introduced 10/10/23 by Gallagher (R-WI) and 15 bipartisan cosponsors, “To amend the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act to modify and extend that Act, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act.” Also see: Gallagher, Sherman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Counter Use of Human Shields; After Hamas Strike, Congress Wants to Sanction Terror Group’s Use of Human Shields. But Legislation Is On Ice Until New Speaker is Elected. (Washington Free Beacon 10/10/23) Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 419-4.

• (HOLDING HAMAS ET AL ACCOUNTABLE FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE) H. Res. 1147: Introduced 4/15/24 by Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Demanding that the international community hold accountable those who perpetrated acts of sexual violence and sexual torture during and after the attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023.” [The resolution doesn’t explain how the international community is actually supposed to locate/arrest/hold accountable anyone in Gaza in the context of an Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and destruction of Gaza]. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

C. Targeting Iran & Anyone Associated with Iran

• (PERMANENT IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 3033: Introduced in the House 4/28/23 by Steel (R-CA) and 24 cosponsors (of which 8 are Democrats) [and in the Senate as S. 1390 5/2/23 by Scott (R-SC), Hassan (D-NH), Hagerty (R-TN) amd Rosen (D-NV)] “To repeal the sunset provision of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Solidify Iran Sanctions Act.” Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 407-16.

• (MIDDLE EAST DRUG TRADE) HR 4681: Introduced 7/17/23 by Hill (R-AR) and having 5 cosponsors (2 Democrats), “To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to illicit captagon trafficking,” aka, the “Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act.”Also see Hill’s press release – Rep. Hill Introduces Bill to Impose New Sanctions on Assad’s Production and Trafficking of the Toxic Narcotic Captagon. Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 410-13.

• (BLOCKING IRAN SANCTIONS WAIVERS) HR 4691: Introduced 7/17/23 by Self (R-TX) and 5 Republican cosponsors, “To provide for congressional review of actions to terminate or waive sanctions imposed with respect to Iran,” aka the “Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act (ISRRA) of 2023.” Passed by the House 4/17/24 by a vote of 278 – 141 (1 Republican voting “no”).

• (NEW IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5826: Introduced 9/28/23 by Wilson (R-SC) and having 11 cosponsors (all Republicans plus Moskowitz, D-FL),  “To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes,” aka, the “No Paydays to Hostage Takers Act.“ Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 391-34.

• (NEW IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5921: the “No U.S. Financing for Iran Act of 2023.” Introduced 10/11/23 by Huizenga (R-MI) and currently having 30 cosponsors (all Republican), to “prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from issuing any licenses authorizing a U.S. financial institution to engage in transactions for trade with Iran, other than food, medicine, or medical devices benefitting Iranian civilians. The legislation also requires the Secretary to oppose International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance to Iran, and to ensure that IMF member companies do not exchange Special Drawing Rights held by Iran. H.R. 5921 further prohibits the Export-Import Bank from providing assistance involving the Iranian government, or an entity owned or controlled by the government.” Passed by the House 4/15/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 294 – 105 (104 Democrats opposed). Also see: House Democrats split again over new Iran funding vote (Jewish Insider 4/16/24)
  

• (NEW IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5923: the “Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023.” Introduced 10/11/23 by Lawler (R-NY) and having 10 cosponsors (all Republicans plus Gottheimer, D-NY), to “expand secondary sanctions involving Iran to cover all transactions between Chinese financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks that transact for the purchase of petroleum and petroleum products. The bill would also require an annual determination as to whether Chinese financial institutions have engaged in sanctionable conduct.” Passed by the House 4/15/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 383 – 11.

• (NEW IRAN SANCTION) HR 5947: Introduced 10/12/23 by Pfluger (R-TX) and having 130 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To provide for the rescission of certain waivers and licenses relating to Iran, and for other purposes.” Also see: press release – Pfluger Leads 100+ Republicans in Blocking Iran from Accessing $6 Billion. Also see Pfluger X-post – “The Biden Administration’s ‘quiet understanding’ is not good enough. They must plainly reject any funds going to Iran. I just dropped a bill with 100+ lawmakers to block access. If the President refuses to permanently freeze the funds, Congress will.” Passed by the House 4/17/24 by a vote of 259 – 160.

• (IRAN SANCTIONS ENFORCEMENT) HR 6015: Introduced 10/20/23 by Leutkemeyer (R-MO) and no cosponsors, “To require the President to prevent the abuse of financial sanctions exemptions by Iran, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023.” Discussed on the House floor 4/15/24, passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 408-13.
  

• (NEW IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 6245: the “Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act.” Introduced 11/6/23 by Hill (R-AR) and having 3 cosponsors (one Dem is Vargas, D-CA) to require the President “to report on the assets of certain Iranian government officials and terrorist leaders while also providing for the publication of those assets. This legislation further requires the Secretary of the Treasury to seek the closure of U.S. and foreign financial institution accounts connected with the assets.” Discussed on the House floor 4/15/24, passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 419-4.

• (REVOKE IRAN SANCTIONS WAIVERS) HR 6323: Introduced 11/9/23 by Kim (R-CA) and having 1 cosponsor (Republican), the “Iran Counterterrorism Act“ aka, “To modify the availability of certain waiver authorities with respect to sanctions imposed with respect to the financial sector of Iran, and for other purposes.” Also see. Rep. Kim Testifies [in the Rules Committee] in Support of the Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023. Passed by the House 4/17/24 by a vote of 271 – 147

• (RE-DESIGNATE ANSARALLAH AS AN FTO) HR 6046: Introduced 10/25/23 by Clyde (R-GA) and having 63 cosponsors (all Republican), “Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act” aka, “To designate Ansarallah as a foreign terrorist organization and impose certain sanctions on Ansarallah, and for other purposes.” NOTE: Congress does not have the legal authority to designate FTOs or to compel the Executive to do so (but hey, who care about legal technicalities, amirite?) Passed by the House 4/17/24 by a vote of 285-135.

• (TO APPLY FOREIGN-DIRECT RULES TO IRAN) HR 6603: Introduced 12/5/23 by Moran (R-TX) and McCaul (R-TX), “To apply foreign-direct product rules to Iran,” aka, the “No Technology for Terror Act.” Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 406-19.

• (EU: DESIGNATE IRGC AS TERRORIST ORG) H. Res. 288: Introduced 4/13/23 by Tenney (R-NY) and 58  bipartisan cosponsors, “Urging the European Union to expeditiously designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization under Common Position 931, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution,” aka, the “Encouraging the European Union to Determine that the European Union Should Sanction the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Now As a Terrorist Entity Resolution.” Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 411-14-6.

• (CONDEMNING IRAN) H. Res. 1143: Introduced 4/15/24 by Kean (R-NJ) and 42 cosponsors (40 Republicans plus Moskowitz, D-FL), and Lieu, D-CA), “Condemning Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel.” Also see: Kean and Moskowitz Introduce Resolution Condemning Iran’s Drone and Missile Attack on Israel. Passed by the House 4/18/24 by a vote of 404-14. Also note statement from Jayapal (D-CA): “…I voted no on this resolution because I am concerned that it further escalates the situation at exactly the time that we need to do the opposite. It does not mention the precipitating strike on the Iranian embassy by Israel that led to this attack. It ‘fully supports’ further offensive action by Israel and calls for continued arms sales to Israel. It makes no distinction between aid to Israel for defensive purposes—such as the Iron Dome funding or against threats from Hezbollah and Iran—versus aid to Israel for offensive strikes against innocent civilians in Gaza. While I continue to support defensive aid to Israel, I have been clear that I cannot support offensive military aid to Israel with no strings attached while the Netanyahu government continues to kill innocent civilians in Gaza — both through military action and the blocking of humanitarian aid leading to famine. This is a time to de-escalate the conflict, not promote retaliatory violence, and I appreciate President Biden’s leadership on this issue. It is also of the utmost importance to achieve an immediate ceasefire to end the killing of innocents, return the hostages, and create a path for peace and security in the region. That is where our focus must be in this moment.” Also see: Far left lawmakers, Massie vote against condemning Iranian attack on Israel (Jewish Insider 4/18/24)

• (CONDEMNING IRAN) H. Res. 1148: Introduced 4/15/24 by Weber (R-TX) and 142 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Condemning the Iranian regime’s terrorism, regional proxy war, internal suppression, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

• (TARGETING IRAN & THOSE DAMN HOUTHIS) HR 8001: Introduced 4/15/24 by Green R-TN) and 5 cosponsors (4 Republicans plus Moskowitz, D-FL), “To impose sanctions on the Houthis for attacks on international shipping, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary.

• (DESIGNATE IRAN PROXIES AS FTOs) HR 8011 [bill text]: Introduced 4/15/24 by Steube (R-FL) and 59 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To designate certain organizations as foreign terrorist organizations,” aka, “The Iranian Terror Prevention Act.”  Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary. Also see: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Leads 59 Colleagues in Introducing The Iranian Terror Prevention Act; House Moves To Sanction Iranian Terror Proxies (Free Beacon 4/15/24). NOTE: Congress does not have the legal authority to designate FTOs or to compel the Executive to do so (but hey, who care about legal technicalities, amirite?)

 

2. Emergency $$/Weapons for Israel, Back on the Agenda! (and more!)

In the wake of Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel last weekend, pressure massively increased on House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) to take action this week to pass emergency aid for Israel – something that would only be possible if it also included aid for Ukraine and other Biden Administration priorities (as reflected in legislation already passed by the Senate). At the same time, Johnson also faced continued pressure from Republican hardliners who threatened to challenge his speakership if he decides to bring Ukraine aid up for a vote. Stock between these competing pressures, Johnson ultimately decided on 4/17/24 advance emergency aid to Israel as part of a package of emergency legislation (4 separate bills), with the understanding that if Republican hardliners try to vote him out of leadership for doing so, House Democrats will vote to save him.  On 4/18/24, the House Rules Committee passed its rule governing floor consideration of the 4 emergency bills. On 4/19/24, the House voted to adopt that rule (in the from of H. Res. 1160) by a vote of 316-94, clearing the way for the package to be brought up for votes. It is expected that this package will be voted on — and passed — by the House over the weekend; Senate Majority Leader Schumer has reportedly told senators to stay in town over the weekend to vote on the package following House passage.

Israel/Middle East elements of that aid package are laid out below.

A) Massive Emergency Aid for Israel: The package of emergency legislation includes HR 8024, “Making emergency supplemental appropriations to respond to the situation in Israel and for related expenses for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024.” Also see the press release accompanying the bill, which opens with: “This section totals $26.38 billion to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.” Key elements of the bill text (which largely match what was already passed by the Senate) are:

Funding/Weapons/Ammo for Israel [NOTE: the bill does not contain a single condition, restriction, special oversight, or reporting requirement with respect to any of this assistance/weapons/ammunition for Israel]

• $4.4 Billion for “Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide,” “for provision to the government of Israel or to foreign countries that have provided support to Israel at the request of the United States“
• $801.4 million for ‘Procurement of Ammunition, Army’’,  “to respond to the situation in Israel“
• $5.2 billion for “Procurement, Defense-Wide’’, of which $4 billion is for Iron Dome and David’s Sling; $1.2 billion is for Iron Beam;
• $198.6 million for “Defense Production Act Purchases’’
• $2.44 billion “for transfer to military personnel accounts, operation and maintenance accounts, procurement accounts, research, development, test and evaluation accounts, and the Defense Working Capital Funds“
• $3.5 billion for “Foreign Military Financing Program’’, “for assistance for Israel and for related expenses” of which up to $769.3 million “may be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services”
• Up to $7.8 billion in emergency drawdowns in 2024 in defense articles from the stocks of the Department of Defense, defense services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training (limit raised for Israel in 2024 from the normal aggregate limit of $100 million)
• Up to $400 million and $150 million another categories of emergency defense drawdowns (limit raised for Israel in 2024 from the normal limits in these categories of $200 million and $75 million, respectively)

Funding for Israel-Related Things

• $150 million for ‘‘Diplomatic Programs’’, “to respond to the situation in Israel and areas and countries impacted by the situation in Israel” of which $100 million “shall be for Worldwide Security Protection, including to respond to the situation in Israel and areas impacted by the situation in Israel“
• $75 million for “International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement’’, “for assistance for the Middle East, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, including to enhance law enforcement capabilities, counter terrorism, combat narcotics trafficking, and meet other critical partner requirements“
• $10 million for “Peacekeeping Operations’’, “including for a United States contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai to enhance force protection capabilities“
• Up to $50 million for the President to furnish “assistance to friendly countries and international organizations, on such terms and conditions as he may determine, for peacekeeping operations and other programs carried out in furtherance of the national security interests of the United States” (up from the normal limit of $25 million)

Humanitarian Aid

• $5.655 billion for ‘International Disaster Assistance’’ “to address humanitarian needs, including the provision of emergency food and shelter, of vulnerable populations and communities” (none specifically earmarked for Palestinians)
• $3.495 billion for “Migration and Refugee Assistance’’,  “to address humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations and communities” (none specifically earmarked for Palestinians)

Anti-Palestinian Provisos [NOTE: while there is not a single dollar in this bill specifically earmarked for Palestinian humanitarian aid, the bill includes extensive language putting limits/restrictions/conditions/oversight/reporting requirements with respect to any funds the Biden Administration might  nonetheless choose to use for Palestinian aid)

• No $$ for UNRWA: “SEC . 308. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, notwithstanding any other provision of law.“
• Restrictions/conditions/etc: Sec. 309 – lengthy (309a – 309h) oversight/conditions/limitations/reporting requirements applying to any funds that might be used for Palestinians.

Amendments in the House Rules Committee

HR 8024 was, unsurprisingly, the target of a long list of amendments (84), a very high percentage of which are focused on sticking it to the Palestinians (West Bank and Gaza), including by barring humanitarian aid, barring aid for Gaza, and targeting UNRWA. Others are focused on giving even more funds/weapons to Israel, removing even the minimal rules that apply to all such assistance, and more. Reading all the amendments, one is reminded, powerfully, that for many members of Congress, “pro-Israel” equates to deliberate cruelty to Palestinians. The Rule passed by the Rules Committee, and adopted by the House on 4/19/24, includes a “closed rule” on HR 8024, meaning that NO amendments will be considered on the House floor.

B) Targeting Iran et al, and also TikTok: The package of emergency aid bills includes a “sidecar” [aka, a grab-bag of bill containing various bits of legislation that are unrelated to the subject matter of the overall package, but that will now be carried through to passage by being included in this package], in the form of HR 8038, “To authorize the President to impose certain sanctions with respect to Russia and Iran, and for other purposes”, aka, the “‘21st Century Peace through Strength Act.” Among other things, this bill includes slightly amended versions of pending legislation to ban TikTok if China doesn’t sell it stake in the app (HR 7520 & HR 7521). It also includes the following pieces of legislation related to Iran/Hamas/Hizballah etc:

• HR 3774 / S. 1829: “A bill to impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in the import of petroleum from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for other purposes,” aka the “Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act” (SHIP Act) (an AIPAC lobbying priority);
• HR 3152: the “Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act ” aka the “Fight CRIME Act”), “To impose sanctions with respect to countries, individuals, and entities that engage in any effort to acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or deploy Iranian missiles and related goods and technology, including materials and equipment, and for other purposes.”  (an AIPAC lobbying priority) – combined with provisions taken from HR 6089, the “Stop Iranian Drones Act”
• HR 589 / S. 2626: “To impose sanctions on the Supreme Leader of Iran and the President of Iran and their respective offices for human rights abuses and support for terrorism,” aka, the “MAHSA Act.”
• HR 340: “To impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.” Note that this version of HR 340 (similar to the version originally introduced, though not identical language) includes language exempting “the conduct or facilitation of a transaction for the provision of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, medical devices, or humanitarian assistance, or for humanitarian purposes” and includes (limited) authority for the president to waive sanctions on the ground of “vital” U.S. national security interests.
• HR 6603: “To apply foreign-direct product rules to Iran,” aka, the “No Technology for Terror Act.” (Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 406-19.)
• HR 5917:  “To amend the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act to modify and extend that Act, and for other purposes.” (Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 419-4.)
• HR 4681: “To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to illicit captagon trafficking,” aka, the “Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act.” (Passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 410-13.)
• HR 6322, the “End Financing to Hamas and State Sponsors of Terrorism Act”
•  HR 6245, the “Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act.”
• HR 5923, the “Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023.” (Passed by the House 4/15/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 383 – 11.)

Statements & Media

• House leaders toil to advance Ukraine and Israel aid. But threats to oust speaker grow (Associated Press 4/18/24)
• US Jewish orgs urge House to pass foreign aid bill providing Israel with more than $26 billion [“The Republican Jewish Coalition said it applauds House Republicans for moving forward on the urgently needed legislation.”] (Jerusalem Post 4/18/24)
• TikTok ban bill is getting fast-tracked in Congress. Here’s what to know. (CBS News 4/18/24)
• Latest version of House TikTok bill gets crucial support in Senate (CBS News 4/18/24)
• Mike Johnson aid bills: what is the US speaker’s plan for Ukraine and Israel, and will it pass Congress? (The Guardian 4/18/24)
• Biden urges Congress to act on Israel aid, says Iran aims ‘to destroy Israel forever’ (Times of Israel 4/17/24)
• House to hold separate votes on Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan aid (Defense News 4/17/24)
• STEFANIK SHREDS SHAFIK! Columbia University Prez in the Hot Seat for Surge in Antisemitism on Campus [WATCH] (Sean Hannity 4/17/24)
• Rep. Stefanik Grills Columbia University President at Second House Antisemitism Hearing (Daily Signal 4/17/24)
• Sen. Angus King reconsiders position on Israel aid after Iran attack (Jewish Insider 4/17/24)
• Johnson faces ouster attempt as path to Israel, Ukraine aid bill looks more uncertain (Jewish Insider 4/16/24)
• U.S. Congress Prepares Israel, Ukraine Spending Bill – But pushback from the far right and far left could stall efforts to pass the four-part package. (Foreign Policy 4/16/24)
• Sen. Rick Scott: Oct. 7 ‘created clarity’ on Israel for Republicans (Jewish Insider 4/16/24)
• House to vote on separate Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan bills later this week (Jewish Insider 4/15/24)
• US House to vote on Israel aid package following Iran attack (Times of Israel 4/15/24)
• J Street Urges House to Reject Diversions, Immediately Pass Senate Supplemental Aid Package (J Street 4/15/24)
• House GOP leaders looking to fast-track aid to Israel, after Iran strike (Jewish Insider 4/14/24)
•  Sen. Fetterman: With common enemy in Iran, ‘astonishing’ the U.S. is ‘not standing firmly’ with Israel (The Forward 4/14/24)
• Evangelicals are fed up with the House GOP’s Israel aid holdouts [“Speaker Mike Johnson is under pressure from the country’s largest Christian Zionist organization to rein in the Freedom Caucus conservatives blocking more U.S. funding”] (Washington Post 4/13/24)
• Pass Emergency Israel aid NOW! DeLauro (D-CT), Schneider (D-IL), Kaine (D-VA), Coons (D-DE), Schumer (D-NY), Bennet (R-CO), McConnell (R-KY), Cole (R-OK), Calvert (R-CA), Hayes (D-CA), Moulton (D-MA), Lamborn (R-CO), Murphy (R-NC), Courtney (D-CT), Larson (D-CT), Molinaro (R-NY), Kuster (D-NH), Kilmer (D-WA) and Schneider (D-IL), Scalise (D-LA), Carper (D-DE), Panetta (D-CA), Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Norman (R-SC), Schumer (D-NY), Peters (D-CA), Larson (D-CT), Wild (D-PA)

 

3. Letters

• [TARGETING USG EMPLOYEES FOR SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS]: 4/17/24: Chairman Bost, House Republicans Continue Push to Stop Antisemitism at VA [letter text]
• [TARGETING PROTEST/PROTESTERS] 4/15/24: Moolenaar Leads Michigan Colleagues in Calling on DOJ to Investigate “Death to America” Chants in Dearborn [letter text]. Also see: Group that held Dearborn rally says ‘Death to America’ chants were wrongful (Dearborn Free Press 4/11/24)
• [MIDDLE EAST & US NATIONAL SECURITY] 4/15/24: Hakeem Jeffries Dear Colleague in Connection with America’s National Security
• [ACCURATE LABELING OF SETTLEMENT PRODUCTS = BDS) 4/15/24: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Leads Letter Slamming the Biden Administration for Weighing “West Bank” Label on Certain Israeli Imports [letter text]. The letter in effect demand that the US (continue to) recognize Israeli de facto sovereignty over parts of the West Bank where there are settlements [“It is common sense to label products from those areas as ‘Made in Israel’. First, Israel exercises ‘relevant authorities’ in these areas of the West Bank. Products originating in those areas are obviously products of Israel.”]. It goes on to make clear that the real issue here the necessitity of hiding the real place of origin of settlement products, in order to thwart consumers’ ability to make informed decisions about their purchases: “Requiring these goods to be further differentiated as ‘products of the West Bank’ would give key information to BDS activists seeking to target Israeli economic activity.”
• [EMERGENCY $$ FOR ISRAEL NOW!!!] 4/15/24: Gottheimer Leads 91 Bipartisan Members Urging Speaker to Bring Senate National Security Supplemental to Vote — Underscores importance of aid to democratic allies across the world. In wake of Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel [letter text]
• [SANCTION IRAN] 4/12/24: Scott Calls on Treasury to Block Iran’s Access to Funds, Demands Accounting of High-Value Iranian Assets [letter text]
• [PRESSURE HAMAS TO ACCEPT DEAL THAT WOULD PAVE WAY FOR CONTINUED WAR AGAINST THEM AFTER HOSTAGE RELEASE] 4/12/24: Schneider & 21 Members Urge World Leaders to Call on Hamas to Accept Proposed Hostage Deal [text included in press release]. Also see: Too many world leaders’ refuse to condemn Hamas, call for hostage release, 22 House Dems say (Jewish Insider 4/15/24)
• [MORE IAEA PRESSURE ON IRAN] 4/11/24: Banks-Gallego letter to SecState Blinken “to convey our concerns over last month’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting, in which the administration missed an opportunity to apply sufficient diplomatic pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran (“Iran”) and its efforts to enrich uranium for a nuclear weapon. As such, we request an urgent briefing from you on the status of Iran’s nuclear program, as well as your department’s plan to bring Tehran back into compliance with IAEA demands.” [letter text]

 

4. Hearings & Markups

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

• Jewish Insider 4/19/24: Top MD-03 congressional candidates suggest support for Van Hollen’s efforts against Israel [“At a forum, Maryland state Sen. Sarah Elfreth and former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn responded affirmatively to a question about the senator’s efforts to curb Israel’s access to U.S. aid.”]
• The Baltimore Sun 4/19/24: Why 80 Maryland rabbis are wrong about Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s Israel support
• Minn Post 4/18/24: Same players, new issues in Omar-Samuels rematch – Omar, other ‘squad’ members have become primary race targets over Israel-Hamas war stance.
• Politico 4/18/24: AIPAC-endorsed Democrat calls for Israeli leadership change -Vulnerable California Rep. Mike Levin said “new leaders” are needed.
• Fox News 4/18/24: GOP senator says Fetterman proves how ‘radical’ Dems have become on Israel: ‘Nuts’
• Prism 4/18/24: Reject AIPAC member urges deescalation in response to Iran’s retaliation [“Justice Democrats spokesperson emphasized the urgent need for deescalation in the Middle East and an end to U.S. financial support for the Israeli military“]
• The Guardian 4/17/24: Pro-Israel money pours in to unseat progressives in congressional races
• Politico 4/17/24: Progressives seek to neutralize AIPAC’s spending threats [“The group’s promised flood of cash hasn’t yet arrived, but progressives are trying to defend against — and leverage — it anyway.“]
• Yahoo News 4/15/24: Rep. Jamaal Bowman trails Democratic primary challenger George Latimer in fundraising battle in NY’s 16th District
• Politico 4/16/24: Iran attack widens rift between activist left and Dem moderates
• Jewish Insider 4/16/24: Dan Helmer touts his support for Israel in Northern Virginia House primary
• Sludge 4/15/24: AIPAC-Tied DMFI Raises More From Private Equity Execs
• Jewish Insider 4/15/24: Virginia congressional candidate flip-flops on supplemental Israel aid again [“Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL running as a right-wing outsider in Virginia’s competitive 7th Congressional District, again said earlier this week he wouldn’t necessarily support supplemental U.S. aid to Israel, after insisting to Jewish Insider that he would.“]
• LA Times 4/14/24: A Pittsburgh congressional race could test Democrats who have criticized Israel’s handling of war
• Free Beacon 4/12/24: Jamaal Bowman Defends Union Fighting Subpoena Over Anti-Israel Resolution
• Huffington Post 4/11/24: A GOP Megadonor Is Attacking This Progressive For ‘Opposing President Biden’ [“Jeffrey Yass, the largest Republicans’ donor of 2024, is funding attack ads that associate Rep. Summer Lee with Donald Trump and the Capitol rioters.”]

• Fox News 4/19/24: Republicans accuse Biden, Schumer of emboldening Iran prior to attack on Israel
• McConnell (R-KY) 4/16/24: Will Iran’s Brazen Attack On Israel Finally Convince Democrats And President Biden To Drop The Unhinged Rhetoric They’ve Aimed At Israel Recently?
• Thune (R-SD) 4/16/24:Thune to Biden: U.S. Must Stand Up to Iran’s Aggression and Support Our Ally Israel
• Budd (R-NC) press release 4/16/24: Budd Touts F-15E Strike Eagles from NC After Successful Intercept of Iranian Drones & Missiles
• Blame Biden for Iran [retaliatory] attack on Israel: Daines (R-MT), Cruz (R-TX), Rogers (R-AL), Stefanik (R-NY), Scalise (R-LA), Scott (R-SC), Moore (R-AL), Stefanik (R-NY), Mann (R-KS), Roy (R-TX)
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/15/24: House majority leader supports ‘any decision Israel makes’ after Iran attack
  Jewish News Syndicate 4/15/24: Democratic Majority for Israel, Republican Jewish Coalition jointly condemn Iranian attack
  Moskowitz (D-FL) 4/15/24: Reps. Moskowitz, Lawler Call for Immediate Senate Vote on SHIP Act
• The Daily Beast 4/15/24 GOP Lawmakers Use Iran’s Attack on Israel to Blast Biden
  Free Beacon 4/15/24: Squad Members Conflate Israel With Iran After Iranian Attack
  Jewish News Syndicate 4/15/24: ‘Squad’ members comment on Iran attack days later, condemn Israel
• Responsible Statecraft 4/15/24: Bipartisan lawmakers rush to battle stations after Iran attack [“Lawmakers who sat on sidelines as more than 33,000 Gazans killed want to join Israel in facing down ‘disproportionate’ response by Tehran“]
• Omar (D-MN) 4/14/24: “I condemn the attacks by the Iranian military on Israel, as well as Israel’s military attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria that further escalates tension in the region. I am grateful no deaths were reported from the attack and am praying for Amina al-Hassouni, the 7-year-old Bedouin civilian who was severely injured in the attack, to make a complete recovery. As leaders in Washington jump to call for war with Iran and rush additional offensive weapons to the Israeli military, we need to exercise restraint and use every diplomatic tool to de-escalate tensions. Civilians in not only Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, and Iran but also Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen are bearing the brunt of this escalation, and there must be a ceasefire on all sides. I will continue to call for de-escalation, restraint, and lasting peace.”
• Bush (D-MO) 4/14/24: “‘I am deeply concerned by the Iranian military’s attack on Israel, which comes in response to the Israeli military’s attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria. I condemn these attacks, which threaten civilian lives and regional war. I also condemn the calls by Members of Congress and others to initiate war with Iran; to do so without Congressional authorization is blatantly unconstitutional. I’m encouraged by reporting that President Biden advised Prime Minister Netanyahu last night that the U.S. will oppose any Israeli counter-attacks against Iran, and I urge the President to continue to take immediate steps, including at the UN Security Council and G7, to de-escalate and facilitate an immediate, lasting ceasefire in the region. Since the horrific October 7 attack, I have repeatedly urged an end to the violence through de-escalation, ceasefire, and diplomacy and cautioned that war is never the answer. Instead, the U.S. government has shamefully and unconditionally armed the Israeli government as it has committed war crimes, killed over 33,000 Palestinians, inflicted famine in Gaza, violated domestic and international laws, and increased the chances of regional war. This failed approach must end. The people of our country do not want war. They want to live in a world that is safe, peaceful, and just. That is why our pro-peace, pro-humanity movement is stronger than ever, and it’s why, as recently as last week, dozens of my colleagues and I called for our government to stop arming Netanyahu’s maniacal, genocidal acts. We are pushing for the safety of all people, from Palestinians and Israelis abroad to Jewish, Arab, Muslim, and other communities who are being targeted here at home, to the release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, and ending the risk of a regional war that further entangles the United States and jeopardizes the safety of our people. We cannot let the warmongers win; our country and our world are calling for restraint, de-escalation, a lasting ceasefire, and diplomacy. Our government must listen. That is how we save lives.’ On April 1, 2024, the Israeli government bombed an Iranian embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, killing 16 people. In retaliation, the Iranian military launched an attack on Israel using drones and missiles on April 13. Since October 7, 2023, over 33,000 Palestinians and 1,100 Israelis have been killed, 76,000 Palestinians have been injured, dozens of hostages have been killed, and over 100 Israelis and thousands of Palestinians remain unlawfully detained.”
• McConnell (R-KY) 4/13/24: Leader McConnell Statement on Iran Attack on Israel [“…“The President must also give Israel the time, space, and support it deserves to finish the job against Hamas. Tehran and its proxies are emboldened when they see divisions between the US and Israel…”

• Scott (D-VA) 4/12/24: “I remain supportive of Israel’s right to defend themselves and their efforts to defeat Hamas. However, as President Biden has repeatedly said, this must be done in accordance with international law, which includes minimizing civilian casualties to the greatest extent possible. I am disturbed by continued reports of heavy losses of Palestinian civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the recent Israeli airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers last week. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government cannot continue on their current course. I reiterate my support of President Biden’s calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Hamas’ disregard for Palestinian civilian life does not absolve the Israeli government of their responsibilities. With so many Palestinians now forcibly displaced and facing acute and widespread food insecurity, there must be an immediate and lasting change. The attack on the World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid convoy underscores questions about whether Non-Governmental Organizations and international organizations are able to facilitate reliable aid safely. Soldiers from the Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, in my congressional district, have been deployed to assist with the construction of a floating pier outside of Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. I am proud of the men and women in uniform undertaking this mission. The United States must be able to trust that Israel is doing everything they can to provide safety to aid workers and military personnel conducting humanitarian missions. This change of course will be critical as we work towards a future where Hamas is defeated and can no longer terrorize Israelis and Gazans. It will also bolster our efforts to ensuring a lasting peace in the region, a two-state solution, and the safety and dignity of the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

• Sludge 4/19/24: AIPAC-Funded Senator Pushes Antisemitism Definition That Could Silence Critics of Israel
• Jewish Link 4/18/24: OU Teens Lobby on the Hill [“The Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, together with NCSY Atlantic Seaboard, recently gathered over 150 Jewish high school students in Washington, DC, as part of Senator Ben Cardin’s Jewish Scholar Program.The young leaders advocated for passing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which mandates the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism within the Department of Education when monitoring and prosecuting federal anti-discrimination laws.”]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/16/24: US bill on fighting antisemitism draws rare bipartisan support in Congress
• Washington Examiner 4/16/24: Fetterman denounces ‘a**hole’ pro-Palestinian protesters for public disruptions
  Fox News 4/16/24: Mike Johnson calls out Dems for appeasing ‘pro-Hamas’ wing as anti-Israel protesters burn American flag
  The Hill 4/16/24: Cotton: People stuck behind Gaza cease-fire protesters should ‘take matters into your own hands’
  Times of Israel 4/16/24: Cotton Urges Citizens to Forcibly Confront Pro-Palestinian Protesters
  Jewish News Syndicate 4/15/24: Tlaib honors Palestinian ‘journalist’ who celebrated Oct. 7 terrorist attacks 

Other stuff

• Focus on Western Islamism 4/16/24: Rep. Torres Secures $1 Million for Oct. 7 Supporters
• JINSA 4/15/24:  Watch Webinar – Sen. Rick Scott on Congressional Efforts to Support Israel
• McCaul (R-TX) 4/16/24: McCaul, Cardin Praise Argentina’s Court Ruling Finding Iran Responsible for Deadly Terrorist Attacks on Jewish Community
• Gaetz (R-FL) 4/16/24: video — Defund the United Nations and Give the Money to Israel!
• Manning (R-NC) & Smith (R-NJ) 4/16/24: Co-Chairs Statement on ADL Data Documenting Record Levels of Antisemitic Incidents in 2023
• Hoyer (D-MD) 4/15/24: Hoyer Statement Urging Qatar to Apply Pressure on Hamas to Accept Reasonable Hostage Release and Temporary Ceasefire 
• Scott (R-FL) 4/13/24: Schumer Must Immediately Allow Vote on House-Passed Israel Aid Bill & Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act [reminder: in the midst of an Israel-made famine in Gaza, ongoing genocide, more than a million people displaced, the partial or total destruction of the majority of the homes of 2.3 million people, near total destruction by Israel of schools and medical facilities, etc, this bill would bar any U.S. funding for Gaza (including humanitarian aid) unless the President can certify that all Israeli hostages in Gaza has first been freed and that such funds won’t benefit any FTO or anyone associated with an FTO (i.e., requiring anti-terror vetting of every man, woman, and child who might receive aid).  It would also bar US funding to Gaza via any UN entity or office, unless the president certifies that “such entity or office is not encouraging or teaching anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas or propaganda.”
• Good (R-VA) 4/12/24: Congressman Bob Good Introduces the Iran China Accountability Act

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

• 4/12/24: FMEP webinar, RESIGNED: The Former Biden Admin Officials Who Left Their Jobs Over Gaza, ft. Tariq Habash, former official at the U.S. Department of Education, Josh Paul, former official at the U.S. Department of State, and Annelle Sheline, former official at the  U.S. Department of State, in conversation with FMEP Fellow Rania Batrice [starting at 2pm EST 4/12/24]
  
• 4/5/24: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, “Incitement, Displacement, Destruction, Willful Flouting of International Law”: Israel’s Assault on Al Shifa Hospital, ft. 2023 FMEP Fellow Dr. Yara Asi in conversation with FMEP’s Dr. Sarah Anne Minkin to discuss Israel’s March 2024 attack on Al Shifa hospital, the largest and most important medical center in Gaza, known as the heart of the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip.

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

(ENFORCING IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM ACROSS THE WHOLE-OF-GOVT) S. 4091/HR 7921 (bill text): Introduced in the Senate 4/9/24 by Rosen (D-NV) and Lankford (R-OK), and in the House 4/10/24 by Manning (R-NC) and Smith (R-NJ), the “Combating Antisemitism Act.” In the Senate referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; in the House referred to the Committees on the Judiciary, Education and the Workforce, Homeland Security, Oversight and Accountability, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Also see: Senate press release – Rosen, Lankford, Manning, Smith Introduce Comprehensive Bipartisan Bill to Take Historic Action to Counter Antisemitism in the U.S. & House press release – Manning, Smith, Rosen, Lankford Introduce Comprehensive Bipartisan Bill to Take Historic Action to Counter Antisemitism in the U.S. The press releases include statements of support/endorsement from the ADL, AJC, Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations; in addition, groups endorsing and/or lobbying in support of the legislation include: the ADL (statement, action alert), AJC (statement, action alert), JFNA, World Jewish Congress, and the Nexus Project.

Notably, this extraordinarily far-reaching bipartisan, bicameral legislation, which would impact every Federal agency and beyond, and which is framed as an effort to support implementation of Biden’s antisemitism strategy, in actuality centers on legislating & enforcing the IHRA definition of antisemitism — in direct contradiction to the Biden Administration’s decision to NOT center/endorse/enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism as part of its antisemitism strategy:

• It includes an overarching Sense of Congress that the IHRA definition of antisemitism (cited by name) “should be utilized by Federal, State, and 20 local agencies” [it does not mention the IHRA definition’s examples but IHRA backers consistently interpret any mention of the IHRA definition as implicitly including the examples].
  
• It includes an overarching statement defining antisemitism according to the definition included “in section 3 of the 25 Never Again Education Act (36 U.S.C. 2301 note)” — which is, in fact, the text of the IHRA definition (without mentioning its source and without listing its examples).
• It defines “relevant agencies” that, under this legislation, would be expected to use/enforce the IHRA definition, to include the, FBI and DOJ (for all those who keep insisting that the IHRA definition is “not legally-binding”)
• It requires a report to Congress on online antisemitism — as defined per the Sense of Congress, by the IHRA definition — and recommendations for how Congress can fight it — a report that will be used to legitimize and fuel online censorship of criticism of Israel/Zionism, especially on social media (consistent with the longstanding efforts of many of the groups backing this legislation).
• It includes a lengthy section entitled “Countering Antisemitic Discrimination in Higher Education.” This section is devoted to weaponizing Trump’s Executive Order on Combating Antisemitism. As a reminder, that EO centers on enforcing the IHRA definition, including its examples, as part of Title VI, as a means of repressing/punishing/chilling criticism and activism targeting Israel and/or Zionism on U.S. campuses. In effect, this bill in general, and this section in particular, would pour gasoline on the fire that has already been set by congressional Republicans as they target US universities, as well as on the fire that has been set by lawfare actors waging all-out warfare with lawsuits and Title VI complaints against US campuses for failing to repress and punish pro-Palestinian activism (see table tracking these efforts)
• My twitter thread laying out this analysis is here.
• With respect to backing of this legislation from some groups that in theory have stood against the conflation of criticism of Israel with antisemitism — who are now arguing that S. 4091/HR 7921 should be supported because the alternatives are much worse, this brings to mind a favorite saying of US policymakers: “don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good” — a phrase I learned when I worked at the State Department, that was invoked exclusively when the US was doing something that clearly violated its own stated values or positions.
• Also see media coverage — all of which, either out of laziness/ignorance or deliberate political spin — basically repeat the press releases issued in support of these bills, rather than offering any analysis of what is really going on here; though to be fair, the text of the bill was not widely circulating this week, suggesting that much media reporting was, indeed, relying totally on the press releases, rather than bothering to insist on reading/analyzing the actual bill text —  NBC, CNN, Jerusalem Post, Jewish Insider

(LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION) HR 7945 (bill text): Introduced 4/11/24 by D’Esposito (R-NY) and 3 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To provide a definition of antisemitism for the enforcement of covered civil rights laws,” aka, the “the Define to Defeat Act.” Referred to the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability, and Education and the Workforce. Also see: press release – Congressman D’Esposito Introduces Define to Defeat Act, Bringing Clarity to Legal Definition of Antisemitism; New York Congressman introduces bill to federally apply IHRA definition of antisemitism (Jerusalem Post 4/11/24). This bill would mandate that the “legally non-binding” IHRA definition of antisemitism — including its examples — be used (a) in any anti-discrimination training and education materials or modules made available by any federal departments or agencies; (b) in instructions to the jury in any Federal criminal or civil action that involves [allegations of] antisemitism; (c) “In reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of a covered civil rights law on the basis of race, religion, color, ethnicity, or national origin, based on an individual’s actual or perceived connection to an aspect of Jewish identity, each Federal department and agency conducting such review or investigation or making such decision shall take into consideration whether the potential violation was motivated, in whole or in part, by antisemitism.” NOTE: see my pinned tweet — “The battle over the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in a nutshell: ‘you have to define it to fight it’ = ‘you have to define all meaningful criticism of Israel/its policies/ Zionism as ‘antisemitism’ in order to suppress it, because we can’t win the arguments otherwise.’“ NOTE: the introduction of this bill has potential implications for S. 4091/HR 7921 (discussed above), including: (Scenario 1) House Republicans seek to merge HR 7945 with HR 7921, in effect replacing what some (inaccurately) see as HR 7921’s “soft” legislating of the IHRA definition with HR 7945’s explicit legislating of the IHRA definition (as a reminder, Indiana’s governor recently VETOED a bill legislating the text of the IHRA definition because the bill did not explicitly cite IHRA as the source and did not explicitly include IHRA’s examples); and (Scenario 2) Backers of S 4091/HR 7921 use HR 7921 as an argument for why their bill should be widely embraced as the reasonable approach vs HR 7945’s seemingly harder-line framing.

(NO PRESSURE ON ISRAEL!) H. Res. 1117: Introduced 4/10/24 by Salazar (R-FL) and 26 cosponsors (all Republicans), “Opposing efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza.” This resolution was brought to the Rules Committee 4/9/24 en route to the House floor — see Rules Committee Chairman Cole’s (R-OK) statement on the resolution. Also see amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN), seeking to replace the term “one-sided” wherever it appears in the resolution with “any” — that is, saying out loud the quiet part of this resolution, which is that backers oppose any US pressure on Israel.  Also see: statement from Americans for Peace Now laying out objections to the resolution, including:  “House Republicans are again using straw-man arguments to make a show of support for the Netanyahu government. The Hamas attack on October 7 was horrific and there is and can be no rationale to defend it. And Israel is and was entitled to self-defense. Neither President Biden nor anyone in the administration has ever suggested otherwise.”; House to vote on resolution against ‘efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza’ [“The resolution criticizes the U.S. president’s recent call with the Israeli prime minister and a U.N. Security Council vote, which passed when Washington held its veto and abstained.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 4/8/24); House Republicans to bring resolution supporting Israel to vote (Jerusalem Post 4/10/24). On 4/10/24, House leadership sought to bring H. Res. 1117 and a group of other bills/resolutions to the House floor for a vote, which required first bringing to the floor H. Res. 1125, the Rule passed by the Rules committee providing for floor consideration of the various measures. That resolution was defeated by a vote of 193-228 (no Democrats voted yes, and 19 Republicans joined Democrats in voting no), preventing further floor action on the measures (for the time being at least)

(DEFENDING ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DO ANYTHING IT WANTS IN THE NAME OF ‘SELF-DEFENSE) S. Res. XXX (resolution text): On 4/9/24, Sen. Lankford issued a press release announcing that he was joining with Sen. Scott (R-SC) in introducing this resolution, “Expressing the sense of the Senate that Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas.” [Not in the Congressional Record as of 4/12/24]

(TARGETING QATAR) S. 4093 (bill text): Introduced 4/10/24 by Budd (R-NC) and 2 Republican co-sponsors, “A bill to review and consider terminating the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes,” aka the Reviewing Qatar’s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Budd’s 4/9/24 press release: “…The bill would require the Secretary of State to certify the following: It is in the national interest of the United States for Qatar to maintain its designation as a major non-NATO ally; Qatar has exerted any and all leverage it has over Hamas to secure the release of United States hostages from Gaza; Qatar does not directly or indirectly support, financially or otherwise, acts of international terrorism or foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas; and Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals determined to be members of Hamas, including Ismail Haniyeh,  Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Mashal, and any other individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023.  If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.” Also see: Senate Republicans push bill that could revoke Qatar’s major non-NATO ally status (Jewish Insider 4/10/24)

(TARGETING “POPULAR RESISTANCE COMMITTEES IN GAZA & LION’S DEN IN WEST BANK) HR 7914 (bill text): Introduced 4/9/24 by Sherman (D-CA) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, the “Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act.”  Sherman press release – Sherman, Kustoff, McCaul, and Schneider Introduce “Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act” Targeting Shadow Gaza Militant Group. Also see: House members propose sanctions on “under the radar” Gaza militant group (Axios 4/9/24); Bipartisan House bill seeks to formally designate third-largest Gaza terror group (Jewish News Syndicate 4/9/24)

(BLOCKING IRAN DIPLOMACY) HR 7950 (bill text): Introduced 4/11/24 by Good (R-VA) and 4 cosponsors (all Republicans), the “Iran China Accountability Act of 2024.’’ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: House Bill Would Bar Biden Admin From Spending Taxpayer Dollars on Diplomacy To Advance Iran Nuclear Deal –Rep. Bob Good proposes bill to block Iran diplomacy until it severs cash ties to China and ends Hamas support (Free Beacon 4/11/24)

(SUPPORTING FUNDING FOR NON-PROFIT SECURITY GRANTS -NSG) H. Res. 1114: Introduced 4/6/24 by Gottheimer (D-NJ), “Denouncing the rise of Islamophobia and antisemitism across the country.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The resolution includes “whereas” clauses specifically noting the murder of 6-year-old Palestinian American Wadee Alfayoumi, the shooting in Vermont of  three Palestinian-American college students Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid,, and Tahseen Ali Ahma; and the death of Paul Kessler, who died from injuries sustained at an Israel rally “during an altercation between protesters and counterprotesters.” The resolution goes on to note the rise in hate crimes, etc, and resolves that: “(1) all have the freedom to express their race, ethnicity, and religion in whatever way they believe; (2) the rise in hate crimes, Islamophobia, and antisemitism is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated; (3) social media companies and executives must do more to counter and limit the propaganda and violent rhetoric expressed across their platforms; and (4) nonprofit security grants are crucial to protect and ensure houses of worship and other nonprofit institutions have the security and resources they need.” Also see: RELEASE: Gottheimer Resolution Denounces Rise of Antisemitism and Islamophobia Across the Nation

(ONE TO WATCH): S. 4106: Introduced 4/10/24 by Ernst (R-IA) and 6 cosponsors (all Republicans, “A bill to affirm and protect the First Amendment rights of students and student organizations at public institutions of higher education.”  Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

 

2. Letters

[SUPPORTING HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA] 4/11/24: Congressman Carter Restates Support for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza [letter text]. “Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led 13 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden, reiterating their support for humanitarian aid during the crisis in the Middle East.”

[TARGETING ACADEMIA, AGAIN] 4/11/24: Stefanik Demands Accountability from Harvard for Failing to Reprimand Antisemitic Students who Assaulted Jewish Student [letter text]. Also see: Stefanik Blasts Harvard for Failure to Discipline Students Who Allegedly Assaulted Israeli Classmate (National Review 4/11/24)

[SUPPORTING HUMANITARIAN AID THAT ENABLES CONTINUED ISRAELI ACTIONS IN GAZA] 4/11/24: Meng, Pappas, and Schneider Lead Letter Supporting Cyprus-Led Maritime Humanitarian Aid Corridor  [letter text] [“Today, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Brad Schneider (D-IL), leaders in the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance, and Abraham Accords Caucus, led a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressing support for the Cyprus-led Amalthea maritime humanitarian corridor to increase the amount of humanitarian aid reaching Palestinian civilians in Gaza, as well as continued efforts to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to release remaining hostages in exchange for a temporary pause in fighting.”]

[TARGETING QATAR] 4/8/24: Comer Threatens to Subpoena Documents About DOJ’s Failure to Enforce TikTok and Al Jazeera’s FARA Compliance [text of  letter to US Attorney General from House Oversight & Accountability Committee]. Excerpt: “Al Jazeera journalists are increasingly being linked to Hamas-backed attacks, and Qatar has reportedly hosted a Hamas headquarters in Doha, paying the terrorist group $30 million per month since 2018.” Qatar’s embassy in Washington, DC responded with an X-post: “…Qatar does not pay Hamas. In full coordination with the Government of Israel, Qatar has contributed humanitarian assistance in Gaza since 2018. This assistance takes two forms: 1. Since 2018, Qatar funded fuel purchases from Israel to supply a Gaza power station to generate electricity in Gaza, under the supervision of the United Nations Office of Project Services. The Israeli Government controlled all fuel transfers at the Gaza border. 2. Since August 2021, Qatar funded a project administered by the World Food Programme to provide $100 per month to the poorest families in Gaza. The Israeli Government maintained oversight over the list of recipients. Notably, Qatar did not administer the distribution of this assistance, which was the responsibility of the United Nations and the World Food Programme, under the supervision of the State of Israel. Israel encouraged and strongly supported Qatar’s contributions...” Also see: Documents show Israel sought, valued Qatari aid for Gaza in years leading to Oct. 7 (Times of Israel 3/24/24); TikTok Foreign Agent Designation Pressed by Key House Republican (Bloomberg 4/8/24)

[WORK FOR RELEASE OF MY DEAR FRIEND ELIZABETH TSURKOV, KIDNAPPED IN IRAQ] 4/8/24: Rep. Raskin Leads Letter to Biden Administration Urging Continued Negotiation for Release of PhD Candidate Kidnapped in Iraq [letter text not posted] Also see: Lawmakers urge Biden to help free Princeton researcher kidnapped in Iraq (Al-Monitor 4/8/24); US lawmakers press White House to secure release of Israeli researcher kidnapped in Iraq (Times of Israel 4/9/24)

[WITHHOLD WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL] 4/5/24: Pocan, McGovern, Schakowsky Urge Biden, Blinken to Withhold Weapons Transfers After Humanitarian Aid Workers Killed [letter text] — 56 signers as of 4/8/24. Also see: Israel, Ukraine aid unclear as growing number of Dems oppose Israel aid (Jewish Insider 4/8/24); Pelosi joins US Democrats call for Biden to halt arms transfer to Israel (Al Jazeera 4/6/24); Pelosi joins call by 37 Democrats for Biden to halt transfer of US weapons to Israel (Times of Israel 4/6/24); Democratic Congressional calls to halt arms sales to Israel picks up steam  (Jerusalem Post 4/10/24)

[TARGETING WORLD VISION] 4/5/24: Grassley letter to World Vision President/CEO demanding “an unredacted copy of the forensic audit and investigation of World Vision’s Gaza operation” in connection with Israel’s conviction of a World Vision employee, Muhammed Halabi, of funneling World Vision funds to Hamas. Reminder: World Vision’s investigation “found no evidence of diversion of funds and no material evidence that El Halabi was part of or working for Hamas.” Israel arrested Halabi in 2016 and held him in jail for SIX YEARS before convicting him in what Amnesty International deemed “deeply flawed proceedings” and sentencing him to an additional 12 years in jail. Amnesty International, which categorizes Halabi as a prisoner of conscience, notes: “Mohammed was tried in secret hearings, during which the Beersheba District Court completely disregarded abundant evidence clearing him of any wrongdoing. His conviction was largely based on the testimony of a prisoner informant who had previously been found guilty of perjury, as well as so-called ‘secret evidence’ which neither Mohammed nor his lawyer were allowed to access. Israeli authorities have failed to investigate Mohammed al-Halabi’s 2018 complaint of torture and other ill-treatment while under interrogation by the Shabak. In a demonstration of personal integrity and resilience, Mohammed refused numerous plea bargain offers which would have given him a commuted sentence in exchange for ‘confessing’ to charges which he vehemently denies.”

[ADL URGES APPROPRIATORS TO FUND PRIORITIES, INCL ENFORCING IHRA DEFINITION ON US CAMPUSES] 4/4/24: ADL Letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate regarding Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations

 

3. Hearings & Markups

• Famine Has Begun in Northern Gaza, U.S. Official Says (New York Times 4/11/24); U.S. aid official says famine has begun in northern Gaza (Axios 4/11/24); Biden’s top aid official says famine is already underway in Gaza (The Independent 4/11/24); Samantha Power Confirms Famine Is Likely Underway In Parts of Gaza (Mother Jones 4/11/24); USAID Chief Admits Famine Is Underway in Gaza as US Keeps Arming Israel (Common Dreams 4/11/24); USAID administrator says it is ‘credible’ to assess famine is already occurring in parts of Gaza (CNN 4/11/24)
  Samatha Power blames World Central Kitchen strike on systemic Israeli issues (Jewish Insider 4/10/24)
• US Congress wants to close UNRWA down, top senator says (The National 4/10/24)
• Three More Arrested at Second Disruption of Samantha Power (Code Pink 4/10/24)
• CODEPINK Disrupts Samantha Power; One Peace Activist Arrested (CodePink 4/10/24)
• USAID administrator indicates that U.S. aid recipients in Gaza continue to work with UNRWA [“Power repeatedly described the scandal-plagued agency ‘indispensable,’ suggesting that U.S.-backed humanitarian efforts will continue to collaborate with UNRWA even if the U.S. doesn’t fund it directly”] (Jewish Insider 4/11/24)
• USAID: ‘Israel is significantly delaying delivery of aid Gaza (YNet 4/11/24)
• Samantha Power: Aid workers say crisis in Gaza ‘unprecedented’ [“During USAID head’s testimony, senators wonder if Israel is complying with US, international law”] (Responsible Statecraft 4/9/24)
• USAID chief Power sees ‘sea change’ in assistance for Gaza, wants more (Reuters 4/9/24)

• hearing video.
• press release from King (D-ME): In Armed Services Hearing, King Questions Administration on Recent Munitions Transfer to Israel –In wake of World Central Kitchen tragedy, Senator says conduct is hurting Israel, suggests pausing offensive munitions transfers until serious attention is given to civilian casualties (video of exchange)
• press release from Rosen (D-NV): VIDEO: During Senate Hearing, Rosen Calls on Administration to Continue Unimpeded Security Assistance for Israel to Defend Itself Against Hamas and Iran
• Austin: U.S. doesn’t have “any evidence” of Israel committing genocide in Gaza (Axios 4/10/24); Austin tells Congress that Israel is taking steps to boost aid to Gaza as lawmakers question US support (Associated Press 4/10/24); Austin Pushes Back on Claims of Israel Carrying Out Genocide in Gaza (New York Times 4/10/24); Austin defends Israel from ‘genocide’ claims but says Netanyahu must provide more aid (Jewish Insider 4/11/24)

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Recess Travel

AIPAC website: House Republicans visit Israel with AIEF, including video testimonials from Israel recorded by 15 House Republicans – Yakim (R-IN), Ciscomani (R-AZ), Fitzgerald (R-WI), Langworthy (R-WI), Kiggans (R-VA), Maloy (R-UT), Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR – 2 videos), Burlison (R-MO), Kean (R-NJ), Strong (R-AL), Crane (R-AZ), Fry (R-SC), Alford (R-MO), Bean (R-FL), Van Orden (D-WI). Background on AIEF (from the 8/15/19 edition of the Round-Up):

What is AIEF & What is its Relationship with AIPAC?
On its (single page, no links) website, AIEF describes itself as “the charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC, America’s pro-Israel lobby.”  The website of The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation (“MFF”) gives more details [that page has been taken down, but can still be viewed here], noting that AIEF both makes annual grants to directly to AIPAC for its programs and “funds educational seminars to Israel for members of Congress and other political influentials.” [For further fun reading about Adam Milstein’s activism and funding activities related to Israel, see here.]

Why is travel to Israel with AIEF, rather than AIPAC?
To understand why AIEF, rather than AIPAC, is at least nominally the organization taking members on these trips, see this excellent Roll Call article from 9/9/11 examining what (back in the post-Abramoff era, when Congress was clamping down on lobbying) was widely referred to on the Hill as the “Aipac loophole): Members Flock to Israel With Travel Loophole (a loophole which is exploited today by other groups as well). In a piece from 2014, the Atlantic further explained the AIEF-AIPAC relationship and this loophole:

“…the foundation hardly lacks an agenda. It shares staff, money, and an address with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful pro-Israel group that employs a dozen lobbyists and spends more than $2 million annually on lobbying. As a lobbying organization, AIPAC itself isn’t allowed to plan and pay for congressional excursions abroad. Yet its shadow foundation has received the blessing of congressional ethics enforcers despite the fact that its 2011 tax filings spell out: “The foundation does not have any employees. The foundation utilizes AIPAC employees.” AIPAC even pays the $464,000 salary of Richard Fishman, the foundation’s executive director—the man who signs the congressional travel forms.”

So are these trips AIPAC trips?
By having AIEF act as the official funder and convener of these trips, legally AIPAC and others can claim that they are not, in fact, AIPAC trips. And while this technically may be accurate, members of Congress and staffers consistently refer to such travel, year after year, as “the AIPAC trip” – with regular conversation about who is going on the “AIPAC trip” and who went on the last “AIPAC trip,” and who people met with or where they stayed on the “AIPAC trip” – a fact noted in the Atlantic’s 2014 article: “‘Everyone understood it to be an AIPAC trip,’ said a freshman representative who joined last August’s excursion and was granted anonymity to speak candidly.’” Media likewise often seems to forget to make the distinction between AIPAC and AIEF (e.g., the Jerusalem Post 8/11/19: AIPAC bipartisan delegation to Israel meets Jewish, Arab entrepreneurs; Jewish Insider 6/14/19: AIPAC’s congressional trip to Israel leaves in August. Here’s who’s going).

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/6/24: Gottheimer Leads Official House Intelligence Committee Trip to Qatar and Egypt [“Meets with Senior Officials Negotiating Release of the Hostages. Highlights Importance of Bringing Hostages Home, Providing Humanitarian Aid, Crushing Hamas.“]

Politics/Elex

• Huffington Post 4/12/24: Pro-Israel Republicans See What They Want To See In Trump’s Skepticism Of Gaza War
• Jewish Insider 4/12/24: Virginia congressional candidate Derrick Anderson says his military experience shapes his Middle East policy [“Anderson was deployed as a Green Beret to countries including Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Bahrain, and said he still has comrades under fire in the region by Iranian proxy groups”]
• Rolling Stone 4/11/24: Wallace Shawn Narrates Ad for Coalition Opposing America’s Biggest Israel Lobby [“When we reject AIPAC, we’re one massive step closer to rejecting the grip of all corporate super PACs on our elections,” the actors says in a new ad] – VIDEO -How AIPAC Undermines Our Democracy & the Democratic Party
• WHYY 4/11/24: Activists arrested while protesting John Fetterman’s position on Israel
• Justice Democrats 4/11/24: X-post & video – “As the United Democracy Project threatens to spend $100M in Democratic primaries this cycle, let’s pull back the curtain on AIPAC. What you’ll find is a web of Trump megadonors, GOP billionaires, insurrectionists, & anti-abortion extremists. Time for Democrats to #RejectAIPAC.”
• Huffington Post 4/11/24: Donation To Pro-Israel Group In Virginia House Race Shows Limits Of Campaign Finance Laws [“Democratic Majority for Israel has become one of the major players in Democratic primaries, spending millions in competitive races to ensure that the most outspoken critics of the Israeli government never make it to Congress.But some of the money that the group’s super PAC is spending on behalf of Eileen Filler-Corn ― a former speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates running for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District ― is a little different. It originated not in the pockets of wealthy Israel supporters, but with Filler-Corn herself.“]
• Bowman (D-NY) 4/10/24: X-post [with link to MSNBC clip] — “$100 million against us? Bring it on! The people of NY-16 know what this is: the working class, Black and brown, young and progressive people got our seat. We’re making progress on our promises, and standing up for peace. No way we’re letting AIPAC’s MAGA donors take it away.“
• Free Beacon 4/10/24: As Bob Casey Distances Himself From Summer Lee’s Anti-Israel Rhetoric, She Boasts His Endorsement
• CNBC 4/9/24: Republican megadonor Jeff Yass, inner circle give millions to shape schools, courts [“…Yass is also the only known contributor to a political action committee, the Moderate PAC, which is trying to unseat progressive Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., in a primary this year, according to Politico. Lee’s Democratic opponent has tried to distance herself from the funding that the PAC has received from Yass, saying at a recent debate: ‘I denounce Donald Trump. I denounce Jeffrey Yass.'”]
• Sempafor 4/9/24: How a ceasefire-backing progressive [Rep. Lee, D-PA] scared pro-Israel groups out of her race
• JTA 4/9/24: Ritchie Torres’ pro-Israel activism sparks controversy in DC — and within his own family. In Israel, he’s a star.
• AIPAC 4/9/24: X-post – “Why hasn’t the “ceasefire now” squad condemned Hamas for rejecting another offer? Revealing. @AOC, @SenSanders,@MarkPocan,@JamaalBowmanNY,@SummerForPA,@CoriBush,@AyannaPressley,@PramilaJayapal,@RashidaTlaib,@IlhanMN; reply from Pocan (D-WI): “Nothing like forcing @AIPAC to include a second white person in their daily criticism. Such obvious bigotry exposed.” Reply from AIPAC: “Nothing like morally confused @MarkPocan trying to deflect from his refusal to call out Hamas for rejecting offers to stop fighting, free hostages, and surge aid.“
• AIPAC 4/8/24: X-post attacking Sen. Warren (D-MA) for saying she thought the ICJ would rule Israel is committing genocide (and using that as a hook to go after J Street)
• AIPAC 4/8/24: X-post attacking Democrats & J Street – “J Street says ‘it starts with pro-Israel’ while fundraising for: Bernie Sanders (cut all aid) Pramila Jayapal (Israel ‘a racist state’) Summer Lee (refused to vote to condemn Hamas) Andre Carson (opposed Iron Dome funds) @jstreetdotorg is many things, but it’s not pro-Israel.”
• Jewish Insider 4/8/24: Larry Hogan: Democrats will lose Jewish voters due to White House pressure on Israel 
• New York Times 4/7/24: How Gaza Protesters Are Challenging Democratic Leaders – From President Biden to the mayors of small cities, Democrats have been trailed by demonstrators who are complicating the party’s ability to campaign in an election year.
• Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) 4/7/24: ZOA Criticizes Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, UN, EU, 40 Congressmembers, and Chris Coons, Who Pressured Israel to Unilaterally, Unconditionally Begin Ceasefire, Benefitting Nazi-Hamas Terrorists
• Jewish Insider 4/5/24: Latimer: I outraised Bowman this quarter

Concerns re Israel Actions in Gaza; possible consequences (gasp)

• Axios 4/12/24: Scoop: Israeli assurances fail to move key Democrat on F-15 deal
• New York Post 4/11/24: Jewish group ‘deeply troubled’ by Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s claim Israel could be found guilty of genocide: ‘Ample evidence’
• Haaretz 4/11/24: How ‘Netanyahu’s War’ Led Democrats to a Radical Rethink of U.S.-Israel Ties [“If you’d told Democratic lawmakers six months ago that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi would be leading the charge calling for early elections in Israel and conditioning military aid, they would have questioned your sanity. But then came the Israel-Hamas war“]
• Jerusalem Post 4/11/24: Democratic congressman: Wants ‘assurances’ before approving sale of fighter jets to Israel [“It is enough of the indiscriminate bombing. I don’t want the kinds of weapons that Israel has to be utilized to have more death,” Rep. Gregory Meeks said on Tuesday.“]
• The Guardian 4/11/24: Tim Kaine: Biden knows Netanyahu ‘played’ him in early months of Gaza war [“Senator and leading foreign policy voice in Democratic party tells the Guardian Biden has come to realise the limits of his influence“]
• The Hill 4/11/24: The Memo: Democratic dissent over Israel grows, deepening Biden’s dilemma
• Welch (D-VT) 4/10/24: X-post incl clip of floor statement – “What more needs to happen before the United States finally stops financing a war strategy that has so disproportionately killed civilians, used food as a weapon, made Gaza unlivable, and that has no realistic vision of a peaceful future for either Palestinians or Israelis?“
• Boston Herald 4/10/24: Elizabeth Warren faces heat for Israel genocide comments: ‘Amplify dangerous rhetoric’
• War on the Rocks 4/8/24: The Bipartisan Consensus in Favor of Israel Is Broken, But When Will It Change U.S. Policy?
• Salem News 4/10/24: Rep. Moulton (D-MA) op-ed – Moulton: ‘Core principles’ should guide US approach to Israel-Gaza conflict
• Sanders (I-VT) 4/9/24: Sanders Statement on Netanyahu’s Recent Commitments to Expand Aid Access in Gaza [“’These are welcome if long-overdue steps. But, given Israel’s horrendous humanitarian record thus far, these commitments must be closely monitored on a daily basis,’ said Sanders.“]
• Haaretz 4/9/24: Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Israel’s Actions in Gaza May Legally Constitute Genocide [“While several progressive House members critical of Israel have stated they personally believe the military campaign constitutes a genocide, none have gone so far as to say so outright“]
• Jewish Insider 4/9/24: Elizabeth Warren: ‘Ample evidence’ that Israel committed genocide [“The Massachusetts senator ‘would rather join the chorus of Democrats trying to placate their rabidly anti-Israel base of voters,’ the Republican Jewish Coalition stated.“]
• Washington Post 4/9/24: About 50 arrested for protesting Israel-Gaza war in Senate cafeteria
• Religion News 4/9/24: Dozens of Christians arrested after shutting down Senate lunch in protest of Gaza famine
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/9/24: More than 50 anti-Israel protesters arrested at Senate cafeteria [“The activists, some of whom disrupted a Senate hearing, reportedly said, ‘Senate can’t eat until Gaza eats.'”]
• Jewish Insider 4/9/24: Democrats focus on humanitarian aid to Gaza amid growing calls to cut military aid to Israel
• Haaretz 4/9/24: In Potential Game-changer, Top Democrat Won’t Grant Biden Rubber Stamp on Pending F-15 Sales to Israel [“The top democrat on the of the House Foreign Affairs Committee announced that he is waiting for assurances from Biden regarding Israeli conduct in Gaza before he greenlights an $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel. ‘I think it’s enough of the indiscriminate bombing,’ he says“] Also see: clip from CNN of Jeffries’ comments
• Haaretz 4/9/24: Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Israel’s actions in Gaza may legally constitute genocide
• Politico 4/8/24: How Dems could tank Israel weapons sales
• Durbin (D-IL) 4/8/24: Durbin Reiterates Ceasefire Call Following the Death of Seven Humanitarian Aid Workers in Gaza
• Politico 4/8/24: Elizabeth Warren says she believes Israel’s war in Gaza will legally be considered a genocide
• Jewish Insider 4/8/24: Gottheimer raises concerns about aspects of Israel’s military operation in Gaza
• Kaine (D-VA) 4/5/24: Kaine Discusses Israel-Hamas War with MSNBC’s Jen Psaki
• Kaine (D-VA) 4/5/24: Kaine Issues Statement on Latest Developments in Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Politco 4/5/24: Kaine, Sanders push Biden to get tougher with Israel
• Wild (D-PA) 4/5/24: X-thread — “I’m deeply distressed by the report from the IDF regarding the strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. It’s extremely hard to believe this was an isolated incident. It’s more likely indicative of a loose set of operating procedures that have resulted in thousands of unnecessary civilian casualties. It’s time for the US to investigate and be involved in getting answers and accountability before any further arms are transferred. And I’ll repeat what I’ve said before: there must be a ceasefire that ends the suffering in Gaza and brings the hostages home. To those who feel that Israel is being held to a higher standard than other countries at war, damn straight it is.  Israel has the highest level of sophistication in its military abilities. According to @CFR_org, Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid since its founding, receiving about $300 billion (adjusted for inflation) in total economic and military assistance.  As such, it should be held to the same standards we expect of our own military operations (recognizing that we do not always achieve those standards).“

Israeli Government & the PA

• Sherman (D-CA) 4/11/24: Congressman Brad Sherman Statement on Meeting with Israel Economy Minister Nir Barkat
• Jewish Insider 4/10/24: In Washington, Israeli opposition leader Lapid meets with Blinken, Schumer
• McCaul (R-TX) & Risch (R-ID) 4/9/24: McCaul, Risch: PA Request for Full UN Membership is Opportunistic, Dangerous
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/7/24: Amid anti-Netanyahu protests, Lapid to meet Blinken, Schumer in Washington

Support Israel! Reject Critics/Criticism of or Any Pressure On Israel!

• Jewish Insider 4/12/24: Rep. Kathy Manning says calls for suspending Israel aid embolden Hamas 
• WISPOLITICS 4/11/24: DC Wrap: Fitzgerald asks Netanyahu to speak to Congress as Pocan requests White House cease military aid to Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/11/24: House speaker: Biden has ‘transformed into an anti-Israel president’ –Mike Johnson accused the president of pandering to the far-left flank of the Democratic party at the expense of US-Israel relations.
• Jewish Insider 4/11/24: Manchin, Fetterman push back against Democrats’ pressure on Israel [“Democrats are facing heat from some in their party over concerns about their public pressure campaign against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu“]
• Cardin (D-MD) 4/10/24: Chair Cardin Calls on International Community to Pressure Hamas to Accept Deal to Bring Hostages Home, Pause Hostilities
• Schneider (D-IL) 4/10/24: Schneider Calls on House to Immediately Pass Military Aid for Israel and Stop Partisan Attacks that Benefit Iran and Hamas
• Fox News 4/10/24: Dem senators voice concerns over Israel war status as Biden attempts ‘challenging’ balance with progressives [“‘I don’t support a cease-fire. I’ve been very clear about that,’ Sen. John Fetterman told Fox News Digital”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/10/24: ‘Who walks away from a friend during a time of war?’ Scalise says of Biden’s Israel policy
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/10/24: Who can stop the Democrats’ pivot away from Israel? [“The turn against the Jewish state has spread from “The Squad” to Joe Biden, with exceptions like Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman standing against the pro-Hamas tide.”]
• Jewish Insider 4/10/24: Israel critics in Congress are ‘playing into the hands of Hamas,’ Rep. Ritchie Torres says
• Diaz- Balart (R-FL) op-ed in the Miami Herald 4/9/24: ‘Americans deserve better than a weak and confused foreign policy’
• McConnell (R-KY) 4/9/24: McConnell: Support For Allies Is In America’s Interests [video] [‘Iran’s terrorist proxies in Gaza are responsible for the horrors of this war. Their hatred for Jews – and refusal to acknowledge the existence of a Jewish state of Israel – is the reason for the pain and suffering of the last six months. America cannot afford to lose moral clarity about this conflict. But I’m afraid that too many of our leaders are.’]
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/9/24: Push to suspend or condition aid to Israel ‘emboldens Hamas,’ Gottheimer says
• The Hill (op-ed by Kim, R-CA) 4/8/24: Congress must act to support our allies Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel
• Bloomberg 4/7/24: Biden Ally [Coons, D-DE] Opposes Halting US Weapons Transfers to Israel
• Cole (R-OK) 4/5/24: Cole Criticizes President Biden’s Inappropriate Ultimatum to Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/5/24: ‘Unprecedented’: Members of Congress slam Biden ultimatum to Israel
• Baltimore Jewish Times 4/4/24: Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Unmasked [“There was a time when we counted Van Hollen as a challenging but reliable friend of the Jewish community and the state of Israel. Those days are gone. We face the uncomfortable reality that Chris Van Hollen is not our friend.”]

Marking 6-mos since 10/7/23

• Jewish News Syndicate 4/8/24: Congressmen, state leaders stand with Israel six months after Hamas attack
• Schumer 4/7/24: X-post (with gif of full statement) – “I will continue working for as long as it takes with the families of those cruelly taken and held hostage by Hamas, with the Biden admin, and with others until we finally bring back every last hostage—and the remains of the hostages who are no longer with us—home at last.“
• Johnson (R-LA) 4/7/24: X-post (with gif of full statement) – “Six months ago today, Israelis suffered unspeakable violence and terror. Today, of all days, Washington must be united in our support for our great ally as they fight for their sovereignty and right to exist.“
• Jeffries (D-NY) 4/7/24: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE WAR BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS (also here)
• Schumer (D-NY) 4/7/24: Majority Leader Schumer Statement Marking Six Months Of Captivity For Hostages Taken By Hamas

Supporting UNRWA

• Mullins (D-CA) 4/5/24: Rep. Mullin’s Letter to Constituents Regarding FY 2024 Government Funding Vote & UNWRA

Targeting Academia/Free Speech

• Stefanik (R-NY) 4/11/24: Stefanik Statement on ADL Campus Antisemitism Report Card Results Highlighting Moral Rot in Higher Education And Applauding Schools Who Have Taken Action
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/5/24: Lawyering up doesn’t address Jew-hatred on campus, House Ed Committee chair says — Universities look to preserve their tax-exempt status and avoid political embarrassment, as two House committees continue to investigate antisemitism on campuses.
• Politico 4/3/24: Colleges are lawyering up to avoid becoming the next Harvard

Other Stuff

• Jewish Insider 4/12/24: State Department’s approval of Iran FM’s visa for U.N. visit splits senators
• Business Insider 4/10/24: Lawmakers explain why they went to Qatar for the World Cup despite human rights concerns: ‘There are no perfect countries’
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/10/24: ‘Get the hostages freed, crush Hamas,’ Gottheimer tells Qatar, Egypt
• Jewish Insider 4/10/24: Coons to Qatar: You need to do more to pressure Hamas
• Jewish Insider 4/9/24: U.S. lawmakers call for possible sanctions against Turkey in response to new trade restrictions against Israel
• Dallas Express 4/6/24: Lawmakers Challenge DOD Head To Confront Left-Wing Extremism [“A group of House Republicans confronted Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin over whether he was taking left-wing extremism as seriously as he has professed to do when it comes to the right, citing the self-immolation protest in February by a U.S. Air Force airman who identified himself an anarchist.” The letter was covered in last week’s Round-Up]

 

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

ICYMI – 2 new reports of interest from the Congressional Research Service

• March 22, 2024 – Religious Discrimination at School: Application of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• March 13, 2024 (updated) – Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

(MORE US AID FOR/COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) HR 7866 [bill text]: Introduced 4/2/24 by Wilson (R-SC) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors, “To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 to improve cooperation between the United States and Israel on anti-tunnel defense capabilities” aka, the “United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Enhancement Act.” The bill would increase funding for anti-tunnel cooperation from $50 million (as currently approved) to $80 million. Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Wilson, Gallego, Lamborn, Schneider, Bacon, Moulton Introduce United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Enhancement Act; media – Lawmakers call to nearly double U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling funding (Jewish Insider 4/3/24)

 

2. Letters

[BAR AID TO UNRWA IN GAZA & LEGISLATE IHRA DEFINITION IN SFOPS] This week Rep. Gottheimer was circulating a letter [letter text], addressed to House appropriations leaders, asking them to include in the FY25 SFOPS bill two new, politically extreme, provisions, analyzed in detail below. Also see:Hawkish Democrat Quietly Seeking To Extend U.S. Ban On U.N. Aid To Palestinians (Huffington Post 4/4/24)

The first would bar all funding for UNRWA activities in Gaza (and only Gaza), unless the Secretary of State certifies that “UNRWA has submitted to the Department of State all available identifying information of its employees, contractors, and beneficiaries and does not obligate funds to any employees, contractors, and beneficiaries until the Department confirms that such persons have cleared anti-terror vetting.” Some things to note:

• UNRWA already provides the names of all employees for vetting [“…UNRWA shares the names, employee numbers, and functions of all staff members every year in all five areas of operations with the host authorities (Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority) and, for the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza, with Israel as the occupying power.  This means that at all times, host states and Israel are fully informed and aware of the details of all staff members working for UNRWA. Other UN Member States also receive these lists upon request“]. Given this fact, which Gottheimer surely knows by now, it is clear that the actual point of this language is the NEW demand for anti-terror vetting of every beneficiary of UNWRA’s activities.
  
• The demand that UNRWA obtain US clearance, in advance, for every single UNRWA beneficiary is totally impracticable. Technically/bureaucratically, it would force the US government to carry out anti-terror vetting at an unprecedented scale, requiring massive financial investment in new vetting capacity (and anyone who is familiar with the myriad problems with the name check/vetting systems used by the US government in the context of applications for US visas, in particular in connection with Arabic names, will immediately understand that the idea that the U.S. could do this vetting efficiently and accurately beggars disbelief).  On the UNRWA side, this demand would require advance vetting of every man, woman, and child served by UNRWA in Gaza before UNRWA could provide them food, medical care, etc. — amounting to more than 1 million people BEFORE the current war, with that number massively higher since the start of that war, as nearly the entire population of the Gaza Strip has become displaced and desperate. Implementing this requirement would force UNRWA to deny vital humanitarian assistance, including food and medical care, to anyone who has not been pre-cleared by the U.S. (including, for example, newborn babies who have not yet been submitted for vetting; sick and injured who have not been previously served by UNRWA).
• Moreover, in the current circumstances of an ever-expanding humanitarian catastrophe of historic proportions in Gaza — in which more than 2 million people fall into 1 or more of the following categories: displaced (sometimes multiple times), homeless, injured, starving, sick, separated from family members, totally destitute with no belongings (including identity documents), orphaned, and of course the new category of people created by this war, “WCNSF,” which means “wounded child, no surviving family”; and which, even if the war ended today, will require urgent emergency humanitarian intervention for many years, given Israel’s mass destruction of homes, infrastructure, schools, medical facilities, agriculture, etc, and the desperate state of the entire population — this demand for anti-terror vetting of every single beneficiary of UNRWA humanitarian aid boils down to a permanent ban on UNRWA funding for Gaza, delivered with the legislative equivalent of snark and a nasty smirk.

The second provision offered by Gottheimer would bar US funding to, or in support of US participation with, any international organization that violates the IHRA’s non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, “including holding the State of Israel to a double standard, declaring Zionism or the State of Israel to be racist, or accusing Zionism or Israel of apartheid.” With respect to this second provision:

• There have been efforts to put the IHRA’s “non-legally binding” definition of antisemitism, and its very problematic examples, into U.S. law since 2016 (see this table tracking these efforts). All of these efforts have been rejected by Congress. Yet, with this language, it appears that Gottheimer is seeking to capitalize on anti-UNRWA attitudes to quietly slip the IHRA definition into law.
• Where past efforts to legislate the IHRA definition have focused on U.S. academia, this provision would, in effect, make the conduct of US foreign policy and the provision of US foreign assistance — two activities that are central to the promotion and protection of US national security — subordinate to the goal of quashing criticism of Israel/Zionism. And the omission of a national security waiver underscores the fact that this is subordination is a feature, not a bug, of this effort. If this provision were to become law, it would almost certainly result in the cut-off of most if not all funding related to the UN, as well as making impossible US funding to or cooperation with almost any international humanitarian or aid groups (most of which have criticized Israel and Israeli policies/actions in ways that people like Gottheimer reject).
• Finally, two notes about the examples Gottheimer provides with respect to what violates the IHRA definition. First, critics of the IHRA definition have long observed that the objective of those promoting the IHRA definition is NOT fighting antisemitism (i.e., hatred, prejudice, discriminiation, threats, violence targeting Jews because they are Jewish) but is instead the suppression and punishment of criticism of Israel and/or Zionism. With his list of 3 specific examples — all of which are exclusively focused on criticism of Israel/Zionism, Gottheimer makes clear that , ’s examples of what would be included under the IHRA definition go further than the actual (very problematic) examples that are part of the IHRA definition — Gottheimer has quite clearly confirmed the validity of this observation.  Second, anyone familiar with the IHRA definition will note that the examples included by Gottheimer in this provision actually go far beyond the (controversial) examples that are actually part of that definition. Indeed, looking at this text it appears that Gottheimer wants to use US law to make the IHRA definition even more strongly and more explicitly focused on defending Israel.

[AID FOR GAZA] 4/3/24: Warren, Merkley, Senators Call on Biden Administration to Supply Desperately Needed Medical Supplies to Gaza [letter text]. Also see: Senate Democrats press Biden to do more on Gaza ‘medical crisis’ (The Hill 4/4/24)

[IRAN SANCTIONS] 4/4/24: Following Release of Additional Iran Sanctions Waivers, Scott Leads Republicans in Demanding Transparency from Biden Administration [letter text]. Also see, Senate Republicans blast administration over latest Iran sanctions waiver (Jewish Insider 4/4/24); GOP Senators Demand White House Explain ‘Unfathomable’ Decision to Waive Iran Sanctions (Free Beacon 4/4/24)

[BORDER SECURITY] 4/3/24: Homeland Republicans Demand Answers on CBP’s Policy Regarding Apprehended Individuals on Terrorist Watchlist After Alarming Mayorkas Testimony [letter text] – excerpt: “The Committee is concerned with DHS’s current practices in processing and releasing known or suspected terrorists encountered at the Southwest border. This concern is amplified following the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on March 11, 2024, where he stated that he is ‘very concerned’ about a human smuggling network with ties to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).”

[CONDEMN HOUTHI TREATMENT OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE] Gottheimer X-post 4/4/24 – “I’m leading a bipartisan letter to urge @uncsecgen Guterres to condemn the oppression and brutally murder of members of the LGBTQ+ community in Yemen. There is no place in our world for hate, persecution, and murder based solely on who someone loves.” [letter text, dated 4/2/24]. Also see: Gottheimer leads bipartisan letter to U.N. Secretary-General Guterres urging condemnation of Houthi treatment of LGBTQ+ people (WRNJ Radio 4/4/24); Lawmakers call on U.N. to condemn Houthi human rights abuses (Jewish Insider 4/3/24)

[AID FOR GAZA & MORE] 4/2/24: Multi-Member Letter to Speaker Johnson re Humanitarian Aid – Also see: Scoop: Johnson faces new pressure from Democrats on foreign aid (Axios 4/4/24). Excerpt from letter: ” In Gaza, where at least a quarter of the population faces an imminent risk of famine. The situation has grown so desperate that the United States has resorted to using air drops and construction of a temporary port to facilitate aid off the coast of Gaza to avert starvation— costly, unsustainable interventions that are less effective than on-the-ground distributions with trusted partners. We are now seeing documented cases of acutely malnourished children in Gaza succumbing to starvation, dehydration, and easily treatable diseases.” And also: ” In Lebanon, where 100,000 fewer Lebanese and 110,000 fewer Syrian refugees are projected to receive food assistance, despite growing needs.” And: “These populations and others around the globe face unimaginable hardship. Our responsibility to act is not just a moral one; it is also strategic: by abdicating this responsibility, our nation would allow unstable areas around the world to grow even more volatile—fueling threats to our security, as well as to the security and stability of our strategic allies and partners. We look forward to working with you to ensure that the United States meets these commitments around the world through urgently needed supplemental appropriations.”

[AID FOR GAZA] 4/2/24: Tuberville Questions Biden About Dangerous Gaza Pier Construction Plans [letter text]

[US DIPLOMACY WITH IRAQ IS ANTI-ISRAEL] 4/2/24: Sens. Rick Scott & Tom Cotton in Letter to Biden: Hosting Iraqi Prime Minister is Inappropriate, Undermines Israel [letter text]

[TARGETING AARON BUSHNELL FOR CARING ABOUT PALESTINIANS] 4/1/24: Van Orden Urges Secretary of Defense to Address Left-Wing Extremism in the Military [letter] – excerpt: “On February 25th, Aaron Bushnell, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, broadcasted himself engaging in an act of self-immolation outside the Israeli Embassy here in Washington, D.C. Prior to committing this act, Aaron Bushnell repeatedly identified himself as an ‘anarchist.’ An ideology wholly incompatible with that of our constitutional republic and entirely inappropriate for a member of the United States Military who had taken an oath to defend it at all costs. This act, motivated by his stated desire to protest Israel in what he described as complicity in injustice, demonstrates the potential for ideologically driven behaviors to undermine the values, discipline, and safety of our military community, irrespective of the political orientation of those ideologies. Given your prior work in confronting extremism within the ranks, we are confident that you recognize the importance of a comprehensive approach to this challenge. It is imperative that our efforts to identify and mitigate extremist influences encompass all forms of ideology that threaten the cohesion and effectiveness of our armed forces. Our military must continue to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and unity, standing ready to defend our nation against any threat, and we demand you do the same. By identifying left-wing extremism with the same determination applied to your previous efforts, we further ensure the strength, integrity, and readiness of our armed forces…”

 

3. Hearings & Markups

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

• WUNC 4/5/24: NC Congresswomen under fire for quietly visiting Israel amid war
• Jewish Insider 4/5/24: In Israel, freshman GOP lawmakers focus on supporting Jewish state after WCK incident [“Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) visited Israel with the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation”]
• Yaov Gallant (Israeli Minister of Defense) 4/2/24: X-post with pic – “Excellent discussion with @RitchieTorres on developments in the war and regional challenges. We value the United States’ steadfast support – Congressman Torres reflects our strong ties and true friendship, as well as the importance of U.S. leadership in the region, at this time.”
• Times of Israel 4/2/24: The ‘improbable friend’: For true progressives, Israel is an exemplar, says Ritchie Torres [“A soundbite-packed interview with the visiting Democratic rising star, a Bronx congressional neighbor of AOC who rejects her ‘genocide’ allegation as a blood libel“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/2/24: ‘I’m an accidental advocate for Israel,’ Ritchie Torres says on visit to Jewish state [“The congressman from New York, who is one of Israel’s strongest supporters on Capitol Hill, spoke with JNS during his brief trip.“]
• Jerusalem Post 4/1/24: Ritchie Torres to ‘Post’: Israel is not alone – exclusive [“‘What we’re witnessing is not a change in American policy but a clash of personalities,’ explained the New York Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres.“]
• Yair Lapid 4/1/24 X-post (with pic): “Today in the Knesset, I met with my good friend and a great friend of Israel, @RitchieTorres. Congressman, every day you show that liberal values and support for Israel go hand in hand. Thank you for standing with the people of Israel, particularly in these difficult times.”
• House Armed Services Committee statement 4/1/24: Rogers, Smith Statement on Return of Congressional Delegation to Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan
• Jewish Insider 4/2/24: Wasserman Schultz emphasizes need for dialogue, downplays U.S.-Israel tensions after weeklong trip [“Asked about Israel’s approach to future governance in Gaza and a two-state solution, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said that Israel’s focus remains on the Hamas security challenge“]
• IndyWeek 4/1/24: Triangle-Area Congresswoman Valerie Foushee Traveled to Israel to Meet With Prime Minister Netanyahu – Foushee’s office did not publicize the trip which lobbying group AIPAC organized and eight other congress members attended.
  Foushee (D-NC)
• 4/1/24: Congresswoman Foushee’s Statement on Congressional Trip to Israel
  Chicago Tribune
• 3/31/24: U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider and eight other members of Congress see impact of war while visiting Israel
• WUSF 3/30/24: Sen. Rick Scott returns from Israel after meeting with PM Netanyahu

NOTE: Want to follow which candidates/incumbents major pro-Israel orgs are backing and what they are spending in this election cycle? All that info is available to the public! See: United Democracy Project (aka AIPAC’s Super PAC); Democratic Majority for Israel (aka DMFI PAC); AIPAC PAC; JStreetPAC; Republican Jewish Committee (RJC) PAC

• NPR 4/5/14: U.S.-Israel politics set to roil Democratic primaries
• The Daily Beast 4/5/24: Dems Trapped Between Israel and Gaza on the Campaign Trail
• The Guardian 4/5/24: Biden allies in Senate pile on pressure to halt Israel aid over conduct of Gaza war
• Post-Gazette 4/5/24: Summer Lee, Bhavini Patel differ on presidential politics, Israel-Hamas war in Democratic congressional debate
• Jewish Insider 4/5/24: RJC makes $1 million ad buy in Indiana to oppose former Rep. John Hostettler
• WUNC 4/4/24: Some Democratic House members face opposition because of their criticism of Israel
• The Forward 4/4/24: Poll [by DMFI] shows Rep. Jamaal Bowman trailing by double digits in his reelection bid [“The poll, from a group that endorsed Bowman’s opponent, also measured voters’ views of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza“]
• NBC News 4/4/24: Pro-Israel groups target former GOP congressman’s comeback attempt [“A super PAC tied to AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition are launching new ad campaigns against former GOP Rep. John Hostettler in Indiana.“]
• Free Beacon 4/4/24: Anti-Israel Squad Member Jamaal Bowman Down 17 Points in Primary Poll [according to DMFI poll]
• Fox News 4/4/24: Democrat pro-Israel group looks to oust 2 ‘Squad’ members from Congress
• New York Times 4/4/24: Republican Jewish Coalition Takes on Indiana Republican [“Most of the battles over Israel play out in Democratic primaries. But a G.O.P. group is putting up $1 million for ads against John N. Hostettler, who is running for Congress.”]
• Axios 4/3/24: AIPAC targets Republican Israel critic in rare GOP primary play
• Jewish Insider 4/3/24: AIPAC super PAC launches ads opposing former GOP congressman [“The Indiana ad buy against John Hostettler is the group’s first-ever foray in a Republican primary“]
• The Hill 4/3/24: Democrats fear Israel-Hamas war could cost them in November
• Staunton News Leader 4/3/24: Protestors in support of Palestine interrupt Sen. Kaine’s 2024 campaign tour kick off
• Jewish Insider 4/3/24: Pro-Israel groups staying on the sidelines in race against Pa’s Summer Lee [“Despite Lee’s anti-Israel record, AIPAC and DMFI are staying out of the competitive primary — with less than a month left until the election“]
• Jewish Insider 4/3/24: Harry Dunn is pushing back hard against AIPAC’s super PAC. But the pro-Israel PAC says it’s not concerned about his candidacy – The pro-Israel group is supporting one of Dunn’s opponents, state Sen. Sarah Elfreth
• CBS2Iowa 4/2/24: ‘Squad’ member backs Qatar-funded TV network facing ban in Israel
• Jewish Insider 4/2/24: After securing New Jersey Senate nomination, Andy Kim calls for permanent cease-fire [“The Senate candidate had previously rejected such calls as he courted support from Jewish and pro-Israel voters, many of whom favored Bob Menendez and Tammy Murphy“]
• Reuters 4/1/24: Wisconsin primary tests ‘uncommitted’ vote on Biden’s Israel stance
• CNN 3/29/24: Progressive Jewish lawmakers caught in the middle of bitter Democratic divide over Israel
  Maryland Reporter 3/28/24: Raskin speech at University of Maryland disrupted by protesters

Israel Kills 7 World Central Kitchen Staff in Gaza

A relatively small number of members of the House and Senate weighed in with press releases and social media posts. Some were openly critical of Israel’s actions and demanding change. Most stuck with expressing grief/concern, endorsing/applauding Israel’s commitment to an investigation, and in many cases using the killings as a hook to demand the release of Israeli hostages and to implicitly blame Hamas for everything that Israel is doing in Gaza. See:

• Press releases: Murphy (D-CT), Connolly (D-VA), Kim (D-NJ), Raskin (D-MD), Pelosi (D-CA), Houlahan (D-PA), Schneider (D-IL), DeLauro (D-CT), Raskin (D-MD), Garamendi (D-CA), Hoyer (D-MD), Jeffries (D-NY), Courtney (D-CT),  Gottheimer (D-NJ), Peters (D-CA)
• X-posts: Bush (D-MO), Omar (D-MN), Torres (D-NY), Durbin (D-IL), Coons (D-DE), Duckworth (D-IL), Kaine (D-VA), Sanders (I-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Van Hollen (D-MD),  Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT),  Butler (D-CA), Murphy (D-CT), Graham (R-SC)

Also see:

• Jewish Insider 4/5/24: In Israel, freshman GOP lawmakers focus on supporting Jewish state after WCK incident [“Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) visited Israel with the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation”]
• Politico 4/4/24: Leading pro-Israel House candidate says ‘no defense’ for World Central Kitchen deaths [“AIPAC-backed George Latimer is still staunchly supportive of Israel but is part of the shift among centrist Democrats.”]
• The Hill 4/4/24: Dems rage at Israel after deadly strike on World Central Kitchen convoy
• Jewish Insider 4/2/24: Israel faces Democratic fallout over Gaza strike killing World Central Kitchen staff
• Axios 4/2/24: Israel faces outrage from Democrats over strike that killed aid workers
• Politico 4/2/24: Hill progressives unleash fresh fury at Netanyahu over WCK strike
• The Guardian 4/2/24: Bernie Sanders to Benjamin Netanyahu: ‘Stop murdering innocent people’

More US Weapons for Israel (for and against)

Unconditional Support  for Israel & Its War on Gaza (including calling to nuke it, then kinda taking it back)

• An illustrative sample of GOP Attacks Biden for (finally, following killing of WCK workers) pressing Israel re humanitarian aid: Johnson (R-LA), Fallon (R-TX), Blackburn (R-TN), Burlison (R-MO)
• Huffington Post 4/5/24: ‘No Conditions’: Sen. John Fetterman Breaks With Joe Biden Over Israel Approach
• Jewish Insider 4/5/24: Pro-Israel Democrats distance themselves from Biden’s escalating rhetoric on Israel  [“Rep. Ritchie Torres: ‘The removal of Hamas from power remains a precondition for Israeli-Palestinian peace’”]
• The Intercept 4/5/24: The Vicious Things Republicans Have Said About Palestinians Since October 7 [“The costs of saying things that are undeniably and horrifically dehumanizing towards Palestinians are so low.“]
• Sherman (D-CA) 4/4/24: Congressman Sherman: “War is Bloody Chaos. Israel is Doing Better than most in Avoiding Casualties.”
• American Prospect 4/2/24: Fetterman Hires Former Meta Staffer for His Comms Operation – The tech giant has been accused of censoring Palestinians during the Gaza war.
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/31/24: Fetterman sees PR staff exodus over pro-Israel stance – Three of Sen. John Fetterman’s top communications staffers have left his office in the past month.
• The Hill 3/31/24: GOP senator says Israel has to ‘go into Rafah to destroy Hamas’
• Foundation for Defense of Democracies 3/31/24: U.S. Lawmakers Urge Sanctions on ICJ Judge With History of Anti-Israel Bias
• Times of Israel 4/1/24: US congressman denies calling to nuke Gaza after urging Hiroshima-like tactics
• New York Times 3/31/24: Republican Congressman Says of Gaza: ‘It Should Be Like Nagasaki and Hiroshima’
• NBC News 3/31/24: GOP Rep. Tim Walberg suggests Gaza should be handled ‘like Nagasaki and Hiroshima’ – The Michigan congressman said his comments were intended to convey his desire for Israel and Ukraine to “swiftly” end their wars “without putting American troops in harm’s way.”
• Jerusalem Post 3/31/24: Gaza must receive the ‘Hiroshima and Nagasaki’ treatment, US congressman says — Tim Walberg also linked Iran and Russia to Hamas’s war effort and added, “probably North Korea and China’s in there too.”
• Politico 3/31/24: GOP congressman tempers ‘Nagasaki and Hiroshima’ comments on Gaza: ‘I used a metaphor’ — Rep. Tim Walberg said he really wasn’t advocating using nuclear weapons.
• The Hill 3/31/24: GOP congressman walks back remarks on using nuclear weapons in Gaza
• The Guardian 3/31/24: Congressman rebuked for call to bomb Gaza ‘like Nagasaki and Hiroshima’ – civil rights group denounces US House representative Tim Walberg’s calls to ‘get it over quick’ as a ‘clear call to genocide’
• Prem Thakar (The Intercept) 3/30/24 X-post (with video): “Wow. Michigan Republican Representative Tim Walberg, on Gaza: ‘We shouldn’t be spending a dime on humanitarian aid. It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick.‘”
• NY Post 3/30/24: Sen. John Fetterman’s top communication staffers resign after backlash over politician’s pro-Israel stance

Varying Degrees of Criticism of Israel/Bibi & Support for Palestinians (& Blowback for Criticism of Israel)

• Welch (D-VT) 4/4/24: Welch’s Expanded Statement on Death of World Central Kitchen Aid Workers
• Jayapal (D-WA) 4/4/24: Jayapal Statement on the Current State of War in Gaza
• Larson (D-CT) 4/4/24: Larson Commends President Biden’s Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
• Porter (D-CA) 4/4/24: Rep. Katie Porter Statement on Israel-Hamas War
• Kaptur (D-OH) 4/4/24: Kaptur Statement on Biden-Netanyahu Phone Call and Developments in Israel and Gaza
• Sanders (I-VT) 4/4/24: X-post, “Jake Sullivan reportedly told Israeli officials that they could be “responsible for the third famine crisis of the 21st century” if they don’t allow more aid into Gaza. He’s right. The U.S. cannot partner with a country that is starving children. No more money for Netanyahu.”
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/3/24: Congresswoman accuses Israel of ‘indiscriminate bombing campaign’
• Roll Call 4/2/24: Democratic lawmakers seek ways to change Israeli approach in Gaza
• Chicago Business 4/2/24: After Israel kills aid workers, Durbin believes public sentiment on Gaza is turning
• The Forward 4/1/24: Israel’s antisemitism envoy lambasts US Sen. Jeff Merkley for linking Easter and Israel criticism
• The Hill 4/1/24: Schumer dodges political blowback on Israel
• Newsweek 4/1/24: US Congressman Blasts Netanyahu: ‘Maniac’
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/1/24: Sen. Jeff Merkley invokes Easter to condemn ‘Netanyahu’s indiscriminate bombing of Gaza,’ drawing condemnation
• Politico 3/31/24: Van Hollen: Defy Netanyahu to guarantee Gazans don’t starve
• ABC News 3/31/24: Netanyahu ‘continues to essentially give the finger’ to Biden over Gaza, Sen. Van Hollen says
• Axios 3/31/24: “You said ‘no excuses'”: Senate Democrat presses Biden over Gaza aid
• The Hill 3/30/24: Bowman calls Netanyahu a ‘maniac,’ demands removal from office

Other stuff related to hating/dehumanizing Palestinians & anyone who supports Palestinian rights

• Jewish News Syndicates 4/4/24: House committee probing Berkeley ‘disappointed’ by materials it sent [“’The committee was disappointed in the materials it received and is expecting future productions to be more productive,’ a committee spokesman told JNS.“]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/4/24: How Howard Kohr made AIPAC a pro-Israel powerhouse while keeping out of sight
• Senate Judiciary Committee 4/4/24: ICYMI: House Committee Joins Senate Judiciary GOP In Investigating Rutgers Center that Promotes Terrorist Sympathizers and Anti-Semitism
• Free Beacon 3/29/24: Lawmakers Press Biden To Pull Support for Incoming Red Cross Leader – Pierre Krähenbühl led UNRWA, known to employ Hamas affiliates, for five years

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New:

• March 29, 2024: SETA Foundation event, The US Policy on Israel in an Election Year, ft. Kilic Keinat (SETA) in conversation with Daniel Levy (USMEP), Lara Friedman (FMEP), and Kadir Ustun (SETA) 
• March 27, 2024: Stimson Center event, The Israel-Hamas War: Impacts and Prospects, Six Months On [also on c-span], ft. Barbara Slavin (Stimson Center) in conversation with Shibley Telhami (University of Maryland), Mairav Zonszein (International Crisis Group), Ali Vaez (International Crisis Group) and Lara Friedman (FMEP).

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

(FY24 SFOPS, DOD APPROPS, & UNRWA BAN) HR 2882: On 3/23/24, President Biden signed into law HR 2882, the “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,” following passage in the House (vote) and Senate (vote), becoming Public Law No: 118-47.  HR 2882 (widely referred to as a “minibus” since other appropriations bills were already passed in a separate consolidated appropriations act) includes both the FY24 Defense Appropriations Act (Division A) and the FY24 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, aka SFOPS (Division F). In addition, a totally separate section of the bill, Division G, entitled “Other Matters,” includes new language barring US funding to UNRWA for the next year.  All Middle East provisions in HR 2882 and the accompanying explanatory reports are laid in this special report accompanying this Round-Up: FY24 DOD Approps & SFOPS & UNRWA (in minibus) – Middle East-Related Provisions

(WE SUPPORT ISRAEL & BAD DEMS FOR CRITICIZING BIBI OR ANYTHING ELSE RELATED TO ISRAEL!) S. Res. 617: Introduced 3/11/24 by Scott (R-SC) and and 26 cosponsors, (all Republican), “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The entire resolution text reads: “Expressing the sense of the Senate that Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas. Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas; and (2) any call for elections in Israel by a United States Government official is to be considered an act of electoral interference.” Also see: press release – Sen. Scott Introduces Resolution in Defense of Israel

(ANYTHING ISRAEL DOES IS SELF-DEFENSE & WE SUPPORT IT!) S. Res. XXX(text): On 3/22/24, Sen. Scott (R-SC) published a press release — Sen. Scott Introduces Resolution in Defense of Israel — announcing the introduction of a resolution “Expressing the sense of the Senate that Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas,” cosponsored by 26 Republican colleagues. The full text of the resolution: “Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas; and (2) any call for elections in Israel by a United States Government official is to be considered an act of electoral interference.” NOTE: As of noon on 3/29/24 the resolution does not appear in the Congressional Record.

(IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 4073: Introduced 3/23/24 by Cruz (R-TX) and no cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit the use of funds to waive certain sanctions with respect to Iran.” Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. NOTE: this bill – which Cruz also sought to attach to the minibus passed by Congress on 3/23/24 (rejected by the Senate, which voted 51-47 to table the Cruz’s amendment) – appears to be Cruz’s effort to repeal the Executive’s waiver authorities with respect to Iran sanctions, as provided in laws previously passed by Congress, by exercising Congress’s “power of the purse.” Which does raise the question: what are the financial costs associated with waiving sanctions? [Seriously – what are the costs? Staff time to write a waiver statement for the President? And how would those “costs” be scored against the financial savings involved in not having to maintain a massive government apparatus devoted to implementing those same sanctions?]

(NO ISRAEL-RELATED US DIPLOMATIC MOVES WITHOUT 100% APPROVAL OF ISRAEL) H. Res. 1107: Introduced 3/26/24 by Esposito (R-NY), “Expressing the sense of Congress that Israel must be in full support of any negotiation or agreement relating to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, including a two-state solution or similar long-term plan relating to Israel and Palestinians for it to move forward.” This resolution that, in effect, calls for the U.S. to formally cede its own sovereign foreign policy decision-making authority, as it relates to Israel, to the government of Israel [NOTE: de facto this arguably already the U.S. approach to most Israel-related policies, as carried out by presidents from both parties – but stating this so explicitly in a resolution is pretty remarkable). Entitled, “Expressing the sense of Congress that Israel must be in full support of any negotiation or agreement relating to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, including a two-state solution or similar long-term plan relating to Israel and Palestinians for it to move forward,” the “resolved” clauses of this resolution would make it a “sense of Congress that: “(1) any resolution of the Israeli-Hamas conflict should take place only with the full cooperation and approval of Israel at each step of the process; (2) any two-state solution or similar long-term plan relating to Israel and Palestinians should be sought only with the full cooperation and approval of Israel at each step of the process; and (3) the United States should continue to support Israel and should not attempt to force Israel to take any course of action that is against its best interests.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: House Republican proposes legislation in response to U.S.-Israel diplomatic rift (Jewish Insider 3/26/24)

(ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PERPETRATORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST ISRAELIS) S. Res. 620: Introduced 3/22/24 by Graham (R-SC) and 5 cosponsors (bipartisan) the “Demanding that the international community hold accountable those who perpetrated acts of sexual violence and sexual torture during and after the attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Graham press release – Graham, Gillibrand, Britt, Collins, Blumenthal, Ernst Introduce Resolution Calling For Investigation Into Oct. 7 Sexual Violence

 

2. Letters

[SANCTION CHIEF JUSTICE OF ICJ FOR ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS] 3/29/24: Jackson (R-TX) and Sherman (D-CA) Lead Letter to Protect Israel [letter text]. Also see: Lawmakers urge sanctions on International Court of Justice president (Jewish Insider 3/29/24). The press release notes that the bipartisan letter is supported by AIPAC [and cosigned by 6 Republicans and Gottheimer (D-NJ — because of course he did).

[ENFORCE US LAW/HOLD ISRAEL RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOCKING GAZA AID] 3/28/24: McCollum (D-MN) X-post – “Rising civilian casualties & blocks on life-saving aid are causing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. PM Netanyahu’s refusal to address U.S. concerns is unacceptable. I’m urging President Biden to immediately enforce U.S. law with the Netanyahu government.” [letter text]

[UNSC ABSTENTION UNDERMINES ISRAEL] 3/28/24: Congressman Biggs Condemns Biden Administration’s Refusal to Veto UNSC’s Gaza Ceasefire Resolution [letter text (cosigned by 11 House Republicans]. Also see, House Republicans accuse Biden of ‘undermining’ Israel after UN ceasefire resolution passes (Washington Examiner 3/28/24)

[GAZA PIER IS A TERRIBLE IDEA] 3/28/24: Senator Wicker Leads Armed Services Republicans Demanding Answers, Accountability for Gaza Pier [letter text – cosigned by 11 Senate Republicans from the Armes Services Committee]. The letter expresses objections to the plan (including suggesting that the only barrier to aid to Gaza is Hamas, and the pier plan will end up supporting Hamas) and includes a list of 15 (massive) questions. Also see: Senate Republicans have ‘strong reservations’ about Biden’s Gaza pier plan (Jewish Insider 3/28/24); Republican senators: building a pier in Gaza ignores the problem’s root cause (Jerusalem Post 3/28/24)

[US-IRAQ DIPLOMACY UNDERMINES ISRAEL] 3/28/24:  Cotton, Colleagues to Biden: Hosting Iraqi Prime Minister is Inappropriate, Undermines Israel [letter text]

[TARGETING RUTGERS U] 3/27/24: @EdWorkforceCmte Antisemitism Investigation Continues with Letter to Rutgers University [letter text]. Also see: House Education committee to investigate Rutgers as part of expanding antisemitism probe (Jewish Insider 3/27/24); House Ed Committee calls on Rutgers to provide reports on antisemitism (Jewish News Syndicate 3/27/24); Rutgers joins growing list of schools under GOP House investigation for antisemitism (Times of Israel 3/28/24)

[NO ICRC POST FOR GUY WHO USED TO WORK FOR UNRWA] 3/26/24: Issa, Gottheimer to State Department: Krahenbuhl Unfit to Lead International Red Cross [due to his previous role at UNRWA] [letter text]

[PROTECT PALESTINIANS IN THE WB & EAST JERUSALEM] 3/25/24: Schakowsky, Pocan Urge President Biden to Take Additional Steps to Combat Settler Violence Against Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank [letter text]

[ENFORCE US LAW/HOLD ISRAEL RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOCKING GAZA AID]3/23/24: As Humanitarian Crisis Mounts in Gaza, Senior House Democrats Urge President Biden to Enforce U.S. Law on Security Assistance to Israel [letter text]. Also see: Democrats Warn Biden: Israel Not in Compliance With U.S. Law as Recipients of Military Aid (Haartz 3/23/24)

[TARGETING ACADEMIA] 3/21/24: Chairman Smith: Universities Enjoying Generous Tax-Exempt Status Must Detail Actions Taken to Protect Jewish Students and Provide Information on Foreign Sourced Funding [letter texts] (reported in last week’s Round-Up, but letter text only available this week). Also see: House Ways and Means Committee requests answers from four top schools on campus antisemitism (Jewish Insider 3/25/24)

 

3. Hearings & Markups

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Politics/Elex

• CNN 3/29/24: Progressive Jewish lawmakers caught in the middle of bitter Democratic divide over Israel
• The Hill 3/28/24: Netanyahu doesn’t deserve to address Congress again
• Washington Post 3/29/24: Tensions over Israel-Gaza war shape heated Democratic primary in New York
• Times of Israel 3/29/24: Jewish Democratic group endorses primary challenger to NY Rep. Jamaal Bowman
• Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs 3/28/24: President Herzog meets US Congress Delegation 
• Jewish Democratic Council of American 3/28/24: Jewish Dems Endorse in Key House and Senate Races, Pledge Resources to Mobilize Jewish Voters
• NY1 3/28/24: First on NY1: Bowman receives formal endorsement of Jeffries, Dem House leaders in reelection bid [“The endorsement puts Jeffries, a staunch ally of Israel, at odds with the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, which has backed Latimer”]
• Times of Israel 3/28/24: Biden is ‘great friend of Israel,’ Herzog tells US Democrats [members of Congress visiting Israel during Easter recess] amid bilateral tensions
• Jewish Insider 3/28/24: Jahana Hayes defends meeting with CAIR chapter, praise for anti-Israel group
• Jewish Insider 3/28/24: Jewish Dems [i.e., the JDCA] endorse challengers to Squad members Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush
• Jewish Insider 3/27/24: Imam whom Allred praised in 2019 has history of anti-Israel rhetoric
• Free Beacon 3/26/24: Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin Leans Into Anti-Israel Positions Ahead of Gaza Protest Vote – Baldwin highlights calls for ceasefire in Gaza and restrictions on US aid to Israel
• Jewish Currents 3/26/24: Chuck Schumer and Democrats’ New Line on “Netanyahu’s War”
• Jewish Insider 3/26/24: Rep. Jamaal Bowman on the defensive for promoting conspiracies — again
• Free Beacon 3/26/24: Jamaal Bowman Called Reports of Hamas Rapes ‘Propaganda’
• Free Beacon 3/26/24: Dem Rep. Jahana Hayes Stands by Letter She Wrote Praising Hamas-Friendly Group CAIR
• Jewish Insider 3/25/24: New Jersey’s Sue Altman, breaking with progressive allies, expresses support for Israel
• Times of Israel 3/24/24: Democrat John Fetterman’s Israel support brings fans on the right, critics on the left

We <HEART> Israel/Biden Admin BAD

• Jewish Insider 3/28/24: The lonely Democrats opposing Biden’s U.N. vote abstention [“Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) are among the only Democrats publicly opposing Washington’s cease-fire abstention”]
• The Hill 3/28/24: Israel politics trigger Democrats to withdraw support from sexual violence bill
• Jewish Exponent 3/28/24: Jewish Organizations Respond to Schumer’s Speech
• Punchbowl News 3/27/24: Republicans to Bibi: We’ve got your back
• CNN 3/27/24: Israel has ‘no choice’ but Rafah offensive, Netanyahu tells US members of Congress
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/27/24: Nixing delegation to DC ‘a message to Hamas,’ Netanyahu tells US senator [“‘I thought the U.S. decision in the Security Council was a very, very bad move,’ the Israeli prime minister told Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in Jerusalem.“]
• JINSA 3/27/24 (Rep. Pfluger, R-TX & JINSA’s Michael Makovsky): Conditioning U.S. Aid to Israel Would Be a Mistake
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/27/24: Lindsey Graham: It’d be ‘biggest mistake in history’ to let Hamas endure [“The South Caroline senator visited Israel on March 26 and 27—his fifth trip to the Jewish state since Oct. 7.”]
• Jerusalem Post 3/27/24: Graham: US won’t support Gaza war pause without hostage release

Concerns for Palestinian Lives/Safety

• Washington Post 3/29/24: Van Hollen pushes Israel for more Gaza aid and against ‘war crimes’
• Sherrill (D-NJ) 3/26/24: Sherrill Presses Department of Defense to Immediately Address Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
• Sanders (I-VT) 3/25/24: Sanders on State Department’s Statement that Israel Has Not Restricted Humanitarian Aid to Gaza [“32,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and almost 75,000 injured, two-thirds of whom are women and children. Some 60% of the housing units have been damaged or destroyed, and almost all medical facilities have been made inoperable. Today, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children are facing starvation because Netanyahu won’t let in sufficient humanitarian aid, while thousands of trucks are waiting to get into Gaza. To pretend that Israel is not violating international law or interfering with U.S. humanitarian aid is absurd on its face. The State Department’s position makes a mockery of U.S. law and assurances provided to Congress.“]
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 3/22/24: Van Hollen, Durbin, Kaine, Schatz, Colleagues Tell Biden Administration that Deeming Netanyahu Government Assurances on Humanitarian Aid “Credible” at this Time Would be Inconsistent with NSM-20 — 17 Senators Press Administration Prior to March 24th Deadline; also see: Seventeen Senate Democrats say Israel is violating arms sales conditions policy (Jewish Insider 3/25/24)

AIPAC

• The New Republic 3/27/24: The Obstacle Chuck Schumer Left Out of His Big Israel Speech — He cited four obstacles to peace, one of which was not the United States Congress. It’s changing now—but AIPAC is spending millions to make sure it doesn’t.
• Hoyer (D-MD) 3/27/24: Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of AIPAC President Howard Kohr

Other Stuff

• Jewish Insider 3/27/24: Sens. Ernst, Budd put increased pressure on Qatar to boot Hamas from Doha
• Politico 3/26/24: House Dems push for hearing on Kushner business deals
• The Intercept 3/26/24: Meta Refuses to Answer Questions on Gaza Censorship, Say Sens. Warren and Sanders
• Haaretz 3/24/24: Jeff Yass, Billionaire Invested in TikTok and Israel’s Judicial Coup, Is Top Spender in 2024 Elections

 

 

 

On 3/23/24, President Biden signed into law HR 2882, the “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,” following passage in the House (vote) and Senate (vote).  HR 2882 (widely referred to as a “minibus” since other appropriations bills were already passed in a separate consolidated appropriations act) includes both the FY24 Defense Appropriations Act (Division A) and the FY24 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, aka SFOPS (Division F). In addition, a totally separate section of the bill, Division G, entitled “Other Matters,” includes new language barring US funding to UNRWA for the next year.  Middle East provisions from both are laid out below, along with Middle East provisions in the accompanying explanatory statements (DOD Approps, SFOPS; there is no explanatory statement for Division G).

---

DIVISION A—Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024

Counter-isis Train And Equip Fund: This section earmarks $397,950,000 for the “Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and Equip Fund” to provide “assistance, including training; equipment; logistics support, supplies, and services; stipends; infrastructure repair and renovation; construction for facility fortification and humane treatment; and sustainment, to foreign security forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals participating, or preparing to participate in activities to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and their affiliated or associated groups“, subject to a whole list of additional provisos.

Israeli Cooperative Programs – ​​Section 8072:  This section earmarks $500 million for “Israeli Cooperative Programs“, sub-earmarked as follows:

• $80 million for procurement of the Iron Dome defense system
• $127 million for the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) program, including cruise missile defense research and development under the SRBMD program
• $40 million for co-production activities of SRBMD systems in the United States and in Israel
• $80 million for co-production activities of Arrow 3 Upper Tier systems in the United States and in Israel
•  $173 million for the Arrow System Improvement Program including development of a long range, ground and airborne, detection suite

Middle East Partner Reimbursements – Section 8110: This section earmarks $380 million “to reimburse Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Oman under section 1226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C. 2151 note), for enhanced border security, of which not less than $150,000,000 shall be for Jordan.”

Rosoboronexport – Section 8115: This section bans any contracts or agreements with Rosoboronexport, but allows that ban to be waived if there is a certification to Congress that (among other things) “Rosoboronexport has ceased the transfer of lethal military equipment to, and the maintenance of existing lethal military equipment for, the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

Middle East Reimbursements – Section 8117: This section earmarks $15 million “for payments to reimburse key cooperating nations for logistical, military, and other support, including access, provided to United States military and stability operations to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria”, subject to various provisos.

Iraq/War Powers Act – Section 8122: This section states that “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used with respect to Iraq in contravention of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), including for the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities in Iraq, into situations in Iraq where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, or into Iraqi territory, airspace, or waters while equipped for combat, in contravention of the congressional consultation and reporting requirements of sections 3 and 4 of such Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1542 and 1543)“.

Syria/War Powers Act – Section 8123: This section states that “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used with respect to Syria in contravention of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), including for the introduction of United States armed or military forces into hostilities in Syria, into situations in Syria where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, or into Syrian territory, airspace, or waters while equipped for combat, in contravention of the congressional consultation and reporting requirements of sections 3 and 4 of that law (50 U.S.C. 1542 and 1543).”

Syria/Iraq – Section 8124: This section bars any funds from this Act from being used either to “establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq” or “exercise United States control over any oil resource of Iraq or Syria.”

Manpads – Section 8125: This section bars any funds from this Act under the heading “Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund” from being used to procure or transfer man-portable air defense systems.

Jordan – Section 8126: This section earmarks “up to” $500 million  “to provide assistance to the Government of Jordan to support the armed forces of Jordan and to enhance security along its borders.”

 

DIVISION F—DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024

TITLE I — DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) [formerly Broadcasting Board of Governors], international broadcasting operations: Perennial bill language providing $857,214,000, “to carry out international communication activities, and to make and supervise grants for radio, Internet, and television broadcasting to the Middle East”. The table included in the explanatory statement earmarks $100,000,000 of these funds for “Middle East Broadcasting Networks.” 

Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund: Perennial bill provision stating: “For necessary expenses of the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, as authorized by section 633 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (22 U.S.C. 2078), the total amount of the interest and earnings accruing to such Fund on or before September 30, 2024, to remain available until expended.”

Israeli Arab Scholarship Program: Perennial bill provision stating: “For necessary expenses of the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program, as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (22 U.S.C. 2452 note), all interest and earnings accruing to the Israeli Arab Scholarship Fund on or before September 30, 2024, to remain available until expended.” 

TITLE III — BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Development Assistance (DA): In the explanatory statement accompanying the bill, the table laying out Development Assistance (DA) allocations includes $10 million for “Refugee Scholarships Program in Lebanon” and $10 million for Morocco.

Economic Support Fund (ESF): See Section 7041 (below) for details of ESF for the Middle East in the bill text. In the Report accompanying the bill, the table laying out Economic Support Fund (ESF) allocations includes for the Middle East and North Africa:

• West Bank/Gaza [listed as “Assistance subject to section 7041 (k)(1) – in what looks like an effort to avoid people noticing the funding]: $175 million [NOTE: in 2023, the report earmarked $225 million for the West Bank and Gaza. Yes, you read that right. With the West Bank economy collapsing, settler/IDF violence surging, entire West Bank communities being displaced, and a literal humanitarian CATASTROPHE in Gaza, Congress CUT its already meager funding for the West Bank and Gaza by 22%.]
• Iraq: $150 million, of which, $12 million is for scholarships, $25 million is for democracy, and $2.5 million is for justice sector assistance
• Lebanon: $112.5 million, of which $14 million is for scholarships
• Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI): $27.2 million, of which $20 million is for “scholarship program”
  
• Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC): $8.5 million
• Near East Regional Democracy [NERD?]: $55 million
• Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act: $50 million

The explanatory statement further notes:

• “The agreement includes funds appropriated under title III of the Act, which shall be made available
  for assistance for the Western Sahara. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act and prior to the obligation of such funds, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
  USAID Administrator, shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the proposed
  uses of such funds.”
• USAID-Israel Development Cooperation.-The agreement includes $3,000,000 under this heading for USAID-Israel Development Cooperation.” [Yes, that’s another $3 million for Israel]
  

Migration & Refugee Assistance (MRA): The bill stipulates that, “$5,000,000 shall be made available for refugees resettling in Israel.” [This is a perennial earmark that started out years ago – as a much larger number – when large numbers of Jews were coming to Israel from the former Soviet Union. In recent years it has leveled out at $5 million per year, [which given the numbers of actual refugees Israel is absorbing these days is a huge amount per capita].

TITLE IV – INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

Non-proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR): This section of the bill includes a perennial stipulation that “…funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for the IAEA unless the Secretary of State determines that Israel is being denied its right to participate in the activities of that Agency.” 

Peacekeeping Operations (PKO): The bill earmarks not less than $35 million “…for a United States contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai.”

Foreign Military Financing (FMF): Most FMF for the Middle East is covered in Sec. 7041 (see below). In addition, the FMF table included in the explanatory statement accompanying the bill includes $175 million for Iraq.

 

TITLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 7004: Diplomatic Facilities

Part (f) of this section stipulates that, “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to move the United States embassy in Israel to a location other than Jerusalem.”

Section 7007: Prohibition against direct funding for certain countries (unchanged from prior year)

This is perennial bill language banning aid to Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria, extending to loans, credits, insurance, and guarantees of the Export-Import Bank or its agents. 

Section 7008: Coups d’état (unchanged from prior year)

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

Section 7013: Prohibition on taxation of assistance (unchanged from prior year)

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

Section 7015: Notification Requirements

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

Section 7021: Prohibition on assistance to governments supporting international terrorism (unchanged from prior year)

Perennial bill provision prohibiting funding to any country “which provides lethal military equipment to a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined supports international terrorism…” and prohibits bilateral assistance to any country that supports international terrorism, gives sanctuary to terrorist, or is controlled by a terrorist organization. The section includes national security waivers for both restrictions. 

Section 7030: Economic Resilience Initiative (NEW)

Part (b) of this section states that funding in the Act and prior SFOPS Acts “may be made available for the costs, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of loan guarantees” for various countries, including Egypt and Jordan.

Section 7032: Democracy Programs

Part (a) of this section of the bill earmarks not less than $2,9 billion for “democracy programs” (as defined later in this provision). Part (e) states that funding and programs under this section “shall not be subject to the prior approval by the government of any foreign country” [reflecting in part the experiences in Egypt in the past].   The Report accompanying the bill includes a table laying out recommended ESF under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, including, for the Middle East: Near Eastern Regional Democracy – $25 million; Syria – $11 million; Yemen – $2 million

Section 7033: International Religious Freedom (unchanged from prior year)

Part (c) notes: “Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs under the heading “Economic Support Fund” may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law for assistance for ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria.”

Section 7034: Special Provisions

Part (k)(6)  of this section extends existing U.S. loan guarantees for Israel (provided under Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108–11; 117 Stat. 576) until September 30, 2029 [This is the emergency $9 billion that was provided for Israel in 2003, quietly extended over and over by Congress for going on 20 years. As noted in a recent CRS report on US aid to Israel, “Israeli officials may believe that although they have not used the loan guarantees in the last 18 years, maintaining the program boosts the country’s fiscal standing among international creditors in capital markets.“]

Section 7035: Law Enforcement and Security

Part (b)(3) of this section of the bill is a perennial provision providing for financing of commercial leasing of defense articles to Israel, Egypt, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and major non-NATO allies.

Part (c)(2) lays out limitations related to landmines and cluster munitions.

Part (c)(3) – “Crowd Control” – states that “If the Secretary of State has information that a unit of a foreign security force uses excessive force to repress peaceful expression or assembly concerning corruption, harm to the environment or human health, or the fairness of electoral processes, or in countries that are undemocratic or undergoing democratic transition, the Secretary shall promptly determine if such information is credible: Provided, That if the information is determined to be credible, funds appropriated by this Act should not be used for tear gas, small arms, light weapons, ammunition, or other items for crowd control purposes for such unit, unless the Secretary of State determines that the foreign government is taking effective measures to bring the responsible members of such unit to justice.”

Part (d) – Leahy Law – states: “LEAHY LAW.—For purposes of implementing section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [aka, 22 U.S. Code § 2378d – Limitation on assistance to security forces], the term ‘credible information’ means information that, considering the source of such information and the surrounding circumstances, supports a reasonable belief that a violation has occurred, and shall not be determined solely on the basis of the number of sources; whether the source has been critical of a policy of the United States Government or its security partners; whether the source has a personal connection to the information being reported; or whether the United States Government is able to independently verify the information.”

Section 7037: Palestinian statehood (unchanged from prior year)

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

Section 7038: Prohibition on Assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corp (unchanged from prior year)

Perennial language (dating back many many years) barring any U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.

Section 7039: Assistance for the West Bank and Gaza

Part (a) – OVERSIGHT – stipulates that “For fiscal year 2024, 30 days prior to the initial obligation of funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, the Secretary of State shall certify to the Committees on Appropriations that procedures have been established to assure the Comptroller General of the United States will have access to appropriate United States financial information in order to review the uses of United States assistance for the Program funded under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund’ for the West Bank and Gaza.”

Part (b) – VETTING – stipulates that “Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Economic Support Fund” for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that such assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private or government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity nor, with respect to private entities or educational institutions, those that have as a principal officer of the entity’s governing board or governing board of trustees any individual that has been determined to be involved in, or advocating terrorist activity or determined to be a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, as appropriate, establish procedures specifying the steps to be taken in carrying out this subsection and shall terminate assistance to any individual, entity, or educational institution which the Secretary has determined to be involved in or advocating terrorist activity.”

Part (c) – PROHIBITION – bars use of funds for the West Bank and Gaza being used for: “Recognizing or otherwise honoring individuals who commit, or have committed acts of terrorism” or for “any educational institution located in the West Bank or Gaza that is named after an individual who the Secretary of State determines has committed an act of terrorism.” It also bars funding for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza under the the Secretary of State report to Congress on “the benchmarks that have been established for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza and on the extent of Palestinian compliance with such benchmarks” and “the steps being taken by the Palestinian Authority to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees, including by bringing to justice members of Palestinian security forces who commit such crimes.”

Part (d) lays out required oversight by USAID, including annual (at least) audits of “all contractors and grantees, and significant subcontractors and sub-grantees, under the West Bank and Gaza Program“, and allocating up to $1.4 million to USAID for “audits, investigations, and other activities in furtherance of the requirements of this subsection.” [increased from $1.3 million prior year]

Part (e) requires the Comptroller General of the United States to audit and investigate “the treatment, handling, and uses of all funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, including all funds provided as cash transfer assistance, in fiscal year 2024 under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund'”

Part (f) states that “Funds made available in this Act for West Bank and Gaza shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”

Section 7040: Limitation on Assistance to the Palestinian Authority (unchanged from prior year)

Part (a) bars any funds from this act being used to provide funding to the Palestinian Authority. Part (b) enables the President to waive the ban in (a) if he certifies to Congress that doing so “is important to the national security interest of the United States.” Part (c) stipulates that any waiver under (b) “shall be effective for no more than a period of 6 months at a time and shall not apply beyond 12 months after the enactment of this Act.” Part (d) requires a report to Congress from the President in conjuction with any use of the waiver in part (b), detailing “the justification for the waiver, the purposes for which the funds will be spent, and the accounting procedures in place to ensure that the funds are properly disbursed” and also detailing “the steps the Palestinian Authority has taken to arrest terrorists, confiscate weapons and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.” And Part (e) requires that in conjuction with any use of the waiver in part (b), the Secretary of State “must certify and report to the Committees on Appropriations prior to the obligation of funds that the Palestinian Authority has established a single treasury account for all Palestinian Authority financing and all financing mechanisms flow through this account, no parallel financing mechanisms exist outside of the Palestinian Authority treasury account, and there is a single comprehensive civil service roster and payroll, and the Palestinian Authority is acting to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and is supporting activities aimed at promoting peace, coexistence, and security cooperation with Israel.” [Note: part (e) in effect turns what looks like a national security waiver into a waiver under which acting to support/defend/promote US national security is made conditional on factors that are outside US control, such that if the Secretary of State could NOT make the certification required under (e), the president could not exercise the waiver, US national security be damned).

The section also includes a perennial subsection (f) entitled “Prohibition to Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization” (lumping together a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization with the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people that is NOT on the list of U.S.-designated FTO since that list was first published in 1997). This subsection bars funding to the PLO and bars funding for salaries of PA personnel in Gaza or for Hamas or any entity “or any entity effectively controlled by Hamas, any power-sharing government of which Hamas is a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises undue influence.” The formulation in this legislation is designed to make it difficult for the U.S. engage any kind of Palestinian power-sharing government that could result from some future Fatah-Hamas reconciliation or from some other arrangements that lead to a national unity government or a mutually-agreed technocratic government (the text has evolved over the years in response to Palestinian efforts to achieve such governments).

The section includes language of past bills stipulating that the prohibition does not apply if the President “certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government, including all of its ministers or such equivalent, has publicly accepted and is complying with the principles contained in section 620K(b)(1) (A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.” It also includes the proviso that, “the President may exercise the authority in section 620K(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by the Palestine Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-446) with respect to this subsection.”

As a reminder:

Section 620K(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, reads as follows:

(b) Certification.–A certification described in subsection (a) is a certification transmitted by the President to Congress that contains a determination of the President that–

(1) no ministry, agency, or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority is effectively controlled by Hamas, unless the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority has–

(A) publicly acknowledged the Jewish state of Israel’s right to exist; and

(B) committed itself and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States Government, with the Government of Israel, and with the international community, including agreements and understandings pursuant to the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (commonly referred to as the `Roadmap’).

And 620K(e) reads as follows:

(e) National Security Waiver.–

(1) In general.–Subject to paragraph (2), the President may waive subsection (a) with respect to-

(A) the administrative and personal security costs of the Office of the President of the Palestinian Authority;

(B) the activities of the President of the Palestinian Authority to fulfill his or her duties as President, including to maintain control of the management and security of border crossings, to foster the Middle East peace process, and to promote democracy and the rule of law; and

(C) assistance for the judiciary branch of the Palestinian Authority and other entities.

(2) Certification.–The President may only exercise the waiver authority under paragraph (1) after–

(A) consulting with, and submitting a written policy justification to, the appropriate congressional committees; and

(B) certifying to the appropriate congressional committees that–

(i) it is in the national security interest of the United States to provide assistance otherwise prohibited under subsection (a); and

(ii) the individual or entity for which assistance is proposed to be provided is not a member of, or effectively controlled by (as the case may be), Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization.

(3) Report.—Not later than 10 days after exercising the waiver authority under paragraph (1), the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing how the funds provided pursuant to such waiver will be spent and detailing the accounting procedures that are in place to ensure proper oversight and accountability.

(4) Treatment of certification as notification of program change.–For purposes of this subsection, the certification required under paragraph (2)(B) shall be deemed to be a notification under section 634A and shall be considered in accordance with the procedures applicable to notifications submitted pursuant to that section. 

Section 7041: Middle East and North Africa

Section 7041(a): Egypt

Bill text

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

________________________

Reminder: Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 states that “No assistance shall be furnished under this Act or the Arms Export Control Act to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” It adds that this prohibition “shall not apply if the Secretary determines and reports to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations that the government of such country is taking effective steps to bring the responsible members of the security forces unit to justice.”

________________________ 

The bill earmarks “not less than $1,425,000,000 should be made available for assistance for Egypt.” It sub-earmarks that funding as follows:

ESF: Not less than $125 million is for ESF, of which $40 million “should be made available for higher education programs, including not less than $15,000,000 for scholarships for Egyptian students with high financial need to attend not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Egypt that are currently accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, or meets standards equivalent to those required for United States institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting agency recognized by such Department.” The section further stipulates that these funds “shall be made available for democracy programs, and for development programs in the Sinai”

FMF: Not less than $1.3 billion “should be made available” in FMF for Egypt, and may (per usual) be transferred “to an interest bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations and the uses of any interest earned on such funds shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”

WITHHOLDING: The bill stipulates that $320 million in FMF for Egypt “shall be withheld from obligation until the Secretary certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of Egypt is meeting the requirements under this section in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act)” The bill allows the Secretary of State to waive this withholding requirement if he “determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such funds are necessary for counterterrorism, border security, or nonproliferation programs or that it is otherwise important to the national security interest of the United States to do so, including a detailed justification for the use of such waiver and the reasons why any of the requirements cannot be met“.

The explanatory statement accompanying the bill notes with respect to Egypt:

• “In addition to amounts made available pursuant to subsection (a) for assistance for Egypt, the agreement includes not less than $3,500,000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs and not less than $1,800,000 under International Military Education and Training for such assistance.”
• “Pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the Secretary of State shall certify and report on whether the Government of Egypt is taking sustained and effective steps to: (1) strengthen the rule of law,democratic institutions, and human rights in Egypt, including to protect religious minorities and the rights of women, which are in addition to steps taken during the previous calendar year for such purposes; (2) implement reforms that protect freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, including the ability of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and the media to function without interference; (3) hold Egyptian security forces accountable, including officers credibly alleged to have violated human rights; (4) investigate and prosecute cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances; (5) provide American citizens with fair and commensurate compensation for injuries and losses caused by the Egyptian military; and (6) reduce the number of political prisoners, provide detainees with due process of law, and prevent
  the intimidation or harassment of American citizens”

Section 7041(b): Iran

This section of the bill stipulates that funding in the bill (under Diplomatic Programs, ESF, and NADR) “shall be made available (A) to support the United States policy to prevent Iran from achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon; (B) to support an expeditious response to any violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions or to efforts that advance Iran’s nuclear program; (C) to support the implementation and enforcement of sanctions against Iran for support of nuclear weapons development, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile and weapons proliferation; and (D) for democracy programs in support of the aspirations of the Iranian people.”

It also requires the Secretary of State to submit two reports to Congress:

(A) the semi-annual report required by section 135(d)(4) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2160e(d)(4)), as added by section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–17).

(B) Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, a report on “(i) the status of United States bilateral sanctions on Iran; (ii) the reimposition and renewed enforcement of secondary sanctions; and (iii) the impact such sanctions have had on Iran’s destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East.”

This section also includes (new) language stating: “None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used to— (A) implement an agreement with the Government of Iran relating to the nuclear program of Iran, or a renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action adopted on October 18, 2015, in contravention of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 2160e); or (B) revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).”

Section 7041(c): Iraq

The bill states that funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act “shall be made available for assistance for Iraq for—(A) bilateral economic assistance and international security assistance, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; (B) stabilization assistance, including in Anbar Province; (C) programs to support government transparency and accountability, support judicial independence, protect the right of due process, end the use of torture, and combat corruption; (D) humanitarian assistance, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; (E) programs to protect and assist religious and ethnic minority populations; and (F) programs to increase United States private sector investment.”

It also states that ESF funding for Iraq ” may not be made available to an organization or entity for which the Secretary of State has credible information is controlled by the Badr Organization.”

The explanatory statement accompanying the bill states:

• “Of the funds made available for democracy programs for Iraq under Economic Support Fund, not less than $1,500,000 shall be made available for new programs that strengthen elections processes and democratic political parties.”
• “The agreement includes funds to support American-style higher education student scholarships and institutions in Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), on an open and competitive basis, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations. Such funds should include support for programs that equip diverse Iraqi university and institute graduates with the knowledge and skills required to obtain gainful employment in the private sector and seek to build long-term capacity and sustainability of current and prior-year grantees. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on the plan of action concerning options for enhancing air defense capabilities in the KRI against missile and drone attacks from Iran, as required by section 1266 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-
  31 ), and specific efforts the Department of State will undertake to encourage the Government of Iraq to meet its KRI budget obligations for 2024.”

Section 7041(d): Israel

This section earmarks “not less than” $3.3 billion for Israel, to be disbursed (as usual) in a lump sum within 30 days of this Act becoming law, and with permission for Israel to use $725,300,000 for procurement in Israel.

Reminder: As highlighted previously in the Round-Up, these little-remarked stipulations – early disbursal and permission for more than $700 million of FMF to be spent inside Israel – are unique to Israel’s aid program. Both significantly increase the value of the assistance to Israel and the cost of the assistance to the U.S. In all other cases, FMF is obligated and disbursed by the U.S. on an as-used basis, meaning that the U.S. either keeps the money in the U.S. Treasury until it is needed (where it earns interest) or if the money is not in the U.S. Treasury, the U.S. does not have to borrow it until it is needed (meaning less interest paid). In the case of Israel, the entire amount is handed over in a lump sum within 30 days of the law passing, meaning that Israel can bank the money and earn interest on it (which it can spend however and wherever it likes). In addition, in all other cases, FMF must be spent inside the U.S. (unless a specific exemption is granted). The logic behind this is that FMF is not just a “gift” to a foreign country but is actually a form of investment in the U.S. economy. In Israel’s case, however, almost $800 million of FMF may be used in Israel, rather than for the benefit of U.S. industry (this amount is gradually being phased out, but between now and the time it is phased out completely it still represents billions of dollars).

Section 7041(e): Jordan

The bill states that not less than $1,650,000,000 of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV “shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, of which not less than $845,100,000 shall be made available for budget support for the Government of Jordan and not less than $425,000,000 shall be made available under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’.”

The accompanying explanatory statement notes:

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

Section 7041(f): Lebanon

The bill includes an overarching limitation, stating that none of the funds appropriated by this Act “may be made available for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) or the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) if the ISF or the LAF is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization...”

SECURITY ASSISTANCE — the bill states that INCLE and FMF funds in this bill that  are made available for assistance for Lebanon” may be made available for programs and equipment for the ISF and the LAF to address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.” It further states that FMF funds for Lebanon may ONLY be used for programs to”(i) professionalize the LAF to mitigate internal and external threats from non-state actors, including Hizballah; (ii) strengthen the security of borders and combat terrorism, including training and equipping the LAF to secure the borders of Lebanon and address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, interdicting arms shipments, and preventing the use of Lebanon as a safe haven for terrorist groups; and (iii) implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701“.

FMF Spend plan: It further stipulates that “prior to obligating funds made available by this subparagraph for assistance for the LAF, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a spend plan, including actions to be taken to ensure equipment provided to the LAF is used only for the intended purposes, except such plan may not be considered as meeting the notification requirements under section 7015 of this Act or under section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That any notification submitted pursuant to such section shall include any funds specifically intended for lethal military equipment.”

ESF: This section stipulates that ESF for Lebanon “may be made available notwithstanding section 1224 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 2346 note).” As a reminder, that section of law states: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, $10,000,000 of the amounts made available for fiscal year 2003 or any subsequent fiscal year that are allocated for assistance to Lebanon under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2346 et seq.; relating to the economic support fund) may not be obligated unless and until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that- “(1) the armed forces of Lebanon have been deployed to the internationally recognized border between Lebanon and Israel; and “(2) the Government of Lebanon is effectively asserting its authority in the area in which such armed forces have been deployed.”

The accompanying explanatory language notes:

• “The agreement endorses Senate report language under the heading Energy Independence for American Hospitals in Lebanon“. That language reads: “Given the economic difficulties facing Lebanon and the lack of municipal-provided electricity, the Committee recommends $5,000,000 under the ESF heading for the purchase of American-made solar panels for teaching hospitals in Lebanon, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.“

Libya

The bill text does not mention Libya, but the accompanying explanatory statement notes: “The agreement includes not less than $32,000,000 under titles III and IV of the Act for stabilization assistance for Libya, including support for a UN-facilitated political process and border security.”

Section 7041 (g): Morocco

This section stipulates that “Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act shall be made available for assistance for Morocco.” The accompanying explanatory statement notes: “The agreement includes not less than $10,000,000 under Economic Support Fund, not less than $10,000,000 under Development Assistance, and not less than $10,000,000 under Foreign Military Financing Program for assistance for Morocco. The agreement endorses the directive under this heading in the Senate report.”

Western Sahara

There bill text doesn’t mention Western Sahara, but the explanatory statement accompanying the bill notes: “The Secretary of State shall continue to support a UN-led political process that achieves a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

Section 7041 (h): Saudi Arabia

This section states that: “None of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘International Military Education and Training’ should be made available for assistance for the Government of Saudi Arabia,” and “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs should be obligated or expended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to guarantee, insure, or extend (or participate in the extension of) credit in connection with the export of nuclear technology, equipment, fuel, materials, or other nuclear technology-related goods or services to Saudi Arabia unless the Government of Saudi Arabia—(A) has in effect a nuclear cooperation agreement pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2153); (B) has committed to renounce uranium enrichment and reprocessing on its territory under that agreement; and (C) has signed and implemented an Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

Section 7041(i): Syria

Non-lethal military assistance: This section states that funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV “may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for non-lethal stabilization assistance for Syria, including for emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons investigations.”

Limitations: It then lays out limitations on such aid, stipulating that funds for Syria, “(A) may not be made available for a project or activity that supports or otherwise legitimizes the Government of Iran, foreign terrorist organizations (as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189)), or a proxy of Iran in Syria; (B) may not be made available for activities that further the strategic objectives of the Government of the Russian Federation that the Secretary of State determines may threaten or undermine United States national security interests; and (C) should not be used in areas of Syria controlled by a government led by Bashar al-Assad or associated forces or made available to an organization or entity effectively controlled by an official or immediate family member of an official of such government.” [note “should not” rather than “may not” in limitation (C)].

Al-Hol Action Plan: This section states that “Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, not less than $25,000,000 shall be made available to implement the ‘U.S. Government Al-Hol Action Plan’.”

Monitoring/oversight/consultation/notification: The bill stipulates that prior to obligating any funds for Syria, “the Secretary of State shall take all practicable steps to ensure that mechanisms are in place for monitoring, oversight, and control of such assistance inside Syria.” It also states that “Funds made available pursuant to this subsection may only be made available following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees and shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided, That such consultation shall include the steps taken to comply with subparagraph (A) and steps intended to be taken to comply with section 7015(j) of this Act.” [Yes, these are ALL the monitoring/oversight/consultation/notification requirements vis-a-vis aid in this bill for Syria. Take a moment, just for fun, and compare that to the layers and layers of monitoring/oversight/consultation/notification requirements placed on any penny for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Seriously – I’ll wait…(it will take a while ).]

Section 7041(j): Tunisia

This subsection of the bill states: “Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act shall be made available for assistance for Tunisia for programs to support democratic governance and civil society, protect due process of law, and maintain regional stability and security, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.”

The explanatory statement accompanying the bill notes:

• “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which: (1) the Government of Tunisia is implementing economic reforms, countering corruption, and taking credible steps to restore constitutional order and democratic governance, including respecting freedoms of expression, association, and the press, and the rights of members of political parties, that are in addition to steps taken in the preceding fiscal year; (2) the Government of Tunisia is maintaining the independence of the judiciary, not inappropriately utilizing military courts, and holding security forces who commit human rights abuses accountable; and (3) the Tunisian military has remained an apolitical and professional institution”

Section 7041(k): West Bank and Gaza

Assistance: The bill includes no hard earmark for aid to the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Report on Assistance: This is a perennial requirement in the bill text, according to which: prior to the obligation of any funds for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall report to Congress that the purpose of such assistance is to: “(A) advance Middle East peace; (B) improve security in the region; (C) continue support for transparent and accountable government institutions; (D) promote a private sector economy; or (E) address urgent humanitarian needs.” 

Limitations: This is perennial language laying out further limitations on U.S. funding for the Palestinian Authority, linked to the UN and the ICC.

• Barring Aid to the PA: Part 2(A) is perennial language (dating back to the Obama era) barring any ESF funding for the PA if, after the date this bill becomes law, “the Palestinians obtain the same standing as member states or full membership as a state in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians” or if “the Palestinians initiate an International Criminal Court (ICC) judicially authorized investigation, or actively support such an investigation, that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians.” This section provides the Secretary of State the authority to waive the ban on assistance to the PA in the case where the Palestinians gain status at the UN if he “certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that to do so is in the national security interest of the United States, and submits a report to such Committees detailing how the waiver and the continuation of assistance would assist in furthering Middle East peace.” As in previous years, no waiver is provided in the case of a Palestinian-initiated or Palestinian-backed effort ICC investigation [which, in fact, exists today) — meaning that under this section, the US is barred from granting any ESF for the PA, period (irrespective of whether the Palestinians adopt policy changes to address the demands of the Taylor Force Act, or the U.S. really really wants to support/strengthen the PA as an alternative power in the Gaza Strip, or anything else).
• Preventing the PLO Office from Re-Opening in the U.S.: Part 2(B) limits the President’s ability to waive longstanding (and anachronistic) legislation barring the PLO from having any representation in the United States. Where for decades Congress granted the President a “clean” national security or national interests waiver of that prohibition (contained in section 1003 of Public Law 100-204), starting in the Obama era Congress moved to make such waiver contingent on the President certifying that the Palestinians have not, after the date of enactment of this Act, “obtained in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof the same standing as member states or full membership as a state outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians” or “initiated or actively supported an ICC investigation against Israeli nationals for alleged crimes against Palestinians.” This condition on the PLO office can be waived if the President can certify that the Palestinians “have taken credible steps to enter into direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel and it is important to the national security interests of the United States and the conduct of diplomacy in advancing Middle East peace”. [as in, if it merely US national security interests that are at stake, NO WAIVER is allowed].

Taylor Force Act: Part 4 of this section notes that “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund’ that are made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza shall be made available consistent with section 1004(a) of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115–141).”

Security report: Part 5 of this section states: “The reporting requirements in section 1404 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110–252) shall apply to funds made available by this Act, including a description of modifications, if any, to the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority..”

________________________

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

________________________

Incitement report: Part 6 of this section stipulates that, “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and to promote peace and coexistence with Israel.”

The accompanying explanatory statement notes, with respect to aid for the West Bank and Gaza:

• “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act and every 90 days thereafter until funds have been expended, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on funds administered by the Office of Palestinian Affairs and made available for public diplomacy programs. The report shall detail uses of funds, including a description of activities and implementing partners.”

_______________________

Section 7046: Europe and Eurasia

Part (c) of this section of the bill states: “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to facilitate or support the sale of defense articles or defense services to the Turkish Presidential Protection Directorate (TPPD) under chapter 2 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.) unless the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that members of the TPPD who are named in the July 17, 2017, indictment by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and against whom there are pending charges, have returned to the United States to stand trial in connection with the offenses contained in such indictment or have otherwise been brought to justice: Provided, That the limitation in this paragraph shall not apply to the use of funds made available by this Act for border security purposes, for North Atlantic Treaty Organization or coalition operations, or to enhance the protection of United States officials and facilities in Turkey.”

Section 7048: United Nations

Part (a) of this section requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on “whether each organization, department, or agency receiving a contribution from funds appropriated by this Act under the headings ‘Contributions to International Organizations’ and ‘International Organizations and Programs‘” has, among other things, submitted a report to the Department of State (to be posted on the Department’s website) “demonstrating that such organization is effectively implementing and enforcing policies and procedures which meet or exceed best practices in the United States for the protection of whistleblowers from retaliation, including—…(4) is taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias…(6) is implementing policies and procedures to effectively vet staff for any affiliation with a terrorist organization.”

Part (b) lays out perennial provisions restricting US funding to the UN. Part (b)(1) prohibits funding expenses for expenses for any US delegation to anything having to do with, or contributions to any agency, body, or commission associated with the UN that is chaired or presided over by a country, the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, according to U.S. law, “supports international terrorism.” Part (b)(2) bars US contributions to any organization, agency, commission, or program within the United Nations system if such organization, agency, commission, or program is chaired or presided over by a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined “has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.” Part (b)(3) gives authority for the Secretary of State to waive these prohibitions if he/she determines and reports to Congress that doing so is important for the national interest of the United States.

Part (c) lays out provisions targeting the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Part (c)(1) bars funding the UNHRC “unless the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that participation in the Council is important to the national interest of the United States and that such Council is taking significant steps to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and ensure integrity in the election of members to such Council” [so once again, ensuring US national interest is made conditional on an Israel-related requirement]. The provision adds that any such report “shall include a description of the national interest served and provide a detailed reform agenda, including a timeline to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and ensure integrity in the election of members to such Council.” It goes on to state that unless/until such a determination has been made and the resulting report made to Congress, the US must withhold from its annual (required) contribution to the UN’s regular budget the United States’ proportionate share of the total annual  funding for the UNHRC. Moreover, the Secretary of State is required to report to Congress (by 9/30/24) “on the resolutions considered in the United Nations Human Rights Council during the previous 12 months, and on steps taken to remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and to improve the quality of membership through competitive elections.”

Part (c)(2) states that “None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. ”

****NEW**** Section 7073: Gaza Oversight ****NEW***

No joke: In the context of the ongoing Israel-made humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, and the urgent need for assistance to Gaza, Congress decided that rather than (a) earmarking signficant funding for Gaza in this bill, (b) including a clear directive for the State Department to provide funding for Gaza; or (c) including language demanding that Israel comply with US law, according to which US funding is contingent Israel NOT blocking the flow of US humanitarian aid (which it manifestly is doing – hence the insane US plan to build a temporary port), it would instead pile a new set of oversight requirements specific to Gaza, to be layer on top of the long, long list of conditions, restrictions, limitations, oversight, vetting, reporting, etc required in various provisions already imposed on the West Bank and Gaza (in the various sections discussed above). Specifically:

Part (a) requires the Secretary of State to certify and report to Congress (within 15 days of this Act becoming law) that: “(1) oversight policies, processes, and procedures have been established by the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development, as appropriate, and are in use to prevent the diversion to Hamas and other terrorist and extremist entities in Gaza and the misuse or destruction by such entities of assistance, including through international organizations; and (2) such policies, processes, and procedures have been developed in coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors and the Government of Israel, as appropriate.”

Part (b) requires the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to submit to Congress (at the same time as the report required above) “a written description of the oversight policies, processes, and procedures for funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, including specific actions to be taken should such assistance be diverted, misused, or destroyed, and the role of the Government of Israel in the oversight of such assistance.”

Part (c) requires the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to “promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of each instance in which funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza have been diverted, misused, or destroyed, to include the type of assistance, a description of the incident and parties involved, and an explanation of the response of the Department of State or USAID, as appropriate.”

Part (d) requires that funding in the Act “be made available for third party monitoring of assistance for Gaza, including end use monitoring, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.”

Part (e) requires that, after the initial obligation of funds for Gaza, the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to report to Congress every 90 days “detailing the amount and purpose of such assistance provided during each respective quarter, including a description of the specific entity implementing such assistance.”

Part (f) requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and other heads of elements of the intelligence community, to submit to Congress a report (every 90 days) “assessing whether funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza have been diverted to or destroyed by Hamas or other terrorist and extremist entities in the West Bank and Gaza“.

Part (g) requires that nt later than 30 days after this Act become slaw, but prior to the initial obligation of funds for Gaza, “the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator, as appropriate, shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the amount and anticipated uses of such funds.”

DIVISION G—OTHER MATTERS

TITLE III—Funding Limitation for United Nations Relief and Works Agency

SEC. 301. Funding limitation.

Notwithstanding any other provision of any other division of this Act, funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or other Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, including provisions of Acts providing supplemental appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, may not be used for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, notwithstanding any other provision of law—

(1) for any amounts provided in prior fiscal years or in fiscal year 2024; or

(2) for amounts provided in fiscal year 2025, until March 25, 2025.

As noted in last week’s Round-Up regarding this new section of law:

(1) Palestinians are facing FAMINE in Gaza, and UNRWA remains the ONLY organization with the capacity to manage/distribute aid effectively. For Congress to continue the cut-off of aid to UNRWA at this time (and for the next year), even as most other countries have re-started UNRWA funding, is a moral obscenity and will directly contribute to killing innocent people. Or as journalist Prem Thakker posted on X: “–0.04% of UNRWA staff accused of being involved in 10/7 attack –US stops funding. News reports reveal countries followed without seeing any evidence –Israel accused of torturing UNRWA staff to coerce false confessions of being involved in 10/7 –EU Chief: no evidence …And still“

(2) The language Congress has landed on in this bill is a “punt.” As in, apparently there was insufficient support/political will in Congress (and the Administration) either to re-start funding to UNRWA or to ban funding for UNRWA permanently (despite vocal views from members on both sides of that argument). So the issue has been punted to next year, after the 2024 elections — with the “compromise” being that Republicans succeeded in extending their authority with respect to UNRWA funding into 2025 (i.e., when they may not any longer control the House) and Democrats succeeded in preventing a permanent UNRWA funding ban being added to SFOPS (suggesting they are trying to save UNRWA).

(3) The impact of this “compromise” will, without question, be THE DEATHS OF MORE INNOCENT PALESTINIANS IN GAZA (and will serve the longtime Israeli goal of once-and-for-all eradicating UNRWA as an organization supporting Palestine refugees) In this context it is somewhat disconnected from reality to talk about “silver linings.” That said, a few things are worth noting:

(a) No demonizing/delegitimizing of UNRWA: Title III is bare-bones appropriations language. It does not include ANY of the gratuitous anti-UNRWA language found in other anti-UNRWA bills that have been introduced, nor does it include language that, as a matter of law, would connect UNRWA to Hamas or terrorism. The absence of such language is a big deal.

(b) Some funding to UNRWA maybe still possible (?): The ban on funding for UNRWA applies to funding in any “division of this Act, funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or other Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, including provisions of Acts providing supplemental appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs” until March 2025. So basically no funds from this bill, or funds in the pipeline from past SFOPS bills, or funds from any SFOPS supplemental, may be used for UNRWA. Which is a pretty broad ban. But if an Administration really wanted to fund UNRWA anyway, based on this bill text, I’m pretty sure it could still do so (without violating this ban) via emergency or supplemental funding to (for example) the Department of Defense…

(c) Not automatically part of future  SFOPS: The UNRWA funding ban was included as its own title, as opposed to as part of SFOPS. This is important because once anti-Palestinian language is incorporated into SFOPS, there is no precedent for it ever being removed (as in, it becomes part of the base bill and no member of Congress ever wants to spend the political capital to challenge it). Since this UNRWA ban is a separate title, it will not automatically become part of next year’s SFOPS.

(d) If there’s a 2025 Continuing Resolution, the Ban on UNRWA Aid won’t apply (after March 2025): If after the end of the 2024 Fiscal Year Congress adopts a Continuing Resolution (something that in an election year is entirely possible), the UNRWA ban will no longer apply. This is because CRs provide budget authority to, in effect, extend current appropriations laws.  Since the UNRWA funding ban is its own title III, and not part of a specific appropriations law, it would not be part of a CR.

 

 

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. UNRWA
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 3/21/24: Rania Batrice & Ryan Grim on the Urgency & Need for Independent Journalism

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

FY24 Appropriations

(2ND FY24 OMNIBUS, INCL SFOPS) HR XXXX: On 3/21/24, House and Senate appropriators released the 2nd omnibus appropriations package, comprising all FY23 appropriations bills that has not been previously passed (and thereby keeping the government open). This package is expected to pass both the House and Senate on 3/22/24 [NOTE: the Round-Up is being published at 8:45 ET on 3/22/24, before any action on the bill in Congress; see next week’s Round-Up for coverage of how the rest of the day goes…] This omnibus includes the FY23 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill (bill summary, explanatory statement) and the Defense appropriations bill (bill summary, explanatory statement), both of which include signficant Middle East-related provisions and funding. Stay tuned for a full analysis of all Middle East provisions in the bill in next week’s Round-Up, but for now some top-line take-aways:

• With respect to Israel, it is business-as-usual with respect to massive, totally unconditional military aid to Israel. The Defense portion of the bill (in Sec. 8072) provides $500 million for “Israeli Cooperative Programs,” of which $80 million is for Iron Dome; $167 million is for the “Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) program”, and $253 million is for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier systems.  And the SFOPS portion of the bill (in Sec. 7041d) provides – consistent with the current US-Israel MOU – $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel, of which Israel has the authority to spend $725.3 million in Israel (as opposed to in the US, where FMF must normally be spent).
• With respect to the Palestinians, it is also business-as-usual, which means the continuation and EXPANSION of anti-Palestinian provisions. Indeed, the SFOPS portion of the bill not only leaves in place the layers and layers of conditions, restrictions, limitations, certifications, vetting, and oversight from past SFOPs law (see: Sec. 7013, Sec. 7037, Sec. 7039, Sec. 7040, and Sec. 7041k), it adds NEW ONES specifically related to Gaza (see: Sec. 7073). Notably, there is no funding hard earmarked for the Palestinians in the bill. However — and this is truly hilarious — page 25 of the explanatory statement accompanying the bill includes a table laying out how appropriators intend for the administration to spend ESF in the Middle East. That table notes  that the bill includes $175 million “subject to section 7041 (k)(1).” This is, in fact, a soft earmark of funding for the West Bank and Gaza, written to apparently avoid using the words “West Bank” and “Gaza” (7041(k)(1) refers to a required report from the Secretary of State to Congress before spending ESF for the West Bank and Gaza). This is NOT normal in appropriations tables; indeed, it alllllmost seems like the drafters of the explanatory statement were hoping that nobody would notice this earmark.  Bottom line: the bill includes tons of anti-Palestinian language (per usual, plus more) and also includes a very small amount of funding for Palestinians — who in Gaza have for nearly 6 months have been subjected to live-streamed genocide (carried out with US-supplied weapons) and are literally starving to death as a result of deliberate Israeli policies of imposing famine on them, and who in the West Bank are facing economic collapse due to Israeli policies post-Oct 11, while in parallel Israel expands settlements, seizes more land, and allows settlers to terrorize and ethnically cleanse Palestinian communities. Coupled with the bill’s defunding of UNRWA, (discussed below) it is hard to see this small amount of aid for Palestinians as anything more than performative and cosmetic, a token wrapped in an overarching message that states clearly: “We do not care about Palestinians lives and Palestinian rights.”
• With respect to UNRWA, the bill includes, as a freestanding section of the bill (Title III – not part of SFOPS), “Funding Limitation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.” This title bars any funding from this bill (any part of the bill) or from past SFOPS appropriations legislation, for UNRWA, until March 25, 2025. See Section 3, below for discussion of this section.

Other Middle East funding (in Sec 7041) includes:

• EGYPT: not less than $1.425 billion, of which not less than $125 million is Economic Support Funds (ESF), of which $90 million is earmarked by Congress for specific purposes, and not less than $1.3 billion is FMF, subject to a certification regarding the US-Egypt and Egypt-Israel relationships, and subject to a withholding of $320 million if the Secretary of State fails to certify that Egypt is meeting a lengthy set of conditions, but also giving the Secretary the authority to waive that certification.
• IRAN: unspecified amounts funding are made available for programs “to support the United States policy to prevent Iran from achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon” and “to support an expeditious response to any violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions or to efforts that advance Iran’s nuclear program” and “to support the implementation and enforcement of sanctions against Iran for support of nuclear weapons development, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile and  weapons proliferation” and “for democracy programs in support of the aspirations of the Iranian people.” The section also bars any funding to “implement an agreement with the Government of Iran relating to the nuclear program of Iran, or a renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action adopted on October 18, 2015, in contravention of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015.”
• IRAQ: the bill states that funds may be made available for a range of objectives in Iraq, including assistance for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and for Anbar province.
• JORDAN: The bill provides not less than $1.65 billion for Jordan, of which not less than $845.1 million “shall be made available for budget support for the Government of Jordan” and not less than $425 million is for FMF.
• LEBANON: The bill provides unspecified amounts of funding for Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), subject to a certification that they are not controlled by an FTO and subject to a long list of requirements on how the funds cannot be spent, certifications, etc. Also allows for ESF to Lebanon.
• MOROCCO: Provides that funding may be made available to Morocco.
• SAUDI ARABIA: Bars IMET to KSA, bars Ex-Im bank nuclear-related funding to KSA unless the KSA govt meets a set of conditions
• SYRIA: The bill allows for non-lethal military assistance for Syria, subject to lots of limitations, special oversight, etc.
• TUNISIA: The bill provide unspecific amounts of funding “for assistance for Tunisia for programs to support democratic governance and civil society, protect due process of law, and maintain regional stability and security“

Also see: Congress to cut security grant funding, ban UNRWA funds and add Palestinian aid restrictions (Jewish Insider)

Israel/US

• (CLOSE LEAHY LAW LOOPHOLES) S. 4044 [bill text]: Introduced 3/21/24 by Van Hollen (D-MD), “A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the consideration of the human rights records of recipients of support of special operations to combat terrorism, and for other purposes” aka, the “Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. NOTE: the press release announcing this bill says it was introduced by Van Hollen and Jacobs (D-CA), but as of early morning on 3/22/24 the only other cosponsors is Durbin (D-IL). The press release notes: “The Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act would close these loopholes in the Leahy Law so that the United States does not provide funding or support to recipients that have committed human rights violations.”
• (SUPPORTING ISRAEL DURING GAZA WAR VIA US-ISRAEL FTA) H. Res. 1092 [resolution text] : Introduced 3/19/24 by Hern (R-OK) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors, “Recognizing the importance of the economic relationship between the United States and Israel and affirming that trade facilitated by the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement is a tool to support the economy of Israel during the conflict with Hamas.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Ways and Means. Also see: Hern and Schneider lead bipartisan resolution in support of US free trade with Israel. NOTE: A Senate version of this resolution, S. Res. 445, was passed 12/6/23.

Targeting Academia

• (DEFENDING CAMPUS FREE SPEECH AS PRETEXT FOR ATTACKING DEI & “WOKE” FACULTY) HR 7683 (text):: Introduced 3/15/24 by Williams (R-NY) and Foxx (R-NC) and having 8 cosponsors (all Republicans), the “Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act.” Amended by and reported out of the Committee on Education and the Workforce 3/21/24 by a vote of 24 – 14. Also see: press release – Rep. Williams and Chairwoman Foxx Introduce Bill to Protect Free Speech at Colleges and Universities. Williams and Foxx thoughtfully include a Fact Sheet explaining the bill, which talks about the “hostile takeover of postsecondary education by political activists, woke faculty, and partisan administrators has established a dangerous trend that threatens students’ constitutionally guaranteed rights and the ability of campuses to maintain a civil educational environment free of political bias and agendas” and asserts that “The forced commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is exploding.” So why is this in the Round-Up? Because: As the Round-Up has been covering in detail, Foxx and the Education and the Workforce Committee have in recent months been carrying out an energetic campaign targeting various universities for alleged antisemitism, connected to campus free speech and protest related to Palestine rights and the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. That campaign is clearly designed to promote the agenda embodied in HR 7693, but because they have made that campaign ostensibly about (supposed) antisemitism, many Democrats in Congress have eagerly joined the cause.
• (TARGETING ACADEMIA FOR PRO-PALESTINE STUDENTS/PROTEST) HR 7735 [bill text]: Introduced 3/20/24 by Manning (D-NC) and Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), “To require institutions of higher education participating in Federal student aid programs to share information about title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including a link to the webpage of the Office for Civil Rights where an individual can submit a complaint regarding discrimination in violation of such title, and for other purposes,” aka the “Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024.“. Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. NOTE: this is the House companion to S. 3580, introduced 1/11/23 by Cassidy (R-LA) and Fetterman (D-PA). Also see: press release – Manning, Chavez-DeRemer Introduce Bipartisan Protecting Students on Campus Act; Lawmakers introduce House companion to Cassidy-Fetterman campus antisemitism bill (Jewish Insider); Bipartisan bill introduced to make reporting campus antisemitism, and discrimination easier (Jerusalem Post);

• (HONORING PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN CHILD MURDERED IN ANTI-PALESTINIAN HATE CRIME) H. Con. Res. 99/S. Res. 589: Introduced 3/15/24 in the House by Ramirez (D-IL) and having 15 Democratic cosponsors, and introduced 3/14/24 in the Senate by Durbin (D-IL) and 9 cosponsors (8 Democrats and 1 Independents), “Honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian-Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see press release: Reps Ramirez, Underwood, Jacobs, Watson Coleman and 12 Additional Cosponsors reintroduce Bicameral Resolution Honoring Wadee Alfayoumi with Senators Durbin, Duckworth

• ***UPDATE*** — (TARGETING SOUTH AFRICA) HR 7256: Introduced 2/6/24 by James (R-MI) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To require a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This is legislation to require a review of US-South Africa relations due in large part to South Africa’s support of an ICJ investigation into Israel’s war on Gaza [reminder:  John James Introduces U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act [“I am proud to lead the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act in the House with my Democrat colleague Jared Moskowitz. South Africa has been building ties to countries and actors that undermine America’s national security and threaten our way of life through its military and political cooperation with China and Russia and its support of U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hamas. Under this current administration, America has been put last, leaving our allies and partners beholden to dictators and despots in Beijing and Moscow for critical needs like energy. To ensure America’s energy security and national security, we must examine our alliances and disentangle from those who remain willing to work with our adversaries.”]. On 3/21/24 the House Foreign Affairs Committee marked up HR 7256 and reported it out of committee (clearing the way for it to be brought to the floor for a vote, if leadership wants to). Also see: House Foreign Affairs Committee approves bill seeking review of U.S.-South Africa relationship [“The legislation is a response to the African nation’s growing relationships with Iran, Russia, China and Iran and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice”] (Jewish Insider 3/22/24)
• (IRANIAN REFUGEES IN ALBANIA) S. Res. 599: Introduced 3/20/24 by Tillis (R-NC) and 7 cosponsors, “A resolution protecting the Iranian political refugees, including female former political prisoners, in Ashraf-3 in Albania.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
• (NO TO ARMS SALES TO BAHRAIN) S. J. Res. 66: Introduced 3/21/24 by Paul (R-KY) and Wyden (D-OR), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Bahrain of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

 

2. Letters

• 3/21/24: Reps. Moskowitz and Wilson Call for Iranian Leaders to be Barred from United Nations Meetings in the U.S. [letter text]. Also see: Bipartisan group of lawmakers calls on administration to block Iranian leaders from U.N. meetings in U.S. (Jewish Insider 3/22/24) [in effect demanding that the Biden Administration violate U.S. obligations under the UN headquarters agreement]
• 3/21/24: Chairman Smith: Universities Enjoying Generous Tax-Exempt Status Must Detail Actions Taken to Protect Jewish Students and Provide Information on Foreign Sourced Funding [text not released]
• 3/20/24: Senator Carper Leads Colleagues in Urging the Biden Administration to Establish a Framework for U.S. Recognition of a Nonmilitarized Palestinian State [letter text] – also see: Senate Democrats Urge ‘Bold’ US Push On Palestinian State (Barron’s 3/20/24)
• 3/19/24: Casey Urges President Biden to Do More to Address Famine in Gaza [letter text]
• 3/19/24: UC Berkeley Next in @EdWorkforceCmte’s Antisemitism Probe [letter text]. Also see – Congress Opens Anti-Semitism Investigation into UC Berkeley (Free Beacon 3/19/24)
• 3/14/24: Merkley, Huffman, Colleagues Urge EXIM BANK to Not Fund Expansion of Oil and Gas Drilling in Bahrain [letter text]

 

3. UNRWA

As noted in Section 1 (above), the FY2023 omnibus bill includes a special title devoted to UNRWA (Title III). That title reads:

TITLE III—FUNDING LIMITATION FOR UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

SEC. 301. FUNDING LIMITATION.

Notwithstanding any other provision of any other division of this Act, funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or other Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, including provisions of Acts providing supplemental appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, may not be used for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, notwithstanding any other provision of law—

(1) for any amounts provided in prior fiscal years or in fiscal year 2024; or
(2) for amounts provided in fiscal year 2025, until March 25, 2025.

Some observations about the UNRWA funding ban

(1) Palestinians are facing FAMINE in Gaza, and UNRWA remains the ONLY organization with the capacity to manage/distribute aid effectively. For Congress to continue the cut-off of aid to UNRWA at this time (and for the next year), even as most other countries have re-started UNRWA funding, is a moral obscenity and will directly contribute to killing innocent people. Or as journalist Prem Thakker posted on X: “–0.04% of UNRWA staff accused of being involved in 10/7 attack –US stops funding. News reports reveal countries followed without seeing any evidence –Israel accused of torturing UNRWA staff to coerce false confessions of being involved in 10/7 –EU Chief: no evidence …And still“

(2) The language Congress has landed on in this bill is a “punt.” As in, apparently there was insufficient support/political will in Congress (and the Administration) either to re-start funding to UNRWA or to ban funding for UNRWA permanently (despite vocal views from members on both sides of that argument). So the issue has been punted to next year, after the 2024 elections — with the “compromise” being that Republicans succeeded in extending their authority with respect to UNRWA funding into 2025 (i.e., when they may not any longer control the House) and Democrats succeeded in preventing a permanent UNRWA funding ban being added to SFOPS (suggesting they are trying to save UNRWA).

(3) The impact of this “compromise” will, without question, be THE DEATHS OF MORE INNOCENT PALESTINIANS IN GAZA (and will serve the longtime Israeli goal of once-and-for-all eradicating UNRWA as an organization supporting Palestine refugees) In this context it is somewhat disconnected from reality to talk about “silver linings.” That said, a few things are worth noting:

(a) No demonizing/delegitimizing of UNRWA: Title III is bare-bones appropriations language. It does not include ANY of the gratuitous anti-UNRWA language found in other anti-UNRWA bills that have been introduced, nor does it include language that, as a matter of law, would connect UNRWA to Hamas or terrorism. The absence of such language is a big deal.

(b) Some funding to UNRWA maybe still possible (?): The ban on funding for UNRWA applies to funding in any “division of this Act, funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or other Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs, including provisions of Acts providing supplemental appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs” until March 2025. So basically no funds from this bill, or funds in the pipeline from past SFOPS bills, or funds from any SFOPS supplemental, may be used for UNRWA. Which is a pretty broad ban. But if an Administration really wanted to fund UNRWA anyway, based on this bill text, I’m pretty sure it could still do so (without violating this ban) via emergency or supplemental funding to (for example) the Department of Defense…

(c) Not automatically part of future  SFOPS: The UNRWA funding ban was included as its own title, as opposed to as part of SFOPS. This is important because once anti-Palestinian language is incorporated into SFOPS, there is no precedent for it ever being removed (as in, it becomes part of the base bill and no member of Congress ever wants to spend the political capital to challenge it). Since this UNRWA ban is a separate title, it will not automatically become part of next year’s SFOPS.

(d) If there’s a 2025 Continuing Resolution, the Ban on UNRWA Aid won’t apply (after March 2025): If after the end of the 2024 Fiscal Year Congress adopts a Continuing Resolution (something that in an election year is entirely possible), the UNRWA ban will no longer apply. This is because CRs provide budget authority to, in effect, extend current appropriations laws.  Since the UNRWA funding ban is its own title III, and not part of a specific appropriations law, it would not be part of a CR.

Media & Members on the Record

• The Hill 3/21/24: Progressives slam restrictions on UNRWA funding: ‘Unconscionable’
• Van Hollen (D-MD) X-thread 3/21/24: “The Netanyahu govt’s claim that UNRWA is a “front” for Hamas is simply false. The inconvenient truth is that, prior to horrific Oct 7 attack on Israel, it was Netanyahu who enabled Hamas in Gaza—all b/c he wanted to block a 2-state solution. It is well documented—take a listen [includes link to his statement on UNRWA last month in the SFRC] As I’ve repeatedly said: anyone involved in the 10/7 attacks must be held accountable. That’s why an independent investigation is looking into such allegations against ~14 of UNRWA’s 13K workers. But we shouldn’t punish 2M innocent hungry people for the actions of those ~14.“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) press release 3/21/24: “UNRWA is the primary means of distributing desperately-needed assistance in Gaza – so denying funding for UNRWA is tantamount to denying food to starving people and restricting medical supplies to injured civilians. It also means cutting support for services – including schooling and health care – for over a million Palestinians in the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. I am deeply frustrated and disappointed by this ban on funding UNRWA at a time when the humanitarian support it provides is so desperately needed. As I have repeatedly stated, the serious allegations that up to 14 employees were involved in the October 7^th terrorist attack against Israel must be investigated and those responsible must be held fully accountable. UNRWA was right to immediately terminate those employees and refer the matter for investigation by the UN’s highest investigative body. But to punish over 2 million innocent people in Gaza and UNRWA beneficiaries throughout the region for these actions is not just misguided – it’s unconscionable. I call on the Administration to immediately release current funding to UNRWA – as the EU, Canada, and others have done – in order to help prevent the famine that now sits at Gaza’s doorstep.”
• Coons (D-DE) 3/21/24: “…I am particularly concerned about the yearlong prohibition on funding for UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, everywhere it operates. I remain deeply concerned about the plight of innocent civilians in Gaza and will continue working with the Biden administration to encourage additional steps to be taken to alleviate their suffering.“
• Sanders (I-VT) floor statement 3/20/24: “…attacking UNRWA seems to be a primary concern of the Israeli Government. Tens of thousands of people are starving. UNRWA is trying to feed them, and the Israeli Government and its allies, like AIPAC, spend much of their time lobbying to defund UNRWA, the major organization which is feeding starving people. Sadly, tragically, many Members of Congress seem to be happy to be part of this starvation caucus, happy to cut funding for UNRWA and make it harder to get aid to Palestinians in the midst this crisis. Mr. President, as you know, the Senate passed a supplemental bill prohibiting funding to UNRWA against my vote, and it seems likely that the House will soon pass an appropriations bill containing additional provisions to defund this agency. Israel has said that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 attack. These are serious charges, and they are being investigated in a serious way. UNRWA immediately fired the accused employees, and the U.N. launched an investigation, as it should. I should note, by the way, that Israel has refused to cooperate with the U.N. investigation.  UNRWA plays a critical role in getting desperately needed humanitarian aid to millions of Gazans, and it is essential to regional stability, not only in Gaza but in Jordan and in neighboring countries. Whatever the outcome of this investigation, you do not starve millions of people and hundreds of thousands of children because of the alleged actions of 12 UNRWA employees out of a workforce of 30,000. We should remember, by the way, that the Israeli military has killed 171 U.N. staff since this war began. But somehow my colleagues here in Congress–or many of them–seem not to pay much attention to that.“
• Common Dreams 3/21/24: ‘Starvation Caucus’: US Lawmakers Push Spending Bill That Bars Funding for UNRWA
• Free Beacon 3/21/24: Congress Unveils Ban on Funding for UNRWA After Allegations of Role in Terrorism
• Haaretz 3/21/24: U.S. Set to Bar UNRWA Funding Through March 2025 – a Potential Critical Blow for the UN Agency [“Spending bills due to pass Friday include a year-long ban on U.S. UNRWA funding, as the threat of famine in Gaza looms closer. The U.S. provides most of the agency’s funds, and officials believe UNRWA only has enough to operate for the next two months“]
• CBS News 3/20/24: Government funding deal includes ban on U.S. aid to UNRWA, a key relief agency in Gaza, until 2025, sources say
• New York Times 3/20/24: Congress Seeks to Bar Funding for U.N. Agency for Palestinians
• Haaretz 3/19/24: Israeli Influence Operation Targets U.S. Lawmakers on Hamas-UNRWA
• Reuters 3/19/24: US Congress deal bars US funds to UNRWA until March 2025, sources say
• Jewish Insider 3/19/24: LaLota discusses a moderate path forward on Israel, Ukraine aid

 

4. Hearings & Markups

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. AIPAC Congressional Summit 2024
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 3/13/24: What Comes After the Destruction of Gaza? ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with writer Ahmed Moor.

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDEMNING SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, INCLUDING ISRAELI & PALESTINIAN WOMEN) H. Res. 1068: Introduced 3/8/24 by Dingell (D-MI) and 21 cosponsors, “Condemning rape and sexual violence against women.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary. Also see press release: Dingell, Tokuda, Salinas Introduce Resolution Condemning Sexual Violence

(MORE US $$ FOR MIDEAST COUNTRIES — BUT ONLY THOSE THAT NORMALIZE WITH ISRAEL) HR 7633 (text): Introduced 3/12/24 by James (R-MI) and McCaul (R-TX), “To provide authority to enhance security assistance with countries that are engaged in regional security cooperation efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, and for other purposes,” aka, “The Enhance Cooperation Against Terrorism Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see press release: John James Introduces Bill to Enhance Security Cooperation with Israel and the Middle East [Jones – “The Enhance Cooperation Against Terrorism Act creates an incentive to enhance security in the Middle East against threats from Iran, while also furthering cooperation with Israel. This legislation also serves communities like Michigan’s 10 Congressional District by helping expedite the work to improve and modernize our foreign military sales, in turn strengthening our defense industrial base.” and McCaul – “From Yemen to Ukraine, Iran is wreaking havoc around the globe. We must do all we can to ensure our partners and allies are working together – with the U.S. and each other – to address these shared threats. This bill will create a pathway for Middle Eastern countries to receive special consideration for arms sales if they are taking steps to normalize relations with Israel and engage in efforts to counter the threat posed by Iran and its proxies.”

(WE STILL *HEART* THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION) H. Res. 1074: Introduced 3/12/24 by Escobar (D-TX) and 95 cosponsors, “Reaffirming the House of Representatives support of a two-state solution.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The resolution reads: “Whereas Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety and security and to enjoy freedom, dignity, and prosperity; and Whereas the House of Representatives is committed to ensuring the enduring peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— (1) reaffirms the State of Israel’s right to exist, as a Jewish, democratic state; (2) recognizes Palestinians’ right to sovereignty and self-determination through a Palestinian state; (3) supports a two-state solution as the best path to achieve lasting peace; and (4) condemns all calls and actions that reject and undermine a two-state solution.” Also see: Video of Escobar press conference announcing the resolution.

(TARGETING TIKTOK) HR 7521: Introduced 3/5/24 by Gallagher (R-WI and having 51 bipartisan cosponsrs, the, “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.” This legislation would compel TikTok’s Chinese owners to either sell their ownership stake in TikTok or face the app being barred from sale to in app stores (in effect, banning the TikTok in the US – a move that would be INCREDIBLY unpopular among a large portion of the US electorate, especially younger generations). Also see: floor consideration. On 3/13/24, the House voted to suspend the rules and pass HR 7521 by a vote of 352-65, with 1 voting present. The fate of the bill in the Senate is, as yet, unclear.

• Israel angle? While the clear motivation behind this bill is anti-China sentiment, an additional source of support for the bill has come from elements in the pro-Israel Jewish American community. Most notably, on 3/6/24 the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee in advance of its markup of the bill last week, urging the Committee to approve HR 7521, arguing that “Our community understands that social media is a major driver of the rise in antisemitism [defined to include and even center criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights], and that TikTok is the worst offender by far…” The letter closes: “There is no one answer to the rise in antisemitism, but Congress must act when it can – and HR 7521 is a very important step that Congress can take today. A vote for HR 7521 is a vote against antisemitism.” JFNA also has a live action alert (dated 3/13/24), “Time’s Up for TikTok, Take Action,” which notes: “The Jewish Federations of North America are supporting the full passage this bill to help address the proliferation of blatantly antisemitic content on social media, specifically on TikTok.” Also see: Major US Jewish group backs bipartisan bill that could see TikTok banned (Times of Israel 3/13/24); Jewish groups laud House for passing TikTok bill (Jewish News Syndicate 3/13/24); The TikTok Ban Is an Act of Elite Desperation – TikTok isn’t some revolutionary force—and NatSec hatred for it is long simmering—but the nonstop images of dead Palestinians is absolutely what sealed its fate. (The Column 3/14/24); Gottheimer press release – Gottheimer-led Bipartisan Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes House to Protect Americans from TikTok [excerpt – “...The CCP has made it abundantly clear that it is willing to leverage technology to spew disinformation, undermine democracy and elections, and promote antisemitic propaganda….”].
• HOW DARE ANYONE SUGGEST THERE IS AN ISRAEL ANGLE?? See: The Great Jewish TikTok Conspiracy (Commentary 3/14/24); ‘This Is AIPAC at Work’: Landmark TikTok Vote in U.S. House Provokes Conspiracy Theory (Haaretz 3/14/24)
• Um, maybe an additional Israel angle? In recent days news emerged that in the event that the Chinese owners of TikTok are forced to sell, the key beneficiary will be Republican billionaire Jeffrey Yass – who among other things has drawn attention for his funding of the Kohelet Forum [also see: How GOP Megadonor Jeffrey Yass Can Clean Up on TikTok’s Forced Sale (The Nation 3/15/24)].  As a reminder, the Kohelet Forum is the far right-wing Israeli NGO that was behind Israel’s controversial nation-state law (among other things) and that is the key force behind the ongoing efforts to “reform” Israel’s judiciary – efforts that prior to 10/7/23 were so controversial inside Israel that they catalyzed a mass protest movement that saw Israelis protesting in the streets for months. And in another wrinkle, on 3/14/24 Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, a stalwart advocate for and who has deep ties with the Israel government and business sector (see here, here, here, here), announced that he is putting together a group of investors to buy TikTok.
• Members on the Record: Lots of members (House and Senate) issued statements on the bill – check online and see for yourself.
• Other Media: TikTok’s biggest threat just passed the House – The measure earned wide bipartisan support, with backing from House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (Politico 3/13/24); How a possible TikTok ban could play out in Congress [“While it appears poised to pass in the House, it’s less certain in the Senate”]. (ABC News 3/13/24); MTG and AOC, united? Inside the House’s highly unusual TikTok vote (Politico 3/13/24); TikTok legislation faces hurdles for passage in the Senate (Jewish Insider 3/13/24)

(PRESERVING FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION IN THE RED SEA/GULF OF ADEN) H. Con. Res. 98: Introduced 3/13/24 by Gonzales (R-TX) and 9 cosponsors (including 1 Democrat), “Affirming the vital importance to the United States and its allies and partners of actions necessary to preserve peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary.

(FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS) HR 7612: Introduced 3/11/24 by Houchin (R-IN) and 2 cosponsors (both Republicans), “To affirm and protect the First Amendment rights of students and student organizations at public institutions of higher education,” aka, the “Students Bill of Rights Act of 2024.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Also see: press release – Congresswoman Houchin Introduces the “Students Bill of Rights Act of 2024” to Safeguard Free Speech on College Campuses.  NOTE: As of this writing text of HR 7612 is not available. Given the sponsor/cosponsors of this bill, it is clear that its focus is alleged (by the political right-wing) violations of the free speech rights of conservative/right-wing students – not the actual ongoing/expanding violations of the free speech rights of students with respect to issues like Israel/Palestine (a trend that Congress is not only unconcerned about, but is actively driving). It will be interesting to see how this bill handles this challenge (as in, how it defends students’ free speech while maintaining a free speech exception for criticism of Israel/support for Palestinian rights).

(TARGETING HATE CRIMES) HR XXX (bill text): On 3/15/24, Reps. Beyer (D-VA) and Bacon (R-NE) announced ) the introduction of the “Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act.” Per their press release, this “bipartisan legislation that would strengthen credible and accurate reporting of bias-driven incidents to better respond to the national rise in antisemitic incidents and other hate crimes.”

2. Letters

[SUPPORTING ISRAEL’S WAR ON GAZA] 3/13/24: Gottheimer, Kean Lead Bipartisan Letter Thanking Germany for Supporting Israel’s right to Self-Defense [letter text]

[NO IRAN SANCTIONS WAIVER] 3/13/24: Huizenga, Mast, Luetkemeyer, & Wilson Question Biden Administration on Iran Sanctions Waiver [letter text, dated 3/11/24]. Also see: Biden Admin Poised To Grant Iran Billions in Sanctions Relief, Lawmakers Warn (Free Beacon 3/12/4)

[TARGETING BIDEN OFFICIAL FOR IRAN CONTACTS] 3/13/24: Waltz Requests John Kerry Correspondence with Iranian Official, Cites Likely Logan Act Violation [letter text in press release]

[EITHER BIBI ALLOWS AID OR CUT OFF US $$] 3/12/24: Sanders, Van Hollen, Merkley, and Five Colleagues Urge President Biden to Enforce U.S. Law with Netanyahu [letter text, dated 3/11/24] Also see – Senators Urge Biden to Stop Arming Israel, Citing Violation of U.S. Aid Law (New York Times 3/12/24)

[ELON MUSK/X PLATFORMING FTOs] 3/11/24: Ranking Member Raskin and Rep. Goldman Press Comer for Hearing on Alarming Reports that X Is Selling Premium Services to Terrorist Groups and Sanctioned Entities [letter text]

[NO US $$ FOR GAZA PORT] 3/8/24: Waltz Presses President Biden on Temporary Gaza Port Proposal [letter text] – excerpt from press release: “In his letter, Waltz questions President Biden on how his administration can distribute aid to the civilian population despite officials confirming that much of the aid could be stolen and resold. Additionally, Waltz presses Biden on how the U.S. can maintain security over the port and how this operation seems to be a mis-prioritization of resources.”

[CONCERNS ABOUT ISRAEL’S WAR ON GAZA] 3/11/24: Van Hollen Leads a Dozen Colleagues in Request for Briefing on Implementation of National Security Memorandum 20 [letter text]

[HOUSE EDUCATION & WORKFORCE COMMITTEE TARGET MIT] 3/8/24: @EdWorkforceCmte Continues Antisemitism Investigation with Letter to MIT [letter text]. Also see: House Presses MIT To Provide Records on Its Response to Campus Anti-Semitism (Free Beacon 3/8/24)

 

3. AIPAC Congressional Summit 2024

This week AIPAC held its “Congressional Summit” in DC. A version of their agenda for their lobby meetings, as shared with Hill staff, is here, comprising 3 asks:

(a) Stand with Israel — “We will urge your boss to stand with Israel as it works to defend its people from Hamas and Iran’s other terror proxies. We will urge the representative to continue demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages held in Gaza.”

(b) Support Security Assistance to Israel — “We will discuss with the representative the urgency of passing the $14.3 billion emergency assistance package for Israel and the annual $3.8 billion for security assistance and missile defense cooperation. We will urge the representative to express to their leadership the urgency of passing an emergency aid bill that can reach the president’s desk and be signed into law.“

(c) Support Increased Enforcement of Iran Sanctions — “We will discuss with the representative Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program and urge them to cosponsor the Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 6201). Authored by Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), the bill provides vital new tools to the administration to seize Iranian assets — including Iranian oil shipments exported in violation of U.S. law.“

The message to Hill staff included links to 3 AIPAC documents:

• Factsheet — The October 7th Attack: This document includes FAQs explaining that (a) Hamas is responsible for every civilian casualty in Gaza; Israel does not target civilians; Israel seeks to minimize Palestinian casualties; nobody should trust Palestinian casualty figures; calls for ceasefire are wrong, there as a ceasefire in place on October 6 which Hamas broke, and a “premature” ceasefire would serve Hamas. The document includes 3 asks: (1) Support the emergency security assistance package for Israel; (2) Continue to publicly stand with Israel against Hamas; and (3) Oppose calls for a ceasefire until Israel has achieved its objectives.
• A document entitled, Israel’s Multi-Front War: This document focuses on the region as a whole (and which focused on alleged Iranian funding across the region, including in the West Bank and Gaza Strip). The document includes the following asks: (1) Stand With Our Ally [“Ensure Israel has the time, resources and diplomatic support needed to defeat Hamas and free the hostages. The president’s emergency security package and annual security assistance to Israel, without added conditions, help ensure our ally’s security.”];  (2) Enforce Sanctions [“Fully enforce sanctions on Tehran and its terror proxies, including by cracking down on Iran’s illicit oil exports, to limit the resources available to the regime.“]; (3) Deter With A Credible Military Threat [“Create effective deterrence through the credible threat of military force against Iran and by taking military action when necessary to protect American interests and allies.”]; (4) Isolate Iran Diplomatically [“Increase the diplomatic pressure on Iran to persuade the regime to end its regional aggression, its quest for nuclear weapons, and its systemic human rights abuses against the Iranian people.“]; and (5) Expand Regional Alliances [“Work with Israel and our other regional partners to build upon the Abraham Accords and expand the circle of peace in the Middle East.“]
• A memo on The Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 6201 and S. 319).

In addition, recently produced/disseminated AIPAC talking points/fact sheets – which based on press reports are clearly part of the attendee lobbying package, include:

• A memo dated 3/5/24 entitled, UNRWA: An Obstacle to Peace that Must Be Replaced [“The Way Forward — While UNRWA provides important humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians — especially during the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza — it is a morally bankrupt and corrupt organization. All efforts over several decades to reform UNRWA have failed. The United States must institute a plan that ends American funding for UNRWA and urges our allies to do the same. Humanitarian aid to the Palestinians must be delivered through an alternative mechanism that promotes peaceful coexistence with Israel and is not indifferent to terror.”]
• A memo dated 3/5/24 entitled, Israel Facilitates Humanitarian Aid to Gaza as Hamas Continues to Attack [“Israel is facilitating massive amounts of humanitarian assistance to Gaza — including food, water, medicine, fuel, and shelter supplies — despite Hamas continuing indiscriminate rocket fire on Israeli civilians while holding over 130 Israelis hostage. Substantial amounts of this aid are not reaching Gazan civilians in a timely manner due to the ineffectiveness of the U.N. and humanitarian organizations at processing and distributing the aid. Hamas contributes to the problem by regularly stealing and diverting aid intended for civilians. The U.S. and international community must pressure Hamas to surrender and release all the remaining hostages. Only with the defeat of Hamas can life in Gaza significantly improve.“]
• A memo dated 2/2/24 entitled, American Recognition of Palestinian Statehood Today Would Reward Terror and Undermine Peace [“The Way Forward —The path to Israeli-Palestinian peace must start with removing Hamas from power and the emergence of a reformed and revamped Palestinian Authority committed to peace. Once these objectives are achieved, a true path to peace between Israel and the Palestinians becomes possible. Circumventing reform and direct negotiations — either through a unilateral American recognition of a Palestinian state or failure to veto a recognition resolution at the U.N. Security Council — would ultimately undermine genuine peace and harm both Palestinians and Israelis.“]
• A memo dated 2/2/24 entitled, Anti-Israel Action at the U.N. Since October 7 [“The Way Forward: The U.S. must continue to fight anti-Israel bias at the United Nations. America must institute a plan that ends American funding for UNRWA and urge our allies to do the same. Humanitarian aid to the Palestinians must be delivered through an alternative mechanism that promotes peaceful coexistence with Israel, rather than terrorism. The U.S. must continue to support Israel at the U.N. Security Council, veto one-sided resolutions targeting Israel, and seek to remove antisemitic and anti-Israel U.N. officials. The U.S. must also continue to defend Israel at the International Court of Justice and reject South Africa’s baseless and slanderous claims against Israel.”]
• A memo dated 3/4/24 entitled, Hamas is Choosing Violence Over Peace Ahead of Ramadan [“The Way Forward – To help promote peace and stability, America must continue to publicly condemn Hamas for continuing to reject the agreement on the table, press Palestinian leaders to end their deadly policies, and help ensure Israel has the resources and support needed to defend its citizens from this growing terrorist threat. The United States must also applaud Israeli efforts to protect the freedom of worship for people of all faiths. The international community should press Palestinian leaders to end their dangerous incitement, which threatens all worshipers and undermines American efforts to ultimately bring an end to the fighting.”]
• A undated memo related to AIPAC’s PAC (“The United Democracy Project”) entitled, BEING PRO-ISRAEL IS GOOD POLICY AND GOOD POLITICS [“The AIPAC PAC was founded in December 2021 to support pro-Israel candidates and members of Congress, and in just one year we delivered more money directly to candidates than any other PAC in America. We endorsed 365 candidates over the course of the election cycle, and 98% of AIPAC PAC-endorsed candidates won their general election races…”]

For additional insights into AIPAC’s lobbying agenda, including as relates to its spending in the 2024 election cycle, see this 3/14/24 excellent article in the American Prospect, AIPAC Talking Points Revealed – Documents show that the powerful lobby is spreading its influence on Capitol Hill by calling for unconditional military aid to Israel and hyping up threats from Iran. Also see: Israel Lobby Pushes Lie That People Are Not Starving in Gaza: Report (Rolling Stone 3/14/24)

 

4. Hearings & Markups

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 3/6/24: Media Bias in Reporting on Sexual Assault on October 7th – Breaking Down the Damage, ft. FMEP fellow Rania Batrice in conversation with journalist Krystal Ball
• 3/1/24: Introducing Nour Joudah, 2024 FMEP non-resident Palestinian Fellow, new FMEP fellow Nour Joudah in conversation with FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

• S. 3874: Introduced 3/5/24 by Rubio (R-FL and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations in Gaza and the West Bank, and for other purposes,” aka the “Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act.” NOTE: this bill was introduced in 2021 as the “the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act” – S. 1904/HR 261(attracting 24 and 57 cosponsors, respectively, and going nowhere); and in its current form in 2023 as S. 1647/HR 340 (the Senate version attracting 11 cosponsors and going nowhere; the House version passing 11/1/23). Referred (for the 3rd time) to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see — Rubio press release 3/5/24; also see prior Rubio press releases – 2023, 2021. Also see: Rubio, Rosen push House-passed Hamas sanctions bill in the Senate (Jewish Insider 3/5/24)

Targeting Saudi Arabia

• HR 7564: Introduced by Gaetz (R-FL) 3/6/24, “To amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act with respect to certain victims.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see Gaetz press release – Congressman Gaetz Introduces Legislation to Provide Missed Compensation to Survivors of 1996 Khobar Tower Attack

2. Letters

Concern for Palestinians in Gaza/Ceasefire/Etc.

• 3/6/24: Reps. Castro, Raskin, and Schakowsky Lead 30+ House Democrats in Urgent Appeal to Prevent Israeli Ground Invasion of Rafah [letter text]. Also see: Progressive Democrats embrace calls to cut off aid to Israel (Jewish Insider 3/6/24)

• 3/5/24: Congresswoman Dean, Congressman Keating Lead Letter Urging President Biden to Advocate for a Stop to the Fighting and a Two-State Solution in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict [letter]

Support for Israel’s War on Gaza

• 3/5/24: Chairman McCaul Calls upon Biden Administration to Intervene in South Africa’s Meritless Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ [letter text]

Targeting UNRWA/Intl Orgs

• 3/4/24:  Risch Leads Colleagues in Letter Requesting Reconsideration of Disgraced Former UNRWA Head to Lead the International Committee of the Red Cross [letter text]. Also see: Senate Republicans urge Red Cross not to hire ex-UNRWA head as director (Jewish Insider 3/5/24)

Targeting Iran

• 3/1/24: Senator Scott Leads Call for Censure of Iran for Nuclear Buildup [letter text]. Also see: Senate Republicans push for Iran censure at IAEA (Jewish Insider 3/4/24)
• 3/1/24: Chairman McCaul Urges Serious Action on Tehran’s Ongoing Nuclear Violations at the IAEA [letter text]

 

3. Hearings & Markups

March 7, 2024: The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing entitled, “Legislation to Protect American Data and National Security from Foreign Adversaries” (video). Chair Rodgers (R-WA)’s opening statement is here. The focus of the hearing was approving two pieces of legislation targeting Chinese control over popular apps like TikTok — HR 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act and HR 7520, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. Notably, on 3/6/24 the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee (h/t to Jewish Insider for flagging) urging the Committee to approve HR 7521, arguing that “Our community understands that social media is a major driver of the rise in antisemitism, and that TikTok is the worst offender by far…” The letter closes: “There is no one answer to the rise in antisemitism, but Congress must act when it can – and HR 7521 is a very important step that Congress can take today. A vote for HR 7521 is a vote against antisemitism.” The committee approved HR 7521 unanimously.

March 7, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing entitled, “The Agents of Antisemitism in Latin America” (video).  The sole witness was State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt (statement).

March 3, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s held a hearing to consider 5 Biden Administration nominations, including the nomination of Erik John Woodhouse to be Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination. Check out the hearing (video) for members’ questions to Woodhouse regarding sanctions on Iran and others. Also note that in his opening statement, SFRC Chair Cardin (D-MD) stated: “Senator Risch and I are working on an agenda for a business meeting that we hope we will be able to notice very shortly. We’re working with several bipartisan bills that have been suggested by members of the Senate, including Senator Rubio and Hassan’s bipartisan bill – the SHIP Act, which follows up on the hearing we had in regards to Iran, and enforcing the sanctions against Iran through secondary sanctions. We hope that we’ll be able to bring that bill before our committee.”

March 6, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing entitled, Global Food Security. Witnesses were USAID Assistant to the Administrator for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security Dina Esposito (testimony) and Department of State Special Envoy for Global Food Security Cary Fowler (testimony). Also see: hearing video. Notably, this hearing about “food security” for the most part totally ignored the MAN-MADE FAMINE in the Gaza Strip, imposed by Israel and supported/enabled by the U.S., that is literally killing people today and if not urgently stopped will lead to mass deaths. The exceptions: Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD), who raised concerns about the situation in the Gaza Strip starting at 59:28 in the hearing (see his exchange with the witnesses, below) and Kaine (D-VA), who asked about air drops at 1:12:17, in an exchange that highlighted the degree to which this is an extreme option of last resort.

Excerpt:

Van Hollen: “I do want to focus on the situation in Gaza because according to all reports four out of five of the hungriest people in the world today live in Gaza, and this is clearly a man-made crisis. There was no real food insecurity in Gaza until the last four months. We also have recently passed the grim threshold where people are not just on the verge of starvation but over 15 kids have now died of starvation in Gaza. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator put out an update on February 21st of this year finding that decline in the population’s nutrition status is…happening at a globally unprecedented rate and that children in Gaza are being starved at the fastest rate that the world has ever seen, according to the humanitarian coordinator. I am very pleased to see both the president the vice president and the USAID administrator more recently make a forceful comments about the need for the Netanyahu government to allow more aid into Gaza. Twenty-five senators wrote to the president in early February laying out five specific specific steps that could be taken to do that — none of those steps have been implemented as of now. So Miss Esposito, if you could just make one thing really clear: the issue is not the lack of the US or the World Food Program making food available to go into Gaza – is that right? It’s not a question of not enough being made available that’s ready to go in, it’s a question of it getting in and getting to people in need. 

Esposito: “Thank you Senator. I want to start by saying upfront that my remit is on the development side and all of the programs we had in Gaza have been suspended of course because of the conflict. But I do know that we do have great concern about the imminence of a famine and that our team is really work working on getting um more food in, especially for women and children and that there is opportunity and available food to move in…

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Politics/SOTU

• Gottheimer 3/8/24: RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts American Hostage Families for State of the Union Address
• The Grio 3/7/24: Congress calls on Pres. Biden to address the housing crisis, Israel-Hamas conflict and reproductive rights during State of the Union address – Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., told theGrio that the rest of the world is looking at the U.S.’ response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and “they’re looking to see leadership…and a call for a ceasefire.
• King (I-ME) 3/7/24: press release – Reed, King Support White House Decision to Build Temporary Port in Gaza to Aid Civilians
• Durbin (D-IL) 3/7/24: Durbin Meets with His State of the Union Guest, MedGlobal President and Illinoisan, Dr. Zaher Sahloul
• Jewish Insider 3/7/24: Hostage families urge lawmakers to honor captives at State of the Union — Families said they’d distributed yellow ribbon pins and dog tags to every member of Congress, calling on the lawmakers to wear them to Thursday’s speech
• Scott (R-FL) 3/6/24: Sen. Rick Scott Invites South Florida Mom Advocating for Israeli Hostages to State of the Union
• Rubio (R-FL) 3/6/24: Rubio Announces SOTU Guest: Aunt of American-Israeli Hostage in Gaza
• Ernst (R-IA) 3/6/24: Ernst Announces State of the Union Guest – “Ahead of the State of the Union, Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced that she will be hosting Hagit Chen, the mother of 19-year-old Itay Chen, whose son has been held hostage by Iran-backed Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel.“
• The Forward 3/6/24: Parents of American-Israeli hostage hope attending Biden’s State of the Union is one step closer to bringing their son home — Yael and Adi Alexander last spoke to their son, Edan, a lone soldier in the IDF, on the morning of Oct. 7. ‘I just want to hug Edan,’ Yael said.
• Bush (D-MO) 3/6/24: Congresswoman Cori Bush Announces State of the Union Guest [“I am humbled and honored to invite Dr. Intimaa Salama, a Palestinian dentist and graduate student from St. Louis University, as my guest for this year’s State of the Union address. The ongoing violence in Gaza is an international crisis and it directly impacts people from St. Louis to the Middle East, and everywhere in between. Thirty-five of Dr. Salama’s family members have been killed in the last over 150 days. This is an incalculable loss, one that she is not shouldering alone. In St. Louis and around the country, there are thousands of families who have lost their loved ones in the atrocities against Palestinian and Israeli civilians...”]
• The Forward 3/5/24: 17 relatives of Americans taken hostage by Hamas will attend Biden’s State of the Union address – A bipartisan slate of Congress members will host the families
• Press release 3/5/24: Budd, Tillis to Host NC Hostage’s Family at State of the Union
• The Forward 3/5/24: Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem invited to attend Biden’s State of the Union — ‘We must continue to fight to get them home,’ said House Speaker Mike Johnson, who invited Schem and the parents of 22-year-old hostage Omar Neutra

Politics/elex

• LA Times 3/6/24: Protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza abruptly ended Adam Schiff’s victory party
• Mondoweiss 3/7/24: The Shift: Summer Lee’s primary
• Haaretz 3/6/24: AIPAC’s Super PAC Set to Lose First Race of 2024 Despite Record Spending, but Reveals a Major Win — The Super PAC spent $4.6 million in attack ads against the congressional candidate Dave Min, a Democrat from California, who is poised to win the seat. They later revealed that they also gave $5 million to the Super PAC of Senate candidate Adam Schiff, who claimed victory
• Jerusalem Post/JTA 3/7/24: Adam Schiff, advances to Senate runoff in California to replace Dianne Feinstein — The representative, Adam Schiff, a Jewish Democrat with AIPAC backing, wins elections and advances to the runoff for the US Senate.
• Sherman (D-CA) 3/7/24: Sherman Joins Relatives of American-Israeli hostages on Capitol Hill, Call for Their Safe Return
• Jewish Insider 3/7/24: Eugene Vindman offers tough love to Israel as he pursues congressional campaign  — Vindman, who with his twin brother became famous during Trump’s first impeachment trial, talks to JI about his views on the Middle East
• Politico 3/6/24: Dave Min will be Democrat battling to hold Katie Porter’s seat
• Associated Press 3/5/24: Biden’s closest allies [including in Congress] are stepping up pressure on White House to do more to ease suffering in Gaza
• Al Jazeera 3/5/24: How Gaza ceasefire became a focal point in Barbara Lee’s US Senate campaign
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 3/6/24: Adam Schiff, Jewish impeachment star with AIPAC backing, advances to Senate runoff in California to replace Dianne Feinstein
• Jewish Insider 3/5/24:  Pittsburgh-area rabbis sign open letter denouncing Rep. Summer Lee over anti-Israel rhetoric Jewish Insider
• Jewish Insider 3/5/24: Freed Hamas hostage to attend State of the Union as guest of House Speaker Johnson
• Jewish Insider 3/5/24: How ‘Dear White Staffers’ turned into an anti-Israel, antisemitic account – Jewish Insider has linked the popular ‘Dear White Staffers’ account to a staffer for hard-left Rep. Summer Lee
• Times of Israel 3/5/24:  Far-left activists accost AOC, demanding she call Israel’s war on Hamas ‘genocide’
• Politico 3/5/24: Senate candidate shifts on cease-fire
• Jewish Insider 3/4/24: In Silicon Valley House race, leading Democratic candidates reflect party’s fault lines on Israel-Hamas war
• Haaretz 3/4/24: Super Tuesday: Five Key Races With a Jewish or Israeli Angle to Watch Out For –Will a protest vote against President Joe Biden’s backing of Israel materialize in Colorado? Will Steve Garvey hit a home run in California? Will AIPAC’s huge ad spend win the day in Orange County? The answers will be revealed on Tuesday
• Politico 3/3/24: AIPAC uncorks $100 million war chest to sink progressive candidates — Building on a successful playbook from 2022, AIPAC and other aligned groups are picking their targets — many more of them this time.
• Rolling Stone 3/3/24: AIPAC Targets Progressives With $100 Million in Its Coffers – Members of The Squad and other progressives running in Democratic primaries are targets of the pro-Israel group largely funded by Republicans and Trump donors
• Slate 3/1/24: What’s Happening to EMILY’s List? — This election cycle, the group has waded into races in ways that threaten to help Republicans—and hurt Democrats. [“So it makes sense, too, that super PACs that are being funded by overwhelmingly Republican donors would be attracted to the race. The most prominent is called United Democracy Project PAC; it is one of the PACs affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. So far, the group has been funded overwhelmingly by billionaires and multimillionaires who are prominent backers of Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and Nikki Haley, and it has only spent in Democratic primaries to weaken Democrats or move the Democratic Party to the right. UDP has now spent $4.5 million in the race attacking Min, the presumptive Democratic favorite, and boosting Joanna Weiss, his Democratic challenger. It’s the only race where UDP has spent substantially so far this cycle. The AIPAC-allied super PAC Democratic Majority for Israel is also spending in the race. (Though Min has not called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, he has pushed for more accountability from Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.) Here’s where it gets weird, though. Women Vote PAC, EMILY’s List’s super PAC, has also spent substantially in the race and is also boosting Weiss, to the disadvantage of Min. Weiss is a weaker candidate than Min, to put it charitably. She has never held elected office. She doesn’t live in the district. Her financial disclosures show basically zero income over the past handful of years. Weiss is pro-choice, which is good, but, again, having never held elected office, she has a much shorter track record on pro-choice issues than Min, who sports a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood and who co-authored the state’s constitutional amendment that codified abortion and contraception access in 2022. It is the only race Women Vote PAC has spent in so far this year, to the tune of $813,000. EMILY’s List announced it would spent at least $1 million on the race. But it might be more than mere coincidence that EMILY’s List favors the candidate supported by Republican billionaires. According to FEC filings, in the latter half of 2023, Women Vote PAC accepted a $200,000 donation from UDP at the same time that UDP was raising millions of dollars from Bernie Marcus, Paul Singer, Bob Kraft, Jan Koum, and other Republican fundraisers, all of whom have donated extensively to extreme, anti-choice Republican politicians. That $200,000 donation made UDP one of the five largest individual donors to Women Vote PAC in all of 2023. Meanwhile, the PAC is using the EMILY’s List logo and slogan on the mailers it has sent out attacking Min. (Min got a DUI last year, which constitutes the bulk of the attack ads.)…Meanwhile, Women Vote PAC is sitting out the California Senate race, where two Democratic, pro-choice women, Porter and Barbara Lee, both look likely to get locked out of a top-two finish. Why isn’t EMILY’s List putting any money into their efforts?”]

Biden Admin Israel/Gaza Policies

• Vox 3/8/24: Are Biden and the Democrats finally turning on Israel? Biden’s new plan to build a pier on the Gaza coast seems to say yes. The continued military aid to Israel says otherwise.
• The Independent 3/7/24: Democrat warns US is violating aid conditions law by sending money to Israel – Former senator Patrick Leahy says ‘the number of civilians who are being injured or killed by US paid armaments’ means the nation is in violation of the foreign aid laws named after him
• Vermont Public 3/7/24: Vermont’s U.S. Congress members criticize Israeli leadership over lack of aid in Gaza
• New Yorker 3/7/24: Why America Isn’t Using Its Leverage with Israel — Senator Chris Van Hollen on the catastrophe in Gaza, and his differences with the Biden Administration.
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/6/24: Congress fights back against Biden’s anti-Israel policies
• Reuters 3/6/24: US Democrats question arms to Israel over Gaza concerns
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) 3/5/24 – https://twitter.com/chrisvanhollen/status/1765033805436391797
• Jewish Insider 3/4/24: Top Democrat on House Appropriations says U.S. needs to look at ‘guardrails’ on aid to Israel – Rep. Rosa DeLauro said restrictions should be considered ‘in the same way that I think about guardrails around any funding that goes to UNRWA’
• Bloomberg 3/3/24: Democrats Step Up Calls to Biden to Rein In Israel-Hamas War
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/1/24: Senate Republicans, House Dems send contrasting messages to Biden on ‘settler violence’

Israel’s War on Gaza

• The Hill 3/6/24: Democratic lawmakers wear blue in show of solidarity with Israeli hostages
• Jewish Insider 3/6/24: Jewish lawmakers criticize U.N. for slow pace of Hamas sexual violence report; also see: press release 3/6/24: Wasserman Schultz, Manning Lead Congress Members in Condemning Hamas Gender-Based Violence After Long-Overdue UN Report Finds ‘Clear and Convincing’ Evidence It Took Place
• press release 3/6/24: Booker, Bennet Return from Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank
• Politico 3/5/24: Schumer meets with senior Israeli official Gantz as US seeks path forward in Middle East conflict
• DeLauro (D-CT) press release 2/29/24: Congressional Delegation Statement on Trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories [includes: “We are deeply worried that Prime Minister Netanyahu is moving toward the total destruction of Gaza and has demonstrated an utter disregard for Palestinian lives. Nearly 30,000 Palestinians have been killed – with almost 70,000 more injured and thousands missing. He has shamefully been unwilling to allow humanitarian services in at the scale needed. The Prime Minister’s plan for Gaza foresees Israel with a permanent occupation of Gaza and rejects any role for the Palestinian Authority. It makes it impossible for moderate Arab states to play a future role.”]

Israel Aid

• Notus 3/7/24: Why a Fight Over Process Could Derail Ukraine Aid [“Most members say they want to do
• something that would get aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as quickly as possible. But they might get in their own way, as three separate proposals are currently being floated in the House, and lawmakers are jockeying over the best path forward.“]

Targeting Academia

• Stanford Daily 3/7/24: Ph.D. student testifies before Congress on antisemitism at Stanford
• The Intercept 3/6/24: Trouble at Teaneck High — Rep. Josh Gottheimer Goes to War Against High Schoolers Protesting for Gaza
• CNN 3/5/24: Facing unprecedented subpoena, Harvard submits more documents to Congress in antisemitism probe
• Jewish News Syndicate/Jonathan Tobin 3/1/24: Can American colleges be rescued from woke antisemitism? [“…If those schools can’t rid themselves of their illiberal and antisemitic wokeness—and there’s no reason to think they can—then some other way must be found to force them to change. The only possibility is for Washington, which plays such a key role in enabling and spreading the problem through funding policies, to change. Instead of backing up DEI mandates, it needs to overturn and ban them, withholding federal funding from those academic institutions that resist.“]

Other

• Green (D-TX) 3/7/24 press release: Congressman Al Green Addresses Concerns of Reps. Manning and Raskin Regarding Cosponsorship of the Original Resolution Affirming the State of Palestine’s Right to Exist
• CNN 3/5/24: Sen. Bob Menendez hit with new conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges
• Free Beacon 3/1/24: Businessman Accused of Bribing Bob Menendez Flips on Senator in Plea Deal