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

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 3/1/24: How the War in Gaza is Transforming Democratic Politics, ft. FMEP Fellows Rania Batrice & Peter Beinart talking about Arab American politics and why the Biden administration is out of step with Democratic Voters. They look at the political organizing around the Michigan primary this week, the Arab American political awakening, and discuss whether there is anything President Biden can do to win back progressive voters.
• 2/29/24: How Mainstream Media Collaborates with Israel’s War on Gaza, ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaking with Dr. Assal Rad, a scholar of Middle East history working on research and writing related to U.S. foreign policy issues, the Middle East, and contemporary Iran.
• 2/28/24: Introducing Rania Batrice, 2024 FMEP Palestinian non-resident Fellow, new FMEP fellow Rania Batrice in conversation with FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

Support for ever-greater Palestinian suffering by barring all US aid

• S. 3814 (text): Introduced 2/27/24 by Cruz (R-TX) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit actions that would authorize conduct of official United States Government business in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank,” aka the “Terminating Unlawful Negligence and Nullifying Exemptions and Licenses to Sanctions Act of 2024,’’ aka, the ‘‘TUNNELS Act of 2024’’. Also see: Cruz press release – Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation Prohibiting Biden Administration from Waiving Anti-Terrorism Sanctions; Biden Admin Exempted Itself From Anti-Terrorism Laws To Send Aid to Gaza. Senate Republicans Want To Strip That Authority. (Free Beacon 2/27/24) NOTE: The bill would in effect bar the Executive from using exceptions and waivers PUT INTO LAW BY CONGRESS as part of various US sanctions. As a reminder, these exceptions and waivers were included by Congress to ensure that said sanctions regimes (ostensibly intended to defend/promote US policies and interests) are not so rigid/black-and-white as to force the Executive to undertake policies that directly undermine US policies and interests).

Attacking ICJ for daring to criticize Israel

• H. Res. 1041: Introduced 2/29/24 by Jackson (R-TX) and 19 cosponsors (all Republicans), “Condemning the order issued by the International Court of Justice on January 26, 2024, imposing provisional measures against Israel. ” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Using claims of antisemitism (via IHRA definition) to destroy free speech & academia

• HR 7478: Introduced 2/29/24 by Yakym (R-IN) and no cosponsors, “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education, as a condition of participation in programs under title IV of such Act, to include a prohibition of antisemitic conduct in all documents relating to student or employee conduct,” aka, the “Promote Restoring Order To End Campus Targeting of Jewish Students and Faculty Act,” or “the PROTECT Jewish Students and Faculty Act”.   Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Also see: Yakym Introduces Bill Requiring Colleges to Adopt Definition of Antisemitism to Receive Federal Funds (Townhall 2/29/24) – excerpt: “Under the bill, the Higher Education Act of 1965 would be amended so that U.S. colleges and universities would be required to adopt the official working definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as a condition of receiving Title IV federal funds for financial aid…Yakym told Townhall in a statement. ‘If these institutes of higher education want to continue receiving federal funds, they need to have clearly defined ways to root out antisemitism when it occurs. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to help ensure that Jewish students and faculty are safe on campus and that our colleges and universities are fighting – not fueling – antisemitism.'”
  

We really really want to give billions of military aid & equipment to Israel to use against Palestinians in Gaza!

• HR 7493: Introduced 2/29/24 by Gottheimer (D-NJ) and 3 cosponsors (all Democrats, “Making emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Appropriations and on the Budget. NOTE: like the many other emergency supplemental appropriations bills introduced in recent months, this bill includes BILLIONS in aid for Israel. The Round-Up will run down details of this bill only if at some point this bill looks remotely viable (which is highly unlikely).
  

The Bible Says ALL the land belongs to Israel – so the US should too!

• HR XXXX (text): On 2/29/24 Tenney (R-NY) issued a press release announcing she had introduced the “RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act,” cosponsored by Randy Weber (R-TX) and D’Esposito (R-NY). NOTE: As of 3/1/24, this bill does not show up in the Congressional Record. Per the press release, Tenney stated: “The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria, and at this critical moment in history, the United States must reaffirm this…The misguided decision by the Biden administration to revoke the Pompeo Doctrine undermines our greatest ally in the Middle East. The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act requires all U.S. legal documents to use the rightful term ‘Judea and Samaria’ to refer to this territory instead of the ‘West Bank.’ This bill reaffirms Israel’s rightful claim to its territory. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.” [Stay tuned for legislation requiring the US documents to refer to other areas of the Middle East by their biblical names…]

 

2. Letters

UNRWA

• 2/29/24: McCaul, HFAC Members Call for UNRWA Chief to Publicly Testify Following Disturbing Allegations Linked to Hamas [letter text] [“…we request that you appear voluntarily before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to testify at a public hearing. While you initially indicated this was untenable, we will note that you appeared before the European Parliament on September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, for an Exchange of Views in the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET). If you are willing to appear before the AFET, you surely can and would be willing to appear before the House Foreign Affairs Committee especially given the United States’ long term and considerable financial support to UNRWA.”Please indicate your willingness and availability to appear voluntarily for a public hearing by no later than March 14, 2024.“]
• 2/28/24: Jayapal, Carson, Raskin Call for Full UNRWA Funding [letter text]. Also see: Progressives push to preserve aid for UNRWA in 2024 government funding bill (Jewish Insider 2/29/24)

Dear Biden: Do NOT Hold Israel or Israeli Settlers Accountable!!!!

• 2/29/24: Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton & Colleagues to Biden: Rescind Directives Intended to Undermine Israelis [letter text]. Excerpt: “We write regarding your February 1, 2024 Executive Order 14115 and February 8, 2024 National Security Memorandum 20 undermining Israeli operations against Hamas in Gaza. Both documents undercut our most valuable alliance in the Middle East. We call on you to rescind both documents and to sanction terrorists and their supporters instead of their victims. Your February 1 EO grants the State Department broad authority to arbitrarily punish Israelis in Judea and Samaria, with no defined standards for determining when sanctions are warranted. Under the guise of “peace, security, or stability of the West Bank,” it appears the State Department can punish arbitrarily any Israeli it wants. Yet, the State Department hasn’t acted against the Palestinian Authority, which makes ‘pay to slay’ payments to terrorists for murdering innocent Israeli families. Nor has the State Department taken significant action to counter the surge in Palestinian terrorism in the West Bank, which increased by 350 percent in 2023, including 300 shooting attacks. Your February 8 memorandum similarly—and falsely—implies that Israel is committing mass war crimes in its campaign against Hamas and threatens to cut off aid unless Israel meets arbitrary deadlines for providing “assurances” regarding international humanitarian law. Yet, we already have rules requiring aid recipients to comply with applicable law and in line with American interests. Moreover, Israel has provided ample evidence of the steps it takes to avoid civilian casualties, which Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, John Kirby, acknowledged publicly. ” Also see: press release – Cotton, Colleagues to Biden: Rescind Directives Punishing, Undermining Israelis

Concerns for Palestinians Lives

• CIRCULATING AS OF 2/29/24: Letter to Biden Administration Regarding Reportedly Imminent Invasion of Rafah [Dear Colleague; Letter text], originated by Castro (D-TX), Raskin (D-MD), and Schakowsky (D-IL), and endorsed by Americans for Peace Now, J Street, Foreign Policy 4 America, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). This letter is set to close for signatures on March 4, 2024.

• 2/29/24: Congresswomen Bush, Tlaib Urge President Biden to Prevent Rafah Invasion, Facilitate Lasting Ceasefire [letter text]

• 2/29/24: King Urges White House to Send a Hospital Ship to Treat Gaza Civilians — Senator, Armed Services Committee Chair seek medical care for Palestinians [letter text]

• 2/28/24: Connolly, Schakowsky Lead Letter to Blinken on Press Freedom and Protection of Journalists in Gaza [letter text]

• 2/28/24: Welch and Colleagues Call on Israeli Ambassador Herzog to Accelerate Aid Delivery and Ensure Safety for Aid Workers [letter text]

• 2/23/24: Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press Administration on Concerns with New Arms Sales to Netanyahu Government, Request Assurances Prior to Proceeding [letter text]. Also see: Senate progressives excoriate Netanyahu, express concerns about weapons transfers (Jewish Insider 2/25/27)

Supporting “temporary” ceasefire

• 3/1/24: Reps. Schneider and Panetta Lead 27 Members in Letter to Biden in Support of Negotiations to Free Hostages and Pause Fighting in Gaza [letter text]

Targeting Palestinians & Anyone Associated with Them (including a dead US serviceman)

• 2/28/24: Cotton to Austin: Why Was Airman Who Self-Immolated Allowed to Serve? [letter text] [“Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, asking him to provide information of the active-duty U.S. airman who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. on February 25. Senator Cotton asked Secretary Austin to respond to the “serious questions” by March 7 as to why the airman was allowed to serve when he obviously harbored extreme, anti-American views.“]

• 2/23/24: Ogles (R-TN) letter #1 (with 4 GOP cosigners) to House Appropriations Committee leaders – Deport Palestinians Now!  [letter text].  Ogles: “The administration’s efforts to allow an untold number of Palestinians to stay in this country, when they would otherwise be inadmissible or deportable, is just the latest in Joe Biden’s treasonous efforts to expand the illegal invasion crisis. The vast majority of Palestinians support Hamas’ atrocities committed on October 7; the presence of Hamas sympathizers poses a significant threat to our national security, and it’s past time to send them back.”

• 2/23/24: Ogles (R-TN) letter #2 (with 4 GOP cosigners) to House Appropriations Committee leaders – Kill the Office of Palestinian Affairs at the US Embassy Now! [letter text]. Ogles: “Allowing an Office of Palestinian Affairs to exist, particularly in light of October 7, signals to Palestinian terrorist groups that the Biden administration has zero intention to punish them for their genocidal behavior. Palestinian terrorism has destroyed the prospect of a two-state solution, and the Palestinian people have only to thank Hamas for that.”

• 2/23/24: Ogles (R-TN letter #4 (with 1 GOP cosigner) to House Appropriations Committee leaders – End Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status Now! [letter text]. Ogles:  “Qatar does not put its money where its mouth is. Despite cozying up to the Biden administration and housing the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, it actively funds terror operations across the globe. Calling them an ally is preposterous. Jesus said, ‘where your treasure is, your heart will be there also.’ Qatar’s treasure is stored in Hamas’s coffers. It’s time to wake up and stop this swindle of America.” 

Other stuff

• 2/27/24: Rubio Pushes Foreign Allies to Continue Israel Support — “A Dutch appeals court has issued a decision that threatens to stop the supply of American-made F-35 jet parts to Israel. The court’s ruling, in favor of anti-Israel foreign activists, demonstrates how such groups threaten the ability of the United States, and other countries, to provide needed military assistance. As a result, this decision could prevent Israel, one of the United States’ closest allies, from defending itself against terrorist groups. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with regard to the military supply chain problems this court decision has revealed that could prevent America from defending itself and its allies.” [letter text]. Also see: Rubio: ‘Unsettling’ that foreign courts can block US arms shipment to allies amid war (Jewish News Syndicate 2/28/24)

• 2/26/24: Sens. Rick Scott & Jim Risch Lead Colleagues in Expressing Concern Over Biden Admin Sanctions in Latin America [letter text].  Excerpt: “During President Giammattei’s tenure, Guatemala was a strong U.S. security partner committed to the extradition of several human smugglers and the destruction of illicit synthetic opioids. Guatemala strengthened relations with Taiwan, rejected ties with Beijing, designated Hezbollah a foreign terrorist organization, and supported Israel’s right of self-defense against the horrific attacks by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists in October.” Also see: Republican senators cite Latin American support of Israel, slamming White House sanctions (Jewish News Syndicate 2/26/24)

 

3. Hearings & Markups

March 7, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere will hold a hearing entitled, “The Agents of Antisemitism in Latin America.”  The sole scheduled witness is State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt.

February 29, 2024: The House Armed Services held a hearing entitled, “A Review of Defense Secretary Austin’s Unannounced Absence.” The sole witness was Secretary of Defense Austin (statement). Also see: hearing video. This hearing included a significant discussion of the Biden Administration’s policy regarding Israel’s war on Gaza. Austin’s exchange with Khanna (D-CA), which included Austin talking about how many Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, was quickly transformed into a media/hasbara controversy, with predictable, well-rehearsed accusations that Austin was citing “Hamas” numbers. As a reminder, the numbers of dead provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health have proven in previous wars to be accurate (and, indeed, are relied on and cited by Israeli officials). Moreover, the current numbers being cited by that Ministry are widely understood as highly conservative, as they do not count the thousands of Palestinians whose bodies remain buried under rubble or whose deaths were not reported to the ministry and whose bodies were simply buried by survivors. But hey, why should facts get in the way of a super fun opportunity for defenders of Israel to yet again delegitimize/attack Palestinians even as they are being killed en masses? And the fact that Austin’s comment also provided a super fun opportunity for Israel and Republicans to suggest that the Biden Administration – which for 5 months has done everything possible to defend and support Israel’s genocide in Gaza – is pro-Hamas just makes this irresistible, amirite? See: Democrat grills Austin on lack of consequences for Israel over Gaza death toll (The Hill); Pentagon head says over 25,000 women, kids killed in Gaza, inflating Hamas claim (Times of Israel); Pentagon ‘clarifies’ Austin cited Hamas statistics in testimony to Congress (Israel Hayom); Pentagon walks back Austin’s Gaza casualty figures (Reuters)

February 29, 2024: The House Committee on Education & the Workforce held a “Bipartisan Member Roundtable” entitled, “Antisemitism at Postsecondary Institutions.” Participants were all students: Shabbos Kestenbaum, Harvard University (statement – this student is part of a lawsuit against Harvard that uses the IHRA definition as its hook); Noah Rubin, University of Pennsylvania (statement); Talia Khan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (statement); Eden Yadegar, Columbia University (statement); Hannah Beth Schlacter, University of California, Berkeley (statement); Joe J. Gindi, Rutgers University (statement); Kevin Feigelis, Stanford University (statement); Yasmeen Ohebsion, Tulane University (statement); and Jacob Khalili, Cooper Union (statement). Also see:

• video of the roundtable (note the applause from the room after some student statements).
• Highlights of the Q&A include: Rep. Manning (D-NC) comparing the current moment to 1932 Germany all over again, and pogroms in 1903 Russia; Rep. Owens (R-UT) comparing Jewish students today to Black students during the civil rights era (in effect casting Palestine rights protesters state/police-backed white supremacists and racists); Rep. Torres (D-NY) quoting MLK  — “History will record that the greatest tragedy is not the strident clamor of the bad people, but it’s the appalling silence of the good people” — during an event that is taking place while Israelis committing an actual genocide in Gaza, and on the same day that more than 100 starving Palestinians were killed trying to get food in northern Gaza – shot by Israel, run over by Israeli vehicles, or trampled in the crush of people trying to flee Israeli guns and vehicles (Israel’s actions over the past 5 months – the defense of which are central to what the students and Congress are calling antisemitism – were not mentioned a single time during this nearly 90 minute event); and Rep. Allen (R-GA) citing the Bible, Genesis 12:3 (suggesting that God will bless those who are good to the Jews and curse those who are not).
• Note that the event included multiple references to Congress holding universities accountable; promises of new legislation; and a call for an on-site 3rd party or federal monitor/watchdog on campuses to enforce Congress’s views on what is antisemitism (raised by Torres).
• Foxx (R-NC) opening statement [“…This Committee will continue to hold universities accountable. Today, we will hear from nine students about the antisemitism they and their fellow students are experiencing and how their administrations are responding…Even after December’s hearing, university leaders are still not correcting course. Let me be clear: This is not about policing speech or opinions, even if disagreeable or offensive. It is about protecting Jewish students from the harassment, threats, intimidation, and assaults plaguing their campuses—as universities are obligated to under Title VI but have repeatedly failed to do. That failure is unacceptable.”
• Notably, the through-line for the entire roundtable, including the central point in the statements of every student participant, was the conflation of Jewish identity with support for/identification with Israel (conflation that, when committed by critics of Israel, is rightly recognized as ANTISEMITIC), and by extension the conflation of criticism/activism targeting Israel, and assertions of Palestinian rights/identity/grievances/national aspiration as ipso facto antisemitism.
• Media: Jewish students recount a series of campus horror stories at congressional roundtable (Jewish Insider 3/1/24); Jewish Students Describe Facing Antisemitism on Campus to Members of Congress (New York Times 3/1/24)

February 28, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will held a hearing entitled, “Tehran’s Shadow Army: Addressing Iran’s Proxy Network in the Middle East.” Witnesses were: The Brookings Institution Vice President and Director, Foreign Policy Suzanne Maloney (statement) and Cerberus Global Investments Vice Chairman Brian Hook (statement). Also see: Risch (R-ID) opening statement; hearing video.

February 27, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled, “Yemen and Red Sea Security Issues.” Witnesses were State Department Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking (statement) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Dan Shapiro (statement). NOTE: This whole 2-hour hearing is very much worth watching in full. It includes serious questions from some members of Congress regarding the Biden Admininstration’s policy of bombing Yemen and, relatedly, its policies vis-a-vis Israel’s war on Gaza. Also see:

• hearing video;
• Dan Shapiro: Houthi attacks ‘almost entirely unrelated to Israel’ (Jewish News Syndicate 2/29/24).
• The hearing included a testy exchange between Van Hollen (D-MD) and Hagerty (R-TN) (starting at 01:25:17). Van Hollen, responding to allegations by Hagerty that humanitarian aid from the UN and others is being diverted by Hamas,  noting that David Satterfield, the US Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, has made absolutely clear that with respect to aid from UN organizations and international NGOS, he has had no reports of diversion of such aid to Hamas, including from Israelis. Hagerty responds (interrupts, with his tone dripping with contempt), that he has had “direct reports from Israelis” that this is exactly what is happening, and suggests that Satterfield hasn’t bothered talking to the Israeli national security advisor.
• It also included a notable (and somewhat surreal) exchange between Sen. Van Hollen and Ambassador Shapiro (starting around 01:25:25). Van Hollen pointed out that Houthi attacks are connected to Israel’s war on Gaza. Shapiro largely dismissed this argument, leading Van Hollen to point out that Houthi attacks on shipping “went down significantly during the period of the humanitarian pause in November.” Shapiro agreed there was a “decline” during that period (but not a “complete cessation“), noting that there have been various “spikes and valleys” in these attacks, but said he does not know to what we can attribute that. He went on to muse that drops in Houthi attacks may well be the result of U.S. airstrikes on Yemen, “while they re-load and prepare for their next strikes.” Van Hollen responded, accurately, that at the time of the November ceasefire, the US had not yet begun bombing Yemen [meaning that it is disingenuous in the extreme to suggest that a drop in Houthi attacks during that period is somehow the result of the U.S. policy of bombing Yemen]..

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Israel’s War on Gaza

• The Hill 2/29/24: Cease-fire calls in Congress grow after killings at Gaza humanitarian aid convoy
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/29/24: Congresswoman accuses Netanyahu of waging ‘war against civilians’

US politics/elex

• Washington Post 2/29/24: Justin Amash, congressman who left GOP, announces Senate run in Michigan
• Haaretz 2/29/24: AIPAC Enters Democratic Primary Wielding Unprecedented $4.5 Million Against Candidate – The pro-Israel group’s super PAC is spending millions in attack ads against Sen. Dave Min in the fight for Rep. Katie Porter’s Orange County seat as the race brings into question the group’s changing pro-Israel litmus test
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/28/24: Coalition for Jewish Values defends legislator after call to kill Hamas fighters
• Haaretz 2/28/24: AIPAC, Explained: The Inside Story of America’s Powerful and Divisive pro-Israel Lobby – The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has clashed with and cosseted, targeted and championed U.S. presidents and politicians, turning Israel into an increasingly partisan issue. Here’s what you need to know about AIPAC, the revered, feared and reviled lobbying and political fundraising group poised to play an oversize role in 2024’s elections
• Jewish Insider 2/28/24: Updated New York map ensures Latimer has fighting chance to oust Bowman
• X-exchange between Rep. Pocan (D-MI) and AIPAC 2/27/24: Pocan: “What @AIPAC wants you to think is they are like any old PAC, like nurses. @AIPAC is really about raising money from big Trump donors & spending it in Dem primaries against Dems. Disingenuous, trojan horse cash. That’s absolutely not what the nurses are. Sort of sick, right? [puking emoji]” AIPAC: “What wants you to think is he can hold pro-Israel Americans to a double standard that doesn’t apply to him. Pocan is really about cashing $100k+ in PAC checks from groups that raise from Trump donors and give to Trump supporters. Stop the hypocrisy, @MarkPocan. [puking emoji]“. Pocan: “Your lies aren’t fooling my constituents. Way smarter than a conservative front group like you. (They probably remember you endorsing over 100 people in Congress who voted against the 2020 election results. Your love of insurrectionists is very apparent.)“
• Free Beacon 2/27/24: Summer Lee Cancels CAIR Speech, Still Praises the Pro-Hamas Group
• Jewish Insider 2/27/24: Summer Lee cancels appearance at CAIR banquet featuring antisemitic speakers — her decision comes after leading Democrats in the state, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, criticized the event
• Jewish Insider 2/27/24: Shomari Figures joins pro-Israel chorus in packed Alabama Democratic primary field – ‘Israel is an ally. It always has been, and always will be. The United States has to be there for its allies, just as we expect our allies to be there for us,’ the former Department of Justice staffer said
• Jewish Insider 2/26/24: McCormick calls on Lee to resign over scheduled appearance at CAIR gala featuring antisemitic speakers – Sen. Bob Casey criticized CAIR in a statement, but declined to speak out against Lee’s appearance at the event
• New York Times 2/26/24: A Biden Ally Wades Into the Divide Over Gaza and Emerges With a Warning – After days of meetings with disaffected Democrats in Michigan, Representative Ro Khanna says President Biden cannot win the state without changes to his Middle East policy.
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/26/24: Adam Schiff: ‘Going to continue to defend Israel’s right to defend itself’ – The frontrunner in the California Senate race for Diane Feinstein’s former seat spoke with JNS exclusively days before the primary.
• Jewish Insider 2/26/24: Rep. Summer Lee headlines CAIR fundraising banquet, alongside speakers with antisemitic history
• Fox7 Austin 2/25/24: Israel-Hamas war: Congressman, speakers talk antisemitism, impact on Jewish communities
• The Intercept 2/23/24: AIPAC Ally Slams “Uncommitted” Voters Warning Biden to Change Course on Gaza – The pro-Israel group DMFI wants to undermine a Michigan protest vote against Biden’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza. [“‘I’m trying to scream from the rooftops,’ said former Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., who was previously targeted by DMFI and supports the uncommitted effort. ‘You’re not going to win unless you change course.’ In October, DMFI PAC ran ads attacking Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., for calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and voting against a congressional resolution in support of Israel that did not mention Palestinians killed. Mainstream Democrats PAC, run by billionaire Democratic donor Reid Hoffman, also considered funding primary challenges against squad members including Tlaib and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo.”]

More $$ for Israel

• Jewish Insider 3/1/24: Fitzpatrick says he’ll pursue bipartisan workaround measure for slimmed-down foreign aid bill
• Jewish Insider 3/1/24: Lawmakers from Baltics: Washington needs to ‘wake up’ and fund Ukraine, Israel’s fights
• The Hill 2/27/24: Congress needed to pass aid for Israel ‘yesterday,’ official says
• Associated Press 2/27/24: Biden will urge congressional leaders to avoid a government shutdown, send aid to Ukraine and Israel

Biden Policies

• Washington Free Beacon 2/26/24: ‘Total Betrayal’: GOP Slams Biden Admin Bid To Force Ceasefire on Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/25/24: ‘Disgrace’: US House speaker slams Biden’s policy on ‘settlements’
• Times of Israel 2/24/24: US House speaker slams Biden administration for restoring policy against Israeli settlements
• X-post by House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) 2/23/24 (re-tweeting with comment a tweet by former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, objecting to the Biden Admin rescinding the Pompeo Doctrine): “Ambassador David Friedman is absolutely correct. This is a shameful decision. The Jewish people have a historic and legal right to live in the land of Israel including in Judea and Samaria – the biblical heartland. It is an absolute disgrace the Biden administration would issue this decision, especially as Israel fights terrorists on multiple fronts that seek Israel’s destruction and as more than 130 hostages remain in Gaza.   The Biden Administration must stop undermining Israel and facilitating efforts to delegitimize Israel. It is misguided and unconscionable.“

 

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

New from FMEP:

• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 2/20/24: “Famine is a Massacre in Slow Motion:” On Mass Hunger & Israel’s Culpability in Gaza, ft. FMEP Fellow Yara Asi speaking with Alex de Waal of the World Peace Foundation and Tufts University. Reminder: de Waal authored the January 21, 2024 article in the Guardian entitled “Unless Israel changes course, it could be legally culpable for mass starvation.”
• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 2/20/24: Impacts of Israel’s War on Gaza – a Regional Tour d’Horizon, ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman speaks to Middle East policy journalist, analyst, and author Omar Rahman about the regional impacts and implications of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

none [Congress in recess]

 

2. Letters

• 2/22/24: Rep. Goldman (D-NY) X-post – “Hamas has illegally held & horribly abused over 100 hostages for 5 months. They must be released immediately & Hamas must be neutralized. Today, @RepRaskin
  and I led 13 Jewish colleagues in urging @POTUS to facilitate a temporary ceasefire so that all hostages can leave Gaza.” [letter text]. Also see: Nadler (D-NY) press release. Also see: Jewish Insider 2/23/24: Jewish House Democrats join calls for ‘mutual, temporary’ Israel-Hamas cease-fire
• 2/21/24: 17 Jewish Organizations Push for Passage of Antisemitism Awareness Act [letter text].  The 17 pro-Israel Jewish organizations write: “… are writing to reaffirm our support for the widespread adoption and endorsement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Clearly and accurately defining antisemitism is key to combating its manifestations wherever they may appear… Endorsement of an alternative definition would undo years of international cooperation and progress in identifying and combating antisemitism and would only create confusion and unequal standards… More importantly, adoption of any alternate definition of antisemitism would undermine efforts to protect Jewish communities. The IHRA definition’s clear and succinct examples include several relating to Israel, which have proven to be especially important in recent months…” NOTE: Contrary to the message of this letter, note my 1/23/24 X-thread — “The 2023 report on worldwide adoptions of IHRA definition of antisemitism is out! Notwithstanding the celebratory framing, the report underscores how non-universally-accepted this definition remains, despite massive efforts & $ promoting it. This is consistent with the 2022 report on worldwide adoptions. I broke that report down in detail in a thread last year — given the tiny change in 2023, that analysis still applies, completely, to the new report. Both reports are framed as IHRA success stories but the details tell a different story. This disconnect is key: the deceptive “everybody-else-has-adopted-IHRA-if-you-don’t-you-can-only-be-an-antisemite” narrative has long been the key argument used to pressure govt/orgs to adopt.” For views challenging the IHRA definition – from world-renowned experts on antisemitism, the Holocaust, Jewish history, free speech, etc – see my regularly-updated  public data table.
• 2/21/24: Kaine Urges Administration to Press for De-escalation and Hostage Release and Ensure Upcoming U.S. Weapons Transfers to Israel Prioritize Defensive Needs [letter] – also see: Virginia senator: Don’t send Israel weapons ‘likely to be used in offensive military action’ (Jewish News Syndicate 2/22/24)
• 2/20/24: Cotton Seeks Answers on Biden’s Sanctions of Israelis [letter]. Entire text: “Your recent executive order targets Israelis with sanctions who are “in the West Bank.” Does this phrase include Jerusalem? If so, what parts of Jerusalem? Where are the borders within Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, that you are using for purposes of implementing the executive order? Please provide your response by February 27, 2024.  Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.” Also see:  Jewish News Syndicate 2/21/24: Senator asks Biden to clarify if US sees Jerusalem as part of ‘West Bank’; Washington Free Beacon 2/22/24: Biden Admin Won’t Say if West Bank Sanctions Apply to Jews Living in Jerusalem

 

3. Hearings & Markups

February 28, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Tehran’s Shadow Army: Addressing Iran’s Proxy Network in the Middle East.” Witnesses (so far) will be: The Brookings Institution Vice President and Director, Foreign Policy Suzanne Maloney and Cerberus Global Investments Vice Chairman Brian Hook.

February 27, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism will hold a hearing entitled, “Yemen and Red Sea Security Issues.” Witnesses (so far) will be State Department Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Dan Shapiro.

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Politics/Elex

• WESA 2/23/24: The Israel-Hamas war has become a defining issue of Lee-Patel Democratic primary for Congress
• Palestine Nexus 2/23/24: How AIPAC is Making the US Congress pro-Genocide
• Common Dreams 2/22/24: Jewish-Led NYC Rally Targets AIPAC, Dem Allies Who Oppose Gaza Cease-Fire – “AIPAC uses money and racist bullying to ensure congressional complicity in the genocide of Gaza,” said Jewish Voice for Peace.
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/22/24: ‘Anti-Israel hypocrisy, hate,’ says AIPAC, after AOC calls it ‘NRA of foreign policy’
• Politico 2/22/24: Michigan may soon show just how badly Biden’s cease-fire stance is hurting him [“‘What will backfire with younger voters, with Muslim and Arab American voters and voters of color is rhetoric that engages in words, but doesn’t make fundamental changes in the direction of our foreign policy,’ said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who has regularly served as a surrogate for Biden on the campaign trail. Khanna, who has called for a permanent cease-fire, is scheduled to meet with Arab American leaders and groups in Michigan later this week…“]
• The Forward/JTA 2/22/24: Pro-Israel Rep. Ritchie Torres left the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Or did it leave him? Torres’ departure illustrates an identity crisis faced by pro-Israel Jews who identify as progressive but who now find themselves at odds with a movement they once embraced
• Chicago Sun-Times 2/21/24: In the Illinois 6th congressional district Democratic primary, the war in Gaza emerges as a focal point – Rep. Sean Casten faces political newcomer Mahnoor Ahmad and Charles Hughes, making a third try for Congress, in the Illinois March 19 Democratic primary in the 6th congressional district.
• Washington Examiner 2/21/24: AOC blasts pro-Israel group for ‘targeting’ congresswomen ‘who have survived sexual assault’
• Jewish Insider [doing its best impression of an AIPAC press release] 2/21/24: Leading Alabama Democratic candidates openly pulling for AIPAC endorsement  –The top contenders for a new, Democratic-leaning House seat are showing that it’s valuable to be seen as the pro-Israel candidate — even in a deep-blue district
• Common Dreams 2/21/24:  AOC Blasts AIPAC as ‘The NRA of Foreign Policy’ – The New York Democrat was among lawmakers and others calling out the pro-Israel lobby group as it advocated against a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
• Business Insider 2/21/24: Rep. Ritchie Torres quietly leaves Progressive Caucus amid tensions over Israel-Hamas war
• New York Sun 2/21/24: A Pro-Israel Congressman, Ritchie Torres, Parts Ways With Congressional Progressive Caucus – The latest flare-up within the caucus underscores the growing divide within the Democratic Party over the conflict in the Middle East.
• CBS News 2/21/24: Rep. Ro Khanna, a Biden ally, to meet with Arab American leaders in Michigan before state’s primary
• LA Times 2/21/24: In final primary debate, Senate candidates spar over Israel, immigration and campaign donations
• Axios 2/21/24: Progressive Caucus loses another pro-Israel member
• San Diego Jewish World 2/20/24: Schiff, Garvey Prove to Be the Pro-Israel Candidates in California’s Race for U.S. Senate
• Politico 2/20/24: Dems’ Israel divide takes toll on Progressive Caucus
• The Hill 2/20/24: New York Democrat leaves Congressional Progressive Caucus after splitting with members over Israel
• The Forward 2/20/24: Jamaal Bowman, losing favor among Israel supporters, teams up with Rashida Tlaib — Tlaib, one of Israel’s most vocal critics in Congress, has raised far more money than Bowman this year
• NPR 2/19/24: In Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s district, the Israel-Hamas war is having ripple effects
• WSJ 2/18/24: The Congressional Fight Over Aid to Ukraine and Israel  – Journal Editorial Report: Paul Gigot interviews Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska
• The Hill 2/18/24: Cori Bush faces difficult primary amid Democratic rift over Israel
• Fox News 2/17/24: Rowdy anti-Israel group gathers outside Ted Cruz’s home for early morning protest: ‘Harassing my family’ – ‘Ted Cruz, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide,’ the protesters shouted

Pro-Israel Lobbying in Congress

• Jewish Community Voice (South New Jersey) 2/21/24: Local activists travel to DC to advocate for Israel aid, security grants, and against antisemitism [“The activists who attended the Fly-In urged their members of congress and senators to advance the Antisemitism Awareness Act, pass military support for Israel, and increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Rosenthal and Waldman personally met with Congressman Tom Kean of NJ’s 7th District, Congressman Donald Norcross of NJ’s 1st District, NJ Senator Robert Menendez, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman of NJ’s 12th District, and staff from Senator Cory Booker’s office.“]

US Aid to Israel

• Daily Kos 2/21/24: Ukraine/Israel/Palestinians/Taiwan Aid – The Discharge Petition Route
• Jewish Exponent 2/21/24: What is Sen. Lindsey Graham Thinking? [“
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 2/21/24: $14b US aid package for Israel crafted with eye to ‘multi-front war,’ not just Gaza
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 2/20/24: Joe Biden is pressing Congress to send $14B to Israel. What is the emergency aid for?
• Fox News 1/19/24: Lindsey Graham, who voted against Senate foreign aid bill, ‘very optimistic’ about House proposal
• CBS News 1/18/24: Sen. Lindsey Graham “very optimistic” about House plan for border security and foreign aid

Israel War on Gaza on the Hill

• Common Dreams 2/23/24: Senate Vote to Cut UNRWA Funding Is Cruel and Unusual Punishment
• The Public’s Radio 2/22/24: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse on the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the economy and presidential politics
• Al Jazeera 2/21/24: US congressman Andy Ogles stirs outrage with Gaza comment: ‘Kill them all’ – Video of the United States representative has gone viral after he clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in Washington.
• Washington Examiner 2/21/24: Progressive Democratic Caucus sheds members over Israel war divisions
• The Tennessean 2/21/24: US Rep. Andy Ogles slammed for his ‘kill them all’ response to Palestinian activists
• San Bernardino Sun 2/21/24: ‘We will not be complicit in this’: Hill staffers challenge their bosses on Gaza
• Haaretz 2/20/24: Why Bernie Sanders, AOC Won’t Accuse Israel of Genocide in Gaza — Two of the progressive left’s most iconic torchbearers – Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – have intentionally stopped short of matching rhetoric from their colleagues and much of their base
• Reuters 2/20/24: US lawmakers hopeful of pause in Gaza war before Ramadan
• Arutz Sheva 2/19/24: Minister Gallant meets US Senators Coons and Blumenthal – Minister Gallant briefed the Senators on operational developments in the southern arena, and emphasized the consistent actions by the defense establishment since the start of the war, targeting Hamas terrorists and infrastructure.
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/18/24:  Ted Cruz: ‘Two anti-Israel protests in the same day. That’s a first!’
• The Hill 2/18/24: Senate Democrat [Bennett, D-CO] says Netanyahu ‘animated by his own domestic political interest’

Israel-Hezbollah

• Reuters 2/20/24: US senators say it is ‘urgent’ for Hezbollah-Israel war to de-escalate soon
• Al-Monitor 2/20/24: Sen. Coons to visit Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah clashes, leadership crisis – Democratic Senator Chris Coons is headed for Beirut in what some observers comment is a show of US support for Lebanon at a time of ongoing crisis.

Other stuff

• Jewish News Syndicate 2/21/24: Rubio commemorates victims of 1994 antisemitic terror attack in Argentina
• Palestine Legal 2/21/24: Anti-Palestinian Animus at Root of U.S. Anti-Terrorism Laws, New Report Reveals

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Massive Supplemental Aid for Israel Takes Center Stage
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 2/15/24: Promoting Risk & Undermining Rights: Morningstar’s Betrayal of Palestine & ESG (Part 2), ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman in conversation with international legal expert in business and human rights Tara Van Ho about the latest twist in the ongoing controversy involving the Chicago-based financial services company Morningstar Inc. and its subsidiary Sustainalytics, over how it deals with Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories.
• NIAC webinar 2/15/24, The War in Gaza and the Prospect of Regional War, ft. Lara Friedman (FMEP) Daniel Levy (US/MEP), Barbara Slavin (Stimson Center), Jim Zogby (AAI), and Jamal Abdi (NIAC)
• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 2/13/24- “Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza, Palestinian Refugees, and the Campaign Against UNRWA,” ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Chris Gunness, former Spokesman and Director of Strategic Communications at UNRWA. They discuss the enormous humanitarian crisis in Rafah and Gaza more broadly as well as the history and function of UNRWA – the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East – and the campaign against it.
• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 2/12/24 – Israel’s War on Gaza: Implications & Impacts on Saudi Policies & Politics, ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman in conversation with Saudi researcher and analyst of Saudi foreign policy Aziz Alghashian about the impact of Israel’s now more than 4-month-long war on Gaza on the political calculations and policies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

1. Bills & Resolutions

(MASSIVE EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL AID FOR ISRAEL, ETC) HR 815: On 2/13/24 the Senate passed the massive Israel (and Ukraine) emergency supplemental aid bill by a vote of 70-29. The bill was then sent to the House, where its fate (as of this writing) remains in question. See section 3, below, for full details.

(MASSIVE EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL AID FOR ISRAEL, ETC) HR 7372: Introduced 2/15/24 by Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors — Golden (D-ME), Bacon (R-NE), Case (D-HI), Lawler (R-NY) and Perez (D-WA) — the “Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act,” aka, “Making emergency supplemental appropriations to provide defense support to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend the entry of inadmissible aliens, and for other purposes.”  Also see: press release summarizing what the bill’s sponsors see as the highlights of the bill. Referred to the Committees on Appropriations and the Budget. NOTE: This bill is in effect a rejection of the Senate-passed emergency supplemental (HR 815) currently awaiting House action (or non-action). A key difference – HR 7372 re-inserts border policy language. Also, like the other versions it includes massive funding for Israel with zero conditions/restrictions/accoutability. It includes no funding that could be made available for Palestinians in Gaza (in contrast to the Senate bill, which contains not a single dollar hard earmarked for Palestinains in Gaza, but includes substantial funding that may be used for humanitarian needs, including in Gaza). Indeed, the words “Gaza” and “Palestinians” do not appear anywhere in the bill. Also see: House lawmakers to offer their own Ukraine and border bill – Several members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus argued any legislation should prioritize border security and contain offsets for foreign aid. (Politico 2/14/24); Bipartisan group of House moderates to propose slimmed down foreign aid package (Jewish Insider 2/16/24)

(THE RETURN OF THE ISRAEL ANTI-BOYCOTT ACT) HR 3016: Introduced by Lawler (R-NY) and Gottheimer (D-NJ), 4/28/23, “To amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to apply the provisions of that Act to international governmental organizations,” aka, the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Passed by the House 2/13/24 by voice vote. Key things to know about HR 3106:

• While the bill doesn’t mention Israel, HR 3016 is the latest iteration of legislation known previously as the “Israel Anti-Boycott Act”, which was promoted repeatedly in the past, in various forms, by AIPAC. For background see: S. 720/HR 1697 (2017); HR 5595 (2020), HR 6940 (2022).
• Making this crystal clear, the lead sponsor of the bill told Jewish Insider: “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan piece of legislation aimed at preventing international governmental organizations from discriminating against our allies…This has been spurred on by bad actors that have sought to embargo Israel using BDS, which is an absurd and antisemitic policy.” Also: “AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann told JI that the group supports the bill “to combat international attempts to isolate and delegitimize America’s ally, Israel.”
• HR 3016 seeks to amend/expand current US anti-boycott law. That law is based on the idea of preventing US citizens from being **compelled or coerced** into boycotting Israel as a condition for doing business abroad under the Arab League Boycott of Israel (which included coercive secondary sanctions). HR 3016, like previous versions of the IABA, seeks to extend this law to also cover US citizens who boycott Israel &/or settlements NOT because they are being compelled/coerced, but because it reflects their own values/political views, including support for intl law — with the hook being the EU’s policy urging companies to differentiate between Israel and settlements, and the UN’s database of companies working in settlements. As a reminder, the EU policy nor the UN database are entirely informational/advisory; neither one includes any enforcement or accountability mechanism of any kind.  Under HR 3016, anyone who violates or “abets” what would thus be a ban on VOLUNTARY, VALUES-BASED decisions to boycott Israel or settlements, grounded in Americans’ personal and political views &/or informed by respect for international law— could face massive CRIMINAL/CIVIL PENALTIES. What do I mean by “massive CRIMINAL/CIVIL PENALTIES”? I mean up to $1 MILLION in fines or up to 20 YEARS IN PRISON. Think I’m exaggerating? Read the legislation that it would amend.
• NOTE: On 2/12/24, the ACLU sent a letter to House members urging them to vote against HR 3016, noting, among other things, “it unconstitutionally targets political boycotts for criminal penalties. Although the ACLU does not take a position on particular boycotts of foreign countries, we stand firmly against any infringement of fundamental First Amendment rights, including the right to boycott. If the bill were to pass and take effect, we would consider challenging it in court.“
• For further background/analysis on this legislation see this collection of resources.
• Also see: US anti-boycott act raises freedom of expression concerns (The New Arab 2/15/24);

(BIDEN: IT’S TOTALLY COOL IF YOU WANT TO DECLARE WAR ON GAZA!) S. Con. Res. 28: Introduced 2/13/24 by Scott (R-SC) and Wicker (R-MS), “A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the authority of the President to use appropriate and necessary force to liberate United States citizens being held by Hamas.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Senators Scott, Wicker, Cotton: President Biden has Authority to Use Military Force to Secure Release of American Hostages in Gaza

(TARGETING UNRWA) HR 7392: Introduced 2/15/24 by Steube (R-FL) and 5 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To reprogram Federal funds appropriated for UNRWA to construct the southwest border wall and to prohibit future funding for UNRWA.“ Referred to the Committees on Appropriations and on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Rep. Steube announces legislation to stop funding UNRWA after reports on agency’s ties to Hamas

(TARGETING UNRWA) HR 7206: Introduced 2/1/24 (not previously reported in the Round-Up – yeah, sorry, I missed this one) by Ogles (R-AZ) and 2 cosponsors (both Republicans), the “UNRWA FTO Designation Act” aka “To designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.  NOTE: Under US law, Congress does not have the authority to designate FTOs.

(HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA) S. Res. XXX (pdf): On 2/9/24, Sen. Welch (D-VT) issued a press release announcing the introduction of a resolution “Calling for the urgent delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.” Per that press release, the resolution “calls on the Administration, on an urgent basis, and working with allies and partners within the international community, to help facilitate the humanitarian aid needed to prevent starvation and disease in Gaza by: Streamlining the inspection of trucks entering Gaza; Increasing the access points for aid deliveries into Gaza; Ensuring the distribution of adequate fuel to hospitals and humanitarian organizations in Gaza; Ensuring the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver aid safely and urgently in Gaza; Expanding the number of safe shelters and food distribution locations for displaced people in Gaza; Supporting efforts to restore water supply lines; and Working to secure the additional funding necessary to support the humanitarian response. ” The press release also notes that, “The resolution is supported by CARE, Catholic Relief Services, J Street, Church World Service, Mennonite Central Committee, Project HOPE, Mercy Corps, and ANERA.” NOTE: As of this writing the resolution does not appear in the Congressional Record (does not appear to have actually been introduced).

(NO NORMALIZING ASSAD REGIME!) HR 3202: Introduced 5/11/23 by Wilson (R-SC), “To prohibit any official action to recognize or normalize relations with any Government of Syria that is led by Bashar al-Assad.” Passed by the House 2/14/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 389-32 (“no” votes came from 4 Republicans and 28 Democrats. Also see: Tough Anti-Assad Bill Advances on Bipartisan Vote in House (Foundation for Defense of Democracies 2/16/24)

(CONDEMNING RAPE/SEXUAL VIOLENCE BY HAMAS) H. Res. 966: Introduced 1/16/24 by Frankel (D-FL) and having 200 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel.” Passed by the House 2/14/24 under suspension of the rule by a vote of 418 – 0, with 1 voting “present”. The one “present” vote was Rep. Tlaib (D-MI), who delivered a powerful floor statement articulating her concerns: “…all acts of sexual violence are horrific. We should all be fighting to end it here at home and all around the world. So, while the resolution on the floor today rightfully denounces any sexual violence by Hamas, I am disturbed that it completely ignores and erases any sexual violence and abuse committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians, especially children. War crimes cannot justify more war crimes. We must stand up for everyone’s safety and human rights, no matter their faith, no matter their ethnicity. There are numerous, well-documented reports of sexual violence, including rape, committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians in their custody; children detained and stripped to their underwear in public for the world to see. Mr. Speaker, I call your attention to a Haaretz article titled: ‘Cigarette Burns, Beatings, Attempted Sexual Assault: Settlers and Soldiers Abuse Palestinians…The U.N. and human rights groups have raised alarms for years, but Congress did nothing. They never cared. We all have a responsibility to denounce sexual violence in all forms, regardless of who is responsible. This resolution falls well short of that responsibility…” Full floor comments/grandstanding around this resolution is here.

(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. Last week I noted that while there was at that time no text available of the bill yet online, and neither James nor Moskowitz had issued a press release, it seemed there is a good chance this legislation was linked to South Africa’s case at the ICJ accusing Israel of engaging in genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Turns out it is exactly that! See James’s press release –  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.”]. Also see: BREAKING: US congress receives bill to review SA relations following ‘politically motivated’ ICJ case

 

2. Letters

Gaza, Hostages, & Humanitarian Aid

• 2/15/24: Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Lead 25 Senators in Support of Ongoing U.S. Diplomacy to Free Hostages, Restore Mutual Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza [letter text]. Also see, 25 Democratic senators call for temporary cease-fire, hostage release — The lawmakers said they continue to support Israel’s efforts to remove Hamas, but that a failure to reach a deal would be disastrous for Palestinians, hostages (Jewish Insider 2/14/24)
• 2/15/24 — Jewish Insider report: House members threaten ‘fast-track legislative options’ to squeeze Qatar over hostages [letter text]
• 2/13/24: Booker, Colleagues Call for Swift Action to Assist Family Members of American Citizens Trapped in Gaza [letter text]

Targeting UNRWA & Its Supporters

• 2/16/24: Comer & Oversight Republicans Probing Biden Administration’s Funding of UN Group with Ties to Hamas [letter text]
• 2/15/24: Sen. Cruz Leads Senate Republicans in Letter Calling for DOJ to Investigate UN Fundraising Group for Hamas Support [letter text]. Also see: FoxNews report 2/14/24 – Cruz demands DOJ launch criminal probe of US nonprofit allegedly helping terrorists [“A handful of Senate Republicans are urging the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation into a U.S.-based nonprofit that raises money for UNRWA…The letter slated to be sent to Garland includes the signatures of Republican senators Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Marco Rubio of Florida. Several other offices were still evaluating whether to sign on at the time of publication.”]
  

US $$ & Weapons to Israel

• 2/15/24: Comer Issues Subpoena to Commerce for Firearm Export Pause Docs [letter text] — “Specifically, the announced ‘pause’ applies to issuances of new licenses for any item related to four Export Control Classification Numbers for certain firearms, components, and ammunition destined for any non-governmental end user apart from those located in Ukraine, Israel, or those specified in regulations.  This 90 day ‘pause’ is purportedly to enable Commerce “to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities.”
• 2/13/24: Houlahan, National Security Democrats Call on Speaker Johnson to Immediately Bring Senate Foreign Aid Bill to House Floor [letter text]

Targeting Academia/Free Speech [aka, the new McCarthyism in action!]

• 2/16/24: Foxx Subpoenas Harvard — “… “Harvard’s continued failure to satisfy the Committee’s requests is unacceptable. I will not tolerate delay and defiance of our investigation while Harvard’s Jewish students continue to endure the firestorm of antisemitism that has engulfed its campus. If Harvard is truly committed to combating antisemitism, it has had every opportunity to demonstrate its commitment with actions, not words… ” [Pritzker cover letter and subpoena; Garber cover letter and subpoena, Narvekar cover letter and subpoena]. Also see – House committee subpoenas Harvard leaders for antisemitism documents (Jewish Insider 2/16/24); ‘Wake Up Call’: House Subpoenas Harvard for Stonewalling Anti-Semitism Probe (Free Beacon 2/16/24)
• 2/15/24: Sens. Cruz, Graham, Republican Judiciary Committee Colleagues Push Back on Rutgers University for Radical Efforts to Promote Antisemitic Violence [letter text]
• 2/12/24: Committee Calls on Columbia to Provide Documents in Antisemitism Investigation [letter text] – also see: House committee launches investigation into antisemitism at Columbia, requests documents and communications (Columbia Spectator 2/12/24); House Education Committee launches antisemitism investigation into Columbia University (The Hill 2/12/24); House Education committee’s antisemitism investigation expands to Columbia (Jewish Insider 2/12/24); House rep to investigative Columbia’s response to antisemitism on campus (Jewish News Syndicate 2/13/24)

Speaker Johnson’s Bigoted Buddy

• 2/15/24: Huffman, Raskin, Pocan Decry Speaker Johnson’s Bigoted, Christian Nationalist Guest Chaplain [letter text] – “At a time of rising antisemitism, Hibbs also disparages Jews as being in a ‘stupor’ and a ‘God-given blindness,” unlike the ‘true Jews’ who worship Jesus because ‘they didn’t get bogged down in Judaism, which…cannot save you.’ He also recently argued that the Israel-Hamas war is another sign of the End Times and that Jewish people must save themselves by turning to Jesus; if they do, he urges Christians to ‘look past the sins of Israel and the sins of the Jew and give them the hope of Jesus.‘”

 

3. Massive Supplemental Aid for Israel Takes Center Stage

On 2/13/24 — after a long, convoluted process that started last week and continued over the weekend — the Senate passed HR 815, after first deleting the full text of the bill and replacing it with S. Amdt. 1388, the bipartisan “Emergency National Security Supplemental legislation.”

• For full details of the Israel/Palestine elements in the text passed by the Senate on 2/13, see the February 9, 2024 edition of the Round-Up.
• No amendments were passed to S. Amdt. 1388 (but the introduced amendments are still worth looking at – see details below)
• The final bill passed by a vote of 70-29. Voting NO were 26 Republicans, plus Merkley (D-OR – statement), Sanders (I-VT – statement), and Welch (D-VT – statement, statement). 
• The bill now heads to the House, where its fate is uncertain.
• For further reading see: Johnson rejects Senate’s Israel aid bill without border security hours ahead of its passage – Jewish Insider 2/13/24; GOP Speaker Johnson says House won’t be ‘rushed’ to approve aid for Ukraine as $95B package stalls – AP 2/14/24; Republican opposition to Israel aid latest headache for pro-Israel community – Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would almost certainly not bring the Senate’s bill up for a vote. – JTA 2/15/24; Democrats eye long-shot discharge petition for Ukraine aid (The Hill 2/14/24); House [Republican] lawmakers to offer their own Ukraine and border bill (Politico 2/14/24); House Democrats mull options on foreign aid bill as Republicans dig in (Jewish Insider 2/14/24); Top House Dems gauge support for forcing foreign aid vote (Politico 2/15/24); Israel officials say they’re badly in need of additional U.S. military aid – ‘When the Democrats and Republicans decide they love Israel more than they hate each other, we’ll get the aid,’ an Israeli official told JI (Jewish Insider 2/16/24)

Amendments proposed to S. Amdt. 1388

As noted above, none of the amendments proposed to S. Amdt. 1388 (except for a couple of technical amendments) were passed. That said, it is still worth taking a look at Israel/Palestine/Middle East-related amendments that were offered, to get a sense of the issues Senators are focusing on (or believe it is beneficial to grandstand on) right now, and to get a preview of legislation/initiatives that are likely to come up in the future, either on their own or in efforts to attach them to other legislation. It is also worth noting that the handful of amendments seeking to block or condition military aid to Israel, while they didn’t pass or even get consideration on the Senate floor, are nonetheless remarkable. The idea that a substantial number of Democrats would cosponsor amendments of this nature is reflective of an undeniable shift in how Israel issues play in the Democratic party and in the Senate.

Targeting UNRWA, THE UN &/or Aid to Gaza or Aid to Palestinians in General (aka, the cruelty is the point)

• S. Amdt. 1596: Offered by Lee (R-UT), to prohibit any funds in the bill from being “made available for assistance to Gaza.” [as in, barring $$ to UNRWA isn’t enough – gotta bar ALL funds to Gaza as it is undergoing genocide and a humanitarian catastrophe]
• S. Amdt. 1595: Offered by Scott (R-FL), to add a section prohibiting any US funding from this bill or prior SFOPS bills from being used for any purpose in Gaza until the President certifies that (a) no aid will go to anyone in any way tied to or “influenced”, and (2) that all hostages taken to Gaza by any FTO have been freed. So in effect, US aid to starving, displaced, sick, injured  people would be contingent on (a) thorough security vetting – in a war zone – of every single needy man/woman/child — something that is quite literally impossible; and (b) Hamas et al releasing hostages – something which starving, displaced, sick civilians have no control over at all – in effect legislating US collective punishment against starving, displaced, sick, injured civilians, including children, in Gaza. The amendment would also bar US funding to Gaza through any UN entity “unless the President certifies to the congressional committees referred to in subsection (b) that such entity or office is not encouraging or teaching anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas or propaganda.”
• S. Amdt. 1590: Offered by Scott (R-SC) and Cruz (R-TX) to bar any/all US funding to “any organ, agency, or entity of the United Nations” until (a) UNRWA is abolished, (b) the UN completes “counterterrorism vetting” of “all United Nations employees and contractors operating in the original jurisdiction of the UNRWA” and (c) the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that the UN and anybody receiving UN funding “do not teach, promote, or include in materials, such as textbooks and other instructional materials, any content that promotes antisemitism or encourages violence or intolerance toward other countries or ethnic groups.” Also requires a report to Congress on how UNRWA’s responsibilities have been “absorbed” by other UN programs/organizations; “a plan to ensure all United Nations funds, programs, specialized agencies, and organizations implement and maintain stringent counterterrorism vetting standards”; and “a plan to ensure all United Nations funds, programs, specialized agencies, and organizations implement and maintain stringent oversight of educational material and curriculum that prohibits all content that promotes antisemitism or encourages violence or intolerance toward other countries or ethnic groups.“
• S. Amdt. 1544: Offered by Lee (R-UT) to bar funding for Gaza (in addition to bar on aid to UNRAWA) under other categories of US assistance that might otherwise be used to help populations undergoing humanitarian catastrophes (i.e., International Disaster Assistance, Migration and Refugee Assistance, International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, and International Development Association)
• S. Amdt. 1542: Offered by Scott (R-FL) to add a section prohibiting any US funding from this bill or prior SFOPS bills from being used for any purpose in Gaza until the President certifies that (a) no aid will go to anyone in any way tied to or “influenced”, and (2) that all hostages taken to Gaza by any FTO have been freed. So in effect, US aid to starving, displaced, sick, injured  people would be contingent on (a) thorough security vetting – in a war zone – of every single needy man/woman/child — something that is quite literally impossible; and (b) Hamas et al releasing hostages – something which starving, displaced, sick civilians have no control over at all – in effect legislating US collective punishment against starving, displaced, sick, injured civilians, including children, in Gaza. The amendment would also bar US funding to Gaza through any UN entity “unless the President certifies to the congressional committees referred to in subsection (b) that such entity or office is not encouraging or teaching anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas or propaganda.”
• S. Amdt. 1534: Offered by Blackburn (R-TN), to prohibit any assistance for Gaza “until all of the hostages taken on October 7, 2023, by Hamas have been released.” [something which starving, displaced, sick civilians have no control over at all, so in effect legislating US collective punishment against starving, displaced, sick, injured civilians, including children, in Gaza.]
• S. Amdt. 1533: Offered by Blackburn (R-TN), to bar funding in the act to the UN or any UN agency or affiliate “until Hamas, Hezbollah, and all other Iranian proxies involved in terroristic activities are included on the United Nations Security Council Consolidated List.“
• S. Amdt. 1526: Offered by Tuberville (R-AL), to prohibit funding using any USAID funding in the bill for assistance to Gaza (in addition to the ban on aid to UNRWA).
• S. Amdt. 1523: Offered by Tuberville (R-AL) to prohibit the use of any funding in the bill for “any organization that operates in Gaza.” [So basically, can’t use a dime for Gaza, cuz gotta work with orgs operating in Gaza to get it there but ALSO would punish orgs operating in Gaza by prohibiting US aid to them for work anywhere in the world – nice, right?]
• S. Amdt. 1454: Offered by Ricketts (R-NE) and Scott (R-SC) to amend existing law to permanently bar US funding to UNRWA.
• S. Amdt. 1448: Offered by Lee (R-UT) to expand the bill’s ban on aid to UNRWA to include barring funding “to any other organ, specialized agency, commission, or other formally affiliated body of the United Nations that provides funding or otherwise operates in Gaza, notwithstanding any other provision of law.“
• S. Amdt. 1402: Offered by Budd (R-NC) to bar any/all humanitarian aid for Gaza until all US citizens held by Hamas have been released [something which starving, displaced, sick civilians have no control over at all, so in effect legislating US collective punishment against starving, displaced, sick, injured civilians, including children, in Gaza.]
• S. Amdt. 1399: Offered by Ernst (R-IA) to bar any/all US funding for both Gaza and the West Bank until all US citizens/permanent residents held hostage in Gaza have been released and remains of all US citizens/permanent residents have been returned to their families [something which starving, displaced, sick civilians have no control over at all, so in effect legislating US collective punishment against starving, displaced, sick, injured civilians, including children, in Gaza.]

Targeting Palestinians Refugees from Gaza (again, the cruelty is the point)

• S. Amdt. 1522: Offered by Tuberville (R-AL) barring the US of funds in this bill for “the transportation, acceptance, or resettlement of refugees from Gaza to the United States.“
• S. Amdt. 1456: Offered by Rubio (R-FL) to make anyone implicated in the Oct 7, 2023 attacks on Israel ineligible for US immigration benefits (which to be clear is already the case under existing law).

No Recognition of Palestinian State

• S. Amdt. 1524: Offered by Tuberville (R-AL) to bar the State Department from recognizing Palestine as a State [a purely grandstanding amendment, given that any such recognition would come from the President, not the State Department, and would clearly fall under the Executive’s foreign policy prerogative]
• S. Amdt. 1521: Offered by Tuberville (R-AL), to require the President to use the US veto to block any effort at the UN Security Council to admit Palestine as a full member state in the UN [another purely grandstanding amendment, given that Congress does not have the authority to legislate such actions by the Executive, with actions to veto (or not) at the UNSC clearly falling under the Executive’s foreign policy prerogative]

Targeting States Supporting Palestinian Terror Orgs

• S. Amdt. 1457: Offered by Rubio (R-FL) to add, a new piece of major legislation entitled, the “Hamas and Other Palestinian Terrorist Groups International Financing Prevention Act,” to impose mandatory sanctions on individuals or foreign states found to be aiding Palestinian terrorist organizations.

Keeping the Door Open for Potential Aid to UNRWA

• S. Amdt. 1598: Offered by Van Hollen (D-MD) and 7 Democratic cosponsors, to replace the provision banning all aid to UNRWA with: “Sec. 614. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this division and division B of 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 in Gaza, notwithstanding any other provision of law. (b) Certification.– (1) In general.–Subject to paragraph (2), the limitation on assistance under subsection (a) shall no longer apply if the President certifies that– (A) the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services has completed an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by certain United Nations Relief and Works Agency employees; and (B) the United Nations has taken appropriate remedial action. (2) Notification.–Upon making a certification under paragraph (1), the President shall promptly notify the appropriate congressional committees in writing.“

Putting Down Some Red (or maybe pink) Lines for US Policy Re Gaza, Incl Day After

• S. Amdt. 1612: Offered by Merkley (D-OR) & Welch (D-VT) to add: “Sec. 709. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks from Gaza against Israel, it is the policy of the United States that– (1) Israel should be secure from terrorism and other violent attacks emanating from Gaza; (2) there should be no forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza; (3) Palestinians displaced during the war in Gaza since October 7, 2023, must be allowed to return to their homes; and (4) Israel should not reoccupy Gaza.“
• S. Amdt. 1395: Offered by Schatz (D-HI) and 48 cosponsors to add, “Sec. __. It is the policy of the United States– (1) to support a negotiated comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace, security, dignity, and mutual recognition; and (2) that such a solution must ensure the state of Israel’s survival as a secure, democratic, and Jewish state, and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.“

Putting Limits/Conditions on Military Aid to Israel

• S. Amdt. 1462: Offered by Welch (D-VT) and 3 cosponsors, to prohibit using any funds in the bill “to support the procurement of, or for the transfer, inspection, assembly, testing, or shipment of any General Purpose Bombs (including Mk-84, Mk-83, Mk-82, BLU-113 bombs, GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, and BLU-109 Hard Target Penetrator Bombs) for use in Gaza.” Also see Welch press release – Welch Files Amendment to National Security Supplemental Package Prohibiting Use of Taxpayer Dollars to Advance the Bombing Campaign on Gaza
• S. Amdt. 1403: Offered by Warren (D-MA) and 4 cosponsors to add a new section entitled, “SEC. 709. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CIVILIAN HARM INCIDENT RESPONSE GUIDANCE.”
• S. Amdt. 1397: Offered by Merkley (D-OR) and 9 cosponsors to bar the provision of firearms to Israel unless the Secretary of State that the firearms will: be used only by active members of the IDF and police; won’t be transferred to civilians; when used by reservists, will be returned to the IDF or police when those reserves have been deactivated; will be used in accordance with US law and US Conventional Arms Transfer Policy.” Also requires a report to Congress on the transfer of firearms to Israel, including “whether the firearms…were used in documented cases of violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.” Also adds a new section: “Sec. 709. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks from Gaza against Israel, it is the policy of the United States that– (1) Israel should be secure from terrorism and other violent attacks emanating from Gaza; (2) there should be no forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza; (3) Palestinians displaced during the war must be allowed to return to their homes; (4) Israel should not reoccupy Gaza; (5) there should not be any reduction of the area or land of Gaza; and (6) there should not be a blockade on Gaza.”
• S. Amdt. 1391: Offered by Sanders (I-VT) and Welch (D-VT), to eliminate funding in the bill for offensive weapons for Israel.
• S. Amdt. 1389: Offered by Van Hollen (D-MD) and 18 cosponsors to add text requiring “(1) Compliance with international humanitarian law and law of armed conflict.–Any defense articles or defense services provided pursuant to this Act shall be used in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict, and United States law. (2) Compliance with prohibition on assistance to countries that restrict united states humanitarian assistance.“

Other Stuff

• S. Amdt. 1444: Offered by Lee (R-UT) to add, “Sec. __. None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to facilitate the use of military force against Iran, including any deployments to forward operating bases in Iraq and Syria, absent express authorization from Congress.”
• S. Amdt. 1441: Offered by Lee (R-UT), to add, “Sec. __. Effective January 1, 2026, the following laws are hereby repealed: (1) The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243; 116 Stat. 1498; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note). (2) The Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note).”

 

4. Hearings & Markups

February 15, 2024: POSTPONED — The House Foreign Affairs Committee was scheduled to hold a hearing entitled, “The Agents of Antisemitism in Latin America.” The sole announced witness (so far) is Aaron Keyak, State Department Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

February 14, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, “Iran’s Proxy in Yemen: The Houthi Threat to Middle East Stability, Global Shipping, and U.S. Servicemembers.” Witnesses were: Simone Ledeen, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East (statement); Kenneth Pollack, Former CIA Analyst and NSC Director for the Persian Gulf (statement); and Jon Alterman, Center for Strategic and International Studies (statement). Also see: hearing video

February 14, 2024: The House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI)“. Witnesses were  Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI) Brian Nelson (statement) and Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Andrea Gacki (statement). Also see: hearing video; Jewish Insider 2/15/24: House lawmakers press Treasury Department on actions to counter Iran and Hamas

 

5. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

• Jewish Insider 2/16/24: Updated New York congressional map ensures Bowman-Latimer showdown
• Mondoweiss 2/15/24: The Shift: AIPAC targets Bush and Bowman
• Free Beacon 2/15/24: ‘Squad’ Member Summer Lee To Fundraise for Anti-Israel Group Whose Leader Celebrated Hamas Attack
• Notus 2/14/24: Gen Z Is Furious With Biden Over Gaza. For Maxwell Frost, It’s Complicated.- The 27-year-old lawmaker is caught between the president and his progressive activist roots
• The Intercept 2/14/24: Primary Challenger Bankrolled by AIPAC Says Jamaal Bowman Takes Money From Hamas –  George Latimer offered no evidence to back up his allegation — and doubled down on his dark insinuations about Bowman.
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/14/24: Pilip loses special election for former George Santos congressional seat in NY
• New York Jewish Week/Jewish Telegraphic Agency 2/14/24: Tom Suozzi beats Israeli-American Orthodox Jew Mazi Pilip in closely-watched NY congressional election
• Jewish Insider 2/14/24: Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger’s leading successor running as pro-Israel moderate
• Haaretz 2/13/24: Israel Takes Center Stage in Head-to-head Battle for House Seat in NY’s Special Election — In Tuesday’s toss-up race for expelled lawmaker George Santos’s House seat, Republican nominee Mazi Pilip, an American-Israeli IDF veteran, faces off against pro-Israel former Dem. Rep. Tom Suozzi
  Jewish News Syndicate 2/12/24: RJC endorses Rep. August Pfluger of Texas – The group called the congressman “an exemplary defender of our national security and the U.S.-Israel alliance.”
  Jewish Insider 2/12/24: Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn emerges as wild card in crowded Maryland primary to succeed Sarbanes [“The first-time candidate holds a nuanced view of the Israel-Hamas war. Does he have a clear lane in a packed field?”]

• Jewish News Syndicate 2/14/24: Anti-Israel vandal dumps red wax, akin to ‘blood,’ on Rep. Goldman’s office
• Jewish Insider 2/13/24: Van Hollen accuses Israel of ‘war crime,’ says U.S. aid should be suspended
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/13/24 Sen. Van Hollen accuses Israel of ‘textbook war crime’ in Gaza
• X-post 2/11/24 by Yuna Leibzon, US correspondent for @n12news: “Senator @SenFettermanPA tells us about his support for Israel: ‘For me personally, it’s been just incredibly easy to be on the right side. And I believe the right side is with Israel. Some people call that moral clarity. My job as a senator to be on the right side on any issue‘”
• Washington Times (Op-ed by Sen. Risch, R-ID) 2/9/24: Time to end U.N. Relief and Works Agency – Bloated organization is beyond redemption

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Massive Supplemental Aid for Israel Takes Center Stage
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP

• 2/7/24  – New episode of Occupied Thoughts podcast, Separation, Dehumanization, Theft of Time: A Day in the Life of Abed Salama, ft. , FMEP Fellow Dr. Yara Asi speaks with Nathan Thrall, author of the recently-released A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy, about the systems of separation and dehumanization in Jerusalem and the West Bank, Israeli state violence, and what has and hasn’t changed in Israel/Palestine over the last four months.

Note: On 2/6/24 the Congressional Research Services released an updated version of its report: Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress

 

1. Bills & Resolutions (Except related to supplemental aid for Israel)

Targeting UNRWA

• (UNRWA = TERRORISM; NO $$$ FOR UNRWA) HR 7202 (text): [not covered in last week’s round-up – wasn’t posted in the Congressional Record at the time I published] Introduced 2/1/24 by Jackson (R-TX) and 7 Republican cospsonsors, “To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on funding provided by the United States to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and for other purposes.” aka, the “Uncovering UNRWA’s Terrorist Crimes Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Jackson press release – Rep. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Uncover UNRWA’s Terrorist Crimes
• (TARGETING UNRWA) H. Con. Res. 88: Introduced 2/6/24 by Burchett (R-TN), “Expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury should investigate the use of cryptocurrencies by Hamas (also known as Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya), and whether any cryptocurrencies were exchanged between Hamas and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.” Referred to the Committees on Financial Services and Foreign Affairs.

Targeting Free Speech & Academia

• (TARGETING FREE SPEECH/PALESTINIAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM ON CAMPUS) HR 7231: Introduced 2/5/24 by Malliotakis (R-NY), “To prohibit Federal support for institutions of higher education that promote antisemitism, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Combatting Antisemitic Messaging & Promoting Unity in School Act (CAMPUS Act).“ Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Also see: press release – Malliotakis Introduces Legislation to Combat Rising Antisemitism on College Campuses
• (TARGETING STUDENTS & PALESTINIAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM ON CAMPUS) HR 7232: Introduced 2/5/24 by Malliotakis (R-NY), “To direct the Secretary of State to revoke the visas of students who have engaged in antisemitic activities, and for other purposes,” aka, the “No Visas for Antisemitic Students Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Malliotakis Introduces Legislation to Combat Rising Antisemitism on College Campuses

Other

• (NO DEFENSE EXPORTS TO TURKIYE) S. J. Res. 60: Introduced 2/5/24 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Turkiye of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions)

Keeping on eye on

• (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. NOTE: there’s no text available as of this writing, and neither James nor Moskowitz have issued a press release, but it seems there is a good chance this legislation is linked to South Africa’s case at the ICJ accusing Israel of engaging in genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
  
• (POSSIBLY TARGETING CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) HR 7277: Introduced 2/7/24 by D’Esposito (R-NY) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “To amend title 18, United States Code, to increase the time of imprisonment for an additional offense involving actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: there’s no text available as of this writing, and nobody involved has issued a press release, so it’s not clear what this is about…but in the current climate, definitely worth watching…

 

2. Letters (except related to supplemental aid for Israel)

Targeting UNRWA

• [NO US $$ UNRWA] ICYMI: Issa, House Conservatives Demand End to U.S. Funding for UNRWA [letter text] Also see: Rep. Darrell Issa asks Congress to cut off future US funding for UNRWA (New York Post 2/9/24)
• [FIRE UN & UNRWA HEADS, PUT UNRWA UNDER G7] 2/7/24: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging State Department to Call on UN & UNRWA Officials (UN Secretary General & UNRWA Commission General) to Resign – Calls for G7 oversight of future UNRWA funding [letter text] — excerpt — “…We have lost all confidence in Secretary-General António Guterres’ ability to ensure that the U.N. is not actively supporting terrorism or giving refuge to known terrorists. Therefore, we ask you to demand that Secretary-General Guterres and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini immediately resign from their posts. They can no longer be entrusted to maintain international peace and security, protect all nations, and uphold international law. We also ask you to work with our global partners in the G-7 to investigate Hamas’s involvement in UNRWA, and conduct strict ongoing oversight over the organization. We must ensure not a dollar more of aid for innocent civilians ends up in the hands of terrorists. UNRWA should also immediately replace all senior leadership….”
• [FIRE UNRWA HEAD] 2/2/24: Rubio, Collins demand the Resignation of Pro-Hamas UNRWA Commissioner [letter text] NOTE: the headline is mislead – the letter, addressed to the UN Secretary General, opens with a demand that he “immediately dismiss the commissioner of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini” and closes with: “We urge you to immediately terminate Lazzarini’s employment.”

Targeting Academia & Civil Society

• [INTL CRISIS GROUP IS FOREIGN AGENT OF IRAN!!!] ICYMI: Banks, Stefanik, Waltz Request DOJ Investigate Iran-Linked NGO [letter text] [“Reps. Jim Banks (IN-03), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Michael Waltz (FL-06) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting the U.S. Department of Justice open an investigation to determine if the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization based in Brussels, acted as an unregistered agent for the government of Iran.“]
• [HARVARD: SHOWS US THE EVIDENCE PROVING YOUR ANTISEMITISM, OR ELSE!] 2/7/24: Foxx Threatens Subpoena if Harvard Defies Final Warning in Antisemitism Probe [letter text] Also see: House Education Committee threatens to subpoena Harvard for antisemitism docs – Rep. Virginia Foxx said Harvard is stonewalling its investigation while Sen. Lindsey Graham is alleging Rutgers is platforming terrorist sympathize (Jewish Insider 2/7/24)
• [RUTGERS CENTER <hearts> ANTISEMITISM & TERRORISM; NAME/SHAME LAW FIRM THAT SUPPORTS IT!] 2/7/24: Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans Probe Rutgers University Center that Promotes Terrorist Sympathizers and Anti-Semitism [letter text]. NOTE: “In a second letter, the Senators sought information from New York City law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP which committee records indicate donated at least $13,000 to the Rutgers Center’s Law Fellows Program over the past three years, with donations increasing each year from $2,000 in 2021 to $6,000 in 2023. A cornerstone of the Law Fellows Program is a ‘one-on-one mentorship’ with the Center’s Director, Professor Sahar Aziz, who regularly and publicly espouses ‘vile anti-Semitic propaganda.’ As part of the congressional oversight process, Judiciary Committee staff requested an informal, non-public discussion with Patterson Belknap on this topic, but the firm declined.” — letter to Patterson Belknap]
• [USG MUST INVESTIGATE OUR ALLEGATION – WITH NO PROOF – THAT CAMPUSES ACTIVISM ON GAZA IS FUNDED BY AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES AND FTOs]  2/5/24: “U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2) wrote to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, urging them to coordinate with the Department of Justice and Department of Education to investigate whether $13 billion in contributions from foreign authoritarian regimes — which American colleges and universities illegally withheld and failed to report information on — have funded antisemitic protest groups on our college and university campuses.” [letter text] — “We are writing to urge you to marshal U.S. Department of Treasury’s policy, enforcement, regulatory, and intelligence functions and to work in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to investigate American colleges and universities that illegally withheld and failed to report information to the Department of Education on approximately $13 billion in undisclosed contributions from foreign regimes, many of which are authoritarian, and to determine whether any of the donors contributed to the funding of antisemitic protest groups on our college and university campuses…There is a well-documented history of FTOs operating within American borders under the guise of  “independent human rights groups.” For example, in 2001, the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismantled the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development after it was discovered they had provided material assistance to Hamas.  We also know that staff members for the Islamic Association for Palestine — a major propaganda arm for Hamas — formed the American Muslims for Palestine, a group that has been instrumental in the founding of antisemitic campus organizations…”

Targeting…Woke USG Regulations (seriously)

• [IT’S LIKE THE ONION IS WRITING THESE LETTERS…] 2/7/24: Rubio, Colleagues to Blinken: Wokeness is Undermining U.S. Foreign Assistance [letter text] [Excerpt: “We are further concerned with the proposed waiver requirement for religious organizations to employ individuals of their own faith or to carry out foreign assistance activities in a manner consistent with their sincerely held beliefs. This would place a substantial burden upon faith-based groups and allow State Department a veto on questions of whether Jewish organizations can bar pro-Hamas individuals from employment, or whether Muslim organizations are allowed to only distribute halal food assistance. Accordingly, we request responses to the following questions about the proposed regulations: Will the State Department require a waiver from Jewish organizations that refuse to employ a pro-Hamas, or other extremist group member, who advocates for the destruction of Israel?“]

Other stuff

• [TARGETING THE HOUTHIS] FoxNews 2/7/24 – 50+ House Republicans call for Biden admin to ‘immediately’ designate Houthis a Foreign Terrorist Organization [letter text]
• [GET MORE AID INTO TO GAZA!!!] 2/2/24: Murphy, Van Hollen, Coons, Merkley, 21 Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Work with Israel to Take 5 Steps to Get More Humanitarian Aid into Gaza [letter text] Also see: 25 Senate Democrats push Biden, Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza (Jewish Insider 2/5/24)

 

3. Massive Supplemental Aid for Israel Takes Center Stage

This week both the House and Senate took up legislation that would have provided massive supplemental funding for Israel.

Supplemental Emergency Aid for Israel — Action in the House

Background: Back on 11/2/23, the House passed a bill to provide massive emergency funding and military resources to Israel: HR 6126 (covered in detail in the 11/3/24 edition of the Round-Up). That bill passed with 12 Democrat joining 214 Republicans in voting YES, and 2 Republicans joining 194 Democrats in voting NO. It was also dead-on-arrival in the Senate, because (a) it includes funding ONLY for Israel – while the Biden Administration has made clear it wants emergency supplemental legislation to include funding for Ukraine, new border security legislation, and a modicum of humanitarian aid – and (b) it made the funding for Israel conditional on offsets, in the form of cuts in funding to the IRS (notably, this Republican-drafted, -led, -supported legislation, represents the first time in history that the House has passed legislation imposing a concrete condition on aid to Israel – a point pro-Israel advocacy forces have, fascinatingly, chosen to ignore). As a reminder, in late October then new-House speaker Johnson (R-LA), explicitly stated that any emergency supplemental funding would be have to be paid for by cuts in funding to other programs.

This week: On 2/3/24 – and in the context of efforts in the Senate to craft a bipartisan compromise covering supplemental funding and border legislation – Speaker Johnson circulated a letter announcing his plans to introduce/pass a“clean” bill providing emergency supplemental aid for Israel (a “clean” bill is one that includes no extraneous provisions, including conditions). On 2/5/24, that bill was introduced as HR 7217 (press release).  Like its predecessor (HR 6216), HR 7217 provides funding ONLY for Israel. But unlike HR 6216, this bill does not make the Israel funding conditional on cuts in funding to the IRS or anything else (no offsets). Also see: House to vote on clean Israel aid bill this week: Johnson (Jewish Insider 2/3/24);  New Israel supplemental readied in House, without offsets [Package intended to pressure Senate as it prepares broader bill] (Roll Call 2/3/24); House GOP plans new Israel package in blow to Senate talks (Axios 2/3/24)

What’s in HR 7217? HR 7217 would provide massive funding and military resources to Israel, as follows:

• The bill includes $9.7 billion in direct aid to Israel: $4 billion for Iron Dome and David’s Sling; $1.2 billion for Iron Beam; $3.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing (cash to buy stuff); and $1 billion “to enhance production and development of artillery and critical munitions.” As an extra bonus, the bill allows for the FULL $3.5 billion in FMF to be spent in Israel (as opposed to in the US, as is the standard requirement with FMF – and as a reminder, defenders of the massive annual US aid package to Israel are always quick to argue that the funds are not a hand-out to Israel, but rather are an investment in the U.S. economy – an argument that this bill shut down). The bill also authorizes SecState to waive congressional notification requirements (it’s Israel – who needs oversight?)
• For 2024, the bill removes all limits on Israel taking defense articles from US stockpiles (which explains why the bill also includes $4.4 billion “to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel” — in effect making clear that this is another $4.4 billion worth of aid for Israel. Also, the fact that Congress seems unconcerned about the national security implications of the US allowing Israel to substantially deplete if not empty US military stockpiles is remarkable, to say the least).
• In addition, the bill provides $3.3 billion “for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to the October 7th attack“; $150 million for enhanced embassy security and protection for U.S. personnel; and $50 million for emergency evacuations of American citizens.
• The bill does not include $1 of aid for Palestinians in Gaza, or any acknowledgement that nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced, with tens of thousands injured, and the entire population beginning to starve to death and die from lack of medical care.
• And finally, the bill (of course) includes not a single word about oversight/reporting/conditions/concerns/limits on how Israel uses US weapons, or Israel’s policies/intentions in Gaza or WB, etc.
  

Where folks stood on HR 7217:

• House GOP — HR 7217 was immediately attacked by some Republicans. On 2/4/24, the Freedom Caucus (House Republicans issued a statement opposing HR 7217 due to the lack of offsetting cuts to domestic programs — Support Israel without Bankrupting America [“Congress can pay for Israel aid by cutting funding for the United Nations, repealing the IRS expansion, rescinding the Department of Commerce ‘slush fund,’ or ending leftist climate change tax credits.”]) Also see: House Freedom Caucus ‘extremely disappointed’ with Speaker Johnson’s stand-alone Israel aid bill (Washington Examiner 2/4/24).
• White House — On 2/5/24, the White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy opposing HR 7217 and promising to veto it if it made it to the president’s desk.
• House Democrats — On 2/6/24, House Democratic leaders published a Joint Leadership Dear Colleague on H.R. 7217, stating (among other things), “We are prepared to support any serious, bipartisan effort in connection with the special relationship between the United States and Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the standalone legislation introduced by House Republicans over the weekend, at the eleventh hour without notice or consultation, is not being offered in good faith. Rather, it is a nakedly obvious and cynical attempt by MAGA extremists to undermine the possibility of a comprehensive, bipartisan funding package that addresses America’s national security challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region and throughout the world.” The letter closes: “…the time has come for House Republicans to end the political stunts and come together in support of a comprehensive approach to our national security priorities. For the aforementioned reasons, and those powerfully articulated by President Joe Biden in the Statement of Administration Policy, we will vote NO on H.R. 7217.” Overall, reactions of House Democrats were mixed, with some clearly focused on rationalizing casting a vote in support of Israel aid, despite opposition from Democratic leadership and the White House. Also see: House Democrats in “tough spot” with GOP’s new Israel bill (Axios 2/3/24); House Democrats open to supporting GOP’s stand-alone Israel aid bill (The Forward 2/5/24); Democratic leaders oppose Israel aid bill, imperiling its odds (Roll Call 2/6/24)

HR 7217 FAILS in the House: On 2/6/24 HR 7217 was brought to the House floor under suspension of the rules. By bringing the bill to the floor via this route (skipping the normal process in which a bill is first referred to the committee(s) of jurisdiction, where there would be markups and opportunities for amendments, and only then the bill would be brought to the floor under an agreed-on rule allowing for additional amendments), the bill (a) was not subject to any amendments, and (b) required a 2/3 majority to pass (rather than the simple majority required for bills brought to the floor under normal rules). As a result, the House vote on HR 7217 – 250 in favor and 180 against – meant that the bill FAILED to pass. Forty-six Democrats defied the White House to support HR 7217, and 14 Republicans defied their leadership to oppose it.

Further reading: House GOP fails to pass Israel package as congressional impasse continues (Washington Post), Israel aid bill sinks in House with 166 Democrats, 14 Republicans against (Fox News), House fails to pass standalone Israel aid bill (Politico), House torpedoes stand-alone Israel aid bill (The Hill), House fails to pass Israel aid amid Ukraine standoff with Biden (Defense News), Congress scrambles for backup plan on Ukraine and Israel aid (Axios), Aid package for Israel fails in the House, dealing another setback to GOP leaders (AP), US House rejects Republican-led effort to pass Israel-only aid bill (Reuters), GOP stand-alone Israel aid bill rejected in the House  (Roll Call), Biden and Dem Leaders Reject Stand-Alone Aid Bill for Israel

More Israel Aid Legislation in the House: HR 7217 is clearly not the end of this saga. Two more Israel aid bills were intro’d in the House this week:

• HR 7271: Introduced 2/7/24 by Biggs (R-AZ), “Making emergency supplemental appropriations to respond to the attacks in Israel for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.” Per Biggs’s press release: “Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced the Fiscally Responsible Israel Supplemental Act, 2024—legislation that would provide $17.6 billion in military and security assistance to Israel and pay for that spending by repealing the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA)’s Department of Commerce and IRS “slush fund” created during debt ceiling negotiations last summer. This assistance includes funding to reinforce Israel’s defense systems, replenish U.S. military operations in the region, and protect U.S. personnel and citizens in Israel. On October 7th, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel and massacred more than 1,400 Israelis, while taking hundreds more hostage over the month. Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted against a security supplemental for Israel as the package offered no spending offsets to fund the aid.”]
• HR 7245: Introduced 2/6/24 by Goldman (D-NY) and 4 Democratic cosponsors, “To provide supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes.” Text is not yet available but best guess is that this is similar or identical to the Senate text currently under consideration (discussed below), which of course means it has zero chance of going anywhere in the House.

 

Supplemental Emergency Aid for Israel — Action in the Senate

On 2/4/24 Senate Democrats unveiled their BIPARTISAN Emergency National Security Supplemental legislation, including both massive funding/equipment for Israel and a cut-off of aid to UNRWA (press release; text; summary). Appropriations Chair Murry (D-WA) stated in her press release: “I never believed we should link policy demands to emergency aid for our allies, but Republicans insisted—so Democrats negotiated in good faith over many weeks and now there is a bipartisan deal on border policy legislation. Ukraine’s fate and so much more hangs in the balance—it’s time for Congress to act.”  Israel and related provisions of the bill are as follows:

• DOD funding/programs: The bill provides $10.6 billion in Department of Defense funding for Israel, of which $801.400 million is for ammunition; $5.2 billion is for Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam; and the balance is included in Israel/Ukraine joint line items
• SFOPS funding/programs: The bill provides $3.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing (cash) for Israel to buy weapons/military supplies. Normally FMF has to be spent in the US (FMF for Israeli is always defended as not a handout to Israel but an investment in the US economy!), but under this bill, Israel has full authorization to spend $769.3 million in Israel, and has further authorization to spend the rest in Israel, “if agreed by the United States and Israel, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.” In addition, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to skip Congressional notification of arms sales under this FMF (Congressional oversight of massive arms sales to Israel while it is carrying out ethnic cleansing/genocide in Gaza? Totally not necessary!).
• Emptying US Weapons Stockpiles: Sections 602-606 of the bill would amend U.S. law governing use of US weapons stockpiles (for 2024 only) to massively increase the amounts of U.S. stockpiled weapons (which are stockpiled around the world ostensibly to ensure U.S. readiness in the event of a military crisis) the President can give to Israel. For example, Section 602 increases a cap on the value of weapons available to Israel from stockpiles from $100 million to $7.8 billion. The bill would also waive congressional notification requirements with respect to Israel taking weapons from US stockpiles in 2024.
• What about the Palestinians? The bill provides a total of $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid, including “to address humanitarian needs in response to the situations in Israel and Ukraine for Ukraine,” but does not earmark a single dollar specifically for Palestinians. Yet, the bill does explicitly bar any funding to UNRWA, including funds approved in prior laws but not yet disbursed (Section 614) and adds multiple new layers of oversight/conditions/monitoring/reporting on any funds that the administration might decide to use for Palestinians (in Section 615) – layers on top of what was already the most overseen/conditioned/monitored/reported on US aid program in the world. In short, this utterly surreal bill embraces the conflation of the entire Palestinian population of the West Bank and Gaza Strip – more than 2 million of whom currently being subjected to ethnic cleansing and genocide by Israel in Gaza – with terrorism, and the linkage of the provision of aid to Palestinians — currently being displaced, wounded, deliberately starved and denied medical care by Israel — with support for terror.
• Messages of this bill: Like the House bill detailed above, the Senate bill includes not a single condition, no does it require even a single report on how Israel is using US weapons in Gaza. This is of course in line with all past appropriations bills for Israel – no conditions, no restrictions, no special oversight, etc.. But what is different today is that in the context of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip (and the West Bank) since October 7, 2023, a significant number of Senate Democrats have come out DEMANDING conditions on aid to Israel (and also urging strong support for humanitarian aid for Palestinians). Their demands were simply ignored by Senate leaders negotiating this bipartisan bill, while those same leaders chose to heed demands of Republican senators to de-fund UNRWA (for more on this last point see this excellent X-thread from the Middle East Democracy Center’s Seth Binder). The bottom line, loud-and-clear messages of this bill: (1) there is zero interest/concern in what Israel does with US weapons, or intends to do with respect to Gaza, the two-state solution, or what Netanyahu or his fellow officials do or say with respect to ethnic cleansing/genocide of Palestinians; (2) to the extent that there is any concern about the humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians in Gaza, it is entirely offset by deference to Israeli efforts to undermine UNRWA, to paint every Palestininian in Gaza as a terrorist or a terrorist sympathizer, and to stall, obstruct, control, and politicize any efforts to provide aid to Palestinians; and (3) that it is a bipartisan article of fate that it’s always good politics to sh*t on Palestinians – even Palestinians who literally starving to death as the Senate debates this bill, and even when we are talking about the bodies of Palestinians who are dead or dying due to Israeli policies of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

How did this bill get introduced/come to the floor? Under the arcane rules of Congress, appropriations bills (including supplementals) must be initiated by the House (the Senate initiates authorization bills). As a result, rather than introduce the Israel et al supplemental as a new Senate bill, Senate leaders are using an existing House bill as their vehicle (akin to a hermit crab moving into an available shell).  The vehicle chosen by Senate leadership for its Israel et al emergency supplement is HR 815, a bill previously passed by the House and currently pending in the Senate. Repurposing HR 815 started on 2/7/24, when Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Murray (D-WA) proposed S. Amdt. 1388 to HR 815 – an amendment in the nature of a substitute (aka, an ANS) that would delete the full text of HR 815 and replace it with the Israel et al emergency supplemental appropriations legislation. Other senators have subsequently introduced (so far – they can and almost certainly will keep introducing more) 64 amendments to Murray’s amendment, including

• an amendment from Lee (R-UT) to bar all funding not just to UNRWA but “to any other organ, specialized agency, commission, or other formally affiliated body of the United Nations that provides funding or otherwise operates in Gaza“;
• an amendment from Van Hollen (D-MD) and 18 cosponsors, to add in a section entitled, “SAFEGUARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITH RESPECT TO TRANSFERRED DEFENSE ARTICLES AND DEFENSE SERVICES”, which among other things would require a report to Congress regarding use of U.S. provided defense articles and services, including an assessment of “the extent to which the use of such defense articles or defense services is consistent with United States practices and mechanisms for minimizing civilian casualties.“
• an amendment from Shatz (D-HI) and 48 cosponsors, adding in a provision reading: “It is the policy of the United States– (1) to support a negotiated comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace, security, dignity, and mutual recognition; and (2) that such a solution must ensure the state of Israel’s survival as a secure, democratic, and Jewish state, and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.“
• an amendment from Merkley (D-MA) and 9 cosponsors, to add a section stipulating that (among other things), “None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this division may be obligated or expended to facilitate the commercial export, foreign military sale, transfer, or delivery of any firearms, including pistols and semi-automatic and fully automatic rifles, to Israel, unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that the Secretary has received written assurance from the Government of Israel that– (1) such firearms– (A) will be used only by active duty members of the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel National Police; and (B) will not be transferred to civilians; (2) any such firearms used by activated reserves of the Israel Defense Forces or the Israel National Police will be returned to the Israel Defense Forces or the Israel National Police once those reserves have been deactivated; and (3) such firearms will be used in accordance with United States law and the United States Conventional Arms Transfer Policy.”
• an amendment from Ernst (R-IA) barring any/all aid for the West Bank and Gaza until “(1) All citizens and permanent residents of the United States are released from captivity in Gaza to the United States, Israel, or another country of the individual’s choice. (2) The remains of all citizens and permanent residents of the United States are returned to their families.” [i.e., embracing collective punishment of more than 2 million Palestinians currently being starved to death by Israel]
• an amendment from Budd (R-NC) barring any/all aid for the West Bank and Gaza “until all citizens of the United States held hostage by Hamas have been released.” [i.e., embracing collective punishment of more than 2 million Palestinians currently being starved to death by Israel]
• an amendment from Warren (D-MA) and 4 cosponsors to add a section entitled “IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CIVILIAN HARM INCIDENT RESPONSE GUIDANCE.”
• an amendment from Kaine (D-VA) and 27 cosponsors, to (as explained in his press release) “maintain the congressional notification requirement for all U.S. assistance to foreign militaries. Specifically, the amendment would strike a provision in the proposed national security supplemental funding bill that waives oversight requirements for U.S. funding for Israel under the Foreign Military Financing Program. If passed, the amendment would preserve the congressional notification process for Israel, just as congressional notifications are required for all other nations.” Also see: PBS 2/6/24: Senate Democrats push to require that Biden consult Congress on weapons sales to Israel; Kaine 2/8/24: VIDEO: Kaine Delivers Floor Speech on Amendment to Maintain Congressional Oversight of Foreign Military Assistance
• An amendment from Sanders (I-VT) and one cosponsor to (as explained in his press release) “remove $10.1 billion in offensive weaponry funding for Netanyahu’s right-wing government. The amendment preserves funding for defensive systems that will protect Israeli civilians against incoming missile and rocket attacks.“
• An amendment from Sanders (I-VT) to delete the provision in the bill barring aid to UNRWA.
• Also note: X-post by journalist from the DC Examiner 2/7/24:  “Senate Rs want open amendment process on Ukraine package. Here’s Cornyn, who I asked about humanitarian aid: ‘I don’t want to see so-called humanitarian assistance go to Hamas. And so, there’s a number of things that we’ll be suggesting by way of amendment or further debate.‘”

What Happened this week to the Israel et al supplemental in the Senate? This week saw 3 procedural votes in the Senate related to HR 815. On 2/7/23, following lengthy statements/grandstanding, a group of Senate Democrats called for a vote on “cloture motion” – a motion to bring to a close the discussion on whether or not HR 815 could be brought up for debate (passing the cloture motion would enable debate on HR 815 – starting with Murray’s ANS, to start). That motion FAILED by a vote of 49-50, with 4 Republicans voting “yes” and 5 Democrats plus Sanders (I-VT) voting “no.” Sen. Schumer (D-NY) immediately followed up this defeat by calling for a vote on a motion to “reconsider” the previous vote (as in, to agree to continue debate and try again for cloture another time). This motion PASSED by a vote of 58-41. Subsequently on 2/8/24, a group of Senate Democrats again called for a vote on another cloture motion. This motion PASSED by a vote of 67-32, opening the door for debate on the actual bill to begin.

So what happens next? In line with the Senate’s incredibly arcane and convoluted procedures, at any minute the Senate can/will start debating HR 815, which will kick off with another procedural “motion to proceed” with Murray’s ANS, S. Amdt. 1388. Assuming that passes, Senate leaders will be faced with a deluge of amendments (both on Israel and on other issues), and intense pressure to allow a large number of amendments to be heard and voted on (including from senators who are looking to run out the legislative clock in order to kill the bill). It’s not clear at this point how that will work out. At some point Schumer will try to end that debate (another cloture motion) to open the way for a final vote on S. Amdt. 1388 (as amended by anything that the Senate has managed to pass), and after that a final vote on the bill. And just to make things more complicated: note that cloture votes need at least 60 votes to pass, while other votes need a simple majority.  For more details on how this is expected to play out, see this explainer from Punchbowl news. Also see: Senate votes to begin deliberations on Israel aid bill – The Senate voted 67-32 to open debate on a bill supporting Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan but likely has long days of deliberations ahead (Jewish Insider 2/9/24) Also note that there is a “Plan B” already in play (raised on the Senate floor 2/7/24) – Senate aims for slimmed-down foreign aid package without border policy deal -Senators are negotiating to take up an Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan aid bill with negotiated border policy provisions stripped out (Jewish Insider 2/8/24)

 

4. Hearings & Markups

February 15, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing entitled, The Agents of Antisemitism in Latin America. The sole announced witness (so far) is Aaron Keyak, State Department Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

February 14, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Iran’s Proxy in Yemen: The Houthi Threat to Middle East Stability, Global Shipping, and U.S. Servicemembers.” Scheduled witnesses will be: Simone Ledeen, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East; Kenneth Pollack, Former CIA Analyst and NSC Director for the Persian Gulf; and Jon Alterman, Center for Strategic and International Studies.

February 6, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a markup of various measures (video). During this markup they passed:

• HR 6603, the “No Technology for Terror Act,” aka, “To apply foreign-direct product rules to Iran.“
• HR 6046, “To designate Ansarallah as a foreign terrorist organization and impose certain sanctions on Ansarallah, and for other purposes” [as noted in the 10/27/23 edition of the Round-Up, Congress does not have the legal authority to designate groups as FTOs…]; and
• HR 7122, “To prohibit aid that will benefit Hamas, and for other purposes.” As covered in last week’s Round-Up — (DEATH TO UNRWA! NO MORE PALESTINE REFUGEES!) HR 7122 (text): Introduced 1/29/24 by Smith (R-NJ) and 3 Republican cosponsors, the “Stop Support for UNRWA Act of 2024“, aka, “To prohibit aid that will benefit Hamas, and for other purposes.” This bill states: “The United States may not make any voluntary or involuntary contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (referred to in this Act as ‘‘UNRWA’’), to any successor or related entity, or to the regular budget of the United Nations for the support of UNRWA or a successor entity.

 

5. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Politics & Elex

• Jewish Insider 2/9/24: Pro-Israel groups ally against Dave Min in contentious California primary
• New York Times 2/7/24: How Oct. 7 Drove a Wedge Into the Democratic Party [“Members of Congress, and candidates for their seats, have been drawn into bitter political clashes over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.“]
• Free Beacon 2/7/24: Summer Lee Praises Carnegie Mellon Professor Who Likened Israel to Nazi Germany
• Free Beacon 2/7/24: They Endorsed Hamas Terrorism. Then They Hosted a Big-Ticket Fundraiser for Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush.
• The 19th Hour 2/6/24: As the ‘Squad’ called for a ceasefire in Gaza, their campaigns got an influx of donations [“Rep. Rashida Tlaib led the group by raising $3.6 million in the last quarter of 2023 as some of the progressive House members drew primary challengers.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/6/24: Once a ‘blank slate,’ Ritchie Torres is one of Israel’s best fighters in Congress [“Visiting Israel in 2014 was ‘one of the most formative and transformative experiences’ in the N.Y. Democrat’s life, he told JNS.”]
• Free Beacon 2/6/24: Bernie Sanders Accuses Israel of War Crimes and Slams AIPAC Financial Influence on Congress
• Jewish Insider 2/5/24: Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip focus on Jewish outreach as special election nears [“The Long Island-based district has one of the largest Jewish constituencies in the country“]

Israel’s War on Gaza, UNRWA, Civil Society, Free Speech

• Times of Israel 2/8/24: US intelligence officials reportedly tell Congress that Israel not close to defeating Hamas
• NY 1 2/7/24: Congress members vow to bring home Israeli hostages as relatives tell of grief
• Jewish Insider 2/7/24: Lawmakers could pressure Qatar, other U.S. partners through government funding to secure hostage release
• The Hill 2/4/24: Democrats warn Israel risks eroding support in Congress
• The Intercept 2/2/24: Republicans Move to One-Up Biden and Permanently Defund UNRWA [“The bill defunding the U.N. agency that distributes humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees could be on the House floor in under two weeks.”]
• Jewish Insider 2/2/24: Trone speaks at Washington JCRC’s second Qatar Embassy event [‘We’ve got to get these hostages back and we’ve got to all stand together and implore Qatar to step up, use their political muscle and do the right thing,’ the Maryland Senate candidate said on Friday]

Targeting Free Speech & Civil Society

• LA Times 2/8/24: Opinion: Before the feds surveil Americans for Gaza protests, rein in warrantless spying [“In the United States, a political leader’s disagreement with the views of a protest movement does not give the government license to investigate those protesters. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ought to know that. Nevertheless, she recently went on CNN and, without citing any evidence, accused protesters advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza of having ties to Russia and called on the Federal Bureau of Investigation to research the financing behind these protests. When outrage over that proposed abuse of power erupted a few days later, she doubled down.”]
• Jewish Insider 2/5/24: Bipartisan group of House lawmakers presses administration on pro-Palestinian charities in the U.S. [letter covered in last week’s Round-Up]
• Jewish News Syndicate 2/4/24: More than 400 activists lobby for Antisemitism Awareness Act, aid to Israel [“The group, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, also spoke to congressional representatives about security for faith-based nonprofits.”]

Targeting Biden Admin Policy on Israel/Settlements

• Jewish News Syndicate 2/3/24: ‘Irrational, anti-Israel’: Congressman slams Biden executive order [“Joe Biden’s fallacious executive order against our ally Israel is another foreign policy failure by the Biden administration,” said Jeff Duncan of South Carolina.]

 

 

 

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. The Campaign to Kill UNRWA Heats Up
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP

• New episode of Occupied Thoughts podcast, ‘Dehumanization of Palestinians in real time with no condemnation’ — Tariq Habash on resigning from the Biden Administration, ft. Tariq Habash in conversation with FMEP fellow Peter Beinart

 

1. Bills & Resolutions (Except related to UNRWA)

(BARRING TERRORISTS – & PLO “MEMBERS” & THEIR FAMILIES – FROM ENTERING THE US) HR 6679: Introduced 12/7/23 by McClintock (R-CA) and having no cosponsors, the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act,” aka, “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel.” Reported out of the Judiciary Committee 1/25/24; passed by the House 1/31/24 by a vote of 422-2 with 1 voting present. No votes were Bush (D-MO) and Tlaib (D-MI); voting present was Ramirez (D-IL). NOTE: As the title suggests, this legislation amends existing law to bar entry to the US to people who participated in the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel (a category that includes people who are not members of Hamas). But not mentioned in the title: this bill also expands current law to bar entry to the U.S. of ANY MEMBER of the PLO — an organization that NOBODY has argued had anything to do with the October 7th attacks. If passed into law, this bill would in effect mean that every Palestinian associated with the PLO (including any member of Fatah, the party of Mahmoud Abbas), as well as their spouses and children, would be barred from entering the US without a special exception made by the Secretary of State and notified to Congress. So yes, in the name of punishing Hamas (and Islamic Jihad) for the October 7th attacks, the House has voted in effect to impose new, far-reaching sanctions against the PLO and Fatah. Floor discussion of the bill is here. Note that Democrats mischaracterized the bill as “redundant” – which is true with respect to barring entry to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. It is NOT true with respect to expanding sanctions on the PLO. That is an extraordinary expansion of an archaic, mindlessly punitive piece of law (adopted before the Oslo process and never repealed, because Congress never, ever, repeals anti-Palestinian measures, no matter how circumstance may change. If passed into law will have hugely damaging impact on the ability of a universe of Palestinians, who will find themselves suddenly treated as terrorists under US immigration law, for the crime of being associated with an organization that not only is NOT a US-designated FTO and is not accused of involved in Oct 7 or any other terrorist attacks, but that has been a U.S. partner (in a relationship that is sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer) for the past 30 years. Just stunning (but actually makes sense for those in Congress who are already thinking of a “day after” the current war on Gaza, and foreseeing a new Middle East order in which Israel no longer sees a need for Palestinian partners. Also see: Palestine slams passage of bill by American Congress to ban entry of PLO members to US – Previously, only PLO officials could not enter US but current bill extends ban to all members (Andalou 2/1/24); Bush, Tlaib vote against bill barring Oct. 7 attackers from the U.S. (Jewish Insider 1/31/24); Tlaib, Cori Bush vote to allow Oct. 7 attackers into US (Jewish News Syndicate 2/1/24 – in headline that is 100% inaccurate, since current law already bans Hamas & PIJ members from entering US]

(EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO ATTACKING THE PALESTINIANS AUTHORITY!) S. 3707 [text]: Introduced 1/31/24 by Kennedy (R-LA) and Paul (R-KY), “A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports reviewing the educational material used by the Palestinian Authority in schools, and for other purposes,” aka, the “the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.  Also see: press release – Kennedy introduces bill countering antisemitism in Palestinian classrooms NOTE: This is the Senate version of HR 3266, introduced 5/11/23 by Schneider (D-IL) and 34 cosponsors and passed by the House 11/1/23 by voice vote. As I noted in the 11/3/23 edition of the Round-Up, “This is legislation that in effect codifies the argument that Palestinians’ negative feelings about and toward Israel/Israelis/Zionism are caused — apparently solely, since no other causes are even hinted at — by textbooks that teach them to feel that way. As opposed to the analysis (which I’m sure backers of this bill would deem antisemitic) that the feeling are the result of, oh, I don’t know, THE WAY PALESTINIANS – INCLUDING KIDS – ARE TREATED BY ISRAEL/ISRAELIS EVERY DAY OF THEIR LIVES, WITH NO HOPE FOR EVER ACHIEVING RIGHTS, OR FREEDOM, OR DIGNITY. This bill requires a report to Congress reviewing all aspects of Palestinian curricula to assess how well the education system is doing in teaching Palestinian kids tolerance toward the peace/state that is systematically violating their rights. The fact that the House passed this bill [and now the Senate is introducing this bill] at a moment when Israel is slaughtering 1000s [at this point more than 13,000] of kids in Gaza (saving them I guess from becoming intolerant of Israel), when schools in Gaza are being used for Palestinians to take refuge in (and even then being bombed by Israel), and when in the West Bank Palestinian towns are on lockdown as settlers – supported and in some cases joined by IDF soldiers – are marauding through villages and forcing their residents to flee…”  And for  more than 3 months of the non-stop slaugher, including of children, Congress has done NOTHING to try to stop it, and most of Congress has actively defending Israel and supported sending Israel more weapons to do even more… Truly there is no bottom.

(MORE $$ FOR ISRAEL SUPPLEMENTAL) HR 7113: Introduced 1/29/24 by Moskowitz (R-FL), “Making emergency supplemental appropriations in line with the President’s request in response to the ongoing attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty by Russia and in response to the attacks in Israel for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on the Budget. For Israel, the bill provides $10.6 billion in emergency funding for Israel (broken down below); it would also suspends a provision of current law to allow Israel to draw unlimited supplies from US stockpiles in 2024:

• operation and maintenance, defense-wide — $4,400,000,000
• procurement of ammunition, army — $801,400,000
• procurement, defense-wide — $4,000,000,000 (Iron Dome & David’s Sling)
• defense production act purchases — $198,600,000
• research, development, test and evaluation, defense-wide — $1,200,000,000 (Iron Beam)

(GAZA WAR? MEH. NEVER STOP PUSHING NORMALIZATION!) HR 7155: Introduced 1/31/24 by Harshbarger (R-TN) and 6 bipartisan cosponsors, “To provide for the establishment, within the Food and Drug Administration, of an Abraham Accords Bureau to promote and facilitate cooperation between the Food and Drug Administration and entities in Abraham Accords countries wishing to work with the agency in order to develop and sell products in the United States, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

 

2. Letters (except related to UNRWA)

War on Gaza

• 1/31/24: Axios – Scoop: Biden pressed by Congress on Qatar’s role in hostage talks [letter text] (letter being circulated by Gottheimer, D-NJ); from Jewish Insider 1/31/24: “Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) joined Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) as original co-signers of a letter calling for the U.N. secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, and the head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, to resign. The letter is now circulating on the Hill for additional signatories.“
• 1/31/24: Jewish Insider — “Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Colin Allred (D-TX) are set to send a letter today pushing back on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. “The allegations brought by South Africa are reprehensible, deliberately one-sided, and represent the clear misuse of international mechanisms meant to prevent and punish perpetrators who truly have the intent to eliminate a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group,” the letter, obtained by Jewish Insider, reads.”
• 1/30/24: 2 Prominent Democrats Urge Biden To Pressure Netanyahu To Change Course In Gaza (Huffington Post 1/30/24)
• 1/29/24: Warren, McGovern Lead Bicameral Coalition Pressing Biden Administration for Bypassing Congress to Approve Arms Transfers to Israel [letter text, dated 1/26/24].

Targeting Free Speech

• 1/30/24: Bipartisan Coalition of Ways and Means Members Calls On Federal Agencies to Detail Efforts to Identify U.S. Charities with Possible Links to Terrorism [letter to FBI Director Wray, letter to Treasure Secretary Yellen and IRS Commissioner Werfel)

Iran

• 2/1/24: Risch, Rubio, Hassan, Colleagues to Biden: Strengthen Enforcement of Iran Sanctions [letter text]
  
• 1/31/24: Rubio, Colleagues to Biden: Strengthen Enforcement of Iran Sanctions [letter text]
• 1/30/24: CONGRESSMEN LAWLER AND MOSKOWITZ RELEASE JOINT STATEMENT FOLLOWING LETTER TO BIDEN ADMIN URGING ACTION ON IRAN’S ILLICIT OIL TRADE [letter text embedded in press release, also here]. Also see: Bipartisan group of House members calls for stronger enforcement of Iran oil sanctions (Jewish Insider 1/31/24)

Other

• 1/31/24: Pelosi, DeLauro, McGovern Nominate José Andrés, World Central Kitchen for Nobel Peace Prize [letter text – incl: “Amid violence and chaos in Gaza, he distributed food and aid to displaced Palestinians” – truly a shame about that meteor that fell from the skies and caused all of that violence and chaos!]
• 1/29/24: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will Continue its Inquiry into Saudi Public Investment Fund [letter text]
• 1/26/24: RELEASE: KHANNA LEADS BIPARTISAN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN ON UNAUTHORIZED STRIKES IN YEMEN [letter text]. Also see: House members tell Biden he must seek authorization for Yemen strikes (Washington Post 1/26/24)

 

3. The Campaign to Kill UNRWA Heats Up

This week saw an all-0ut assault on UNRWA on Capitol Hill, including new legislation, a hearing (scheduled before Israel’s allegations that 12 UNRWA staff took place in 10/7 attacks were made public), letters, statements, & publicly-reported lobbying of members of Congress by Israeli officials. As a reminder: Congress has been gunning for UNRWA for more than a decade. From me: Congressional Attacks on UNRWA: A History (2000-2018); Taking Issues “Off the Table” – First Jerusalem, Now Refugees (Huffington Post 1/5/18); Legislating the Refugee Problem (Daily Beast 5/24/12)

(a) Legislation

• (DEFUND UNRWA, PUNISH ALL WHO HAVE EVER BEEN AFFILIATED WITH UNRWA BY DEFINING UNRWA AS A TERRORIST ORG, & REVOKE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF UNRWA USA) S. 3723: Introduced 2/1/24 by Cotton (R-IN) and Cruz (R-TX), the “‘Defund United Nations Relief and Works Agency Act of 2024,” aka “A bill to prohibit funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Finance. NOTE: This bill goes far beyond blocking US funding to UNRWA to attack/punish anyone who has ever worked for/with UNRWA, and to seek to impede private citizens from supporting UNRWA. It would: (a) bar any U.S. funding for UNRWA; (b) ban admittance to the U.S. of anyone who “is, or has ever been, affiliated with UNRAW” and revoke visas already issues to such people, by changing current law such that henceforth “any officer, official, representative, or spokesperson” of UNRWA would, by definition, be considered “to be engaged in a terrorist activity” (along with the same categories of people working for the PLO) – with the resulting sanctions also applying to spouses and children; and (c) revoke the tax exempt status of UNRWA USA.  Also see: press release – Cotton, Cruz: UNRWA Should Not Receive Another Dime of U.S. Funding
• (NO US $$  TO THE UN UNTIL UNRWA IS DEAD & BURIED!) S. 3717 (text): Introduced 1/31/24 by Scott (R-SC) and Cruz (R-TX), “To prohibit United States voluntary contributions to the United Nations.” The legislation (after several pages of whereas clauses attacking UNRWA) states: “No funds may be provided as a voluntary or assessed contribution of the United States to the United Nations,  including any organ, agency, or entity of the United Nations until (1) UNRWA is abolished; (2) the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the that the United Nations has completed appropriate counter-terrorism vetting for all United Nations employees and contractors operating in the original jurisdiction of the UNRWA; and (3) the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the United Nations, including staff and facilities receiving United Nations funding, do not teach, promote, or include in materials, such as textbooks and other instructional materials, any content that promotes anti-semitism or encourages violence or intolerance toward other countries or ethnic groups.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Senators Scott, Cruz Introduce Bill to Cut Off U.S. Funding to the UN Until UNRWA is Abolished
• (DEATH TO UNRWA! ALSO SECURE THE BORDER FROM BROWN INVADERS!) S.3708 (text): Introduced 1/31/24 by Kennedy (R-LA) and 8 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to reprogram Federal funds appropriated for UNRWA to construct the southwest border wall and to prohibit future funding for UNRWA.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Kennedy press release – Kennedy authors bill to defund pro-Hamas UN group and divert funds to build border wall
• (DEATH TO UNRWA! NO MORE PALESTINE REFUGEES!) HR 7111 (text): Introduced 1/29/24 by Mast (R-FL),  “The UNRWA Elimination Act,” aka, “To establish the policy of the United States that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East should be disbanded completely, and for other purposes,” aka (or at least is should be) the “End the Palestine Refugee Issue Once and For All by Killing UNRWA and Declaring that Palestine Refugees Aren’t Refugees Anymore – yeah, that should do it – and the replacing UNRWA with humanitarian aid provided through only Israel-approved/controlled mechanisms, designed to make sure that humanitarian aid is used as a tool to control Palestinians (who are still refugees notwithstanding Israel insisting nobody call them that), and that education is geared to teaching Palestinians to LOVE Israel and blame themselves for everything that has happened to them from 1948 to the present.” NOTE: This bill would not only ban U.S. assistance to UNRWA, but would also make foreign aid to any country conditional on that country supporting the policy that: UNRWA “should be disbanded completely” and “all refugee services and responsibilities in the West Bank and Gaza strip should be transferred to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Congressman pushes ban on tax dollars to Hamas-tied UN agency (Washington Examiner 1/29/24)
• (DEATH TO UNRWA! NO MORE PALESTINE REFUGEES!) HR 7122 (text): Introduced 1/29/24 by Smith (R-NJ) and 3 Republican cosponsors, the “Stop Support for UNRWA Act of 2024“, aka, “To prohibit aid that will benefit Hamas, and for other purposes.” This bill states: “The United States may not make any voluntary or involuntary contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (referred to in this Act as ‘‘UNRWA’’), to any successor or related entity, or to the regular budget of the United Nations for the support of UNRWA or a successor entity.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Republican lawmaker introduces bill to block all funds for UN Palestinian aid agency (The Hill 1/30/24); Smith press release 1/30/24: Smith bill prohibits US funding for UNRWA; Smith co-chairs third congressional hearing exposing the blatant antisemitism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

Other anti-UNRWA bills previously introduced in this Congress (and thus still in play):

• HR 552: the “No Tax Dollars for the United Nation’s Immigration Invasion Act,” aka “To prohibit United States contributions to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and for other purposes.”
• HR 1102/S. 431, the “UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act” – a bill that: attacks UNRWA (the organization); attacks Palestinian refugees (legislating them out of existence); delegitimizes Palestinian history/narrative/rights (by targeting the mere idea of the right of return); attacks non-violent protest of Israel via boycotts of either Israel or settlements (citing an Obama-era trade law to conflate the two); and legislates/weaponizes a definition of “antisemitism” that explicitly conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism (the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
• S. 3493: “A bill to require certification prior to obligation of funds for United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and for other purposes.”

(b) Letters

• 2/1/24: Ricketts Leads 26 Senators Demanding Supplemental Bill Ban U.S. Aid to UNRWA Given Hamas Ties [letter text]. Also see: press release – On Senate Floor & in Letter to Senate Leadership, Ricketts Calls to End U.S. Funding for UNRWA
• 1/31/24: Wagner, McCaul, Members of Foreign Affairs Committee Call on State Department to Reclaim Funding from UNRWA [letter text]. Also see: Group of House Republicans call on Blinken to pull back U.S. funds already provided to UNRWA (Jewish Insider 1/31/24)
• Jewish Insider 1/30/24: Gottheimer, colleagues to call on U.N. secretary-general, UNRWA chief to step down — The letter cites a series of issues in the U.N.’s response to the Oct. 7 attack in Israel, including UNRWA employees’ participation in the Hamas assault

(c) Hearing

January 30, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability and Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations convened a joint witch-hunt/show trial/publicity stunt masquerading as a hearing entitled, “UNRWA Exposed: Examining the Agency’s Mission and Failures.” Witnesses for the prosecution were: Richard Goldberg, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (statement); Marcus Sheff, IMPACT-se (statement); and Hillel Neuer, UN Watch (statement). The sole witness for the defense: Mara Rudman, University of Virginia, Miller Center (statement). And yes, it was as bad as anticipated (though Rudman did try to inject facts/reality into the proceedings, even if most members appeared at best uninterested and more often contemptuous of facts/reality that did not comport with their judgment, made in advance of the show trial, that UNRWA is GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES, and anyone defending UNRWA is, obviously, antisemitic and pro-Hamas).  Also see: video

Selected media coverage of hearing:

• ‘UNRWA did unconscionable things’: Main takeaways from congressional hearing – Consensus from the Foreign Affairs Committee hearing is that a “large percentage” of the UN aid agency supports Hamas, and has failed the Palestinian people. (Israel Hayom 1/31/24)
• House hears testimony on UNRWA ‘horror show,’ Hamas links — “We have to replace UNRWA with something else,” said Rep. Brad Schneider. “I support getting rid of UNRWA.” (Jewish News Syndicate 1/30/24)
• GOP Lawmaker Accuses Biden of Pushing Out ‘Tens-of-Millions’ in Taxpayer Funding for UNRWA Just Prior to Aid Suspension (Free Beacon 1/30/24)
• Republicans Equate Aid Workers With Terrorists In Hearing On U.N. Funding -The largest aid organization in war-torn Gaza is the “identical twin” of Hamas, one lawmaker said (Huffington Post 1/30/24)
• US lawmakers clash over Unrwa funding in heated congressional hearing (Middle East Eye 1/30/24)
• Democrats split over UNRWA’s future ahead of public hearing – Some Democrats expressed reservations about the administration’s decision to cut off aid, while others open to cutting it off entirely (Jewish Insider 1/30/24)

Reminder of past hearing:

November 8, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations held a hearing entitled, “United Nations’ Bigotry Towards Israel: UNRWA Anti-semitism Poisons Palestinian Youth” [a title that advertised in advance that the hearing was going to be nothing but a hit-job on UNRWA]. Originally this hearing was to have included a panel featuring a single witness, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan (who prior to the hearing was on the record with the position that UNRWA – by its very existence- “perpetuates” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has attacked the Biden Administration for funding UNRWA, arguing among other things that “We believe that this U.N. agency for so-called ‘refugees’ should not exist in its current format“). That panel was apparently scrapped. Witnesses at the hearing were: anti-UNRWA campaigner Hillel Neuer of UN Watch (testimony); longtime UNRWA antagonist Jonathan Schanzer, FDD (testimony);  and Jonathan Lincoln, Interim Director of the Center for Jewish Civilization (testimony). Also see: hearing video

(d) Other selected statements & press coverage

• AOC, Bernie Sanders call US decision to halt UNRWA funding ‘unacceptable’ (World Israel news 1/2/24)
• Gottheimer: Going to see bipartisan group say ‘time for UNRWA to disappear’ (JNS 1/31/24)
• Across a broad spectrum, lawmakers open to replacing UNRWA – Some Democrats, however, argued that humanitarian funding for Gaza needs to be continued through UNRWA or some other mechanism in the near term, before a full-scale overhaul (Jewish Insider 1/31/24)
• Scoop: Democrats talk UNRWA alternatives with Israeli official (Axios 1/31/24 — “Roughly eight to ten Jewish Democrats met with Col. Elad Goren, a top official at the Israeli Defense Force’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) unit, according to four members who were present at the meeting. Goren offered about half a dozen possible alternatives to UNRWA, including UNICEF and the U.N. World Food Program, according to the lawmakers. ‘The point he was trying to make was … we want there to be humanitarian aid, but UNRWA is a problem,’ said one member, speaking on the condition of anonymity. ‘There need to be alternatives, there are alternatives already, and those are the alternatives that should be used.’…Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), who was present at the meeting, said he is ‘hopeful that we take a look at those other international NGOs that might be able to help manage the humanitarian crisis and alleviate it.‘”
• Israel’s opportunity: Make UNRWA go away (Israel Hayom 1/30/24 – “Israel only has a  few weeks left to explain what UNRWA is and have it replaced by an alternative agency with the US, at least partially. This is the first opportunity in 75 years. We must not pass up on it.“]
• Republicans blast Biden, UNRWA after agency admits employees’ Oct. 7 involvement (Jewish Insider 1/26/24)
• McCaul (R-TX) 1/26/24: press release – McCaul “Appalled, But Unfortunately Not Surprised” UNRWA Employees Involved in October 7th Massacre

 

4. Hearings & Markups

February 6, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a markup of various measures including: HR 6603, the “No Technology for Terror Act,” aka, “To apply foreign-direct product rules to Iran.”

January 30, 2024: The House Committee on Transportation and Reform held a hearing entitled, “Menace on the Red Sea: Securing Shipping Against Threats in the Red Sea.” Witnesses were: Bud Darr, Executive Vice President of Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) (Testimony);  Ian Ralby, Chief Executive Officer, I.R. Consilium (Testimony); Jonathan Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail Federation (Testimony); and David Heindel, President, Seafarers International Union (Testimony). Also see: hearing video;

 

5. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Politics/Elex

• Times of Israel 2/2/24: U.S. Congressman Jim Himes has a HAMAS Problem [attack piece penned by the Republican running against Himes in November]
• Haaretz 2/1/24: AIPAC Readies for Primaries With $40 Million War Chest Following Oct. 7 Attack – The pro-Israel group’s United Democracy Project super PAC raised more than $35 million in the back half of 2023, including $5 million from WhatsApp inventor Jan Koum. It is now ‘working to defeat anti-Israel candidates’ in the upcoming primaries
• Pennsylvania Capital Star 2/1/24: Summer Lee’s $1M fourth quarter tops the Pennsylvania House delegation – The next-highest Q4 raise among Pa. members of Congress was Democrat Matt Cartwright
• Daily Beast 2/1/24: Epstein Client Les Wexner Donated $100K to Pro-Israel Group
• Rolling Stone 2/1/24: OnlyFans Owner Pledged $11 Million to Israel Lobby: Report;  OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky denies pledging millions to the pro-Israel lobby, despite appearing on internal AIPAC documents obtained by The Lever
• Intelligence 2/1/24: Bernie’s Pressure Campaign — He’s getting louder about America’s role in Israel’s war, pushing his own party to act before it’s too late.
• The Lever 2/1/24: Inside The Israel Lobby’s New $90 Million War Chest – Internal AIPAC materials reveal huge gifts from moguls — and the strategies lobbyists used to score the cash.
• Jewish Insider 2/1/24: In Michigan, Democrats walk fine line on Israel between dueling constituencies 
• The Intercept 2/1/24: Summer Lee’s Primary Foe Wants Pro-Israel and Right-Wing Hindu Supporters to Take Down the Squad – At a closed-door fundraiser, Bhavini Patel told donors she was strategizing to get Republicans to vote against Lee in the Democratic primary.
• Business Insider 2/1/24: Rashida Tlaib just raised a gob-smacking $3.6 million despite facing House censure and withering criticism over her views on Israel
• The Detroit news 2/1/24: Tlaib raises $3.7M for reelection after censure by House colleagues
• The Intercept 2/1/24: Rep. Dan Goldman’s “Disgust” at South Africa’s Genocide Case Is Costing Him Votes — In a letter, more than 1,000 of Goldman’s constituents condemned him for lambasting charges of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
• Yahoo 2/1/24: Pro-Israel Groups Rake In Big Bucks And 4 Other Takeaways From Candidates’ Final 2023 Fundraising Period
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/31/24: Jewish organizers aim to boot Bowman out of New York seat  — The effort focuses on encouraging voters to temporarily join the Democratic Party to vote against the anti-Israel politician in the primary election.
• The Forward 1/31/24: Only in LA: DSA councilmember who called for ceasefire wins pro-Israel backing, riling left-wing supporters — Nithya Raman, an incumbent who has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, wins backing of pro-Israel group
• Washington Free Beacon 1/31/24: We Didn’t Think The Squad Could Disgrace Themselves Any Further. They Proved Us Wrong. — The cadre of left-wing Jew haters are having a banner week
• Jewish Insider 1/29/24: Democrats brace for anti-Israel protests at Chicago convention — Disruptions at recent Biden campaign events hint at confrontations during the August convention
• Free Beacon 1/29/24: They Blamed Israel for Hamas’s Attack. Jamaal Bowman Is Touting Their Endorsement
• Jewish Insider 1/29/24: George Latimer announces huge fundraising haul in campaign against Rep. Bowman [“Latimer is expected to draw significant support from leading pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC, whose political action committee officially backed his campaign last week — in its first endorsement of a non-incumbent this election cycle. Democratic Majority for Israel has also circulated fundraising emails urging supporters to donate to Latimer’s campaign, even as it has yet to disclose if it will make an endorsement.  Meanwhile, J Street, the left-wing Israel advocacy group, said on Friday that it was rescinding its endorsement of Bowman…“]
• Politico 1/29/24: Tlaib meets with Biden campaign manager as president seeks to ease progressive concerns over Israel
• Jewish Insider 1/28/24: J Street rescinds endorsement of Jamaal Bowman over anti-Israel rhetoric — The surprise reversal is a setback for Bowman as he prepares for a challenging primary
• New York Post 1/27/24: Sen. John Fetterman waves Israeli flag from his roof after pro-Hamas protesters gather outside his Pa. home
• The Intercept 1/27/24: Pro-Israel Illinois Democrat Cancels Two Debates Against Challenger Who Backs Gaza Ceasefire — Rep. Bill Foster and Qasim Rashid are on opposite sides of the Gaza ceasefire push — with AIPAC expected to get into the action.
• Huffington Post 1/26/24: Progressive Democrats Call Out Party For Taking ‘Toxic Money’ From Israel Lobbying Group —  Several House incumbents want leadership to do more to keep AIPAC — and its Republican cash — out of party primaries.

Attacking Free Speech Critical of Israel (& delegitimizing progressive grassroots)

• Times of Israel 1/28/24: Nancy Pelosi calls for FBI probe into ‘Russian-funded’ protests against war in Gaza
• New York Times 1/28/24: Pelosi Wants F.B.I. to Investigate Pro-Palestinian Protesters
• Daily Beast 1/28/24: Pelosi Bizarrely Claims Russia Is Behind Pro-Palestine Protests [“Her comments drew immediate backlash from the leading civil rights advocacy group for Muslims, who condemned them as unfounded and undemocratic.“]

Israel War on Gaza & Biden Policy

• Daily Beast 2/1/24: GOP Rep: Babies Killed in Gaza ‘Are Not Innocent Palestinian Civilians’ – Brian Mast also insisted there’s more infrastructure in the enclave that “needs to be destroyed.”
• Free Beacon 1/31/24: ‘Worst Betrayal’: GOP Lawmakers Slam Biden Plan To Recognize Palestinian State

Israel Aid

• Jerusalem Post 2/1/24: Rabbis and pastors unite, lobby Congress to support Israel
• Jewish Insider 2/1/24: As prospects dim for a Senate border deal, calls emerge for stand-alone Israel package
• Bloomberg 1/31/24: Republican Senators Weigh Israel, Ukraine Aid Without Border Demands
• Jewish Insider 1/31/24: House Democrats signal openness to workarounds on supplemental
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/26/24: ‘Dead on arrival’: Biden Israel aid package in jeopardy

Iran

• Washington Examiner 1/31/24 (oped by Sen. Budd, R-NC): Appeasement toward Iran must end
• Jewish Insider 1/30/24: The horseshoe theory of politics: Isolationist and anti-war lawmakers urge restraint against Iran
• Jewish Insider 1/29/24: Senate Republicans call for strikes on Iran following U.S. service member deaths —  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called for “serious, crippling costs — not only on front-line terrorist proxies, but on their Iranian sponsors.”
• Daily Beast 1/28/24: GOP Hawks Bay for Blood After 3 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iran-Backed Strike (“Hit Iran now. Hit them hard,” Lindsey Graham demanded in a tweet that was screenshotted by Tucker Carlson, who opined: “Fucking lunatics.”)

Other

• The Jewish Press 1/31/24: GOP Jews Ask Senate to Nix Anti-Israel Muslim’s Judicial Nominee

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

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(ADOPTING IHRA DEFINITION INTO US LAW AS PART OF EDUCATION AUTHORIZATION BILL) S. 3392: On 1/22/24, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (chaired by Sanders, I-VT) reported out of committee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute S. 3392, “To reauthorize the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002, the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act, and for other purposes.” That amendment includes text of an amendment offered by Sen. Marshall (R-KS) during the HELP committee’s markup of the bill on December 12.  Marshall’s amendment adds into S. 3392 the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples (which conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism), in a new section barring funding to any “entity that promotes antisemitism on the campus of such entity, or served by such entity, in violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).” The new bill text stipulates that for the purposes of this funding ban, “The term ‘antisemitism’ has the meaning given the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including the contemporary examples of antisemitism cited by the Alliance” and “The term ‘entity’ means a public elementary school or secondary school (including a charter school), local educational agency, State educational agency, postsecondary program, or institution of higher education.” As of this writing it is now known if/when this measure will be brought to the floor for a vote, or if/how the IHRA language will be dealt with in advance of or during such a vote (it would be unusual for Senate leadership to move ahead with a bill voted out of committee when the chair of that committee opposes the bill). Notably, this is an authorization bill – meaning it is not “must-pass” legislation. In the context of the current mess in Congress, this could mean that the bill will never be brought to a vote at all.

Of note:

• HELP Chair Sanders vigorously opposed Marshall’s amendment in committee.
• Some of the debate in the committee centered the amendment barring funds to any entity that “allows Anti-semitism to occur,” and Marshall agreed that changing “allows” to “promotes” might be acceptable.
• Marshall’s amendment – including the word “allows” passed with YES votes from all Republicans (except for Paul, R-KY, who didn’t vote), plus YES votes from four Democrats: Baldwin (D-WI), Casey (D-PA), Hassan (D-NH), & Hickenlooper (D-CO)
• The committee subsequently voted at the very end of the markup (by voice vote, after some members had already left) to adopt an amendment to Marshall’s amendment, changing the word “allows” to “promotes” (original amendment; modified amendment).
• Video of the 12/12/23 markup is here. Committee consideration of the Marshall’s amendment adding enforcement of the IHRA definition of antisemitism to federal funding rules for all U.S. educational entities starts at around 45:40. The Committee vote on modifying Marshall’s amendment starts at around 2:09:45 (in a somewhat chaotic ending to the hearing).

(SUPPORTING 2-STATE SOLUTION) S. Amdt. XXXX: On 1/24/24, Sen. Schatz (D-HI) announced his plan to introduce an amendment “that reiterates longstanding U.S. policy in support of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict” to the anticipated supplemental aid bill. According to his press release, his amendment is supported by all fellow Senate Democrats except for Fetterman (D-PA) and Manchin (D-WV). Many of those Democrats gave quotes cited in the press release. The amendment reads: “It is the policy of the United States— (1) to support a negotiated comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace, security, dignity, and mutual recognition; and (2) that such a solution must ensure the state of Israel’s survival as a secure, democratic, and Jewish state, and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.” Also see: 49 Senate Democrats join amendment affirming support for two-state solution – The legislation represents an effective rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments rejecting a two-state solution (Jewish Insider 1/15/24); John Fetterman and Joe Manchin decline to back resolution supporting a 2-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Business Insider 1/24/24); Congressional Dems intensify their pushback against Netanyahu with public defense of Palestinian state (Politico 1/24/24)

(DISAPPROVE OF AID TO EGYPT) S. J. Res. 54: Introduced 1/22/24 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(DISAPPROVE OF AID TO EGYPT) S. J. Res. 55: Introduced 1/22/24 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(DISAPPROVE OF AID TO EGYPT) S. J. Res. 56:  Introduced 1/22/24 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sales to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(IRAN) S. 3647: Introduced 1/24/24 by Warnock (D-GA) and Vance (R-OH), “A bill to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to use funds in the lump sum catch-up payment reserve fund to make payments to Iran hostages and their families.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 

2. Letters

• [NO FREE SPEECH ON ISRAEL FOR USG EMPLOYEES!] 1/25/24: Chairman Bost, House Republicans Keep Up Fight for Combatting Antisemitism and Hate Speech at VA [letter text]

• [INVESTIGATE QATAR!] The New York Sun 1/22/24: Congressman Asks Garland To Probe Qatar’s Involvement in Spying on American Lawmakers – Congressman Jack Bergman also is calling attention to broadcaster Al Jazeera’s ‘startlingly large presence on Capitol Hill.’ [letter text not available]

• [THREATENING ACADEMIA, WITH CRITICISM OF ISRAEL AS THE HOOK – UPENN EDITION] 1/24/24: @EdWorkforceCmte Questions UPenn’s Failure to Address Antisemitism as Investigation Ramps Up – UPenn Given Until February 7 to Produce All Documents Requested [14-page letter text] NOTE: Foxx’s letter makes clear that she and the committee have already pronounced UPenn guilty on all charges, and the demand for documents  (a list going on for 4 pages) is an exercise intended not to enable an investigation of allegations but rather is a fishing expedition for fuel to escalate the ongoing attack against UPenn. Also note: Foxx previously sent a similar demand letter to Harvard, to which Harvard responded with the requested documents. Foxx immediately issued a press release: Foxx Slams Harvard for “Woefully Inadequate” Response to Antisemitism Probe – Says the University is Risking Compulsory Measures

• [BIDEN NEEDS TO TALK TO CONGRESS RE: STRIKES IN YEMEN] 1/24/24: Kaine, Young, Murphy, & Lee Press Administration on Strategy in Response to Houthi Attacks in Red Sea [letter text] Also see: Senators question legality of Biden’s Houthi strikes in Yemen (Defense News 1/23/24)

• [WE SUPPORT THE 2-STATE SOLUTION] 1/23/24: Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and 43 Democratic colleagues send letter to Biden in support of two-state solution [letter text]. Excerpt: “We write today to express our support for a two-state solution as the only viable path for a sustainable peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people. We applaud your continued commitment to a goal that could end the decades-long cycle of violence that has consumed the Israeli and Palestinian people. We are deeply concerned by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s public rejection of a two-state solution on January 18, and respectfully request that your Administration outline a strategy to marshal international and ultimately, Israeli and Palestinian support to successfully implement a two-state solution.“

• [SOUTH AFRICA’S CASE AGAINST ISRAEL IS TOTALLY FALSE & WE WON’T STAND FOR IT] 1/23/24: Over 200 Members join bipartisan letter to Biden Administration — Smith, Manning lead letter denouncing South Africa’s grossly unfounded genocide accusation against Israel [letter text]. Excerpt: ” Supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Smith-Manning letter urges the Biden Administration ‘to offer Israel all appropriate support in opposing the South African application to the ICJ, and to encourage our allies to join us in speaking out against this unfounded attack on Israel, particularly at the United Nations and in other intergovernmental organizations.’” Also see: More than 200 lawmakers condemn South Africa’s genocide case against Israel (Jewish Insider 1/24/24); 210 US lawmakers blast South Africa’s ‘defamatory’ genocide charge against Israel (Times of Israel 1/24/24); AIPAC X-post 1/23/24; Backed by AIPAC, 62 Dems Join GOP in Condemning Genocide Case Against Israel (Common Dreams 1/24/24)

• [USING HAMAS/HEZBOLLAH AS PRETEXT TO SUPPORTING TOBACCO INDUSTRY] 1/22/24: Cotton to Becerra and Garland: Banning Menthol Cigarettes Will Benefit Terrorists [letter text] Also see: Free Beacon 1/22/24: How Biden’s Menthol Cigarette Ban Could Line Terrorists’ Pockets [“Proposal would create booming black market for Hamas and Hezbollah, Sen. Cotton warns”]

• [NO FORCED DISPLACEMENT OF PALESTINIANS FORM GAZA] 1/19/24: Pressley, Raskin, Lead 60 Lawmakers in Urging State Dept. to Affirm U.S. Opposition to Forced Displacement of Palestinians from Gaza [letter text]. Also see: House Democrats Ask Biden Admin To Clarify That Palestinians Can’t Be Pushed Out Of Gaza (Huffington Post 1/19/24)

• [INVESTIGATE UN FOR NOT FOCUSING ON HAMAS SEXUAL VIOLENCE] 1/19/24: Gottheimer, Salazar Call For UN Investigation into UN Women’s Unacceptably Slow Response to October 7 Sexual Violence by Hamas [letter text]

 

3. Hearings & Markups

January 30, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability and Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations will convene a joint witch-hunt/show trial/publicity stunt masquerading as a hearing entitled, “UNRWA Exposed: Examining the Agency’s Mission and Failures.” Witnesses will be: Richard Goldberg, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Marcus Sheff, IMPACT-se; Hillel Neuer, UN Watch; Mara Rudman, University of Virginia Miller Center. Note that there has been a lot of targeting of UNRWA of late – see for example:

• Risch on Reports of UNRWA Staff’s Alleged Complicity in Kidnapping of Israelis on October 7;
• Jewish Insider – U.S. halts UNRWA funding over staffers’ involvement with Oct. 7 terror attacks;
• Israel Hayom – Israel asks UNRWA to vacate plot, pay fine in capital over illegal activity;
• Stefanik (R-NY) 1/26/24 – “It is absolutely shameful and unacceptable that employees at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) had a direct role in the barbaric October 7th attacks against Israel. UNRWA is supposed to be a humanitarian agency, yet their employees are supporting Hamas in its goal to eradicate the Israeli state and carry out genocide against the Jewish people. Unfortunately, this is another devastating consequence of the Biden Administration’s complete incompetence. In 2021, Joe Biden reversed President Trump’s decision to cut off U.S. taxpayer dollars from going to the antisemitic UNRWA. For the last three years Joe Biden’s decision to send U.S. taxpayer dollars to Gaza with no oversight and no accountability has allowed for the proliferation of abhorrent and antisemitic educational materials to be used across Gaza and filled the coffers of Hamas. Now we are finding out that their employees who are funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars were directly involved in the abhorrent October 7th attacks. The Biden Administration’s limited suspension of funds to UNRWA to cover up for their disastrous mistake is unacceptable. Joe Biden must permanently cut off all funding to this antisemitic and violent organization.”

January 30, 2024: The House Committee on Transportation and Reform will hold a hearing entitled, “Menace on the Red Sea: Securing Shipping Against Threats in the Red Sea.” As of this writing there is no information regarding witnesses.

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

• The Forward 1/26/24: J Street withdraws endorsement of Jamaal Bowman for ‘crossing the line’ on Israel-Hamas war – J Street’s Jeremy Ben-Ami said the reevaluation was prompted by Bowman’s recent statements about Israel, including accusations of genocide
• Haaretz 1/25/24: Republicans Are Looking at Netanyahu for How to Combat Biden’s Post-war Gaza Plans [“With the Biden administration pushing Israel to wrap up its ground invasion in Gaza and looking toward a possible future with the Palestinian Authority in charge, U.S. Republicans are falling into rank, GOP style“]
• Huffington Post 1/26/24: Progressive Democrats Call Out Party For Taking ‘Toxic Money’ From Israel Lobbying Group
• Jewish Insider 1/26/24: Jewish-owned businesses in Bowman’s district vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti [conspicuously omitted from the JI article: “Both stores were displaying ‘We stand with Israel’ signs“; also see: Jamaal Bowman Accused Israel of Genocide. Now, Vandals Are Defacing Jewish Businesses in His District With the Same Message. (Free Beacon) Also see: Times of Israel – ‘Genocide supporters’: Graffiti against Israel scrawled on two stores in NY suburb — “Jewish owner of Scarsdale ice cream and gift shop says he believes his business was targeted because of ‘We stand with Israel’ sign in the window”
• WRNJ Radio 1/25/24: AIPAC endorses Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. as pro-Israel member
• The Intercept 1/25/24: Facing AIPAC Onslaught, Rep. Summer Lee Announces Record Small-Donor Fundraising Haul
• Jewish Insider 1/25/24: AIPAC endorses Latimer in bid to unseat Bowman [“‘We are proud to endorse George Latimer who — in clear contrast to his opponent — is strongly committed to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and standing by our ally as it fights Hamas terrorism,’ Marshall Wittmann, a spokesperson for AIPAC, said in a statement shared with JI on Wednesday evening. Doug Forand, a spokesperson for Latimer’s campaign, cast the endorsement from AIPAC as an example of what he called ‘the broad coalition of support that has unified behind George in his race for Congress. With the challenges facing us in Washington, George’s strong support for Israel and his message of unity and delivering real results is resonating with voters,’ Forand added in a statement to JI on Wednesday, ‘and we look forward to continuing to build our base of support.’”
• Jewish Insider 1/25/24: Aiming to succeed Elissa Slotkin, Curtis Hertel mirrors her pragmatic sensibilities [“Despite Michingan’s emerging position as a hotspot for left-wing anti-Israel activism, Hertel told JI last week that he continues to stand behind Israel. ‘Israel was attacked, they were attacked in a horrific way,’ Hertel said. ‘We have a responsibility to stand with our allies when those kinds of things happen.’ He added that ‘I don’t think anybody wants war or the horrors that come with it’ and thinks the U.S. should continue to engage with negotiations among the parties. But he said ‘calling for unilateral cease-fire does not make sense,’ especially while Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages and fire missiles toward Israel. Hertel also opposes placing additional conditions or restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel. Hertel said he doesn’t have the information or expertise to evaluate whether he agrees with Slotkin’s view, expressed in a recent letter with fellow Democrats from national security backgrounds, that Israel’s military campaign has not been carefully targeted enough. ‘The people of Gaza have a right to safety,’ he said. ‘But in many ways, Hamas is the reason why they’re unsafe.’”]
• The Nation 1/24/24: “I Always Outwork the Hate”: An Exclusive Interview With Rashida Tlaib
• New Jersey Globe 1/24/24: AIPAC backs Tom Kean, Rob Menendez -Pro-Israel group is supporting 10 N.J. members of Congress, among them Bob Menendez
• NJ Spotlight News 1/24/24: Where does NJ’s congressional delegation stand on Israel and Netanyahu?
• Yahoo News 1/23/24: Democrats’ Gloves Come Off In Feisty California Senate Debate
• Sacramento Bee 1/23/24: California Senate candidates clash over Trump, Israel and more in harsh debate
• WESA 1/23/24: Deluzio launches re-election bid with little fanare, but pledge to serve district [“Unlike some Democrats, like Summer Lee from the 12th District next door, he has largely avoided controversy over Israel and its response to the Oct. 7 terror attacks by Hamas. (Deluzio in fact took a trip to Israel backed by AIPAC, the country’s highest-profile advocacy group in the United States.) But he has lately been critical of the country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently said he would not allow Palestinians to have a homeland of their own…”]
• The Forward 1/23/24: What California’s Senate candidates said about Israel and Gaza in their first debate [“Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee — plus former Dodger Steve Garvey — debated calls for ceasefire in Gaza”]
• Politico 1/23/24: Fetterman’s break from the left excites Republicans [“The Pennsylvania Democrat is straying from liberal orthodoxy on the border and Israel, giving GOP colleagues hope that he might keep surprising them.”]
• Jewish Insider 1/23/24: Bowman denies being aware of Finkelstein’s ‘reprehensible’ views in apology, even as author expressed them during panel
• Free Beacon 1/22/24: Jamaal Bowman Said He Was ‘Starstruck’ By Anti-Israel Author Who Praised Hamas. Now He Claims He Barely Knew the Guy.
• The Hill 1/22/24: Tempers flare over Israel-Palestine in California Senate debate
• Adirondack Daily News 1/22/24: Green Party calls on Stefanik to resign over Israel support
• Associated Press 1/22/24: McCormick elevates Israel-Hamas war in bid for Jewish voters [“Republican running for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania is escalating criticism of Democrats over the Israel-Hamas war and has traveled to the Israel-Gaza border to make the case that the Biden administration hasn’t backed Israel strongly enough”]
• Politico 1/21/24: The single biggest issue dividing California’s Senate race [“The candidates’ positions mirror intraparty rifts nationwide over the Biden administration’s response to the war.”]
• The Intercept 1/20/24: After House Speaker Mike Johnson Pushed Through Israel Aid Package, AIPAC Cash Came Flowing In
• Jacobin 1/20/24: Congress’s Israel Support Is Out of Touch With Voters
• Kansas Reflector 1/19/24: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran denounces VA lawyer’s antisemitic comments about Israeli hostages

• Jewish Insider 1/26/24: Senate Republicans insist border talks remain on track, despite leaked McConnell comments [“If the compromise falls apart, the Senate would need a new plan to pass aid to Israel”]
• Jewish Insider 1/24/24: Pro-Israel Senate Dems say Netanyahu’s two-state solution comments don’t impact conditions debate [“‘I don’t think those two are necessarily linked,’ Sen. Richard Blumenthal told JI.”]
• Jerusalem Post 1/21/24: Capitol Hill endangers US national security by denying funding to Israel – opinion
• Business Insider 1/20/24: Unconditional aid to Israel is no longer the bipartisan certainty it once was as US senators begin to question Israel’s campaign in Gaza and the West Bank
• Jewish Insider 1/19/24: After Netanyahu’s rejection of two-state solution, five new Senate Democrats support conditioning Israel aid
• The Forward/JTA 1/19/24: 15 Jewish House Democrats blast Netanyahu for rejecting two-state solution

• McCaul (R-TX) 1/26/24: press release – “I condemn the ICJ’s determination that South Africa’s claims against Israel under the Genocide Convention are ‘plausible’. South Africa’s claims are meritless, and the U.S. must continue to provide unwavering support to Israel to defend itself against the threat posed by Hamas. I am deeply concerned that South Africa’s claims are politically motivated, highlighting its close ties with Hamas, and demonstrating its efforts to align with Iran, Russia, and the Chinese Communist Party’s interests. I call upon South Africa to withdraw its case before the Court and focus on upholding democratic values.”
• Jewish Insider 1/26/24: Gillibrand: Israeli-Arab mega-deal is on the table, if Israel is open to two states
• Politico 1/25/24: More Netanyahu blowback: Senate Dems call for new leadership in Israel
• Newsweek 1/25/24 (Sen. Ernst, R-IA & Rep. Norcross, D-NJ): Our Fellow Members of Congress Can Help Bring Hamas Hostages Home
• Common Dreams 1/25/24: ‘The US Is Complicit in the Nightmare’ in Gaza, Says Bernie Sanders
• Daily Item 1/24/24: US Rep. Susan Wild increasingly concerned about direction of Israel-Hamas war; condemns recent comments from Netanyahu, Israeli officials
• The Hill (Bonnie Glick, former deputy USAID Administrator under Trump & sister of far right-wing Israeli-American political figure Caroline Glick, & Richard Goldberg, FDD) 1/24/24: Cut funding to organizations that are empowering Hamas 
• Boston Globe 1/24/24: Ayanna Pressley, faith leaders hold vigil for Israel-Hamas war
• Haaretz 1/24/24: Netanyahu Pushes Even the Most pro-Israel U.S. Democrats to Take Previously Unimaginable Measures
• Jewish Insider 1/24/24: Jewish Washingtonians gather at Qatari Embassy to push for hostage release [“speakers, including Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Virginia Democratic congressional candidate Eileen Filler-Corn and former Cuba hostage Alan Gross urged Qatar to apply more pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages — while also expressing gratitude for the role Qatar played in the initial round of hostage releases.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 1/24/24: McConnell: Colleges need to take ‘world’s oldest form of hate’ more seriously; also see McConnell’s full statement 1/23/24: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) statement 1/23/24: “U.S. Must Support Israeli Efforts To Remove Terrorism, Corruption From Calculus Of Palestinian Future“
• NBC News 1/20/24: Pro-Israel lawmakers in both parties are losing confidence in Netanyahu [“It’s really hard to defend Bibi or to justify his political strategy in all of this,” said one House Republican. “There’s real distrust, there’s real questions about his ability to lead.”]
• Axios 1/19/24: Netanyahu inflames tensions with Democrats over Palestinian statehood
• The Hill 1/19/24: Jewish Democrats denounce Netanyahu’s opposition to Palestinian state
• Reuters 1/19/24: US Democrats push Biden administration over civilian toll in Israel’s Gaza campaign
• The Guardian 1/19/24: US should ‘reset relationship of unconditional support’ for Israel, progressives say
• Washington Post 1/19/24: Growing number of Senate Democrats question Biden’s Israel strategy
• Politico 1/19/24: Democrats ‘appalled’ by Netanyahu’s bashing of 2-state solution [“Sen. Chris Van Hollen says Washington is fed up with Israel’s leadership.“]

Other

• Jewish Insider 1/25/24: ‘Our patience has run out. Time is up,’ Sen. Ted Budd tells Qatar
• Reuters 1/25/24: Exclusive: Biden urges US Congress to approve F-16 sale to Turkey ‘without delay’
• Washington Post 1/23/24: Bob Menendez’s golden rule -The federally indicted New Jersey senator says he’s a man of his word. And he says he can still win.
• The Forward 1/23/24: How a new group is convincing Democrats to separate Israel criticism from antisemitism
• The Nation (Rep. Ro Khanna, D-CA) 1/22/24: President Biden Needs to Go to Congress for Authorization on Yemen
• Fox News 1/20/24: Exclusive: Alleged Qatar spy operation said to have targeted GOP lawmakers opposed to Muslim Brotherhood

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

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(STATE DEPT MUST ANSWER IF ISRAEL IS VIOLATING HUMAN RIGHTS) S. Res. 504: Introduced 12/14/23, “A resolution requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.” On 1/16/24, Sanders (I-VT) came to the Senate floor with a motion to discharge S. Res. 504 from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and to bring the resolution to the Senate floor for debate and a vote. That motion failed, with the Senate voting to table it (i.e., to prevent any further action on the resolution) by a vote of 72-11. Floor consideration is here.

• Senators voting against tabling the motion (a vote that can be understood either as a vote in favor of S. Res. 504, or at least in favor of it being take up on the Senate floor) were:Butler (D-CA), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Paul (R-KY), Sanders (I-VT), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warren (D-MA), and Welch (D-VT). Schatz (D-HI) released a statement saying he was unavoidably absent and would have supported S. Res. 504 had he been present.
• Senators speaking on the Senate floor in favor of S. Res. 504 were: Sanders, Merkley, Van Hollen, Welch. Senators speaking on the Senate floor against S. Res. 504 were: Cardin (D-MD), Risch (R-ID)
• From Sanders’ floor statement: “…This is a simple request for information. That is all this resolution is about. It does not alter aid to Israel in any way; it simply requests a report on how U.S. aid is being used. This is a very modest, commonsense proposal, and, frankly, it is hard for me to understand why anyone would oppose it. So we will soon be voting on a very simple question: Do we support asking the State Department for information on whether human rights violations may have occurred using U.S. assistance in Israel’s military campaign? That is it. That is what this resolution is about. It is noncontroversial, and it should be passed in large numbers. This is not the case today. We don’t have the information...”
• Notably, opposition to S. Res. 504 centered on implicit – and in some cases explicit – concerns that if the U.S. upheld the law with respect to Israel’s human rights practices during its current war on Gaza, it would likely if not certainly mean cutting off U.S. military aid to Israel (e.g., Duckworth, D-IL, Murray, D-WA). So in effect, the votes of many senators against S. Res. 504 boiled down to an ADMISSION that Israel’s human rights practices violate U.S. foreign aid law – and an admission that they believe that Israel should be held to a different – lower – standard with respect to human rights practices than other countries are held to under U.S. law.
• Media: In First Vote On Gaza War, Senate Shields Israel From Human Rights Scrutiny (Huffington Post 1/16/24); Senate Kills Measure to Scrutinize Israeli Human Rights Record as Condition for Aid (The Intercept 1/16/24); Senate Rejects Israel Human Rights Measure, but Skepticism on Aid Persists (New York Times 1/16/24); Senate votes down Sanders legislation scrutinizing Israel military aid (Defense News 1/16/24); WATCH: Senate debates resolution for human rights report on U.S. aid to Israel for Gaza war (PBS 1/16/24); Senate tables bid to compel report on Israel’s record in Gaza (Roll Call 1/16/24); Sanders bid for report on human rights in Israel-Hamas war fails in Senate (Politico 1/16/24); KY’s Rand Paul again bucks his party on Israel in requesting a report on human rights (McClatchey 1/18/24); Sanders’s human rights proposal against Israel endangers Jewish lives – editorial (Jerusalem Post 1/18/24)
• Also see: Biden must enforce US law regarding Israel’s military aid (The Hill/Dylan Williams, Center for International Policy, 1/17/24); The uncontroversial principle at the heart of Bernie Sanders’ Senate resolution [“There are good-faith debates to be had about the war in Gaza. But whether the U.S. ought to know if its weapons are being used in violation of human rights laws isn’t one of them.“] (MSNBC/Dean Obeidallah 1/17/24)

(CONDEMNING RAPE/SEXUAL VIOLENCE BY HAMAS) H. Res. 966: Introduced 1/16/24 by Frankel (D-FL) and 152 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Reps. Frankel, Díaz-Balart, Manning, Kiggans Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Condemn Rape and Sexual Violence Committed by Hamas; Nearly 150 lawmakers to introduce bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas sexual violence (Jewish Insider 1/16/24)

(DEPORT PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT PALESTINIAN RIGHTS) S. 3587 (bill text): Introduced 1/11/24 by Rubio (R-FL) Vance (R-0OH) and Lee (R-UT), the ” the Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act,” aka, “A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately initiate removal proceedings for aliens whose visas are revoked on security or related grounds.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: Rubio’s press release makes clear the target of this bill: “Flashback … Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Senator Rubio pushed to include a provision in the national defense bill to revoke visas and initiate deportation proceedings for any foreign national who has endorsed or espoused the terrorist activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or any other foreign terrorist organization.”

(USING CLAIMS OF ANTISEMITISM TO QUASH PALESTINE VOICES/SOLIDARITY ON US CAMPUSES) S. 3580: Introduced 1/11/24 (not covered previously in the Round-Up) by Cassidy (R-LA) and Fetterman (D-CA), the “Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Also see: Bipartisan bill aims to fight antisemitism on campus by fortifying civil rights complaint system (CNN 1/11/24 — “A bipartisan Senate bill introduced Thursday could make it easier for students to file civil rights complaints over antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses and to hold those schools accountable for protecting students.”)

(TARGETING PALESTINIANS IN CONTINUING RESOLUTION) S. Amdt 1384 to HR 2872: On 1/18/24 the Senate passed its version of HR 2872, “Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes,” paving the way  for House passage and averting a government shutdown. As part of Senate consideration of the bill, it voted on S. Amdt. 1384, introduced by Paul (R-KY), to prohibit assistance “to Palestinian Authority and Other Governing Entities in the West Bank and Gaza” [note: aid to the Palestinians is already the most conditioned, restricted, limited, monitored, report on aid that the U.S. gives anywhere in the world]. Under this new legislation – which is very likely to show up again – all such aid would be permanently barred unless the President certifies (annually) that “(A) the Palestinian Authority, or other Palestinian governing entity in the West Bank and Gaza, has– (i) formally recognized the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state; (ii) publicly recognized the state of Israel; (iii) renounced terrorism; (iv) purged all individuals with terrorist ties from security services; (v) terminated funding of anti-American and anti-Israel incitement; (vi) publicly renounced Hamas and the October 7, 2023, attacks perpetrated by Hamas on Israel; and (vii) honored previous diplomatic agreements; and (B) all hostages abducted on October 7, 2023, and held in territory governed by the Palestinian Authority or other Palestinian governing authority have been released.” The legislation also requires an extensive report on the “Human Rights Practices by the Palestinian Authority or Any Other Palestinian Governing Entity in the West Bank and Gaza” including “a list of international organizations that– (i) accept financial contributions from the United States Government; and (ii) provide assistance of any kind to the Palestinian Authority or any other Palestinian governing entity in the West Bank and Gaza.” Paul’s amendment failed by a party-line vote of 44-50 (with Manchin, D-WV, the sole Democrat voting in favor and 6 Republicans not voting). Also see: Paul floor statement on his amendment; Cardin (D-MD) floor statement opposing it.

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) HR 7033: Introduced 1/18/24 by Calvert (R-CA), “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to apply a 6 percent excise tax on large endowments of certain private colleges and universities, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. NOTE: As of this writing there’s no bill text in the Congressional Record and Calvert hasn’t issued a press release, but this sure looks like a continuation of the campaign in Congress against universities — a campaign that is of course linked to and fueled by the weaponization of claims of antisemitism, with antisemitism in this context defined to mean criticism of Israel/Zionism and/or activism for Palestinian rights.

 

2. Letters

1/17/24: Committee Republicans Demand Answers After Reports of UNRWA Aid Ending Up in Hamas’ Hands [letter text]. Also see – House Republicans ask UNRWA chief for answers about aid theft (Jewish News Syndicate); House committee calls UNRWA chief to testify on alleged Hamas aid theft (Jewish Insider 1/19/24)

1/17/24: Rubio, Colleagues Urge Investigation Into Pro-Hamas, Anti-Veteran Vandals [letter text]

 

3. Hearings & Markups

January 18, 2024: The House Judiciary Committee held a markup of various measures including HR 6679, the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act.”  The Committee adopted by a vote of 24-0 an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to HR 6679 and voted to report the measure out of committee (meaning it can now be brought to the House floor for a vote if leadership wishes). Also see: markup video

January 18, 2024: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a closed (TS/SCI) meeting to receive a briefing from Secretary of State Blinken.

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

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

New:

• 1/9/23: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Israel’s War on Gaza: Implications & Possibilities for Regional Escalation, ft. foreign policy/national security expert Jasmin El-Gamal in conversation with FMEP’s Lara Friedman.

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(TARGETING ACADEMIA FOR PRO-PALESTINE STUDENTS/PROTEST) S. 3580: Introduced 1/11/23 by Cassidy (R-LA) and Fetterman (D-PA), “A bill 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.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

(MAKING US NON-VIOLENT PROTEST A FEDERAL CRIME) S. 3492/HR 6926: Introduced 12/13/23 [not previously reported in the Round-Up] in the Senate by Tillis (R-NC) and Blackburn (R-TN), and 1/9/24 in the House by Rouzer (R-NC) and Republican cosponsors, the “Safe and Open Streets Act.” Referred to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary. Why is this bill being covered in the Round-Up? See Tillis press release announcing the bill (published 1/8/24) – “The Safe and Open Streets Act is in direct response to radical tactics of pro-Palestine protestors who have intentionally blocked roads and highways across the country.” COMMENT: Coming on the heels of Senate “anti-woke” Republicans successfully exploiting hysteria over pro-Palestinian protests to get Democrats to join them on the “we must bring down “liberal” academia” bandwagon, this bill appears to be an effort to use that same hysteria to get Democrats to join Republicans on the “we must shut down liberals’ right to protest”  bandwagon (and if it doesn’t, to pave the way for Republicans to attack Democrats as anti-Israel/antisemitic).

(NO WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT) S. Amdt. XXX: On 1/9/24 Sen. Kaine (D-VA) announced his intention “to file an amendment to maintain the congressional notification requirement for all U.S. assistance to foreign militaries. Specifically, the amendment would strike a provision in the proposed national security supplemental funding bill that waives oversight requirements for U.S. funding for Israel under the Foreign Military Financing Program. If passed, the amendment would preserve the congressional notification process for Israel, just as congressional notifications are required for all other nations.” Cosponsors of the amendment at the time it was announced were The amendment is sponsored by Heinrich (D-NM), Van Hollen (D-MD),  Merkley (D-OR), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT), Luján (D-NM), Durbin (D-IL),  Schatz (D-HI),  Murphy (D-CT), Warnock (D-GA), Carper (D-DE), and Shaheen (D-NH).  Also see: Jewish Insider 1/10/24: Senate progressives seek to block administration from circumventing Congress on Israel arms transfers; Defense Daily 1/10/24: Kaine Leads Amendment To Ensure Congressional Review Of Arms Sales To Israel; Washington Post 1/9/24: Democrats say Biden must notify Congress about Israel arms transfers

(STATE DEPT MUST ANSWER IF ISRAEL IS VIOLATING HUMAN RIGHTS) S. Res. 504: On 1/10/24, Sanders (I-VT) announced (video of floor remarks) that he would be bringing a 502B(c) resolution to the Senate floor next week with respect to Israeli rights violations in its ongoing war on Gaza. As a reminder, on 12/14 23 Sanders introduced S. Res. 504, “Requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.” This is what is known as a 502B(c) or “Privileged Resolution.” As Sanders’ press release explained: “The Foreign Assistance Act prohibits security assistance to any government ‘which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.’ Section 502B(c) of this law allows Congress to request information on a country’s human rights practices – such requests are privileged, allowing the sponsor to force a floor vote on the requesting resolution. If the resolution passes, the Department of State must submit the requested report within 30 days, or all security assistance to the country in question is cut off. After the report is received, Congress may then enact changes to condition, reduce, or terminate the security assistance in question. Both the initial vote to request the information and any subsequent votes to alter security assistance are privileged and require a simple majority for passage.” [See this X-thread for details on Section 502B(c)]. Also see: What is S.Res. 504? – Sanders Resolution to Hold U.S. and Israel Accountable (NIAC 1/11/24)

 

2. Letters

Shutting Down Palestine-focused Free Speech — Targeting Academia (pretending it is about fighting antisemitism)

• 1/10/24: Chairman Smith: Elite Universities Failing to Protect Jewish Students Calls into Question Their Tax-Exempt Status [letter text]. Also see: Universities face tax-exempt status investigation over allowing ‘harassment’ of Jewish students (Washington Examiner 1/10/24); House committee probing Cornell, Harvard, MIT, Penn tax-exempt status over Jew-hatred (Jewish News Syndicate 1/10/24)
• 1/10/24: Rosen, Lankford Call for Senate Hearing on Surge of Antisemitism at Colleges and Universities [letter text]. Also see: Senate task force calls education committee to hold hearing on antisemitism on college campuses (Jerusalem Post 1/20/24)
• 1/9/24: @EdWorkforceCmte Kicks Off Antisemitism Investigation with Letter to Harvard – “requesting documents and information [since 20210 regarding Harvard University’s response to antisemitism on its campus and its failure to protect Jewish students, faculty, and staff “[letter text]. Also see: US congressional panel asks to see years of antisemitism complaints in Harvard probe – House Education Committee gives university 2 weeks to provide all reports of incidents on campus since January 2021 targeting ‘Jews, Israelis, Israel, Zionists, or Zionism’ (Times of Israel 1/9/24); House committee requests trove of Harvard materials documenting antisemitism (Jewish News Service 1/10/24); Stefanik Statement on Education and the Workforce Letter to Harvard; National Review (op-ed by Rep. Stafanik, R-NY) 1/10/24: Penn, Harvard firings just the start — House will expose ALL the higher-ed rot [“...we will get to the bottom of the broader lack of moral clarity made clear by the reluctance to address the rise of antisemitism. Much of this, we know, is the fruit of diversity, equity, inclusion, a radical racist ideology that classifies people as either oppressors or oppressed based purely on their race, gender or sexual orientation. As a result of this disgusting ideology’s takeover of campuses, it is mainstream to teach capitalism is racist, Israel is racist and America is racist.“]

Supporting Israel Continuing the War on Gaza

• 1/11/24:  Schneider Leads 29 in Bipartisan Letter Supporting Administration Efforts to Expand Call for Hamas Surrender, Pushing Back Against Calls for a One-Sided Ceasefire [letter text] Also see: Lawmakers urge administration to resist calls for a unilateral Israeli cease-fire (Jewish Insider 1/11/24)

Concerns re Israel’s War on Gaza

• Reps. Pressley and Raskin’s Letter to Secretary Blinken (Americans for Peace Now press release, w/ letter text) [Excerpt – “Due to the ongoing conflict, over 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza, nearly 80% of the population, have been internally displaced in the Gaza Strip. Worsening sanitary conditions, shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicines, and thousands of cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrhea and chicken pox reflect an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government must urgently increase the amount of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip in order to address this humanitarian catastrophe. If Palestinian civilians choose to leave Gaza voluntarily in search of safety, they must be guaranteed to be allowed to return. Many in Gaza fear that any temporary displacement would become permanent. The United States must ensure that there is no question that Palestinian civilians who wish to remain in the Gaza Strip have the right to do so.“]

Targeting the Houthis

• 1/11/24: Gottheimer, Mast Urge Secretary of State to Designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization [letter text]

Targeting Iran

• 1/11/24: Kennedy, Rubio, Casey urge Panama officials to investigate possible Iranian oil sanction violations [letter text]

Other

• 1/11/24: Gottheimer Calls For FBI Investigation into 23andMe Data Breach [letter text] [“I am concerned that the leaked data could empower Hamas, their supporters…”]
• 1/8/24: Chairman Sanders, Baldwin, Luján, Markey Launch HELP Committee Investigation into Efforts by Pharmaceutical Companies to Manipulate the Price of Asthma Inhalers [letter text]. Also see: Senator Baldwin, Colleagues Launch Investigation into Pharmaceutical Companies’ High Price of Asthma Inhalers; Bernie Sanders, Senate Democrats open investigation into price of asthma inhalers (CNN, 1/8/24)

 

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

 

Israel aid

• VOA 1/12/24: White House Sidesteps Questions About Bypassing Congress on Israel Arms
• Commentary 1/11/24: The Hypocrisy of Critics of Aid to Israel
• POMED 1/11/24: Joint Letter – 75 Groups Demand Congressional Oversight of US Arms to Israel
• CBS News 1/8/24: Congress returns from holidays facing battles over spending, foreign aid and immigration
• CBS News 1/7/24: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discusses the migrant crisis, aid to Israel and more on “The Point with Marcia Kramer”

 

 

Concerns about Israel’s War on Gaza

 

US Military Action Against Houthis

• Jewish Insider 1/12/24: Lawmakers rally behind U.S., U.K. strikes on Houthis in Yemen

 

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Critics of Israel/Palestinian Rights

 

Other

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

New:

1/4/24: Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Democratic Staff report: White House for Sale: How Princes, Prime Ministers, and Premiers Paid Off President Trump Staff Report [incl. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait]

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(APPARENTLY TRYING TO KEEP THE ROB MALLEY CASE ALIVE FOR POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING) HR 6911: Introduced 1/2/24 by Tenney (R-NY), “To require heads of Executive agencies to, upon request, submit to relevant congressional committees information regarding the furlough or indefinite suspension without pay of employees of such Executive agencies, and for other purposes.“  Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

(DISAPPROVING OF MILITARY AID TO UAE) H. J. Res.105: Introduced 1/2/24 by Omar (D-MN), “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Omar Leads Push to Block Over $650 Million in Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE (Common Dreams 1/3/24)

(DISAPPROVING OF MILITARY AID TO KSA) H. J. Res.106: Introduced 1/2/24 by Omar (D-MN), “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Omar Leads Push to Block Over $650 Million in Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE (Common Dreams 1/3/24)

 

2. Letters

1/4/24: Blackburn, Sullivan, Colleagues Renew Call For Biden To Re-Designate Iranian-Backed Houthis A Terrorist Org [letter text]

12/22/23: Facebook post by Rep. Barr (R-KY) – “I led a bipartisan letter with Rep Josh Gottheimer urging Secretary Yellen to investigate Malaysia’s recent boycott against Israeli ships. In the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel, it’s crucial to stand with our ally against economic attacks.”  [letter text]. Also see Barr’s X-post – “I led a bipartisan letter with @RepJoshG urging Secretary Yellen to investigate Malaysia’s recent boycott against Israeli ships. In the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel, it’s crucial to stand with our ally against economic attacks.”

 

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

 

4. Selected Media & Press releases/statements

Congress & Israel’s War on Gaza

• i24 News 1/4/24: U.S. Senator Graham: Window for Israel-Saudi deal closes by June [“The Republican lawmaker said Saudi-Israel ties would not undermine current efforts to militarily ‘destroy Hamas” in Gaza'”]
• ABC News 1/4/24: Senator Graham visits Prime Minister Netanyahu, pledges support for peace in the region
• North Jersey.com 1/4/24: Where NJ’s congressional delegation stands on Ukraine, Israel and the South China Sea
• Jewish Press 1/4/24: Bernie Sanders Urging Congress to Punish Israel for Retaliating in Gaza
• Haaretz 1/3/24: Families of American-Israeli hostages meet with U.S. Senator, discuss securing swift, total release of hostages
• Times of Israel 12/30/23: ‘This was not about freeing Palestine’: Former Miss Iraq tours decimated southern towns — Running for US Congress, Sarah Idan, whose Iraqi citizenship was revoked in 2019 after she backed Israel at the UN, says she plans to be an ‘anti-squad’ Democrat
• Times of Israel 12/29/23: Tlaib calls Netanyahu a ‘genocidal maniac,’ rebukes US lawmakers who meet him
• New Arab 12/23/23: Congressional staff urged Israel against attacking Gaza churches: report

Targeting Free Speech/Protest for Palestinian Rights

• Jewish News Syndicate 1/4/24: Claudine Gay’s resignation not about Jew-hatred, says anti-Israel congressman — “This is about racism and intimidation. This makes no one safer,” wrote Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.).
• Free Beacon 1/3/23: ‘This Isn’t About Plagiarism or Anti-Semitism’: Jamaal Bowman Cries Racism Over Claudine Gay Resignation
• The Jewish Press 12/28/23: Has The Congressional Hearing on Antisemitism Woken People Up?