1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

New from FMEP:

• 9/29/23: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast – Free Speech, IHRA, & Palestinian Freedom – A Conversation with Rebecca Ruth Gould [author of Erasing Palestine: Free Speech and Palestinian Freedom]

NOTE: Senator Menendez (D-NJ) – a reliable champion of Israel and opponent of Iran diplomacy – stepping down as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has sparked a great deal of speculation on what this may mean for Israel/Palestine issues. In this context, it is worth recalling that the new chairman of the committee, Sen. Cardin (D-MD) is arguably an even more reliable champion of both Israel and of AIPAC’s legislative priorities in Congress. This includes repeatedly leading on efforts (thus far unsuccessful) to pass legislation that would CRIMINALIZE U.S. citizens’ freely-taken political free speech, as an expression of their own political views, if that free speech aligns with EU or UN policies calling for or supporting the mere differentiation between Israel and settlements. For a review of what that effort looked like, see here.

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(FY24 SFOPS) HR 4665: As noted in previous Round-Ups, I have adopted a policy of NOT covering Middle East-related elements in the FY24 Appropriations Bills this year, because (a) the odds of these bills passing into law are close to zero, and (b) the bills themselves – both base text and amendments – have crossed into a level in nuttiness that just defies serious analysis. For entertainment (ah – to laugh or to cry?) you can review all the wacky amendments that were submitted – most of which were note made in order – here (as an example of what things look like this year, check out H. Amdt. 450, offered by Ogles (R-TN), which reduces the salary of SecState Blinken to $1. That amendment passed on the House floor this week by a voice vote). Anyway, I’m breaking my policy to summarize some of the Middle East-related amendments considered this week’s on the House to the FY24 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill:

• H. Amdt. 451 (text), offered by Ogles (R-TN), to block funding for the State Department’s for the Office of Palestinian Affairs – passed by Voice Vote. [yes, they voted to, in effect, shut down an office of the State Department]
• H. Amdt. 455 (text), offered by Steube (R-FL), to “prohibit funds from being used for the Lebanese Armed Forces.” Failed by a vote of 120 – 309, 1 Present.
• H. Amdt. 461 (text), offered by Boebert (R-CO), to “decrease the salary of Palestinian affairs officer George Noll to $1″. Failed in a mostly party-line vote of 191 – 238. [Yes, 191 members voted to cut off the salary of an American CIVIL SERVANT. This is like cutting off the salary of people at the post office because you don’t like what is being sent in the mail].
• H. Amdt. 477 (text), offered by Tenney (R-NY), to “reduce the salary of the Special Envoy to Iran Robert Malley to $1.” Passed by a voice vote. [Because of course they did.]
• H. Amdt. 478 (text), offered by Tenney (R-NY), to “prohibit funds to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel out of Jerusalem.” Passed by a vote of 360 – 67. [Yes, an amendment to prevent the Biden Administration from doing something…they have made absolutely clear they will never do, despite the fact that they should do it].
• H. Amdt. 481 (text), offered by Steube (R-FL), to “ensure none of the funds made available by this Act may be used to provide assistance to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).” Failed in a mostly party-line vote of 198 – 232. [Grandstanding at the expense of the UN is always a good way to earn pro-Israel credit; re-litigated U.S. support for UNESCO is double value!]
• H. Amdt. 482 (text), offered by Perry (R-PA), to “prohibit any funds from being made available for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.” Failed by a vote of 213-218. [Grandstanding at the expense of the UN is always a good way to earn pro-Israel credit; going after UNRWA is at least triple value! The fact that the amendment failed is remarkable and suggests that there are still people in Congress who, even if they don’t give a crap about Palestinian refugees and humanitarian needs, see UNRWA as good for Israel]
• H. Amdt. 483 (text), offered by Ogles (R-TN), to “prohibit the use of funds to delist the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.” Passed by a vote of 351-81. [What does that even mean? And in what world is this an issue other than for scoring political points by pretending it is something that has to be prevented?]
• Adopted as part of En Bloc Amendment: Mast (R-FL) amdt, “prohibits funds from being used to support a Palestinian State unless the U.S. Secretary of State certifies that the government of the new Palestinian State exercises full territorial jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip“

(SUPPORTING USSC) S. 2956: Introduced 9/27/23 by Ossoff (D-GA), Young (R-IN), Lankford (R-OK) and Booker (D-NJ), the “Middle East Security Coordination Act,” aka, “A bill to support the work of the United States Security Coordinator to Israel and the Palestinian Authority in furthering coordination between Israelis and Palestinians, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Also see:

• Ossoff press release – Sens. Ossoff & Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Sustain High-Level U.S. Engagement for Stability in Israel & the Middle East [noting backing for the bill from the Israel Policy Forum]; Young press release
• For analysis of the Middle East Security Coordination Act, see this X-thread from Joel Braunold (of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace): “While USSC is vital find it curious that in what is essentially an approps authorization bill two things: 1) no 2SS mention – which is slippage congressionally speaking for Dems. 2) the $75 mil number. The $75 mill number I assume is coming from the trump years where there was an agreement in a hard earmark for 75 mil for security and 75 mil for ESF funding – the security number was just made at that level to try and get ESF as high as poss. Since the ESF number under Biden has gone back to 225 ish. The reason the 75 mil for security is odd is it’s far higher then admins have even drawn from for years and the amount was coming down to around 35/40. It’s also odd as the account that it’s drawn from is INCLE which is no year money meaning the previous approps that were at this level already exist and are open to use. There must be over 200 mill just sitting there already. The challenge with USSC hasn’t been funding level (though trying to cut number of flag officers has been problem) so find it odd that it’s a sense of Congress on flag officer rather then requirement. So it’s a hard earmark messaging bill in a no year account that divorced the USSC for 2SS US policy. Again think security coordinator at flag level very very important but the policy context is as well. I’ll note that R is now the new agreed language ‘supports regional peace and stability and improves prospects for progress towards a negotiated resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict’ – cool but it’s a shift.”
• Media: US senators file bipartisan bill to boost funding for Jerusalem security coordinator (Times of Israel 9/28/23); First look: New Senate bill aims to strengthen U.S. Palestinian security post (Axios 9/28/23); Lawmakers seek to strengthen, shore up Israeli-Palestinian security coordinator role (Jewish Insider 9/29/23)
  

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5826: Introduced 9/28/23 by Wilson (R-SC) and Moskowitz (D-FL), “To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary.

(DISAPPROVING OF IRAN PRISONER DEAL) H. Res. 739: Introduced 9/28/23 by Issa (R-CA) and 29 cosponsors (all Republicans), “Disapproving of the waiver of sanctions on Iran submitted to Congress on September 11, 2023.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Also see:

• Issa (R-CA) 9/28/23: X-post – “Biden’s appeasement of Iran has made the mullahs rich and brought the world’s leading terror regime closer to developing nuclear weapons. This Congress will now act.“
• House Resolution Slams Biden’s $6 Billion Iran Prisoner Swap – Republicans move to block further efforts to free up funds for Tehran (Free Beacon 9/28/23)

(NO NORMALIZATION OF ASSAD GOVERNMENT) S .2935: Introduced 9/27/23 by Risch (R-ID) and Rubio (R-FL), “A bill to prohibit any official action to recognize or normalize relations with any Government of Syria that is led by Bashar al-Assad.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

Letters

(INVESTIGATE IRANIAN-AMERICAN AT DOD) Blackburn letter to SecDef: On 9/28/23, Sen. Blackburn (R-TN) reportedly (by Jewish Insider) sent a letter to SecDef Austin expressing “concern over the actions taken by Ariane Tabatabai, the current Chief of Staff for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (ASD/SOLIC)” [notice the absence of the word “allegedly” or anything like that]. It goes on: “Given your administration’s intentional appeasement of the Iranian regime, it is unfortunately not surprising that you are allowing those with close ties to Iran to serve in a senior role. It is vital to the security of our nation to thoroughly evaluate all individuals with links to the regime that wish to operate within the Department of Defense. It is imperative that no one with direct affiliations to the Iranian regime have access to sensitive information or influence over United States foreign policy.” It asks for answers to a list of questions (answers due by October 6) about Tabatabai’s hiring and position, including “Has Ms. Tabatabai ever been in the position to make impacts that directly impact the country of Israel?”

(NEED ANSWERS RE: ALLEGATIONS OF IRANIAN INFLUENCE OPERATION) Hagerty/Hern/Wilson letter to POTUS: On 9/27/23, Reps. Hagerty (R-TN), Hern (R-OK), and Wilson (R-SC) sent a letter to President Biden requesting answers to a list of questions, in either classified or unclassified form: “1) Can you please confirm whether the audiotape published on September 17th and the “sensitive but unclassified” documents published on August 27th by the Tehran Times are authentic? 2) If the audio and documents are authentic, please provide security assessment on how the Tehran Times obtained them. 3) Was Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley  involved in the chain of custody of the “sensitive but unclassified” U.S. government documents that were ultimately published by the Tehran Times? 4) Were any of the non-governmental persons referenced by the Tehran Times— including Trita Parsi, Ali Vaez, and Vali Nasr—involved in chain of custody of the U.S. documents that were ultimately published? 5) Please describe the steps your Administration is taking to prevent further leaks of information to the Iranian regime? Which elements of the U.S. government have you tasked with this responsibility?” Also see press release, Hagerty (R-TN) X-post

(NEED ANSWERS RE: DOD OFFICIAL & IRANIAN REGIME) Bergman/Rogers letter to SecDef: On 9/26/23, Reps. Bergman (R-MI) and Rogers (R-AL) sent a letter to SecDef Austin expressing “deep concern with the Department’s hiring of Ariane Tabatabai as the Chief of Staff for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (ASD/SOLIC).” The letter asserts: “Ms. Tabatabai’s past employment history and close ties to the Iranian regime are alarming and should be disqualifying for anyone seeking such a sensitive position of trust within the United States Department of Defense.” The letter asks for answers to a list of questions about Tabatabai’s hiring, to be produced by October 3. Also see: press release.

(WELL DONE EUROPE IN SANCTIONING IRAN MISSILE/DRONE PROGRAM – NOW DO MORE!) Menendez-Hagerty et al letter to E3: On 9/22/23, Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Hagerty (R-TN) sent a letter, cosigned by 29 fellow senators, to the ambassadors of the UK, France, and Germany. The letter applauds, “the decision to take concrete actions to uphold restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile and drone program this fall.” It also notes “we strongly support the decision to take steps that would maintain sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone program before UN sanctions sunset in mid-October, and we encourage you to urge other European allies and other like-minded partners to do the same.” Also see: Bipartisan group of senators urges European allies to push U.N. on Iran sanctions (Jewish Insider 9/27/23)

(TARGETING FUNDING FOR PALESTINIAN NGOS) Issa letter to FBI and Treasury: According to a 9/21/23 article published by the Washington Examiner, on 9/21/23 Rep. Issa (R-CA) sent a letter “demanding the FBI and Treasury Department investigate ActBlue over the top Democratic software previously allowing an anti-Israel group accused of having Palestinian terror ties to fundraise on its platform.” It goes on: “Issa is requesting significant information from both Treasury’s Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Undersecretary Brian E. Nelson and FBI Director Christopher Wray while also asking the top officials to review whether ActBlue or PACBI violated federal law.”  Quoting the letter, the article states: “‘The undeniable and continued collaboration between these two entities raises serious concerns of the enabling of terror-related activity and may also constitute money laundering crimes as well as violations of international law,’ Issa…wrote to Nelson and Wray, noting that ‘no part’ of reporting from the Washington Examiner has been ‘contradicted or denied by ActBlue.‘” While Issa’s office has not posted the letter online, on 9/27/23 it posted a press release touting the Washington Examinder’s article and validating its contents.

2. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle

The Forward 9/26/23: No Republicans have expressed support for the Israeli protest movement — yet. Here’s why they should at the next debate

3. Hearings & Markups

• Administration officials address Iran influence scandal, hostage deal, terror proxies (Jewish Insider 9/29/23)
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/28/23: X-post (with video clip) – “Any Pentagon official engaged in an Iranian misinfo op should have their security clearance removed.   No question.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/28/23: X-post (with video clip) – “The Biden admin claims it is restoring deterrence toward Iran. Yet they’re offering the regime sanctions relief as it actively continues to threaten Americans. The appeasement must end.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/29/23: X-post – “The Biden admin fails to take seriously the threat of an Iranian spy infiltrating our DoD. I’m demanding immediate action to protect our national security.” Linked to article, Lawmaker demands answers after Biden official implicated in Iranian influence scheme: ‘Unbelievable!’ (Fox News 9/28/23)

• Mast (R-FL) 9/28/23: X-post (with video clip) – “WATCH: How did a high ranking staffer at Joe Biden’s State Department get a top-secret security clearance when she’s alleged to have ties to an Iranian propaganda group? And why don’t her bosses know whether or not she was properly vetted?“
• Wagner (R-MO) 9/28/23: X-thread – “Since the Admin’s shameful flight from Afghanistan 2 yrs ago, the Taliban has been left to help manage the very significant terror threats emanating from Afghanistan. The Taliban is a U.S. adversary that funds al Qaeda, employs al Qaeda members, & permits al Qaeda training camps. Meanwhile, Iran has only grown bolder and more aggressive in its support for terrorist proxies. Let’s be clear. Iran is a state sponsor of terror. U.S. policy must always, always, aim to deter or punish Iran’s use of terrorist proxies to harm Americans… …& sow instability across the Middle East. The U.S. must retain a powerful toolkit that empowers us to address these threats to our citizens & homeland. Watch our Foreign Affairs hearing on updating Authorizations for the Use of Military Force here.“

September 27, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia held a hearing entitled, “No Incentives for Terrorism: U.S. Implementation of the Taylor Force Act and Efforts to Stop ‘Pay to Slay.’” Witnesses were: Elliot Abrams (who was convicted of lying to Congress – but hey, why should that matter to anyone – testimony); Jonathan Schanzer (FDD – testimony); and Michael Koplow (IPF – testimony, which notably includes calling for the U.S. – in the name of peace and security – to “encourage Israel to limit growth in Israeli settlements to large settlement blocs rather than in isolated settlements or in settlement outposts that are illegal under Israeli law” – a recommendation that in effect means the U.S. should give a green light to all other Israeli settlement activity). Also see:

• Video of this hearing is here [for those who want to sit through nearly 80 minutes of anti-Palestinian grandstanding — which for bonus anti-Palestinian/anti-Biden grandstanding points covered allegations, published that same day, that the State Department is funding a Palestinian NGO in Gaza that is linked to terror].
• Jackson (R-TX) 9/27/23: X-post (with video clip) – “The Biden admin is ILLEGALLY funding, w/taxpayer dollars, the Palestinian Authority’s “Pay to Slay” which subsidizes and incentivizes terrorism against Israelis & Americans. I will always stand with Israel, and Biden’s actions are in direct violation of the Taylor Force Act!“
• Lawler (R-NY) 9/27/23: X-thread with video clip) – “The @HouseForeignGOP‘s Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia held a hearing today on the enforcement of the Taylor Force Act, and US efforts to stop ‘pay to slay.’ It is deeply concerning that President Biden resumed economic aid to the Palestinian Authority when pay to slay policies are still in effect, and continues to fail to bring up this policy on the world stage. This is in direct violation of the Taylor Force Act and must be stopped.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 9/27/23: X-post (with video clip)- “One thing is fundamentally clear. The Palestinian Authority is a corrupt and criminal authority and President Biden should absolutely not encourage other countries to subsidize PA terrorism.”

Media:

• Congress examines paths for ending Palestinian Authority’s ‘pay for slay’ (Jewish Insider 9/28/23)
• House subcommittee talks terrorism, legislation and Palestinian Authority ‘pay-for-slay’ practices (Jewish News Syndicate 9/27/23)
• US Lawmakers, Experts Put Palestinian Authority on Notice for ‘Pay for Slay’ Terrorist Payments (Algemeiner 9/27/23)

4. Media & Reports

• Haaretz 9/28/23: Tlaib Slams Israel’s Visa Waiver Admission, Citing Discrimination Against Palestinians
• Arutz Sheva 9/28/23: Israel Heritage Foundation: Israel should be deciding which Americans to admit
• Hadassah 9/27/23: Hadassah and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Host Briefing in Nation’s Capital, “American Women Supporting Israel: Building Bridges and Making an Impact”
• Haaretz 9/24/23: U.S. Democrats Know: A Saudi Deal With Netanyahu Would Cost Israel’s Democracy
• Haaretz 9/23/23: While the Media Watched the Protests in NY, Israel’s anti-Netanyahu Movement Went to Washington [“Over the last several weeks, the anti-Netanyahu bloc has enlisted a leading Washington PR firm, engaged directly with members of Congress (from both parties and in both houses) and held discussions with leading influencers in the DC think tank scene.”]
• NBC News 9/22/23: Rep. Turner: ‘Congress would absolutely support’ a Saudi-Israel deal, ‘an incredible accomplishment’

Menendez/Egypt Scandal

• Jewish Insider 9/29/23: Cardin: Saudi deal would be a ‘game changer,’ but ‘issues’ must be addressed
• Politico (Pro) 9/28/23: Cardin considers Egypt aid pause after Menendez indictment
• Defense News 9/28/23: Cardin may track Menendez on Saudi pact, Turkey F-16s as panel chair
• Mondoweiss 9/28/23: Israel hawk Robert Menendez indicted for corruption, again
• Haaretz 9/27/23: ‘We Deeply Appreciate Him’ |  U.S. pro-Israel Establishment Still in Sen. Menendez’s Corner Despite Corruption Charges
• Politico 9/27/23: Menendez ouster improves odds for F-16 sale to Turkey, top Republican says
• Jewish Insider 9/27/23: Menendez’s legal woes could reshape direction of Democratic foreign policy
• Lawfare 9/26/23: What the Menendez Indictment Says About U.S.-Egypt Relations
• Al-Monitor 9/26/23: US military aid to Egypt under scrutiny amid Menendez bribery charges
• New Jersey Monitor 9/26/23: Experts alarmed by claims that Menendez eased military aid to Egypt
• Middle East Monitor 9/26/23: Pressure on US lawmakers to suspend military support for Egypt
• Al-Monitor 9/25/23: Menendez ignores calls to resign as alleged Egypt bribery ties get exposed
• The Guardian 9/25/23: US urged to withhold military aid to Egypt in wake of Bob Menendez charges
• Haaretz 9/25/23: Pro-Israel Sen. Menendez Corruption Controversy Could Cost Israel Its Key Ally in D.C.
• New York Times 9/23/23: For Egypt, Menendez Was Key to Access to Billions in U.S. Aid
• DAWN 9/23/23: U.S.: Suspend Military Aid to Egypt in Wake of Menendez Indictment for Corruption by Egyptian Government
• Washington Post 9/22/23: Menendez corruption charges complicate tense ties with Egypt
• The Intercept 9/22/23: Menendez “Appreciated” Meeting With Egypt Dictator Amid Alleged Bribes for Arms Sales
• Los Angeles Times 9/22/23: Why would Egypt need to bribe a U.S. senator?
• Politico 9/22/23: Egypt, guns, money and power at center of Menendez indictment

Allegations of Iranian Influence Agents in Biden Admin

• Free Beacon 9/27/23: Ted Cruz Alleges ‘Vast Iranian Influence Operation That Goes to the Very Top’ of the Biden Admin

5. Members on the Record

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(WE MUST DEEPEN & BROADEN ABRAHAM ACCORDS!) H. Res. 701: Introduced 9/19/23 by Schneider (D-IL) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “Encouraging further deepening and broadening of the Abraham Accords on occasion of the third anniversary of their signing to continue building bridges towards a lasting peace.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(COMMEMORATING KILLING OF MAHSA AMINI) H. Res. 695: Introduced 9/18/23 by Mace (R-SC) and Jackson Lee (D-TX), “Commemorating the 1-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent protests in Iran.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(COMBATTING SPYWARE) HR 5522 & HR 5557: Introduced 9/18/23 and 9/19/23 by Himes (D-CT), the “Combatting Foreign Surveillance Spyware Sanctions Act.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary.  Also see: Himes press release. NOTE: HR 5522 and HR 5557 appear to be indentical, and both involve giving the President the authority to impose various sanctions against certain foreign entities and persons involved in using foreign commercial spyware for the “targeting of United States Government officials, or personnel of the intelligence community.” NOTE: There is no obvious reason why Himes intro’d this bill twice over two days.

(REQUIRE THE US TO VIOLATE UN HQ OBLIGATIONS) HR 5550: Introduced 9/18/23 by Ongles (R-TN) and Davidson (R-OH), “To amend the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to expand the President’s authority to deny any individual’s admission to the United States as a representative to the United Nations.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Also see:

• press release; Ogles Tweet; Davidson Tweet

Letters

(CONCERNS RE CHINA-IRAN ALLIANCE) Gottheimer-Tenney letter to Blinken: On 9/19/23 Reps. Gottheimer (D-NY) and Tenney (R-NY) led a letter to SecState Blinken, cosigned by 21 fellow House members (bipartisan). The letter expresses “concern over China’s burgeoning relationship with Iran“, arguing that this alliance “presents a unique challenge and dangerous partnership antithetical to American national security interests” and “cannot be tolerated.” The letter closes: “In the Middle East, our focus remains on eliminating radical, ideologically motivated terror and promoting stability and peace. The success of both of these efforts depends on maintaining our strong bilateral relationship with Israel. Above all, we must prevent Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening our greatest ally in the region. Yet, China’s activities in the Middle East make these already complicated challenges more difficult and dangerous. China is indifferent toward existing sanctions on Iran; Iranian support for Hamas and Hezbollah; and Iran’s continued role as the leading state sponsor of terror. We must not allow China to put our values and our vision for global stability, peace, and prosperity at risk. We encourage the Department of State to more publicly voice concern about China’s growing relationship with Iran and to fully enforce all U.S. sanctions on Iran by designating Chinese entities that violate them. We look forward to working with the Administration to protect our national interests and those of our allies from the challenges posed by China and Iran.”

Also see:

• Press release – Gottheimer, Tenney Lead 21 Bipartisan Members Urging State Department to Combat Growing China-Iran Alliance
• Media: Bipartisan lawmakers raise alarms about growing China-Iran relationship (Jewish Insider 9/19/23); Gottheimer, Tenney lead 21 bipartisan members urging State Department to combat growing China-Iran alliance (WRNJ 9/19/23);  ‘Burgeoning’ China-Iran alliance is concerning, say 21 congressmen (Jewish News Syndicate 9/19/23)
• X-posts & press releases: Tenney (R-NY), Miller (R-OH)

(DEPORT IRANIANS RELEASED IN PRISONERS DEAL) Cotton letter to Blinken: On 9/18/23 Sen. Cotton (R-AR) sent a letter to SecState Blinken calling for him to “reverse your September 11 deal, which encourages Iran to take more hostages and gifts the regime billions of dollars” and failing that, to “at a minimum remove all Iranian agents from American soil.” The letter goes on to demand 3 questions by 5pm on 9/22/23: “(1)  Please provide the full details of the Biden administration’s September 11 agreement with Iran relating to prisoners, including any side-deals or related agreements. (2)  Are the Iranian agents reportedly planning to remain in the United States deportable under our immigration laws? Why or why not? (3)  What plan does the Biden administration have in place to monitor the activities and communications of the Iranian agents that it has agreed to release?” Also see: Cotton press release & X-post.

(IRAQI GOVT IS MISTREATING THE KURDS) Waltz-McCaul-Wilson letter to POTUS (pdf): On 9/18/23, Reps. Waltz (R-FL), McCaul (R-TX), and Wilson (R-SC) sent a letter to President Biden urging him “to make every effort to end the unacceptable treatment of Iraqi Kurds and the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) by Iran-aligned elements in Iraq.” The letter closes: “It is clear that the engagements Secretary Blinken cited have not contributed to a successful resolution to the crisis in Iraq and reopening of the ITP. A new Iraq strategy is necessary. We urge you to raise this issue with Prime Minister Sudani at your meeting at the UN General Assembly. We further ask to be informed of the specific, new steps you and Secretary Blinken intend to take to address this crisis.“

Also see:

• Waltz press release
• Iraq ‘On the Verge of Being Lost to Iran,’ GOP Leaders Warn (Washington Free Beacon 9/19/23); US congressmen urge Biden to end ‘unacceptable treatment’ of KRG by Iran-backed factions (Rudaw – media based in Erbil, 9/19/23)

(HELP FREE ELIZABETH TSURKOV) Menendez-Booker letter to Blinken: On 9/11/23, Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Booker (D-NJ) reportedly sent a letter to SecState Blinken regarding Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Princeton graduate student [and my dear friend] taken hostage in Iraq months ago. According to NBC News, “In a letter obtained by NBC News, Democratic Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, who both represent New Jersey, home to Princeton, conveyed their ‘grave concern’ about Elizabeth Tsurkov’s plight in their appeal to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They called on the administration ‘to use our close and abiding relationship with Iraq to raise Elizabeth’s abduction and call for her release at every opportunity and level.’ Tsurkov, 36, is a citizen of both Israel and Russia, placing her in a ‘uniquely vulnerable position,’ the senators said. Israel is constrained in its ability to press for Tsurkov’s release, as it has no diplomatic relations with Baghdad because Iraq does not recognize Israel. And Russia has done nothing to advocate for Tsurkov’s release as she has openly criticized the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to the letter. In the letter dated Sept. 11, the senators, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that ‘we believe the United States can and should play a role in advocating for her since her home countries are unable or unwilling to do so.‘”

2. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle

• The Intercept 9/21/23: AIPAC Targets Black Democrats — While the Congressional Black Caucus Stays Silent [“AIPAC has given at least $3.6 million to the CBC’s old guard since last year, while members of the Squad draw the Israel lobby’s ire.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 9/19/23: The Democratic Party: Not yet a lost cause for Israel
• Huffington Post 9/19/23: Why Democratic Candidates Care So Much About Israel Policy
• Yakym (R-IN) 9/19/23: X-post – “America has no greater friend or closer ally than Israel. Thanks to @AIPAC for hosting a great discussion along with @ZachNunn on the need to keep support for Israel bipartisan and how we can keep our partnership strong for decades to come!“
• Jewish Insider 9/18/23: Trone pitches a corporate sensibility to Md.’s liberal Democratic base [“…One of the issues with which Trone is most closely associated in Washington is his support for Israel, and here, too, he has a Total Wine story to make his case. ‘We’re the No. 1 retailer of Israeli wine in the U.S., by far,’ said Trone, who added that Total Wine also stocks wine from ‘Judea and Samaria’ — the West Bank — ‘as a response to people in the BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions] movement.’…“]

3. Hearings & Markups

September 27, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia will convene a hearing entitled, “No Incentives for Terrorism: U.S. Implementation of the Taylor Force Act and Efforts to Stop ‘Pay to Slay.’” Scheduled witnesses (s0 far) are: Elliot Abrams (who was convicted of lying to Congress – but hey, why should that matter to anyone); Jonathan Schanzer (FDD); and Michael Koplow (IPF).

4. Media & Reports

• The Atlantic Council 9/21/23: The House passed the MAHSA Act. Now what?
• Jewish Insider 9/20/23: Murphy ‘skeptical’ of potential U.S.-Saudi defense pact
• Jewish Insider 9/19/23: Mixed reactions on Capitol Hill to U.S.-Iran hostage swap
• JINSA 9/19/23: From Partner to Ally: The Case for a U.S.-Israel Defense Treaty
• Kentucky New Era 9/18/23: McConnell: Biden Iran Policy ‘Incentivizing Tehran’s Bad Behavior’
• Washington Examiner 9/18/23: GOP skeptical of Biden administration’s prisoner swap with Iran
• Jewish Insider 9/18/23: Partnering with Israel can help U.S. expand relationships in Africa, lawmaker says
• The Iran Primer 9/18/23: Iran-US Prisoner Swap: Congressional Reaction

5. Members on the Record

Attacking Palestinians/Defenders of Palestinians

Torres (D-NY) 9/18/23: X-post – “Anti-Zionism will NOT solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It never has and never will. The only function Anti-Zionism performs is perpetuating conflict to the detriment of both Israelis and Palestinians. An Israeli-Palestinian peace requires mutual recognition. I associate myself with the common sense of Dr. Einat Wilf. But regrettably, when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, common sense is becoming dangerously uncommon.” Linked to Wilf’s X-post quoting herself from her book, “We Should All Be Zionists”

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/17/23: X-post – “I wrote to the presidents of @Princeton and @Penn because no university should be promoting anyone or any material that pushes hateful lies. There is a fine line between a sharing of ideas and hate — this crosses it. This is antisemitic hate speech masquerading as scholarship.“

Israel – General

Eshoo (D-CA) 9/21/23: X-post – “It was an honor to meet leaders of the Israeli pro-democracy movement in the U.S. Capitol. While we continue to confront the challenges to our own democracy here at home, I so admire the fortitude of those who are facing down the efforts to erode Israeli democracy.”

Rosen (D-NV) 9/21/23: X-post – “I’ve worked closely with Elan Carr to fight antisemitism around the world. The @Israeliamerican Council does great work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, and I look forward to continuing to work with Elan and IAC on this shared goal.“

Kustoff (R-TN) 9/20/23: X-post – “I was happy to visit with my good friend and former State Senator from Mississippi, @MerleFlowers, this morning. I appreciate your work with @AIPAC to strengthen ties between the United States and Israel. It is always great to see a familiar face up here in Washington!“

Lamborn (R-CO) 9/20/23: X-post – “I commend @giladerdan1‘s actions during yesterday’s UN address by the Iranian regime. Amb. Erdan bravely protested the massacre of innocent Iranians. Meanwhile, the Biden admin sits idle. The actions of both the Biden admin & the UN are truly disgraceful.”

Rogers (R-AL) 9/20/23: X-post – “While Biden was busy pandering to the useless, hypocritical, anti-Israel, woke agenda of the UN, migrants flooded into New York City mere blocks away because of the border crisis he created. Even the Dems are starting to notice this catastrophe that is the Biden border policy.”

Hinson (R-IA) 9/20/23: X-post – “Great to meet with Charles Schneider from Iowa @AIPAC. When I visited Israel, I saw firsthand the unbreakable bond that comes from our shared values, security interests, and religious ideals. Iowans stand with Israel!”

Hagerty (R-TN) 9/20/23: X-post – “Inexcusable. @POTUS met w anti-American Lula de Silva at the WH & is extending invite to Iran-backed Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Yet the leader of Israel–America’s strongest ally in the Middle East—can’t get an invitation bc #Biden is beholden to the far-left.“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/20/23: X-post – “Yesterday, the Biden admin and the United Nations gave the Ayatollah’s handpicked President a platform to propagandize and promote terrorism. Meanwhile, they both target our Israel and Israeli officials. It’s absolutely outrageous.”

Gimenez (R-FL) 9/19/23: X-post – “The democratic, Jewish State of #Israel stands for freedom and Human Rights! Thank you Ambassador @giladerdan1!” Linked to Israel Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan’s X-post of him protesting Iranian president Raisi at the UN.

Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) X-post – “Israel is an essential partner as the U.S. looks to deepen its engagement across Africa. I sat down with @J_Insider to recap my latest trip to Israel and Rwanda alongside several of my @TheBlackCaucus colleagues.“

Graham (R-SC) 9/19/23: X-thread – “The efforts to normalize the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel – and eventually have Saudi Arabia recognize Israel – are at a tipping point. It is understood there will have to be some relief for the Palestinian people as part of this agreement. However, I hope it is equally understood that Israel’s effort to help the Palestinians cannot jeopardize their own security. I stand ready to help in any way possible to push this historic opportunity forward.”

Mast (R-FL) 9/17/23: X-post – “America stands with democracy. That means we stand with Taiwan, not with China. That means we stand with Israel, not with Iran. America will be the beacon of hope for those who are under attack by the tyranny of totalitarianism.“

Bacon (R-NE) 9/16/23: X – “As we celebrate the anniversary of the Abraham Accords, I was pleased to join the Atlantic Council N7 summit to discuss the ways the U.S. has encouraged and supported a regional partnership between Israel and other Arab nations.” NOTE: Bacon responded to several people on X that criticizd this post — GirlGaza98 responded, “The Abraham Accords are indeed historic in how they celebrate criminals instead of delivering them to justice!”; Bacon retorted, “Make peace with Israel and it will happen.” Raghad652960 responded, “Since the signing of these agreements, the occupation has killed more than 740 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and the list continues to increase!” Bacon retorted, “How many rockets were fired into Israel first?”

Saudi Arabia (except for normalization)

Garcia (D-CA) 9/20/23: X-post – “Hey @BretBaier, did you ask the Saudi Crown Prince about the $2 billion he sent to Jared Kushner’s firm 2 months after he left the White House?” Linked to Bret Baier X-post, “Don’t miss my exclusive interview with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tonight on #SpecialReport“

Garcia (D-CA) 9/20/23: X-post – “I’ve been calling out the Trump and Kushner Crime Family for months, and I won’t stop speaking out until we get the investigation we deserve. Why did Jared Kushner receive $2 billion from the Saudi Government 2 months after leaving the White House? We need answers.” [With video]

Cornyn (R-TX) 9/18/23: floor statement on JASTA, including, “President Biden still hasn’t taken a public position on fixing JASTA, but his administration seems to be leaning toward camp 2, siding with the Saudis over the 9/11 families. High-ranking Biden officials have dusted off the Saudi talking points that we once heard from the Obama administration.”

Garcia (D-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “Why did Jared Kushner receive $2 billion from Saudi Arabia months after leaving the White House? We won’t stop until we get answers.”

Syria

McCaul (R-TX) 9/21/23: X-post – “CHM @RepMcCaul: ‘I strongly condemn Assad’s visit to China. China’s willingness to welcome such a brutal war criminal who has murdered thousands of Syrian civilians, w/ backing from Russia & Iran, underscores the threat posed by China & its friends in Russia, Iran, & Syria.'”

Targeting the UN

Risch (R-ID) 9/20/23: press release – Risch: UNGA Has Once Again Proved the Need for UN Reform

Iranian President Raisi at the UN

Ernst (R-IA) 9/21/23: X-post – “Make no mistake – President Biden enabled Iran to threaten Americans on our soil.”

Ernst (R-IA) 9/20/23: X-post – “President Biden must stop appeasing Iran. We should not be welcoming the leader of the NUMBER ONE state sponsor of terrorism to peddle his propaganda on U.S. soil.“

Green (R-TN) 9/20/23: X-post – “This is who President Biden made a deal with. Make no mistake, the Iranian regime is our enemy.” Linked to article, Iran’s president threatens U.S. officials from the U.N. podium, dimming hopes for a rapprochement (New York Times 9/20/23)

Rubio (R-FL) 9/20/23: X-post – “Just one day after Biden released $6 billion as ransom for American hostages the ‘president’ of Iran appeared before the UN General Assembly in New York & vowed to assassinate former American government officials”

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/20/23: X-post – “$6 billion later and Iran still hates freedom and the USA.“

Scott (R-FL) 9/19/23: X-post – “.@JoeBiden’s @UN speech was filled with warnings against turning away from “abuses” across the globe. So why did he give criminal human rights abusers & state sponsors of terror like Cuba’s Diaz-Canel & Iran’s Raisi visas to get in the room? He should practice what he preaches. El discurso @UN de @JoeBiden estuvo lleno de advertencias contra los “abusos” en todo el mundo. Entonces, ¿por qué les dio visas a criminales que violan los derechos humanos y a estados patrocinadores del terrorismo como Díaz-Canel de Cuba y Raisi de Irán para que tengan un puesto en la sala? Biden debería practicar lo que predica.“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/19/23: X-post – “Disgraceful. The SEVER Act I authored would prohibit the Biden admin from allowing Iran’s president, a mass-murdering monster handpicked by the Ayatollah, entrance into the US. Beyond time for Congress to pass it.”

Ernst (R-IA) 9/18/23: X-post – “Iran’s President Raisi is a serial human rights abuser and a mass murderer with a history of targeting Americans. The Butcher of Tehran should not be afforded the privilege of stepping on American soil, but is being welcomed by the UN.”

Murphy (D-CT) 9/18/23: X-post – “I do. The President of Iran also flew to New York to appear at the UN in every year of Trump’s presidency when there was a full in person UNGA. Stop playing politics with the UN.” Responding to Mike Pompeo X-post responding to arrival of Raisi in New York, “I am not sure where to begin.“

Britt (R-AL) 9/18/23: press release – “This disgraceful decision is the latest in a long line of dangerous appeasement by the Biden Administration. Just two days ago, Iran reportedly expelled several senior International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the country. Now, President Biden is sending a clear message to the world that the United States of America tolerates terrorism. On the very same day that the Biden Administration hands $6 billion to the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, the President chooses to allow the unapologetic leader of this ruthless regime into our country. This weakness endangers our national security, insults the Americans and allies struck by Iranian-backed terrorism across the globe, and abandons oppressed people in Iran who hunger for liberty, peace, and safety. We achieve peace through strength, not placation. The safety and security of all Americans is gravely imperiled by President Biden’s continued blunders on the global stage.” Also see X-post

McCaul (R-TX) 9/18/23: X-post – “CHM @RepMcCaul: ‘Deeply disappointed by the E3’s refusal to ‘snap back’ UN sanctions on Iran. Just days later, Iran kicked out one third of the IAEA’s Iran inspectors. Iran continues to antagonize the IAEA and international community. Strong action is needed.’”

Cruz (R-TX) 9/15/23: press release – Sens. [sic] Cruz Introduces Legislation to Block Biden Administration From Allowing Iranian President into U.S. [the SEVER Act – for details see last week’s Round-Up)

Iran – Nuclear Program & Sanctions

Ernst (R-IA) 9/21/23: X-post – “President Biden’s failure to enforce existing sanctions on Iran has made America and the world less safe. This posture of appeasement and weakness must end.“

McCaul (R-TX) 9/20/23: X-post – “ICYMI CHM @RepMcCaul joined @kaitlancollins to discuss the Biden admin’s weak foreign policy toward Iran and Putin’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. WATCH” [with video clip]

LaTurner (R-KS) 9/19/23: X-thread – “Under President Biden, we’ve witnessed the unraveling of the Iran Nuclear Deal, the failure to enforce economic sanctions designed to protect America’s national security, and just last week, on the anniversary of 9/11, a $6 billion ransom payment to the Iranian regime—the largest per-hostage payout in American history. The American people deserve transparency, leadership on the world stage, and a comprehensive strategy to combat Iran’s aggression.”

Lawler (R-TN) 9/19/23: X-thread – “The only reason Iran would bar inspectors from monitoring their nuclear program is because they are up to no good. The $6 billion the Biden Administration just gave them will unquestionably be put toward nefarious ends. We must remain vigilant and use every tool in our tool chest to stop a nuclear Iran, one of the gravest threats to global security.”

Tenney (R-FL) 9/18/23: X-post – “If our E3 partners really want to stop Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon, they should invoke Snapback Sanctions on Iran under UNSCR 2231 today!”

Hagerty (R-TN) 9/18/23: X-post – “Another week & another example of Iran taking advantage of Biden’s weakness. In return for sanctions relief, Iran expels nuclear inspectors. Biden must snap back U.S. & international sanctions—not pay for Iran’s nuclear program thru sanctions relief.”

Ernst (R-FL) 9/18/23: X-post – “No surprise that, as the IRGC runs away with $6 billion to enrich uranium and increase nuclear capabilities, it bars inspectors.   Make no mistake, Iran is not negotiating in good faith.”

Rubio (R-FL) 9/18/23: X-thread – “Although @USTreasury’s OFAC is imposing economic sanctions towards 29 entities tied to the oppressive Iranian regime, it still has not sanctioned the regime’s leadership. 1/2 The Biden Administration has failed to take important steps like sanctioning the Ayatollah, Iran’s President, and their cronies. My bipartisan MAHSA Act would require these actions. 2/2”

Anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s Murder

Murphy (D-CT) 9/18/23: press release – Murphy Statement on Release of Morad Tahbaz

Cardin (D-MD) 9/18/23: press release – Cardin Statement on the Release of Americans from Iran

Menendez (D-NJ) 9/16/23: press release – Chairman Menendez Statement on One Year Anniversary of Murder of Mahsa Amini

Merkley (D-OR) 9/16/23: X-post – “One year ago, Mahsa Amini was brutally murdered by a regime that continually denies the Iranian people their inherent human rights and fundamental freedoms. Today, we honor Mahsa’s memory and reaffirm our solidarity with Iranians demanding better for their country.“

Sherman (D-CA) 9/16/23: X-thread – “Today marks one year since the tragic death of #MahsaAmini that sparked many brave #Iranians to demand a government that finally respects the human rights of #Iran‘s citizens. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, we must remember that now is not the time to look away. 1/2 In the last year, the #Iranian people showed that a free #Iran is not just a possibility – it’s an inevitability. I believe one day, hopefully soon, we’ll look back at the #IranProtests that erupted after #MahsaAmini‘s murder as the start of the end of the Ayatollah regime. 2/2“

Levin (D-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “Today marks one year since Mahsa Amini’s death at the hands of the Iranian regime and the massive protests that followed. I was proud to vote in support of the MAHSA Act, the Fight CRIME Act, and a resolution condemning Iran’s persecution of the Baha’i minority this week.“

Porter (D-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “On the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death at the hands of Iran’s “morality police,” I’m standing with Iranians in their ongoing fight for peace and freedom. I cosponsored and helped pass the MAHSA Act earlier this week, and I’ll continue to honor her legacy in Congress.“

Coons (D-DE) 9/16/23: X-thread – “A year ago, Mahsa Amini was killed by Iran‘s “morality police” for wearing a hijab improperly. Her death sparked the largest wave of protests in Iran in years, as thousands of brave Iranians called on the government to end its persecution of women and improve basic human rights. As Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, @SenThomTillis and I stand with the peaceful protestors and the prisoners of conscience in Iran. We’re committed to supporting human rights as cornerstones of our nation’s foreign policy.“

Murray (D-WA) 9/16/23: X-post – “Today marks the one year anniversary of the brutal murder of #MahsaAmini at the hands of the Iranian government. I stand with the many women in Iran & people in Washington state & across the country who have not backed down in the fight for justice—& for women’s rights.”

Panetta (X-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “One year ago, Mahsa Amini reportedly was beaten to death by Iran’s morality police, sparking nationwide protests and worldwide outrage. My full statement on this anniversary and the work ahead…“

Wilson (R-SC) 9/16/23: X-post – “On 9/16/2022 Mahsa Amini, a vibrant 22-year old woman, was murdered by regime morality police. Over 600 have been murdered and 20k detained in the over 4,000 protests following MAHSA’s murder. The brave people of Iran are seen, admired, and freedom will one day be yours.“

Durbin (D-IL) 9/16/23: X-post – “Today marks the one-year anniversary of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iranian police custody. Sept. 16th will long remain a somber day of remembrance for the Iranian people. The U.S. stands with them. #MahsaAmini”

Moore (R-UT) 9/16/23: X-post – “On the anniversary of Mahsa Jina Amini’s death, we stand in solidarity with Iranian women & girls in their fight against gender apartheid in Iran & join Iran’s civil society leaders in calling for a referendum that will set Iran on the path to free & fair elections. Woman, life, freedom! #utpol”

Calvert (R-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “The death of Mahsa Amini one year ago was a call to action. Today, we stand with the brave men and women demanding change in Iran. #MahsaAmini“

Padilla (D-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “One year ago, Mahsa Amini died tragically at the hands of the regime in Tehran. Read my statement with @SenMarcoRubio on the need to hold the Ayatollah and top Iranian leaders accountable for their human rights abuses below.”

Shaheen (D-NH) 9/16/23: X-post – “Mahsa Amini should be alive today. In the year since her senseless death, women across Iran have taken to the streets to demand their rights and freedoms. We must continue to support them in their fight for equality and hold Iran accountable for its disregard for human rights.“

Murphy (D-CT) 9/16/23: X-post – “One year ago, Iranian authorities killed Mahsa Amini for wearing a loose hijab. Her death inspired a movement, and this weekend we pay tribute to all the brave women in Iran who are standing up for basic human dignity. #WomanLifeFreedom“

Tenney (R-NY) 9/16/23: X-post – “Today, we come together to remember & honor Mahsa Amini, a courageous 22-year-old Iranian woman who has continued to make a lasting impact on Iran & the world. Let us continue to advocate for protecting human rights & the dignity of all individuals in Iran & around the world.“

Lawler (R-NY) 9/16/23: X-thread – “On our first day back after the recess, the House overwhelmingly passed three bipartisan bills targeting Iran for its aggression and human rights violations, including the MAHSA Act. Today is the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s murder by Iran. I hope that the Senate will pass all three of these bills expeditiously, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to pass the SHIP Act, my bill to go after those who enable Iran to evade petroleum sanctions. This bill now has over 175 cosponsors in the House.”

Kim (X-CA) 9/16/23: X-post – “#MahsaAmini died at the hands of the Iranian regime one year ago today after being detained by Iran’s morality police for not wearing a hijab. Her death inspired the #IranProtests that are heard around the world. To the people of Iran: America hears you & stands with you.“

Supporting/Defending Iran Prisoner Release Deal and/or welcoming hostages home

Norton (D-DC) 9/21/23: X-post – “I’m thrilled DC resident Emad Shargi has been returned home safely after being imprisoned in Iran since 2018.   Thank you to Pres. Biden and Sec. Blinken for prioritizing his case and ensuring Mr. Shargi’s safe return home.” Also see press release.

Crow (D-CO) 9/19/23: X-post – “Went on @Morning_Joe to correct the record on the Iran prisoner swap.” [with video]

Murphy (D-CT) 9/19/23: X-post – “Not sure what the point is of framing this as “U.S. says this and Iran says that” story, when the truth is readily available. Why not just report the actual truth, which is that the structure of the deal only allows the money to be released for things like food and health care?” Responding to X-post from NBC Nightly News, “Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke to @LesterHoltNBC in an exclusive interview about the prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Iran. Raisi says Iran can do whatever it wants with $6 billion in unfrozen funds, but the U.S. says Iran can only use it for humanitarian purposes.“

Crow (D-CO) 9/19/23: X-thread – “Thank you @POTUS for bringing our people home. Some facts on the Iran prisoner swap The US should never leave our people behind. Every Administration, Republican and Democrat, has negotiated these types of deals. 1/4 The $6 billion was already Iran’s money from a Trump-negotiated deal, which allowed countries to purchase Iranian oil in exchange for humanitarian supplies. 2/4 Iran doesn’t receive the $6 billion, just the medical and humanitarian supplies purchased with that money. 3/4 Through this new deal, the US actually added further oversight and restrictions on the Trump-negotiated deal and use of the funds. 4/4”

Menendez (D-NJ) 9/18/23: press release – Chairman Menendez Statement on the Return of Americans Detained in Iran [NOTE: includes – “Travel to countries like Iran, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, or the People’s Republic of China is simply too dangerous. The United States cannot permit travel by U.S. citizens to hostile nations to become a source of ransom that then is used for their nefarious activities.“]

Feinstein (D-CA) 9/18/23: press release – Feinstein Statement on Release of American Hostages by Iran

Himes (D-CT) 9/18/23: press release – Himes Statement on the Release of Morad Tahbaz from Iranian Detention

Murphy (D-CT) 9/18/23: X-post – “The $6B isn’t “ransom” and Esper knows it. South Korea bought $6B of Iranian oil and never paid for it, wary of sanctions. In 2020 (when Esper was Sec Def!) Trump signed off on the $$ being transferred to Iran for humanitarian needs.”

Cardin (D-MD) 9/18/23: X-thread – “Five Americans are on their way home to their families today after being unjustly imprisoned in Iran for years. This took a lot of diplomacy and goodwill from several countries. I look forward to seeing them reunited with their loved ones in the United States. We should never turn our backs on Americans unjustly imprisoned abroad. Those released today were not alone. We should not forget that there are numerous other Americans who are still detained, in Iran and elsewhere.The Iranian people continue to suffer under the current hardline regime. As such, the Iranian funds released today are strictly reserved for humanitarian aid, primarily food, agricultural goods and medicine that are not subject to sanctions. The Administration has stated that if Iran tries to divert the funds that they will take action to freeze the funds. Congress will be monitoring and will hold the executive branch to this pledge.” Also see: Cardin press release.

Attacking Iran Prisoner Release Deal

Duncan (R-SC) 9/21/23: X-post – “The Biden Administration negotiated a prisoner swap with Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, and put a target on the back of every American. Biden traded 6 Americans for 6 Iranians and gave Iran $6 billion dollars. America should NEVER pay ransoms as it sends a message to nefarious countries that they can target American citizens and get a pay day from the government. It’s time we get tough on sponsors of terrorism, not negotiate with them.“

Stefanik (R-NY) 9/21/23: X-post – “Secretary Blinken admitted there is no way to control how Iran spends the $6 billion President Biden gave them.  I’ve been sounding the alarm for weeks about this issue.  Joe Biden should have NEVER given these funds to Iran. He is endangering Americans everywhere.”

Cruz (R-TX) 9/21/23: X-post – “Even Biden officials admit Iran is Russia’s top weapons supplier. But in just the last few weeks they have made  available $16 billion for Iran, which will be used for terrorism against Americans & Russian aggression against Ukraine. Then they act surprised when the war drags on.” [with clip from Fox News appearance]

Loudermilk (R-GA) 9/20/23: X-post – “Watch as Secretary Blinken admits there is no way to control how Iran spends the $6 billion dollars President Biden gave to them in exchange for five American prisoners. This is a stunning admission, since this administration has repeatedly told us this money would only be allowed to be spent for humanitarian purposes.”

Babin (R-TX) 9/20/23: X-post – “I’m glad Americans are home, but giving $6 BILLION to Iran – the world’s lead sponsor of terror – is a horrific foreign policy decision. All Biden’s done is encourage more U.S. kidnappings by Iran & enable the nation to inflict more harm on us/our allies.”

Bilirakis (R-FL) 9/20/23: X-post – “The taxpayer dollars given to the rogue Iranian regime in this dangerous and naïve exchange will be used to fund state sponsored proxy terror operations. The Biden Administration is helping Iran build its nuclear offensive system.”

Ernst (R-IA) 9/19/23: press release – Ernst Calls Biden’s Bluff on Iran Appeasement

Tenney (R-NY) 9/19/23: X-post – “US National Jamshid Sharmahd has been held in an Iranian prison for over 1,000 days since he was kidnapped by the Iranian government during a layover in Dubai. The US must work to free all of our political prisoners without using US tax dollars to fund terrorism. #SaveSharmahd.”

Britt (R-AL) 9/19/23: X-post – “This man, who passed highly sensitive information to Iran, is one of the five prisoners let go by President Biden. It’s clear that his Administration is more interested in handcuffing our Border Patrol than keeping Iranian spies in actual handcuffs.”

McClain (R-MI) 9/19/23: X-post – “Biden’s cash drop to the Iranian regime sends a dangerous message to America’s enemies: Take our citizens hostage and the President will pay you whatever you want.”

Cotton (R-AR) 9/19/23: X-post – “Now that the ayatollahs know they can get billions of dollars and Iranian agents back in exchange for hostages, what will stop them from taking more American hostages? Absolutely nothing.”

Ernst (R-IA) 9/19/23: X-post – “President Biden must stop incentivizing Iran’s hostage ‘diplomacy.’“

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/19/23: X-post – “First, Biden handed over $6 billion to Iran in a prisoner swap. Now, he’s allowed Iranian President Raisi to enter the U.S. and address the United Nations. @POTUS — stop kowtowing to Iran.”

Ernst (R-IA) 9/19/23: X-post – “President Biden’s failed strategy of appeasement toward Iran must end.“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/18/23: X-post – “Joe Biden just gifted at least $16 billion to the Russia-Iran war machine attacking Ukraine. He is pouring billions into both sides of the war. And look how hard journalists are working to falsely defend Biden and blame Republicans!”

Perry (R-PA) 9/18/23: X-post – “While relieved 5 Americans held hostage by the terrorist-supporting regime in Iran are reunited with families, it’s outrageous the Biden Administration is incentivizing hostage taking by sending $6 billion of fungible money likely to find its way toward killing more Americans.”

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/18/23: X-post – “Biden is allowing two Iranian prisoners released from jail to remain in the U.S. Deport them immediately.”

McConnell (R-KY) 9/18/23: Floor statement – Biden Iran Policy ‘Incentivizing Tehran’s Bad Behavior’  [Also see McConnell X-post linked to YouTube clip]

Moran (R-KS) 9/18/23: X-post – “The United States and our partners must band together to collectively enforce punishments on Iran and any other nation who hold innocent people for political purposes”

Rubio (R-FL) 9/18/23: X-thread – “While it’s a relief to know 5 U.S. citizens are returning home, this Admin is not only leaving behind two U.S. permanent residents who remain wrongfully detained, but also sending Iran & other U.S. adversaries the message that they can profit from taking Americans hostage. 1/2 @POTUS  and his administration need to pursue a policy that deters, not rewards, hostage taking. 2/2“

Graham (R-SC) 9/18/23: X-thread – “I am always glad when Americans are released from captivity, particularly from terrorist nations like Iran. However, the substance of this deal will be a nightmare for American national security interests for decades to come. Now it is clear to any terrorist state or organization that kidnapping Americans is a very lucrative endeavor. The Biden response confirms they will fork out billions to meet terrorists demands. The appropriate response would have been to challenge the terrorist regime in Iran and make it clear that if they do not release innocent Americans, it will be the Iranians who pay the heavy price. Iran’s economy depends almost exclusively on oil and gas revenue. When necessary, their refineries should be the targets and they should be reminded of this at every turn.”

Moore Capito (R-WV) 9/18/23: X-post – “Today, the Biden admin went through on its prisoner swap with the leading state sponsor of terrorism. While I’m glad these Americans are coming home, this was the wrong deal at the wrong time. These funds will only further the Iranian regime’s aggression and nuclear ambitions.”

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/18/23: X-post – “Biden’s $6,000,000,000 Iran deal only encourages bad actors, funds terrrorism, and further enables the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. Biden’s weakness on the world stage knows no limits.”

Hawley (R-MO) 9/18/23: X-post – “The Iranian dictatorial regime cashed in on a sweet deal with the Biden Admin, receiving prisoners AND sanctions relief.“

Cline (R-VA) 9/18/23: X-post – “Iran is a destabilizing force and the leading sponsor of terrorism in the region. That’s something that shouldn’t be rewarded. Why would the sitting President hand over $6 BILLION to Iran?“

Green (R-GA) 9/18/23: X-post – “Illegal aliens are invading America by planes, trains, and automobiles, and being mass released into our country. It’s not shocking coming from an administration that loses F-35s and releases Iranian terrorists.”

McCaul (R-TX) 9/18/23: press release – McCaul Statement on Release of Americans Held Hostage in Iran [also see X-post]

Cotton (R-IN) 9/18/23: X-post – “Two of the five Iranians released as part of this terrible deal will stay in the U.S. Joe Biden’s embarrassing appeasement not only makes Iran stronger, it makes America less safe.“

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/18/23: X-post – “On the anniversary of 9/11, Joe Biden handed over $6 billion to Iran.   Under this administration, our enemies are getting stronger.“

Phillips (D-MN) 9/18/23: X-post – “Iran is a clear and present danger, and the prisoner swap deal is disconcerting on the surface. That said, it’s irresponsible to draw conclusions until the Administration shares more information. I’m hopeful there’s more than meets the eye, and will opine once that’s clear.”

Cruz (R-TX) 9/17/23: X-post – “RELEASE: Sen. Cruz Blasts Biden-Iran Nuclear Side Deal on Hostages“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/16/23: X-post – “The Biden administration just paid a $16 billion ransom to the Ayatollah.    They are giving money to a murderous regime that routinely chants ‘Death to Israel’ and ‘Death to America.‘”

McClain (R-MI) 9/16/23: X-post – “Make no mistake, Biden’s agreement with Iran is no sweetheart deal, it’s blatant funding for terrorism.“

Turner (R-OH) 9/16/23: X-post – “Putting a price on American citizens incentivizes our adversaries to take hostages. Today, I spoke with @MargBrennan on @FaceTheNation about my concerns with the Biden Administration’s deal with Iran to free the prisoners being held overseas.“

Scott (R-FL) 9/16/23: X-thread – “Dictators and thugs with a track record of sponsoring terrorism & undermining democracy have NO place in the U.S., let alone the @UN. @JoeBiden needs to end his weak appeasement policies & deny the Iranian and Cuban delegations’ visas immediately. Los dictadores y matones con un historial de patrocinar el terrorismo y socavar la democracia NO tienen lugar en Estados Unidos, y mucho menos en la @ONU_es. @JoeBiden necesita poner fin a sus débiles políticas de apaciguamiento y negar las visas a las delegaciones de Iran y Cuba de inmediato.“

Reschenthaler (R-PA) 9/16/23: X-post – “The Biden Administration’s hostage ransom deal with Iran is an unmitigated disaster. Appeasing the world’s largest state sponsor of terror emboldens our adversaries, disheartens our allies, and puts a price on the head of every American abroad.”

Libya & Morocco

Bowman (D-NY) 9/19/23: X-post – “Sending peace and love to the people of Libya” [with video message]

 

 

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Members of Congress’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in the Middle East – final installment
3. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Media & Reports
6. Members on the Record

New from FMEP:

• FMEP Launches New Microsite Tracking Palestine-Related Lawfare [“The Foundation for Middle East Peace is proud to announce the launch of a new FMEP microsite tracking Palestine-related lawfare…FMEP President Lara Friedman has been researching and documenting these lawfare efforts for nearly a decade. FMEP’s new microsite includes her comprehensive & regularly updated research databases–newly streamlined, updated, and expanded, and re-formatted to permit easy filtering/searching of data. It also includes her reports and analyses, along with links to all of FMEP’s other lawfare-related products and programming (webinars, podcasts, etc).“
• FMEP Webinar 9/12/23 – Forcible Transfer is a War Crime: West Bank Pogroms are Working, ft. Kareem Jubran (B’Tselem) & Sarit Michaeli (B’Tselem) in conversation with FMEP fellow Dr. Yara Asi 

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(MORE IRAN SANCTIONS & CONDEMNING IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES) HR 3152, HR 589, H. Res. 492: On 9/12/23, the House voted to suspend the rules and pass three pieces of Iran sanctions legislation:

• HR 3152, the Fight Crime Act, introduced 5/9/23 by McCaul, R-TX, and having 239 bipartisan cosponsors. This legislation would impose sanctions related to Iran’s missile program). Passed by a vote of 403-8. Floor statements on this bill are here.
• HR 589, the MAHSA Act, introduced 1/27/23 by Banks, R-IN, and having 128 bipartisan cosponsors. This legislation would require property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons – individuals and entities – affiliated with Iran. Passed by a vote of 410-3. Floor statements on this bill are here.
• H. Res. 492: Introduced 6/9/23 by Schakowsky (D-IL) and having 58 bipartisan cosponsors, the “Condemning the Government of Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of the Baha’i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.” Passed H. Res. 492 by a vote of 413-2. Floor statements are here.

Also see:

• Members X-posts/press releases touting support mainly for HR 3152 & HR 589 (both of which were backed/lobbied by AIPAC), and some also for H. Res. 492: Mills (R-FL), Fry (R-SC), Luttrell (R-TX), Crane (R-AZ), Calvert (R-CA), Steel (R-CA), Miller (R-OH), Kim (R-CA), Gonzalez (R-PR), Ezell (R-MS),  Miller (R-FL), Molinaro (R-NY), McCaul (R-TX), Doggett (D-TX), Miller (R-OH), Harshbarger (R-TN), Ciscomani (R-AZ), Krishnamoorthi (D-NJ), Schakowsky (D-IL), Gottheimer (D-NJ), McCaul (R-TX), Jackson Lee (R-TX)
• Opposing: Massie (R-KY) X-post: “Last night Congress voted on 3 bills giving Biden power to sanction Iran & people from Iran based on various criteria. Two of the bills reference authority of the United Nations. Sanctions don’t work, lead to war, and cause hardships on regular people. I voted No on all three.“
• AIPAC X-post praising members’ support for CRIME Act and MAHSA Act and urging: “the Senate to pass the MISSILES Act, the Senate version of the Fight CRIME Act, as well as these other measures to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights abuses” and “the House to pass the SHIP Act, to stop the flow of cash to the Iranian regime by cracking down on its oil exports, which have recently reached a five-year high.“
• Washington Examiner 9/12/23: Iran sanctions bills aim to prevent nation from committing more ‘heinous acts’: Cory Mills
• Rubio (R-FL) and Padilla (D-CA) 9/15/23: joint statement – “One year ago, Mahsa Amini tragically died at the hands of the regime in Tehran, igniting a wave of courageous protests across Iran. Her death, and the bravery and strength of the Iranian women fighting for their basic freedoms, must not be in vain. We must do our part to hold the Ayatollah and other Iranian leaders accountable for their violence against civilians and the regime’s ongoing wave of repression, censorship, and human rights abuses against its people. We urge the Senate to pass our bipartisan MAHSA Act, which would hold the dictatorship in Iran accountable for Mahsa Amini’s death as well as the countless human rights violations the brutal regime is responsible for.” [also Rubio X-post]

(BAR IRANIAN LEADERS COMING TO THE UN) HR 5417 & S. 2774: Introduced 9/12/23 in the House by Tenney (R-NY) and Salazar (R-FL) and in the Senate by Cruz (R-TX) and 9 Republican cosponsors, the “Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions Act” aka, the “SEVER Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary in both chambers. The purpose of this bill is to block entry into the U.S. of Iranian officials, including for UN-related purposes. For more see Tenney’s press release [excerpt: “As we approach the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, it is imperative we stop Raisi and his associates from setting foot on American soil.“] Tenney and Cruz both introduced this same bill in 2022 (S. 4856 & HR 8869), drawing 5 and 6 cosponsors, respectively, and going nowehere.  NOTE: This legislation directly contradicts (and would require the U.S. to once again violate) U.S. explicit obligations under the Headquarters Agreement that governs the U.S. as host to the UN’s headquarters.

(NO US AID FOR COUNTRIES THAT USE FOREIGN SPYWARE AGAINST THE US) HR 5440: Introduced 9/13/23 by Himes (D-CT) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance to foreign governments that engage in the use of foreign commercial spyware to target United States persons, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(FY24 NDAA) HR 2670/S. 2226: As noted previously in the Round-Up, this year – for the first time in memory – the Round-Up is NOT tracking the path of the annual NDAA bill or reporting in exhausting detail on Middle East-related elements in these key pieces of legislation. Why? Because this year’s legislative process is so totally f***ked up, and the legislation and amendments are collectively such a total dumpster fire of extreme partisan/ideological grandstanding, that it simply doesn’t make sense to spend hours and hours tracking what is going on, when odds are still strongly in favor of none of this passing into law. For the detail obsessed, on 9/11/23 JINSA has helpfully published its own detailed explainer: 9/11/23: Key Middle East Provisions Under Consideration in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act – enjoy.

Letters

(US UNIVERSITIES MUST SELF-CENSOR CURRICULA/SPEAKERS TO ELIMINATE CRITICISM/CRITICS OF ISRAEL) Gottheimer letters to UPenn & Princeton: On 9/13/23, Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ) sent letters to the presidents of University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University, calling on them (per Gottheimer’s press release) to “to take action in response to their universities’ inclusion of antisemitic, anti-Israel, and hate-filled classroom curriculum and upcoming guest speakers.” Specifically Gottheimer calls on  UPenn to dis-invite Roger Waters and Marc Lamont Hill — whom he describes as “well-known antisemitic and anti-Israel speakers” — from appearing on campus. He also demands that Princeton strike from the curriculum of one of its courses a book that included, in Gottheimer’s view, antisemitic “blood libel” for asserting that “the Israel Defense Forces, in efforts to oppress and control Palestinians, deliberately creates injury, keeping Palestinian populations debilitated” [no doubt Gottheimer would similarly reject: ’42 Knees in One Day’: Israeli Snipers Open Up About Shooting Gaza Protesters (Haaretz); Blasted limbs, broken dreams (Washington Post);  Amputating the Body, Fragmenting the Nation: Palestinian Amputees in Gaza (Health & Human Rights); Israel: ‘Deliberate attempts’ by military to kill and maim Gaza protesters continues (Amnesty International);‘Shoot to maim’: How Israel created a generation on crutches in Gaza (Middle East Eye); Israeli Troops Shot a Palestinian Boy in the Eye, and Didn’t Even Try to Save It (Haaretz); ‘Blinding the truth’: Israeli snipers target Gaza protesters in the eyes (The New Arab); etc, etc.] Gottheimer is explicit in his conflation of criticism of Israel with antisemitism, and his demand for censoring both, and he goes so far to assert that such censorship is REQUIRED BY LAW in his state: “Princeton University must protect all students, including Jewish students made to feel unsafe by curricula that incites violence and signals tolerance for Jewish hate and anti-Israel rhetoric. Given New Jersey’s strict anti-BDS laws and Princeton’s own anti-discrimination policies, the University is not only reminded, but obligated, to safeguard its students.”

Also see:

• Gottheimer X-post
• Letter responding to Gotteheimer from the president of Princeton University [“…This University is fully committed to ensuring that Jewish students thrive here. For me, that commitment is deeply personal: I am Princeton’s second Jewish president and its first Jewish undergraduate alumnus to serve in that role…Like Princeton’s commitment to free speech, the principle of academic freedom sweeps broadly, encompassing even books that may be deemed ‘offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong‑headed’ by students, faculty, the University administration, or others, including elected office holders.  Those who disagree with a book, or a syllabus, are free to criticize it but not to censor it.  Such arguments are the lifeblood of a great university, where controversies must be addressed through deliberation and debate, not administrative fiat. Your letter concludes by asserting that colleges ‘must protect all students, including Jewish students’ from being ‘made to feel unsafe by curricula.’  That assertion misunderstands the role of a university, where students inevitably encounter controversial and sometimes disturbing ideas.  As I said earlier, Princeton will work vigorously to ensure that all students can thrive here, but not by censoring our curriculum. Your assertion also underestimates the strength and resilience of Princeton students.  Indeed, many of our students, both Jewish and non-Jewish, have spoken up for the importance of academic freedom and defended the right of Professor Larson to assign Dr. Puar’s book. I have no doubt that they have the intelligence and independence to interrogate, challenge, and learn from texts with which they disagree.  This University will continue to foster those discussions inside and outside the classroom, and we will adhere steadfastly to the principles of free speech and academic freedom that are essential to our mission.”]
• University of Pennsylvania 9/12/23: Statement on Palestine Writes Literature Festival signed by the U Penn’s President, Provost, and the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences [“The Palestine Writes Literature Festival, a multi-day event featuring Palestinian writers, filmmakers, and artists, will take place on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus later this month. This public event is not organized by the University. As is routine in universities, individual faculty, departments and centers, and student organizations are engaged as sponsors, speakers and volunteers at this conference intended to highlight the importance and cultural impact of Palestinian writers and artists. While the Festival will feature more than 100 speakers, many have raised deep concerns about several speakers who have a documented and troubling history of engaging in antisemitism by speaking and acting in ways that denigrate Jewish people. We unequivocally — and emphatically — condemn antisemitism as antithetical to our institutional values. As a university, we also fiercely support the free exchange of ideas as central to our educational mission. This includes the expression of views that are controversial and even those that are incompatible with our institutional values.”]
• PEN American 8/22/23: PEN America: Calls to Remove a Book from Princeton U Syllabus Are “Highly Misguided”
• Jewish News Syndicate 9/14/23: Penn leaders cite academic freedom, allowing event to proceed despite some speakers’ antisemitic history

(NEED FULL TRANSPARENCY OF SAUDI INVOLVEMENT IN 9/11) Blumenthal/Johnson letter to Garland & Wray: On 9/10/23, Sens. Blumenthal (D-CT) and Johnson (R-WI) – the chair and ranking member of the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations – sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray noting: “We wrote to you on July 18, 2023 [letter not released to public as of this writing], asking that the U.S. government finally provide full transparency into what it knows about the attacks, particularly as it relates to Saudi Arabia’s involvement. In that letter, we requested access to the complete, unredacted records of Saudi Arabia’s role (including the records in Appendix A) and asked that you explain any ongoing need for classification of any portions of these records.  In an August 8, 2023 meeting, our staff told Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials to prioritize producing an unredacted copy of the 11-page document contained in Appendix A.  Over one month since that call and nearly two months since our initial letter request, we have not received a single document or obtained an explanation for any of the hundreds of redactions that remain, despite the government’s recent declassification review. Your failure to respond to our letter only adds to our concerns about the U.S. government’s longstanding refusal to provide full transparency to the American public, and particularly for the families of 9/11 victims, about Saudi Arabia’s role in the 9/11 attacks. We therefore write to reiterate our July 18, 2023 request...” The letter closes: “Should DOJ and the FBI fail to provide the briefing and continue to fail to provide the requested unredacted documents by this deadline, the Subcommittee will be forced to consider the use of the other tools at its disposal to ensure compliance.”

Also see:

• Blumenthal press release 9/11/23;  Johnson X-post 9/11/23
• Senators push for unredacted 9/11 documents on Saudi Arabia (Washington Post 9/11/23)

(DON’T LET IRANIAN LEADER COME TO UNGA) Mace-Moskowitz letter to POTUS: Reps. Moskowitz (D-FL) and Mace (R-SC) sent a letter (text not available as of this writing) to President Biden urging him to refuse to grant a visa for Iranian president Raisi to attend the upcoming meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Also see:

• Mace (R-SC) 9/15/23: X-post – “Murderers shouldn’t get US visas. This administration is opening the door for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi into the U.S. while he assassinates dissidents and ignores basic human rights. We joined @RepMoskowitz and @BretBaier to call on the Biden Admin to block his visa.” [with Fox News video clip]
• Moskowitz (D-FL) 9/14/23: X-post – “Iran kidnaps Americans, threatens to wipe out Israel, and sponsors terrorism around the globe. Why would we give them a platform at the United Nations? @RepNancyMace and I are urging the administration to deny President Raisi’s visa to attend next week’s General Assembly.“
• Media: Fox News interview with Moskowitz and Mace about the letter and about Iran policy (and also about…UFOs and “are the aliens out there…” – yes, Moskowitz joins in on this with respect to secret weapons programs “coming out of Area 51”); CNN interview with Mace mentioning the effort

 

2. Members of Congress’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in the Middle East- final installment

• Williams (D-GA) 9/14/23: X-thread – “As the co-chair of the Black-Jewish Relations Caucus, I understood the profound significance of my visit to the @yadvashem Holocaust Remembrance Center during my time in Israel. I gained a deeper understanding of the Holocaust’s importance in Israeli society. (1/2) I also had the honor of meeting Judge Frankel, a Holocaust survivor whose story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. (2/2)”
• Agahozo-Shalom (Rwanda) 9/11/23: X-post – “We were honored to welcome U.S. Congressmembers from the Congressional Black Caucus and their families to the Village! Thank you @AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) for organizing their visit and helping foster deeper connections between countries and cultures.“
• President of Rwanda 9/11/23: X-post – “President Kagame welcomed the US Congressional Black Caucus as part of a visit to Israel and Rwanda hosted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee @AIPAC and their educational arm, Art in Embassies Program (AIEP). The meeting discussed issues of global significance and future areas of collaboration.“
• Foreign Ministry of Rwanda 9/11/23: X-post – “Min. @Vbiruta received a US Congressional delegation from @TheBlackCaucus, who participated in a visit to Israel and #Rwanda hosted by @AIPAC and their educational arm, Art in Embassies Program (AIEP). The delegation led by @RepLucyMcBath exchanged on issues of common interest.”
• AIPAC 9/11/23: X-post – “Thank you @PaulKagame @UrugwiroVillage for welcoming this delegation of @TheBlackCaucus to learn more about the trilateral bonds between the United States, Israel and Rwanda.”

3. Israel & AIPAC  in the 2024 Election Cycle

• Democrats anticipate messy debate over Israel in crafting 2024 platform (Jewish Insider 9/15/23)
• Challengers already lining up to try to defeat Omar, Craig, McCollum, Klobuchar, Stauber (
• MinnPost 9/13/23) [“…The most targeted member of the delegation, but not the most vulnerable, is Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-5th District. That’s mainly because the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a national political action committee that spends millions each election cycle on congressional races, has put Omar in its sights because of her stance on Israel…AIPAC is trying to woo other Democratic candidates to run against Omar, a campaign first reported by Jewish Insider. Minneapolis City Council member LaTrisha Vetaw, who represents the city’s 4th Ward, has been approached. So has DFL state Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, the president of the Minnesota Senate.“]
• Pro-Israel advocates face early challenges in effort to unseat Squad members (Jewish Insider 9/12/23) [“After Democratic leadership endorsed all incumbents, several top prospective primary challengers are having second thoughts”]
• Why tolerate such behavior from the left? (Jewish News Syndicate 9/11/23) [“Democratic Congress members known as a “the Squad” have once again earned their long-standing reputations as antisemites.“]
• Rep. Rashida Tlaib Speaks Out (Washington Report on Middle East Affairs 9/10/23)
• House Democrat Rashida Tlaib to speak at major anti-Israel conference: ‘Treasonous’  (The Gazette 9/9/23) [“Tlaib will appear between Oct. 27-29 in Houston, Texas, at the national conference for the United States Campaign for Palestinian Rights…”]
• Summer Lee launches Congressional reelection bid, promising both change and reinvestment (WESA 9/8/23) [“...Lee’s 2018 victory in the state House helped launch a progressive remaking of local government, and last year she became the first Black woman elected to represent Pennsylvania in Congress. But her campaign to replace veteran legislator Mike Doyle in the decidedly Democratic 12th Congressional District was bitterly contested by an older generation of political leadership — and by outside pro-Israel groups concerned that she would join other progressive House members in criticizing the Middle Eastern country.“]

 

4. Hearings & Markups

Sept. 14, 2023: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia held a hearing entitled, “Iran’s Escalating Threats: Assessing U.S. Policy Toward Iran’s Malign Activities. Witnesses were: Norman Roule, Former National Intelligence Manager for Iran (statement); Behnam Ben Taleblu, FDD (statement); Masih Alinejad, Author and Activist (statement); and Suzanne Maloney, Brookings (statement).

Also see:

• hearing video.
• McCaul (R-TX) 9/14/23: X-post (with video) – “As the admin pursues a $6B hostage deal & a potential nuclear “understanding” w/ Iran, the Middle East subcommittee held a hearing on Iran’s hostage taking, sponsorship of terrorism proxies, & nuclear escalation. Watch CHM @RepMcCaul‘s remarks“
• Sherman (D-CA) 9/14/23: X-post (with video) – “The #Iranian regime remains a major threat to the security, not only of the United States and our allies, but also to the Iranian people. However, the U.S. strategy to counter the regime needs to be based in reality. Americans don’t want to see another war in the Middle East.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 9/14/23: X-post (with video) – “I just asked the witnesses at today’s @HouseForeignGOP subcommittee hearing about the President’s $6 billion prisoner exchange deal, the funds of which he claims will only be used for humanitarian aid. That assertion has now been refuted by the Iranian President himself.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 9/14/23: X-thread (with videos) – “I asked the panel at today’s @HouseForeignGOP subcommittee hearing on Iran about whether the SHIP Act will help bring Iran to heel. The answer was yes. This legislation, which I introduced with @RepMoskowitz, now has over 175 cosponsors. I will continue working with my colleagues to get the SHIP Act passed and ensure we are doing everything we can to contain Iran’s aggression. Not giving Iran $6 billion would be a good start.“
• Schneider (D-IL) 9/14/23: X-post (with video) – “We need to block and ultimately close Iran’s pathways to a nuclear bomb. The US is committed to making sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon through a combination of smart diplomacy, ratcheting sanctions, and maintaining a military option. @HouseForeign examined this challenge.“
• Burchett (R-TN) 9/14/23: X-post (with video) – “‘Quantitatively, qualitatively, (the Iranian nuclear program) has grown under President Biden’s watch.’ A nuclear armed Iran cannot happen, yet this administration is doing little to stop it.”
• Jewish Insider 9/15/23: Despite divisions, lawmakers say they seek bipartisan path forward on Iran

Sept. 13, 2023: The House Committee on Oversight’s Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs held a hearing [as in, an officially-organized occasion for political grandstanding] entitled, “A Dangerous Strategy: Examining the Biden Administration’s Failures on Iran.” Majority witnesses were a who’s who of ardent opponents of the Biden Administration’s Iran policy (and of the Obama Administration’s Iran policy that came before it): Richard Goldberg, FDD (statement), Michael Makovsky, JINSA (statement), and Victoria Coates, Heritage Foundation (statement); plus one minority witness – Barbara Slavin, Stimson Center (statement).

Also see:

• Hearing video
• Chairman Grotham (R-WI) opening remarks – “Grothman: Biden Administration has Mishandled Negotiations and Actions with Dangerous Iranian Regime“
• Post-hearing “wrap-up” published by committee Republicans – Hearing Wrap Up: Biden Administration has Failed to Act Transparently or Assertively In Actions and Negotiations with Iranian Regime
• Oversight Committee Democrats X-post w/ video clip: “WATCH @RepRobertGarcia open today’s hearing on the United States’ diplomatic efforts to reduce tension with Iran.“
• Oversight Committee Democrats X-post w/ video clip: “Under the Iran nuclear deal, Iran limited its nuclear infrastructure which resulted in a less dangerous Iran. Ms. Slavin explains how Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the deal led to decreased global security“
• Oversight Committee Democrats X-post w/ video clip: “Under the Trump Administration, Republicans supported humanitarian aid to Iran. Now that President Biden is in office, they suddenly refuse to support the same humanitarian aid. It’s purely political.”
• Jewish Insider 9/15/23: Despite divisions, lawmakers say they seek bipartisan path forward on Iran

Sept. 13, 2023: The Senate Committee on Homeland Security’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a hearing entitled, “The PGA Tour-LIV Deal: Examining the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s Investments in the United States.” Witnesses were: Benjamin Freeman, Quincy Institute (statement); Brian Murphy, Logically AI Inc. (statement); and Joey Shea, Human Rights Watch (statement).

Also see:

• Hearing video
• Opening remarks: Chairman Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member Johnson (R-WI)
• Related files: Blumenthal Submission for Record 1 – FBI Redactions; Blumenthal Submission for Record 2 – Chair Memo to PSI Members Regarding USSA Subpoena; Blumenthal Submission for Record 3 – The Intercept – Vice Pulled A Documentary Critical of Saudi Arabia. But Here It Is.Blumenthal (D-CT) 9/11/23 press release – The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to Hold Second Hearing on Influence Efforts by Saudi Investment Fund
• Blumenthal (D-CT) 9/13/23: X-post – “The Saudi’s Public Investment Fund cannot have it both ways: if it wants to engage with the US commercially, it must be subject to US law & oversight. Today I am issuing a subpoena for documents related to PIF’s takeover of American golf & other US investments.“
• Pressley (D-MA) 9/13/23: X-post – “We need @USTreasury to closely review Saudi Arabia’s investments in U.S. companies, including the PGA-LIV Golf merger. A regime that has murdered journalists, killed migrants, and jailed dissidents should not have a free license for ‘sportswashing.'” (with video clip)

 

5. Media & Reports

Visa Waiver Program

• New Arab 9/12/23: Group of US Senate Democrats want Israel blocked from visa waiver programme
• Jewish Insider 9/11/23: Who are the 15 Senate Dems urging Blinken to block Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program? [“While they’re a minority of the Democratic Senate caucus, they include many of the progressive Democrats more willing to criticize Israeli policy in the upper chamber”]
• Times of Israel 9/10/23: In last-ditch plea, 15 senators tell Blinken not to okay visa-free travel for Israelis
• Haaretz 9/9/23: U.S. Senators Urge Halting Israel’s Visa Waiver Program Due to Its Discrimination Against Palestinian-Americans [“A letter sent by 15 senators to U.S. Secretary of State Blinken claims that Israel is not meeting its commitments and not allowing Palestinians with American citizenship to enter its territory by car or to rent a car there. Among the signatories: Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and the head of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, Dick Durbin“]
• Middle East Eye 9/8/23: Israel not in compliance with visa waiver programme, Senate Democrats say

Iran

• Fox News/Sen. Ernst (R-IA) 9/15/23: Three years into Abraham Accords, Biden’s Iran deal threatens to unravel it all
• JINSA 9/14/23: A Joint American-Israeli Redline on Iran’s Nuclear Program [“A joint US-Israel redline – and backing it up with verbal and material support for Israel’s freedom of action – offers the last best chance to prevent Iran from taking the final few, quick steps over the nuclear threshold, before it is too late. Congress should encourage the administration by passing a resolution affirming both this new redline and American support for Israel’s self-defense against Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”]
• Fox News/Sen. Cotton (R-AR) 9/14/23: Biden’s horrible Iran deal will lead to more hostage taking
• Daily Caller 9/13/23: Ted Cruz Blasts Biden’s Iran Deal, Says It’s ‘A Metaphysical Certainty’ The Money Will ‘Fund Terrorism’
• Breitbart 9/12/93: GOP Excoriates Joe Biden for Paying ‘Ransom’ to Terror in ‘Disgraceful’ Deal with Iran on 9/11 Anniversary
• NBC News 9/12/23: Republicans slam Biden administration for prisoner swap deal with Iran
• Fox news 9/12/23: House Republican torches Biden admin ‘anti-American agenda’ after $6B Iran deal announced on 9/11
• Fox News 9/12/23: Ted Cruz slams Biden’s $6B Iran hostage deal as critics call it a win for terrorists, Putin
• Hays Post 9/12/23: Kan. Senator critical of Biden transfer of $6 Billion to Iran in prisoner swap
• The Hill 9/11/23: Cotton: Biden’s decision to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds ‘shameful’ 
• Congressional Research Service – updated 9/8/23: Iran: Background and U.S. Policy

Saudi Arabia & Normalization

• i24 News 9/14/23: Abraham Accords delegation talks future during congressional visit
• Jewish News Syndicate 9/14/23: GOP leaders push Trump to back Biden’s Saudi deal [“Democratic antipathy to the Saudi regime could prove the biggest obstacle to normalization with Israel.”]
• Jewish Insider 9/14/23: Lawmakers, administration officials, ambassadors discuss the future of the Abraham Accords
• Dallas Daily News 9/12/23: Cornyn to Biden: back bill to help 9/11 victims sue Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain Foreign Ministry 9/13/23: Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Chairman of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Targeting Palestinians & Anything Related to Them

• Israel Hayom (Peter Hoekstra) 9/13/23: UNESCO vote highlights continued UN bias against Israel -Biden should reconsider his decision to rejoin the UN cultural organization, and Congress should block funding
• Washington Examiner 9/12/23: Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz sound alarm over PayPal working with terror-linked group [“Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are raising concerns over PayPal, the multinational technology company, processing payments for an anti-Israel charity with Palestinian terror group affiliations. PayPal has begun handling donations for the Arizona charity Alliance for Global Justice, which has come under fire from Congress and watchdog groups for being linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terror group, following the two software companies Salsa Labs and Stripe jumping ship. Congressional Republicans are now vowing investigations into PayPal, which doesn’t allow entities to use its services for “the promotion of hate, violence, racial, or other forms of intolerance that is discriminatory or the financial exploitation of a crime,” according to its policies… ‘No U.S. person or company should fund Palestinian terrorist organizations seeking to kill innocent Israelis,’ Rubio told the Washington Examiner. ‘I’ll be asking the Treasury Department to look into this arrangement,” added the senator, referring to PayPal and AFGJ.'”]
• Jerusalem Post/Nathan Diamant 9/12/23: This is how Congress can protect US Jews in the coming New Year [calling for passage of HR 3773, the Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act, which would codify and enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in order to suppress criticism of Israel/Zionism – see the 6/2/23 edition of the Round-Up]
• The Hill/Foundation for the Defense of Democracies 9/12/23: Don’t give more money to the UN’s failed Palestinian refugee agency [a reprise of the full array of anti-UNRWA arguments FDD has been hawking on the Hill for years…]

Other stuff

• Jerusalem Post 9/15/23: 25 ViZionaries: Ritchie Torres – No. 4 [“He currently represents NY-15 in Congress, gaining a reputation as an outspoken progressive supporter of Israel, combating BDS, and leading delegations to the Jewish state. He has become a powerful voice in Washington for strengthening US-Israel relations and continues to advocate for the Jewish people everywhere.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 9/14/23: In divisive times, Jewish leaders mostly optimistic as High Holidays approach [“To Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Rosh Hashanah is ‘the start of a new season and a clean slate.’…‘My hope is that Congress will continue our bipartisan work to protect America’s economy and national security, including strengthening the historic U.S.-Israel relationship into the New Year,’ he said. ‘Despite hyper-partisan rhetoric and extremism, the security of America and Israel is an overwhelmingly bipartisan priority that the vast majority of my colleagues and I remain committed to each year.’ The ‘ironclad’ U.S.-Israel relationship is more important than ever given the growing ‘Iranian threat based in the West Bank’ and as Hezbollah increases its destabilizing activities in Lebanon, the Congressman said. ‘In the coming year, I look forward to working across the aisle to lead ongoing efforts to expand the Abraham Accords,’ he said. ‘I am excited for the potential to broaden Israel’s normalization agreements with its Arab neighbors, especially through the newly appointed U.S. Senior Adviser for Regional Integration Dan Shapiro.’…The congressman is also concerned about extremism on both sides of Congress that ‘try to hold the country and Congress’ work hostage, including turning the U.S.-Israel relationship into a partisan issue,’ he said…Votes against the boycott Israel (BDS) movement and to invest in military support for Israel or Iron Dome are ‘massively bipartisan,’ Gottheimer said….’In the year ahead, Congress must continue to loudly and clearly speak on its commitment to combating antisemitism, protecting Jewish Americans, fighting the BDS movement, and protecting America and Israel’s security from shared threats, including Iran…’”]
• Mondoweiss 9/12/23: Will GOP oppose Biden’s pick for Israel ambassador over his involvement in Iran deal?
• Washington Report on Middle East Affairs 9/12/23: Congress Attempts to Repair Relations with the Usual Tactics
• Jewish Insider 9/11/23: Haim Saban lambasts Israeli coalition officials following Biden meeting [“Saban told Yediot that Biden and congressional leadership – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)  – are still solidly pro-Israel, and there are only about a dozen members who are anti-Israel. He called Sen. Bernie Sanders ‘a self-hating Jew, an Israel-hater, and you can quote me on that.’ Saban also defended his backing of AIPAC’s Super PAC, which courted controversy by contributing to a few campaigns of candidates who denied that Biden won the 2020 election. ‘The only goal of this organization is to prevent people who are against US-Israel relations from advancing and to support those who support relations between Jerusalem and Washington… Many Democrats called me and said ‘are you stupid? you’re a Democrat who supports [2020 election deniers]?’ I always say the same thing: It’s a specific, defined issue, and that is the US-Israel relationship. In that sense, I’m not interested in anything else.’”] [see full interview in Hebrew]
• Mondoweiss 9/11/23: Democratic megadonor Haim Saban calls Bernie Sanders a ‘self-hating Jew’ over criticisms of Israel
• Times of Israel 9/10/23: Pro-Israel Democrat Torres: Ben Gvir a ‘despicable disgusting dangerous demagogue’
• Mondoweiss 9/9/23: How Democrats learned to defend Israel’s ethnocracy
• Mediaite 9/8/23: NY Democrat Drops Scathing Rebuttal On ‘Holier-Than-Thou’ Peter Beinart In Brutal Debate on Israel and Hamas

 

6. Members on the Record

Palestine

• Cruz (R-TX) 9/12/23: X-post – “PayPal should obviously and immediately cut ties with any group linked to Palestinian terrorism. Big Tech companies are not exempt from American laws or reputational risk from boosting terrorism.” Linked to article: Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz sound alarm over PayPal working with terror-linked group (Washington Examiner 9/12/23)
• Rubio (R-FL) 9/12/23: X-post – “Waiting for an answer from Treasury about @PayPal‘s role in processing payments for anti-Israel organization w/ ties to Palestinian terror groups.“

Abraham Accords/Normalization

• Phillips (D-MN) 9/15/23: X-post – “This week I met with @bahdiplomatic Foreign Minister Al Zayani about strengthening the Abraham Accords & addressing human rights. We agreed that the new U.S.-Bahrain security agreement presents a great opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations & expand regional integration.”
• Blackburn (R-TN) 9/15/23: X-post – “Three years ago, President Trump led the international community in drafting and signing the Abraham Accords. Trump’s historic new vision has promoted peace and prosperity throughout the Middle East.“
• Green (R-GA) 9/15/23: X-post –“Three years ago today, President Trump signed the Abraham Accords, a remarkable step in the quest for peace in the Middle East. Today, we are on the verge of WW3 because Joe Biden is choosing escalation of foreign wars over peace. We need a president who seeks peace again!”
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/15/23: X-post- “Three years ago, the #AbrahamAccords brought historic peace to the Middle East. As President Biden’s appeasement of Iran threatens its progress, I’m working to strengthen the Accords and hold the Biden admin accountable. Read my full op-ed in @FoxNews” (linked to Ernst op-ed)
• Young (R-IN) 9/15/23: X-post -“Today marks the anniversary of the signing of the historic Abraham Accords.   The Accords strengthened the U.S.-Israel relationship and were a bold step towards greater peace and stability in the Middle East.“
• Boozman (R-AR) 9/15/23: X-post – “Today marks 3 years since the signing of the historic Abraham Accords. This groundbreaking agreement paved the way for greater cooperation in the Middle East between Israel and its Arab neighbors. America must continue to lead efforts to build on its promise in the years to come.“
• Wagner (R-MO) 9/14/23: X-thread – “This week is the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the transformative Abraham Accords. The Accords have led to unprecedented peace and normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, transforming the region. I spoke at the Atlantic Council’s Abraham Accords Conference to talk about my work as co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus & urge my colleagues to build on & strengthen these achievements as we continue to fight anti-Semitism & work towards even greater peace in the area.“
• Wilson (R-SC) 9/13/23: floor statement, “Anniversary of the Abraham Accords”
• Kean (R-NJ) 9/13/23: X-post – “Today I attended an Abraham Accords Roundtable to hear from a delegation of civil society & private sector leaders from Bahrain, Morocco, UAE, & Israel to hear how the Abraham Accords are positively normalizing relations between these countries & fostering developments in tourism & the environment. As a member of the @HouseForeignGOP& Abraham Accords Caucus, I will continue to support our allies in the Middle East.”
• Scott (R-FL) 9/11/23: X-post – “Glad to see the U.S. reaffirming our strong partnership to Bahrain, a fellow friend of Israel. I had the privilege of visiting Bahrain earlier this year & am confident that we will stand strong together against evil countries like Iran who want to destroy freedom & democracy.“

Israel – general

Saudi Arabia

• Moskowitz (D-FL) 9/13/23: video clip of him pointing out that Republicans complaining that the “Biden family took money from a foreign entity” don’t seem to care at all about the fact that Kusher got $2 billion from Saudi Arabia
• Garcia (D-CA) 9/13/23: X-post – “Jared Kushner’s investment firm received $2 billion dollars from Saudi Arabia just months after overseeing Middle East policy in the Trump White House, but the House GOP is too busy with their partisan Biden witch-hunt to even acknowledge the hypocrisy within their own party.”
• Beyer (D-VA) 9/13/23: X-post – “When Jared Kushner was a top advisor in the Trump White House their foreign policy was ridiculously friendly to Saudi Arabia. Kushner got $2 billion from the Saudi investment fund. Republicans shut down an investigation. This isn’t anything but partisan politics at its worst.” Replying to X-post from McCarthy (R-CA), “The American people deserve to know that public offices are not for sale—and that the federal government is not being used to cover up the actions of a politically-connected family.”
• Garcia (D-CA) 9/13/23: X-post – “Good morning to everyone except Jared Kushner, who accepted $2 Billion from the Saudi’s two months after leaving the Trump White House. We demand answers.“
• Garcia (D-CA) 9/12/23: X-post – “The Trump & Kushner Crime Family needs to be held accountable. Why did Jared Kushner receive $2 billion from the Saudi Government months after leaving the Trump White House? The American people deserve answers.”
• Garcia (D-CA) 9/12/23: floor statement – “America’s Political Cons and Scandals” [“I rise today to urge House Republicans to investigate one of modern America’s biggest scandals and political cons. Why did the Saudi Government give Jared Kushner $2 billion just months after he left the Trump White House? Kushner, who oversaw Middle East policy for his father-in-law, has enriched himself and his family in what is clearly an enormous grift and likely serious conflict of interest crimes. Let’s review: First, Jared Kushner conned his way to a cushy White House job with no clear job description and no experience. Then he took it upon himself to prioritize pushing out the U.S. Secretary of State so he could cozy up to the Saudi  Government. Once he was close enough to the Saudis , we have records of a $110 billion arms deal between the U.S. and Saudi  Arabia that was inflated at the direction of Jared Kushner. Mere months after Kushner exits the White House, what happens? The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia overrules his own advisers and sends $2 billion to Kushner’s company bank account. In the exact words of Republican Chris Christie, who I will quote: “The grift from this family is breathtaking. It is breathtaking. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House, and months later get $2 billion from the Saudis.” Some colleagues from across the aisle have explicitly said the Kushner family has engaged in business dealings that may have crossed the ethical line, and I agree, yet they refuse to act. Is this the same party that is obsessed with President Biden’s family? The American people deserve answers, and I urge my colleagues across the aisle to answer our calls and subpoena Jared Kushner’s company once and for all.“]
• Cornyn (R-TX) 9/12/23: X-post – “Cornyn pushes Biden to back bill making it easier for 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia”
  
• Markey (D-MA) 9/11/23: X-post – “Saudi Arabia and the OPEC Cartel are purposefully cutting oil production to keep gas prices high. We can’t keep letting these oil tycoons shake down American families—we need to break this dirty cycle and invest in American-made clean energy.” Linked to article, Saudi Arabia to extend voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day until the end of the year (CNBC 9/5/23)

Egypt

• Murphy (D-CT) 9/12/23: Floor statement on Egypt, human rights, US aid, and accountability under Congressionally-mandated conditions in the law [worth reading the whole statement]

• Murphy (D-CT) 9/13/23: press release – Murphy Statement on Meeting with Foreign Minister of Bahrain
• Murphy (D-CT) 9/12/23: X-post – “So amazing to meet with Bahraini human rights activist Maryam Al-Khawaja @MARYAMALKHAWAJA today, ahead of my meeting with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister.”
• Coons (D-DE) 9/12/23: X-post – “Very concerned by the deteriorating health of human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja as he continues a hunger strike against his wrongful imprisonment in Bahrain. Abdulhadi must be immediately released, allowed to seek medical care, and return to his family.“

• Mills (R-FL) 9/11/23: X-post – “On this day, let us not forget about another tragedy in American history that occurred in 2012, the attack on the consulate in Benghazi. Under the Obama-Biden Administration, four Americans, including Ambassador Stevens, were killed in a terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya despite warnings the security situation in Benghazi was deteriorating. We witnessed lives lost under failed leadership with Biden as Vice President, and we’ve seen it more recently with the Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul. Both events showed our leaders putting politics ahead of military strategy. Rather than being transparent with the American people, in both situations, the administrations lied about the events that caused the preventable deaths of Americans. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to ensure this failed administration is held accountable so events like Benghazi and Abbey Gate don’t happen again.“

• Wicker (R-MS) 9/15/23: X-post – “The Biden admin says that Iran will use ransom payments for humanitarian purposes only. But Iran is clear that it has other plans. Iran has used sanctions relief to fund terrorism before. It is disgraceful and dangerous that Biden’s Iran team never learns.“
• McClain (R-MI) 9/15/23: X-post – “Biden’s negotiation with Iran is nothing more than signing a deal with the devil.” [with video]
  
• Hawley (R-MS) 9/14/23: X-post – “Biden likes to follow the footsteps of Obama. That’s why he just made a deal with the devil, handing Iran prisoners and billions. “The Biden Admin is absolutely desperate to please Iran . . . meanwhile it’s making us less safe. It’s making the region less stable.” [with Fox News video clip]
  
• Murphy (D-CT) 9/15/23: X-post – “The Iran hawks who oppose the detainee deal just want Biden to continue Trump’s broken Iran policy. What did ‘maximum pressure’ get us? – more advanced Iranian nuclear program – Iran shooting as U.S. troops – more support for Iranian proxy armies Why continue a failed policy?“
• McClain (R-MI) 9/14/23: floor statement – “I rise today in anger. I am angry that President Biden is quite literally negotiating with terrorists and plans to release to Iran $6 billion in frozen assets. Do you know what negotiating with terrorists leads to? I will share with you what that leads to: more Americans being kidnapped for ransom. Connect the dots, people. It is not that tough. This is an absolute embarrassment to our country and a complete and utter failure of Biden’s foreign policy yet again. Make no mistake about it. The $6 billion that Biden is so casually handing over to Tehran, what will it be used for? It will be used to fund State- sponsored terrorism. Let us not forget what happened on 9/11. This is on the heels of 9/ 11. We are incentivizing terrorism by giving our enemies $6 billion. We can’t be this asleep at the wheel; but he is. This will destabilize the Middle East and put our allies at grave risk. Let me be clear. This is not diplomacy or statesmanship. This is signing a deal with the devil.”
• McClain (R-MI) 9/14/23: X-post – “Under no circumstance should a President knowingly give our enemies access to nuclear weapons. President Biden’s deal with Iran does just that.”
• Steel (R-CA) 9/14/23: extension of remarks, “I rise to commend the passage of the MAHSA Act, which is an important step in holding the Iranian regime accountable for its continued oppression of its own people. However, we cannot ignore the Biden Administration’s latest misstep in handing over $6 billion to Iran. Longstanding U.S. policy dictates that we do not negotiate with terrorists. Unfortunately, that is exactly what President Biden did with this payoff, enabling Iran to continue threatening the security of the free world. I’ve introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Solidifying Iran Sanctions Act with Foreign Affairs Chairman McCaul. Our legislation will hold Iran accountable and prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran poses a serious threat to global stability and peace. We need strength–not payoffs and appeasement–to deter future hostility from this rogue regime.”
• Gallagher (R-WI) 9/14/23: X-post – “The Biden administration denies that they made a $6 billion ransom deal with Iran. As Rep. Gallagher said on @FoxBusiness, ‘When you give people money in return for hostages, there’s no other word to describe it other than a ransom payment.’”
• Bacon (R-NE) 9/14/23: X-post – “Paying $6B to get American hostages back is ransom… and it incentivizes more hostage taking in the future. Iran is the #1 terrorist exporting nation in the world and it will use the $6B to undermine the region.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 9/14/23: X-post – “Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi admits what we already knew – Iran will use the funds secured in the Biden Administration’s $6 billion deal to advance their nefarious ends across the region.“
• C0tton (R-AR) 9/14/23: X-post -“President Biden’s embarrassing appeasement of Iran only endangers Americans and our allies. My op-ed” [linked to op-ed]
  
• Hagerty (R-TN) 9/13/23: X-post – “A President that actually respects the Constitution would submit any nuclear agreement with Iran as a treaty.” Linked to his 9/12/23 post on Substack entitled, Biden is Evading the Law with His Secret Iran Deal [excerpt: “According to many recent news reports, the Biden Administration has been negotiating an unwritten agreement with Iran in which the United States would relieve billions of dollars of sanctions on Iran in return for the Iranian regime’s promises to curb the expansion of its nuclear weapons program, roll back its support for terrorist proxy attacks on U.S. government personnel in the region, and release American hostages.“]
• Blackburn (R-TN) 9/13/23: X-post – “Biden has released $6 billion in frozen funds to Iran in a deal to swap prisoners. The U.S. should not be negotiating with terrorists. Period.” [with video]
• Cornyn (R-TX) 9/13/23: X-post – “Iran has profited from taking American hostages, and the U.S. has given other nations no reason to fear doing the same.” Linked to article, Biden’s $6 Billion Ransom to Iran (Wall Street Journal editorial board)
• Cruz (R-TX) 9/13/23: X-post – “Joe Biden couldn’t bother to show up at the 9/11 Memorial. To add insult to injury, on the same day, Biden announced that he is giving $6 billion to the Ayatollah of Iran who regularly chants, “Death to America.” More on this bad decision on Verdict.“
• Kennedy (R-LA) 9/13/23: X-post – “Everyone has the right to be stupid now and then, but Pres. Biden is abusing that privilege with this $6B Iran deal.”
• Hagerty (R-TN) 9/13/23: X-thread – “How does paying over $1 billion per hostage not encourage further hostage-taking? Given money’s fungibility, how will the Admin respond when Iran uses the $6B on terrorism & its nuclear weapons program? What role did suspended US envoy Rob Malley play in the talks? (1/2) Does the $6B pay for Iran renouncing its goal of assassinating Pompeo, Hook, O’Brien & other former Trump Admin officials? The State Dept would have had to answer these & other questions if they hadn’t no-showed to a planned briefing for Senate staff yesterday. (2/2)“
• Cruz (R-TX) 9/13/23: X-post – “President Biden’s foreign policy is an absolute disaster. Recently, he paid the murderous and evil Iranian regime $6B to release American hostages. This sends a message to every terrorist around the world— taking Americans for ransom is a profitable endeavor.“
• Green (R-TN) 9/13/23: X-post – “Negotiating with Tehran while it openly calls for the destruction of the United States and our ally Israel is a disgrace.”
• Cruz (R-TX) 9/13/23: X-post – “Ted Cruz Blasts Biden’s Iran Deal, Says It’s ‘A Metaphysical Certainty’ The Money Will ‘Fund Terrorism.’” [headline of linked Daily Caller article]
• Hagerty (R-TN) 9/13/23: X-post – “President Biden’s actions in giving Iran–the world’s biggest terrorism sponsor–a $6 BILLION ransom is beyond shameful.” [Linked to Breitbart article]
• Cotton (R-AR) 9/13/23: X-post – “Iran’s president said the ayatollahs will spend Joe Biden’s $6 billion ransom payment as they see fit—this means funding terrorist attacks against Americans and our allies. This was a craven act of appeasement and total failure of leadership from the Biden administration.” [with Fox News video clip]
• Loudermilk (R-GA) 9/13/23: X-post – “To make matters worse, this deal was finalized with the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, on the anniversary of 9/11.   Unbelievable exchange.” [Linked to Fox News clip]
• Budd (R-NC) 9/13/23: X-post – “The Biden administration has bankrolled Iranian terrorism and put a price on Americans abroad. Total disgrace.“
• Steel (R-CA) 9/13/23: X-post – “Longstanding U.S. policy dictates that we do not negotiate with terrorists. Unfortunately, that is exactly what President Biden has done by handing over $6 billion to Iran. This payoff enables Iran to continue threatening the security of the free world.“
• Armed Services GOP 9/13/23: X-post – “We must do all we can to ensure that Iran never wields a nuclear weapon. President Biden’s weakness has only allowed Iran to get closer to their goal of having a nuclear weapon.“
• Mast (R-FL) 9/13/23: X-post – “Iran is the top state sponsor of terror. Biden’s decision puts Americans abroad at risk. By unfreezing $6 billion & handing it to the Ayatollah, this Administration could basically bankroll almost all of the Iranian military’s $6.8 billion budget. That’s a hell of an incentive.“
• Armed Services GOP 9/13/23: X-post – “Biden’s $6 billion cash infusion for Iran will put them in a better position to develop a nuclear weapon and fund terrorism. President Biden is incentivizing our adversaries to take Americans hostage.“
• Calvert (R-CA) 9/13/23: X-post – “Giving the Iranian regime – the largest sponsor of terrorism in the world – access to $6 billion will have deadly consequences.“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 9/13/23: X-post – “My statement condemning the Biden Admin’s treacherous multibillion dollar sanctions relief to #Iran” [with pic]. Also see press release
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/12/23: X-post – “Biden’s @StateDept is blatantly lying to the American people and just said, “No one is giving Iran a dollar.” Don’t be fooled folks, President Biden just rewarded the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism with a $6 billion check.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/12/23: X-post – “On the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President Biden announced he cut Iran – the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism – a $6 billion check.   Disgraceful.“
• Cruz (R-TX) 9/12/23: X-post – “The Biden administration is sending $6 billion to the Iran Ayatollah who routinely chants, “death to America and death to Israel.” Sadly this Biden White House puts partisan politics ahead of national security. This is spectacularly dangerous for Israel and the United States.” [with video footage of Fox News appearance]
• Yakym (R-IN) 9/12/23: X-post – “It’s bad enough the Biden admin is bankrolling the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. That they announced this deal on the anniversary of 9/11 is even more reprehensible. We can’t reward a regime that attacks Israel and funds terrorism.“
• Cotton (R-AR) 9/12/23: X-post -“Iran’s leaders will take the money and run. What on earth did Joe Biden think would happen?“
• Tillis (R-NC) 9/12/23: X-post -“Yesterday was a stark demonstration of how soft President Biden is against our enemies. One the same day our nation honored the innocent Americans who lives were taken by terrorists, Biden decided to give $6 billion to the Iranian Regime, the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism. This concession encourages hostage diplomacy. It is a terrible decision.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 9/12/23: X-post -“On the anniversary of 9/11, a day on which Americans promise to #NeverForget the worst terrorist attacks in American history. Joe Biden announced the release of $6 BILLION  to Iran – the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. This is unAmerican.”
• Crane (R-AZ) 9/12/23: X-post -“Much of this is funded by Iran…and @POTUS is now unfreezing $6 billion more for Iran. See the problem?” Linked to a tweet from i24News (an Israeli news outlet), showing a video clip with the note “Palestinian factions in Gaza begin a military drill simulating a broad escalation with Israel. The exercise includes launching barrages of rockets out to sea…“
  
• Aderholt (R-AL) 9/12/23: X-post -“This was announced on the anniversary of the largest terror attack in our nation’s history. And Iran is the world’s largest sponsor of state run terrorism. We all know what Iran will spend this money on.”
• Green (R-TN) 9/12/23: X-post -“Yesterday our country mourned the anniversary of 9/11. Then, President Biden agreed to negotiate with Iran—a state sponsor of terrorism. Despicable.”
• Kennedy (R-LA) 9/12/23: X-post – “By releasing $6 BILLION in assets to the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism, the Biden WH is encouraging the Iranian Regime to take hostages for financial gain.”
• Scott (R-FL) 9/12/23: X-post -“President Biden can’t seem to cut his habit of sending money to terrorists. First, it was $400 million to Iran in 2016 when he was VP. Now, it’s $6 billion to Iran on 22nd anniversary of 9/11. This President is putting a price on American lives. Enough is enough.”
• McClain (R-MI) 9/12/23: X-post -“Make no mistake, President Biden bartering with Iran is no different than making a deal with the devil.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 9/12/23: X-post -“Joe Biden’s policies are emboldening our adversaries while putting Americans’ safety and security at risk. When this horrific Iran deal was first announced, I joined @SteveScalise & @RepMcCaul  in demanding answers on this apparent nuclear deal and prisoner exchange. Our request for information was ignored. This is unacceptable.“
• Young (R-IN) 9/12/23: X-thread -“Unlocking $6 billion in funding will only make the regime in Tehran more hungry and further undermine our ability to stop Iran’s malign activities. While we should use every appropriate resource to secure the release of American citizens wrongfully detained overseas, the Biden Administration’s decision reinforces a dangerous precedent and will enable Iran to increase its destabilizing activities across the Middle East.“
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/12/23: X-post -“Iran took full advantage of President Biden’s appeasement strategy. The IRGC is laughing at President Biden as they run away with $6 billion.“
• D’Esposito (R-NY) 9/12/23: X-post – “The decision by the Biden Admin to issue sanction waivers & allow the transfer of frozen Iranian funds is both deeply troubling and detrimental to American national security. Announcing this misguided move on 9/11 is an even greater slap in the face.”
• Walberg (R-MI) 9/12/23: X-post – “Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism, and the Biden administration has made yet another concession to them – this time to the tune of $6 billion in frozen assets. Unfortunately, this is another example of weakness, appeasement, and failure on the international stage.”
• Garcia (R-CA) 9/12/23: X-post – “This administration’s appeasement strategy has done nothing but cost American blood and treasure. This deal is FOR Iran, not with Iran. It’s a risk to the security of Americans, Israel and our Middle East partners. Biden’s decision to announce this $6 billion ransom payment on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 is as offensive as the deal itself. We need to show strength on the international stage, not continue retreating to the sidelines.“
• Curtis (R-UT) 9/12/23: X-post – “The Admin releasing funds to a terrorist state on 9/11 Remembrance Day is repugnant. They claim this $6B can only be used for “humanitarian trade” but money is fungible. $6B to Iran frees up $6B they can spend threatening Israel, arming Russia in its war against Ukraine, and building up terrorist proxies across the Middle East.“
• Rogers (R-AL) 9/12/23: X-post – “.@coachbrucepearl is exactly right – Iran is not our friend. This Administration’s foreign policy has only enriched a regime that maintains a deep-seated hatred of America and American values.“
• Blackburn (R-TN) 9/12/23: X-post – “The Biden administration’s decision to grant terrorist-supporting Iran access to $6 billion in frozen funds will allow Tehran to continue its shadow war against Israel. Biden’s hostage negotiation is putting the Jewish state further at risk.“
• Barr (R-KY) 9/12/23: X-post – “U.S. citizens held by Iran must be released unconditionally. By lifting sanctions and providing $6 billion to a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism, the Administration continues to show weakness abroad. This decision, particularly near the the 9/11 anniversary, puts the U.S. homeland as well as American servicemembers and allies in the region further at risk.“
• Cotton (R-AR) 9/11/23: press release – Cotton Condemns Biden’s “Ransom Payment” to Iran [“First Joe Biden used 9/11 as an excuse to flee Afghanistan. Now he desecrates this day by paying ransom to the world’s worst state sponsor of terrorism. Shameful.”]
• Flood (R-NE) 9/11/23: X-thread – “Déjà Vu: Obama gave $1.7 billion to Iran in his failed deal. Now Biden is releasing $6 billion. Iran has been designated by the U.S. State Department as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ since 1984. Money won’t buy goodwill here. Handing Iran more cash further enables one of America’s biggest enemies — and we’re all finding about this on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. Biden’s foreign policy is a disgrace and it’s weakening America’s standing in the world.“
• McCaul (R-TX) 9/11/23: press release – “The Americans held by Iran are innocent hostages who must be released immediately and unconditionally. However, I remain deeply concerned that the administration’s decision to waive sanctions to facilitate the transfer of $6 billion in funds for Iran, the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism, creates a direct incentive for America’s adversaries to conduct future hostage-taking. It’s particularly egregious that this is taking place on the same week as the anniversaries of 9/11—as Iran is actively harboring the leader of Al Qaeda—and Mahsa Amini’s murder by Iran’s so-called ‘morality police.’ The administration is demonstrating weakness that only further endangers Americans and freedom-loving people around the world.” Also see 9/14/23 X-post
• Donalds (R-FL) 9/11/23: X-post – “$6 billion for Iran, and the government could shut down because Biden refuses to spend a dime or lift a finger to secure the homeland.“
• Norman (R-SC) 9/11/23: X-post – “So we get 5 prisoners. Iran gets $6 billion. Oh, plus Iran also gets five prisoners.“
• Cline (R-VA) 9/11/23: X-post – “This coming from the same Administration and State Department that dealt with the Afghanistan fiasco. Iran is a leading sponsor of State-sponsored terrorism in the region. Cutting a deal is both naive and dangerous.“
• Pfluger (R-TX) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the anniversary of 9/11, President Biden announced a $6 billion hostage deal with Iran—the largest state sponsor of terror. This is beyond tone deaf and only endangers Americans and our allies around the world.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 9/11/23: X-post – “It is appalling and shameful that the Biden administration decided to inform Congress of its billion dollar deal with Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, on the 22nd anniversary of the day terrorists took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans.“
• Cruz (R-TX) 9/11/23: X-post – “President Biden has established a secret nuclear deal with the Iranian regime that is being kept from Congress and the American people. Today’s news confirms there has already been a side deal including a $6 billion ransom and the release of Iranian operatives. Nevertheless these are only the barest outlines of the staggering concessions that Biden has already made and intends to make to the Ayatollah, including an additional $10 billion transfer and indeed hundreds of billions of dollars by not enforcing oil sanctions. Meanwhile he has allowed the Iranian regime to all but acquire a virtual nuclear arsenal over the last two and a half years. The Biden administration must keep their deal secret because if they disclosed it, the law requires them to come to Congress and defend it, and this appeasement is utterly indefensible. Instead they will continue lying about their policies until Congress forces them to do otherwise.” Also see Cruz press release – Sen. Cruz Blasts Biden-Iran Nuclear Side Deal on Hostages
• Timmons (R-SC) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the Biden Administration just sold out our nation to Iran YET AGAIN. On today of all days, Biden is handing money over to a state sponsor of terrorism. The American apologists are running the country. This is simply Obama’s third term.”
• Hagerty (R-TN) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the biggest terrorist attack on U.S. soil, President Biden is waiving sanctions & allowing the transfer of $6 billion in frozen funds for a ransom payment to Iran, the world’s biggest terrorist sponsor. Shameful.”
• Daines (R-MT) 9/11/23: X-thread – “As our nation solemnly remembers the worst terrorist attack in our history, I’m outraged @JoeBiden saw fit to make a terrible deal with the world’s leading sponsor of terror. This Biden deal with Iran only encourages Iran to take more Americans hostage and is more proof that Biden can be pushed around when it comes to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. We should never negotiate with terrorists.”
  
• D’Esposito (R-NY) 9/11/23: X-post – “The Biden administration announcing a deal with Iran on the anniversary of 9/11 is simply insulting. We cannot allow this anti-American agenda to go on.“
• Thune (R-SD) 9/11/23: X-post – “The U.S. should be unrelenting in its efforts to bring detained Americans home, but Iran will now count pallets of ransom money, putting its leaders in a better position to develop a nuclear weapon and fund terrorists. And the price to release U.S. hostages will only go up.”
• Sullivan (R-AK) 9/11/23: X-post – “On this somber, sacred day, it’s outrageous and insulting that Americans received the news that the Biden Administration has cut a sweetheart $6 billion-deal with Iran. While I welcome any American hostage being freed and reunited with their family, this deal with Iran only serves to incentivize the terrorist regime to take MORE Americans hostage. I also seriously doubt the $6 billion dollars unfrozen will not end up fueling Iran’s efforts to destabilize the Middle East, oppress its own people, and target Americans and our allies. This deal rewards the malign behavior of the largest state sponsor of terrorism, a regime with the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands.“
• Biggs (R-AZ) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the Biden Administration announces they’re shelling out prisoners and cash to Iran. You can’t make this stuff up!”
• Harshbarger (R-TN) 9/11/23: X-post – “America is being blackmailed by the #1 sponsor of state terrorism to the tune of $6 billion for “humanitarian aid”. Do you honestly think the Iranian regime will use it for humanitarian aid?? #DupedAgain”
• Blackburn (R-TN) 9/11/23: X-post – “The Biden administration’s $6 billion payout incentivizes Iran’s terrorist activities and endangers the lives of even more of our citizens.“
• Blackburn (R-TN) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the anniversary of 9/11, Biden has made a deal to swap prisoners and release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds. You don’t negotiate with terrorists.“
• Graham (R-SC) 9/11/23: X-thread – “I am always glad when Americans are released from captivity.   However, this agreement will entice rogue regimes, like Iran, to take even more Americans hostage.  The ayatollah and his henchmen are terrorists and truly represent a terrorist state. One of the oldest rules is that you don’t negotiate with terrorists. Well, we just did. Billions of dollars will now flow to the ayatollah and the terrorist regime in Iran. They are being rewarded for their outrageous behavior.    At multiple levels this will make America, and Americans, less safe.“
• Tuberville (R-AL) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Biden Administration announces $26 Billion is being sent to Saudi Arabia and Iran.“
• Mills (R-FL) 9/11/23: X-post – “Biden fails to pay his respects on the anniversary of 9/11 to any of the sites on this historically tragic day, but makes a deal to swap five Iranian prisoners and unfreeze $6 billion to Iran’s regime. I vehemently oppose this decision that will ultimately fund terrorist activities against Americans and our allies. This is the most corrupt and compromised administration in America’s history and he’s out to destroy America.“
• Hill (R-AR) 9/11/23: X-post – “.@POTUS’ reckless deal to send $6 billion in frozen assets to Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism and egregious human rights violator, only further emboldens bad actors and puts the safety of American citizens who hold a blue passport at risk around the world.“
• Barrasso (R-WY) 9/11/23: X-post – “Senate Republicans warned @JoeBiden that enriching terrorists in Iran to the tune of $6 billion will only embolden bad actors and make the world less safe. This decision is absolutely appalling.”
• Issa (R-CA) 9/11/23: X-post – “Biden just gave $6 billion to Iran — and on 9/11. We used to call funding a terror state an act of treason.”
• Marshall (R-KS) 9/11/23: X-post – “Joe Biden releases 5 prisoners & $6B to Iran, a leading state sponsor of terrorism. On the day we pay tribute & remember the victims of 9/11, one of the most horrific attacks on American soil, the Biden Admin brokered a deal with terrorists who openly shout ‘Death to America.’“
• Hinson (R-IA) 9/11/23: X-post – “Biden is funding Iranian terrorists and their proxies – to the tune of $6 billion – and giving them access to energy.     His weakness and appeasement will only embolden our enemies.“
• Duncan (R-SC) 9/11/23: X-post – “On the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, the Biden Administration lets Congress know they are going to allow the transfer of $6 billion of frozen money to Iran. Not only is the Biden Administration negotiating with a state sponsor of terrorism, they are losing the negotiation! This decision by the Biden Administration will embolden Iran to continue taking hostages to extort the USA and other countries.”
• Womack (R-AR) 9/11/23: X-post – “Making concessions to Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror and brazen human rights abuser, while handing over $6 billion for this evil regime to finance more terrorist attacks on Americans is shameful. Alerting Congress on today of all days just rubs salt in the wound.“
• Grassley (R-IA) 9/11/23: X-post – “It’s ridiculous for US to be blackmailed into paying $6B for hostages which will help indirectly finance the number 1 foreign policy of Iran: terrorism Last time it was $1.7B traded for hostages next time it will probably be $10B the price keeps going up & up“
• Ernst (R-IA) 9/11/23: X-post – “President Biden is going through with his $6 BILLION payout to the IRGC and its proxies. This will only greenlight Iran’s illicit actions and encourage further hostage “diplomacy”. Biden’s failed strategy of appeasement must end.“

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Members of Congress’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in the Middle East
3. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)
4. Hearings & Markups
5. Media & Reports
6. Members on the Record

New from FMEP:

• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast – Human Rights Work under Apartheid: “To show reality, to shed light…to create hope in the struggle”, ft. FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin in conversation with he new Executive Director of B’Tselem, Yuli Novak

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(THE ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT IS BA-AAAAACK – LEGISLATING THE IHRA) HR XXXX: On 9/7/23, the Jewish News Syndicate published an op-ed by EMET had Sarah Stern, entitled, Why the Antisemitism Awareness Act matters. Buried in the text is the following nugget: “As we witness a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents within the United States, the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, will be introduced later this week by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). This bill stands as an essential tool in the fight against this ancient hatred. EMET was the first organization to introduce this legislation to these courageous congressmen. And we, as a people, should remain profoundly and eternally grateful to each of them for undauntingly advocating on behalf of our people.” For background on the ASAA – legislation that, as made crystal clear in Stern’s op-ed, has zero to do with raising “awareness” of antisemitism, and everything to do with quashing free speech critical of Israel/Zionism (via legislating the IHRA definition of antisemitism), see my table tracking table (which in the far-right-hand column includes links to relevant analyses in past Round-Ups.

Letters

(PUT A HOLD ON ADMITTING ISRAEL INTO VISA WAIVER PROGRAM) Van Hollen et al letter to Blinken: On 9/8/23, Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) led a letter, co-signed by 14 fellow Senate Democrats, informing SecState Van Hollen that: “the terms of the July 19, 2023 VWP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Israel raise serious concerns.” The letter goes on to lay out a series of specific concerns that have not yet been adequately assuaged by the Biden Administration. The letter closes: “Mr. Secretary, the State Department has documented the history of disparate treatment that U.S. citizen travelers to Israel have experienced based on their ethnicity, religion, and national origin. That is why it is absolutely critical that you be able to verify and certify Israel’s compliance with the reciprocity and equal treatment requirements prior to admission into the Visa Waiver Program – not at some point in time after the program has been initiated. Those requirements clearly have not been met and the MOU itself indicates that they will not be met by September 30. While we very much hope that Israel will meet all the requirements at some future date, its entry into the program cannot come at the expense of the ‘Blue is Blue’ principle and the requirement of reciprocity for all U.S. citizens. We request a phone call with you to discuss the continued implementation of this MOU as soon as possible.” Also see: Scoop: Senate Dems call on Blinken to stop Israel visa waiver (Axios 9/8/23)

(INVESTIGATE IRANIAN SPEAKER AT NUKE CONFERENCE) Wicker-Rogers letter to STRATCOM:On 8/31/23, Sens. Wicker (R-MS) and Rogers (R-AL) sent a letter to General Anthony J. Cotton, U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), expressing “deep concern regarding the appearance of a notorious Iranian propagandist and former senior regime official, Seyed Hossein Mousavian, as a keynote speaker to the 2023 STRATCOM Deterrence Symposium on August 17, 2023.” The letter closes: “While we appreciate the importance of improving our understanding of adversary perspectives and motivations in formulating deterrence policies, providing Mousavian with an officially sanctioned U.S. Government platform for spreading historical falsehoods and Iranian regime propaganda is profoundly ill-advised. The decision to invite Mousavian to address its Deterrence Symposium calls into question the judgement of any personnel involved in such a decision, and leads us to question whether the command is appropriately focused on meeting the rapidly growing strategic threats to the United States and its allies. We request answers to the following questions by September 29, 2023. 1. Please provide the names and positions of all officials responsible for approving the invitation to Mousavian. 2. Did STRATCOM provide compensation for transportation, lodging or a per diem to Mr. Mousavian? Was Mousavian provided with an honorarium? If so, how much?”

Also see:

• Press release – Wicker, Rogers Press STRATCOM for Answers on Iranian Propagandist Speaking Invitation [“Armed Services Leaders Seek Accountability for Regime-Backing Speaker at Nuclear Weapons Conference”]
• Media: Congress launches probe into Iranian nuclear negotiator at military symposium (Jewish News Syndicate 9/5/23); Congress Investigates US Military for Feting Iranian Official Who Bragged About Efforts To Assassinate American Leaders (Free Beacon 9/1/23); Congressman [Banks, R-IN]: ‘Insanity’ to have Iranian propagandist at US military seminar (Jewish News Syndicate 8/31/23); Iranian Regime-Supporting Princeton Professor Pressures FWI to Mislead Public (Middle East Forum/Focus on Western Islamism 9/7/23)
• X-posts:Lamborn (R-CO) 9/1/23 – “An Iranian propagandist like Seyed Hossein Mousavian has no place addressing any conference sponsored by the DoD. I look forward to the command’s response on this lack of judgement by providing a platform to someone that does not believe in our nation’s values.“

(BRIEF CONGRESS ON IRAN ASSASSINATION PLOTS) Green/Pfluger letter to Biden Admin officials: On 8/31/23, Reps. Green (R-TN) and Pfluger (R-TX) sent a letter addressed to three Biden Administration officials — Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, FBI Director Wray, and National Counterterrorism Center Director Abizaid – “to request additional information about the persistent threats posed by Iran’s campaign to direct operations against U.S. persons or other targets in the U.S. homeland.” The letter goes on: “These brazen activities have continued for some time now. We seek information about how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) are working together to stay ahead of these threats and take preventative actions.” The letter goes on to allege: “it is curious that while these egregious activities continue, the Biden administration is not taking actions to impose consequences on the Iranian regime and instead has renewed its push for a nuclear deal with Iran.”  The letter’s ask: “To assist the Committee’s examination of the threats posed by Iran in the U.S. homeland, we request that DHS, the FBI, and NCTC provide Committee staff a classified briefing no later than September 14, 2023 about these ongoing threats, to include but not limited to, information about the number of active plots by Iran or its proxies against U.S. persons living in the United States, as well as information about your respective agencies’ coordination efforts for threat intelligence to counter Iran’s activities. ” Also see: Free Beacon 8/31/23: Lawmakers Press for Classified Briefing on Iran’s Assassination Plots

 

2. Members’ of Congress’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in the Middle East

 

3. Israel & AIPAC  in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)

• AIPAC Targeting Omar, Bowman and Other Progressives in Democratic Party Primaries (Washington Report on Middle East Affairs 9/8/23)
• Phillips (D-MN) 9/5/23: X-post – “Back from a bipartisan mission w/ @RepJoeWilson & @RepSpartz to Turkey, Israel, & Saudi Arabia where we met w/senior officials to promote peace & security, human rights, clean energy, support for Ukraine, & economic cooperation. In a complicated world we must lead w/ diplomacy.“
• On the Rhode Island Democratic primary, “National Israel advocacy organizations like AIPAC, Democratic Majority for Israel and J Street have largely stayed out of the race. But other grassroots pro-Israel groups have stepped in. Last week, Matos appeared at a virtual fundraiser hosted by NORPAC, a large pro-Israel PAC. JACPAC, a group that supports pro-Israel and pro-choice candidates, is backing Regunberg.” (Jewish Insider 9/5/23)
• McBride faces competition in Delaware House race [“On foreign policy, both Davis and Young, like McBride, take largely conventional positions on the U.S.-Israel relationship, both emphasizing that they’re supportive of continued U.S. security aid to Israel and oppose adding any conditions or restrictions to it.“] (Jewish Insider 9/5/23)
• Congressional Democrats and antisemitism [“Hakeem Jeffries’s endorsement of Ilhan Omar will only further legitimize antisemitism in American life.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 9/4/23)
• Mills (R-FL) 9/4/23: X-post – “I wholeheartedly condemn any racist or anti-Semitic hatred, or harassment in our communities in Central Florida. I will continue to push policies that support and protect our Jewish friends, and our ally, Israel. While I believe the recent events were orchestrated with paid actors, and should be investigated by Congress for USG involvement, it still reminds us of the bigotry and hatred in America that we must root out.“
• Scott (R-FL) 9/3/23: X-post – “Florida stands with our Jewish community today and every day. Antisemitism, racism and hatred are not welcome in our state. I will NOT be silent or stop fighting for our Jewish friends and great ally, Israel.“
• RJC endorses Reps McCaul, Kustoff, Miller [“The three are ‘patriots who have been stalwart supporters of strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance and leaders in the fight against rising antisemitism.'”] (Jewish News Syndicate 9/1/23)
• Jeffries backs Ilhan Omar for re-election (Jewish News Syndicate 9/1/23)
• Netanyahu welcomes Black Democratic Congress members as he angles for White House invite (The Forward/JTA 9/3/23)
• U.S. Jewish Org Urges Community to Lobby Lawmakers for pro-Israel Democracy Resolution [“While 17 leading U.S. Jewish organizations recently sent an open letter to members of Congress on the matter, the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area missive represents a new level of focused engagement on the matter”] (Haaretz 9/1/23)
•  US pro-Israel groups in bitter feud over Netanyahu’s far-right government [“Hardline Aipac – condemned for unquestioning support of PM – calls liberal rival J Street ‘grave threat’ to Israel’s security”] (The Guardian 9/1/23)
• Minority Leader Jeffries, Dem Leaders, Endorse Ilhan Omar (Jewish Press 9/1/23)

 

4. Hearings & Markups

Sept. 14, 2023: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia will hold a hearing entitled, “Iran’s Escalating Threats: Assessing U.S. Policy Toward Iran’s Malign Activities.” Annouced witnesses are: Norman Roule (Former National Intelligence Manager for Iran); Behnam Ben Taleblu (FDD); Masih Alinejad (Author and Activist); and Suzanne Maloney (Brookings). Also see: press release

Sept. 13, 2023: The House Committee on Oversight’s Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs will hold a hearing entitled, “A Dangerous Strategy: Examining the Biden Administration’s Failures on Iran.” Announced witnesses (so far) are who’s who of opponents of the Biden Administration’s Iran policy: Richard Goldberg (FDD), Michael Makovsky (JINSA), and Victoria Coates (Heritage Foundation). Also see: Chairman Grothman (R-WI) press release, X-post [“Questions abound when it comes to the Biden Admin’s failed policy towards Iran. Appeasement should never be on the table for state sponsors of terrorism.“]

Sept. 13, 2023: The Senate Committee on Homeland Security’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will hold a hearing entitled, “The PGA Tour-LIV Deal: Examining the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s Investments in the United States.” No witnesses have been announced. Also see: Senate to hold second public hearing on PGA Tour’s proposed deal with Saudi Arabia (Golf Digest 9/6/23); Senate panel tees up new hearing on PGA-LIV Golf deal (The Hill 9/6/23)

 

5. Media & Reports

Jewish Insider 9/8/23: Sen. Menendez: Lew confirmation hearing should be a ‘priority’

The Dispatch/FDD 9/7/23: Nuclear Threat -The Biden administration is too willing to trade sanctions relief for illusory concessions.

Axios 9/7/23: Scoop: Trump privately urged to support Biden’s Saudi mega-deal [“Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Axios he has urged former President Trump to support the mega-deal President Biden is negotiating with Saudi Arabia, which could pave the way for a historic peace agreement between the kingdom and Israel.”]

Haaretz 9/6/23: As 1.2m Palestinians Face Food Crisis, Civil Society Orgs Urge Blinken to Override GOP Aid Block [“Republican lawmakers have placed holds on the State Department from providing appropriate funding for food assistance for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, accusing UN aid agency UNRWA of fomenting anti-Israel sentiment while being explicitly linked to terror organizations”]

Jewish News Syndicate 9/6/23: Bipartisan legislators urge added measures to tackle campus antisemitism [covered in the 8/25/23 edition of the Round-Up]

Washington Post 9/6/23: Inside the saga of the State Department’s missing Iran envoy [“‘The Department’s failure to inform Congress of this matter demonstrates at best a lack of candor, and at worst represents deliberate and potentially unlawful misinformation,’ he [Rep. McCaul, R-TX] wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.“] Also see McCaul’s X-post

Jewish Insider 9/6/23: Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid was in Washington yesterday, where he relayed his firm opposition to the Saudis’ request for a U.S.-backed civilian nuclear program and accused Netanyahu of having ulterior motives…Lapid met with…Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).”

Tennessee Star 9/5/23: Tennessee Congressman Mark Green Signs on to Letter Demanding Biden Reconsider Jack Lew Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Israel

Jewish Insider 9/5/23: The long road ahead for Jack Lew

Punchbowl News 9/5/23: Senate stares down a mess over Israel, Joint Chiefs nominations

Algemeiner 9/4/23: BDS Supporters Attack Academia, Pro-Israel Democrats, and More

 

6. Members on the Record

Supporting Lew Nomination

Cardin (D-MD) 9/6/23: X-post – “Jack Lew is respected on both sides of the aisle. He is a great choice to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and I believe he is the right person for the job. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to move his nomination swiftly.”

Coons (D-DE) 9/5/23: X-post – “Glad to see @POTUS nominate Jack Lew as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Jack is a great fit for the post at an important moment in U.S.-Israel relations. I look forward to his swift, bipartisan confirmation.“

Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 9/5/23: X-post – “Very encouraged @POTUS tapped a veteran statesman to protect our ironclad partnership with Israel. I am confident Secretary Lew will bring unmatched expertise and energy to the ongoing work of ensuring regional security, prosperity, and peace.”

Sherman (D-CA) 9/5/23: X-post – “I’ve worked with Jack Lew for decades. He has been an excellent public servant & is just the right person to be at the helm of the US’s relationship with one of our most important allies, #Israel. I applaud this fantastic pick by @POTUS & look forward to his swift confirmation.”

Meng (D-NY) 9/5/23: X-post – “Congratulations to Jack Lew on being nominated as our next Ambassador to Israel. A graduate of #ForestHills High School & an experienced statesman, I know he will continue to make New York proud as he works to advance the  –   relationship. I urge for his swift confirmation.”

Schumer (D-NY) 9/5/23: X-post – “Pres. Biden nominated Jack Lew to be Ambassador to Israel. Pres. Obama’s Treasury Sec. and Chief of Staff—he brings diplomatic skill to ensure our partnership with Israel remains strong. He’s a proud Queens boy, and a grad of Forest Hills HS.“

Schneider (D-IL) 9/5/23: X-post – “Congratulations to Jack Lew on being picked by @POTUS to be our next Ambassador to Israel. Jack Lew is a wonderful choice and I am confident that he will continue to strengthen the special relationship between our two countries.“

Hoyer (D-MD) 9/5/23: Press release – Hoyer Statement on Nomination of Jack Lew to Serve as Ambassador to Israel; also see X-post

Cardin (D-MD) 9/5/23: Press release – Cardin Statement on President Biden Naming Jack Lew to be the Next U.S. Ambassador to Israel

Opposing Lew Nomination

Miller (R-OH) 9/6/23: X-post – “Great to join @RepTenney & @HouseGOP colleagues urging @POTUS not to nominate Jack Lew to be US ambassador to @Israel. Now, we’ll continue to make the case to the Senate that the U.S. needs an ambassador who will strengthen our countries’ relationship!“

Stefanik (R-NY) 9/6/23: X-post – “Last week I joined @RepTenney in demanding that the Biden Administration nominate a U.S. Ambassador to Israel who can effectively strengthen the critical relationship between our two great democracies. Sadly, Joe Biden ignored our concerns and decided to nominate one of the chief architects of the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel. This is unacceptable.”

Green (R-TN) 9/6/23: X-thread – “The US-Israel friendship spans decades. It is one of my top priorities to see this important relationship continue to grow. But the nomination of Jack Lew as U.S. ambassador to Israel undermines that objective. /1 Lew supported former President Obama’s decision not to stand by Israel in the U.N., and he played a major role in creating the problematic and dangerous Iran Nuclear Deal. /2 If the Biden administration wants global stability, they must show a commitment to our ally Israel. This nomination does the opposite. /3″

Green (R-TN) 9/5/23: X-post – “Israel is one of America’s greatest allies. We need an ambassador to Israel that will enhance this special relationship. That’s why I’m urging President Biden to reconsider his nomination of Mr. Lew.”

Miller (R-OH) 9/5/23: Press release – Congressman Miller Urges President Biden to Reconsider Nomination of Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel [letter reported on in last week’s Round-Up]. also see Miller’s X-post

Tenney (R-NY) 9/5/23: X-post – “At a time when the relationship between the U.S. & Israel is of utmost importance, we need an ambassador that works to reaffirm our nation’s unfailing support for Israel. Jack Lew has proven he is the wrong man for the job and this nomination is reckless. I urge all my colleagues in the Senate to vote NO on his nomination.”

Green (R-TN) 9/1/23: X-post – “.@POTUS must rethink his nomination of Jack Lew for U.S. ambassador to Israel, considering his role in crafting the failed Iran nuclear deal & his open criticism of Israel’s prime minister. We need an ambassador that will champion our relationship with Israel, not harm it.“

Slamming Abbas’s [absolutely appalling] Speech

[Notably, few if any members of Congress ever speak out with respect to open expressions of anti-Palestinian racism and incitement by Israeli officials — it’s almost like there is a double standard in place when it comes to calling out hate speech…]

Green (R-TN) 9/8/23: X-post – “This kind of rhetoric has no place on the world stage, or anywhere else. Israel has every right to exist and defend itself.“

Stevens (D-MI) 9/8/23: X-post – “I condemn President Abbas’ hateful antisemitic lies. They are an attack on the survivors of the Holocaust, the people of Israel, and the Jewish diaspora. Furthermore, they undermine attempts to build trust & peace in the region. We cannot stand by and let antisemitism happen.“

Schneider (D-IL) 9/8/23: X-thread – “I join with U.S. Ambassadors @StateSEAS and @USAmbUN, as well as the Diplomatic Service of the European Union, and leaders around the world in wholeheartedly condemning President Abbas’s deplorable comments deliberately distorting the Holocaust and demeaning the Jewish people. His grotesque remarks add fuel to the rise of global antisemitism and undermine his own legitimacy as leader of the Palestinian Authority, the PLO and Fatah. Abbas’s repeated ahistorical, antisemitic, delusional comments fail to advance the aspirations of his people and diminish the prospects for peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Those seeking peace must engage in mutual understanding and respect; they must fight against, rather than promote, bigotry and hate.”

Torres (D-NY) 9/7 –  9/8/23: X-thread & X-battle with Peter Beinart –

• Torres – “The so-called ‘moderate’ Mahmoud Abbas denies the antisemitism of Adolf Hitler, falsely claiming that Hitler ‘fought the Jews because they were dealing with usury and money.’ With ‘moderates’ like these, who needs extremists? There is and has long been a deep rot of antisemitism at the core of Mahmoud Abbas, whose Jew-hatred and corruption have only served to perpetuate the suffering of his own people while lining his own pockets. Abbas is a moral disgrace. One reason the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is nowhere near a resolution: The bar is so low that a Holocaust-denying antisemite like Mahmoud Abbas is considered a ‘moderate’ when measured against the genocidal antisemites of Hamas, whose founding charter calls for the destruction of Israel.”
• Peter Beinart response: “Yes, @RitchieTorres, the comments are antisemitic + Abbas is a corrupt autocrat. Do you support elections so Palestinians can choose leaders who enjoy democratic legitimacy? Or do you think Israelis can choose their leaders (including reprehensible ones) but Palestinians can’t?“;
• Torres re-post with comment (not tagging Peter): “Peter Beinart sees Hamas and sees ‘democratic legitimacy.’ Does it matter to you, Peter, that Hamas openly calls for the destruction of Israel? Does it matter to you that Hamas indiscriminately fires thousands of rockets against civilian populations in Israel? Terrorists organizations that govern their people at gunpoint have no democratic legitimacy. But Peter, if you’re so convinced of the ‘democratic legitimacy’ of Hamas, try living under its ‘democracy.’ Or are you nothing more than an ivory-towered intellectual who would prefer to have others, with far less power and privilege, live with the consequences of your dangerous delusions?”
• Peter’s response: “Richie-No lectures please: Hamas murdered a friend of mine. Fatah has killed innocents too. In the W Bank, the IDF enforces apartheid. But you’re evading my question: If Palestinians don’t have the right to vote for Hamas, why do Israelis have the right to vote for Ben-Gvir?”
• Torres’s re-post with comment: “Peter: No lectures? You are quick to lecture others, so I find it striking that the pot is suddenly calling the kettle black. The fact that you are ascribing ‘democratic legitimacy’ to the very terrorist organization, Hamas, that murdered your friend makes your comments more shameful, not less. As for your question about the odious Ben Gvir: Do I think Ben Gvir is the moral equivalent of Hamas, which fires thousands of rockets against civilians in Israel, uses Palestinians as human shields, and throws gay people off of roofs? No. Do I think Ben Gvir is a despicable disgusting dangerous demagogue who has no business being anywhere near public office? Yes. Ben Gvir is a racist who despises people who look like me (not like you), so I do not need a holier-than-thou lecture on racism from the sainted Peter Beinart.”

Schiff (D-CA) 9/7/23: X-post – “I strongly condemn Palestinian President Abbas’s recent comments, which egregiously distort the horrors of the Holocaust and repeat false tropes about Jews. His remarks add fuel to the fire at a time when antisemitism and violence against the community are so alarmingly on the rise.”

Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 9/7/23: X-post – “It is unconscionable that President Abbas is spreading a distorted and blatantly false history of the Holocaust while employing vile antisemitic tropes. I condemn this rhetoric and join @StateSEAS in demanding an apology.“

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 9/7/23: X-post – “Palestinian President Abbas‘ antisemitic comments are outrageous & dangerous. He distorted the reality of the Holocaust, blamed Jews for the murder of millions of innocent men, women, & children during the Shoah, & defended Hitler. Abbas cannot be a trusted partner in peace.”

Miller (R-OH) 9/7/23: X-post – “.@giladerdan1 is right. Mahmoud Abbas spouts heresy and hatred. It is disgusting that Abbas will be allowed to defile the @UN General Assembly. Coddling a terrorist sympathizer is not a path toward peace.” Linked to 9/6/23 X-post by Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, “Nearly two years ago the UN adopted a resolution I initiated to combat Holocaust denial and distortion. Yet shamefully, in two weeks, President Abbas, a man who publicly blames the Jews for the Holocaust – the ultimate form of Holocaust denial – will take the stage in the very same room this resolution was adopted. What a disgrace! Where is the outcry?! Where are the UN condemnations?! Where is the media?! The hypocrisy and double standards truly know no bounds. Abbas’ dangerous hate and lies must be condemned!”

Crane (R-AZ) 9/7/23: X-post – “Mahmoud Abbas is an antisemite. His toxic views have poisoned the minds of millions of Palestinians. This is the largest obstacle to peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.”

Torres (D-NY) 9/7/23: X-post – “The so-called ‘moderate’ Mahmoud Abbas denies the antisemitism of Adolf Hitler, falsely claiming that Hitler ‘fought the Jews because they were dealing with usury and money.’ With ‘moderates’ like these, who needs extremists? There is and has long been a deep rot of antisemitism at the core of Mahmoud Abbas, whose Jew-hatred and corruption have only served to perpetuate the suffering of his own people while lining his own pockets. Abbas is a moral disgrace.”

Moskowitz (D-FL) 9/7/23: X-post – “From the guy who can’t hold an election (been 17 years) in his own territory as he would lose to a terrorist organization. Part of the PA that turned down several peace deals. Yet now, he is a Hitler expert? Instead of rewriting the Holocaust, he should be helping his people.“

Rosen (D-NV) 9/7/23: X-post – “I strongly condemn Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ dangerous lies and antisemitic rhetoric. These offensive comments are not only wrong and contribute to Holocaust distortion, but they also incite violence and undermine the prospects for peace.”

Israel

Molinaro (R-NY) 9/8/23: X-post – “We must continue calling out antisemitism because there are those with international platforms like the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas who STILL promote Holocaust denialism and disgusting antisemitic tropes. This is absolutely shameful.“

Trone (D-MD) 9/8/23: X-post – “Vile anti-Semitism and Holocaust distortion from anyone—much less those in leadership—must be condemned. As we seek peace and diplomacy in the Middle East, these comments will only stoke violence, hatred, and fear. I join @StateSEAS in demanding an apology from President Abbas.“

Ricketts (R-NE) 9/8/23: X-post – “Wonderful to meet with @AmbHerzog in Washington earlier this week to discuss the essential alliance between Israel and the U.S.“

Rosen (D-NV) 9/7/23: X-post – “The U.S.-Israel relationship is ironclad. I was glad to meet with @AmbHerzog and discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between our two nations, and to build on the historic Abraham Accords to expand the circle of peace and normalization.“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/7/23: X-post – “Deeply worrying read. Simply outrageous…” Linked to article, Biden Backdoors Israel in the U.N., Rescinding Trump’s Recognition of Sovereignty over the Golan (Tablet 9/6/23)

Ernst (R-IA) 9/7/23: X-post – “As we mark the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords, I sat down with @AJCGlobal to discuss the progress we’ve made and my work to bring peace and stability to the Middle East. Listen below” Linked to: Sen. Joni Ernst Reflects on the Abraham Accords and the Future of Arab-Israeli Engagement (American Jewish Committee 9/7/23)

Murphy (D-CT) 9/6/23: X-post – “I was glad to meet with Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid yesterday when he visited Congress. We had a very candid talk and I reaffirmed to him my commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Carl (R-AL) 9/6/23: X-post – “It was an honor to speak at the U.S. Israel Education Association Reception. I’ve always been a strong supporter of Israel and believe they are our strongest and most important regional ally. Special thanks to @coachbrucepearl for his leadership on U.S./Israeli issues.“

Casey (D-PA) 9/5/23: X-post – “Israel is taking encouraging steps towards participation in the Visa Waiver Program. I’ll be watching closely to ensure this momentum achieves full reciprocity for all Americans regardless of race, religion, or national origin, including those traveling to the West Bank & Gaza.“

Crane (R-AZ) 9/5/23: X-post – “On Sept. 15, 2020, President Trump ushered in a new era of peace and collaboration in the Middle East among Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco without a single bullet fired.’ Awesome piece…” Linked to article, Three Years Later, Trump Deserves A Nobel Peace Prize For The Abraham Accords  (The Federalist 9/5/23)

Grothman (R-WI) 9/5/23: X-post – “It was great to meet and sit down with Israeli Consul General @YinamCohen to discuss maintaining and strengthening the U.S.-Israel partnership. Israel is the United States’ greatest ally in the Middle East!” [re-posting X-post from Yinam Cohen, “It was a pleasure to meet today with @repgrothman at his district office in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. We discussed the historic, strong alliance between the US and Israel and business partnerships between Wisconsin and Israel. Thank you, Congressman, for the warm welcome and for being a steadfast supporter of the US-Israel alliance!”

Targeting Rob Malley

Cotton (R-AR) 9/7/23: X-post – “Not only did the State Department take weeks to disclose Rob Malley was under investigation, but sensitive documents about the investigation were leaked to Iranian media. Congress and the American people deserve an explanation…”

Iran

Weber (R-TX) 9/8/23: X-post – “It was an honor to meet with @Maryam_Rajavi, Senator @gerryhorkan from Ireland & Mr. Jim Higgins, former Minister & VP of the Irish Delegation to @Europarl_EN on the anniversary of Iran’s Uprising for a #FreeIran. We discussed their pursuit of a democratic and republic Iran.“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/8/23: X-post – “The Biden State Department is giving a pass to Cristina Fernández de Kirchner from corruption sanctions. She’s a convicted kleptocrat who has been indicted for obstructing investigations into Iranian terrorism. The Kirchner criminal family has looted Argentina’s coffers. She may have immunity in Argentina but that doesn’t make her exempt from sanctions laws passed by Congress.“

Cruz (R-TX) 9/8/23: X-post – “Lula da Silva’s corrupt embrace of China, Iran, and Russia is a threat to America and our allies in the region. The Biden administration has allowed him to violate what are supposed to be powerful sanctions meant to counter those threats.”

Sullivan (R-AK) 9/8/23: X-post – “We need energy. Since President Biden keeps blocking responsible development in America, he instead goes on bended knee to Saudi Arabia, the dictators in Venezuela, and other places with the worst environmental standards on the planet.”

Ernst (R-IA) 9/7/23: X-post – “This is only the tip of the iceberg for Iran’s illicit oil sales. The IRGC’s over billion-dollar increase is a direct result of Biden’s appeasement. @POTUS must enforce our existing laws and stop greenlighting the funds that fuel the IRGC’s terrorism.” Linked to article, Greek shipper pleads guilty to smuggling Iranian crude oil and will pay $2.4 million fine (Washington Post)

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/7/23: X-post – “We must ensure that every captured American returns home safely. But, Biden’s policies are allowing Iran to take advantage of American citizens to further Tehran’s terrorist activities.” Linked to article, Iran’s $6 Billion Hostage Business (Wall Street Journal/Elliott Abrams 9/6/23)

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/6/23: X-post – “Kim Jong Un could meet with Vladimir Putin in the next few weeks. The New Axis of Evil — Communist China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran — is plotting to destroy America. What is Biden doing to stop them?“

Gottheimer (D-NY) 9/6/23: X-post – “Iran’s arsenal of killer drones continues to grow and attacks across the Middle East have killed and wounded Americans and our partners.” Linked to 7/28/23 article in Jewish Insider, Bipartisan bill pushes for increased U.S.-Israel counter-drone cooperation

Lawler (R-NY) 9/5/23: X-post – “Discussions of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia are deeply disturbing and something we should take very seriously. There’s no question that a new axis of evil exists between North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran. We must be vigilant.”

Hagerty (R-TN) 9/5/23: X-post – “Iran continues to expand its nuclear program & stonewall investigators. As long as the Admin is willing to pay for Iran’s nuclear program through sanctions relief, Iran’s terrorist regime will continue to take advantage of Biden’s weakness.” Linked to article: UN nuclear watchdog says ‘no progress’ has been made in monitoring Iranian nuclear program: report  (FoxNews 9/5/23)

Blackburn (R-TN) 9/1/23: X-post – “The Taliban announced they have signed 7 mining contracts totaling $6.5 billion with locally-based companies, many of which have foreign partners in countries including China and Iran. The New Axis of Evil is benefiting from Biden’s disastrous withdrawal.“

Capito (R-WV) 9/1/23: press release – Capito, Colleagues Demand Answers After Biden Administration Releases $6 Billion to Iran in Secret Negotiation [letter covered in the 8/25/23 edition of the Round-Up]

Ernst (R-IA) 8/31/23: X-post – “Even worse – the Biden administration knew they were hiring an IRGC propagandist to speak to @US_STRATCOM. Their appeasement is showing. Our senior military officials do NOT need advice from Iran’s mouthpiece.” Linked to article, US Strategic Command Hosts Former Iranian Official Who Bragged About Efforts To Assassinate US Leaders (Free Beacon 8/29/23)

Saudi

Garcia (D-CA) 9/3/23: X-post – “Jared Kushner spent 4 years in the Trump White House directing foreign policy. Right after leaving office, he collects $2 billion from Saudi Arabia. Why? The American people deserve answers. Thx @DeadlineWH for having us on.”

Gallego (D-AZ) 9/1/23: X-post – “People in La Paz County are being left out to dry by water-sucking foreign farms. My new bill would put an end to it.”

Egypt

Murphy (D-CT) 9/5/23: X-post – “I am deeply concerned by the sentencing of Mohamed Adel in Egypt to four years in prison on spurious charges. Mohamed has been imprisoned for exercising his basic human rights—I call on the government of Egypt to release him and Egypt’s other prisoners of conscience immediately.”

Phillips (D-MN) 9/1/23: X-post – “Bad look for the land of freedom, liberty, and equality to be included with countries like Russia, Uganda, and Egypt. ALL are welcome here, and we must ensure safety, security, and hospitality for the LGBTQ community from sea to shining sea.“

Meeks (D-NY) 9/1/23: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: I call on Egypt to release civil society leader and journalist Hisham Kassem after being unjustly detained on politicized charges. I met with Hisham years ago and respect his leadership in advocating for basic rights and free speech.“

UAE

Durbin (D-IL) 9/5/23: X-post – “The UAE could easily improve its public image by releasing jailed human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor and by not harboring Russian oligarchs.”

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Members of Congress’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in the Middle East
3. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(AZ WATER FOR AZ, NOT KSA) HR XXXX (pdf): On 8/29/23 Rep. Gallego (D-AZ) published a press release announcing the introduction of the “Domestic Water Protection Act of 2023,” reportedly cosponsored by Grijalva (D-AZ). As of this writing (8/31/23, noon EST) the bill does not yet show up in the Congressional Record. Excerpt from that press release: “‘Arizona’s water and crops belong in Arizona–not Saudi Arabia,’ said Rep. Ruben Gallego. ‘No longer should foreign governments and companies be given sweetheart deals that leave Arizonans worse off. I’m proud to lead the Domestic Water Protection Act to stop these entities from stealing our state’s water.’”]

Letters

(NEXT US AMB MUST ALIGN ISRAELI/GOP POLITICAL VIEWS) Tenney et al letter to Biden: On 8/31/23, Rep. Tenney (R-NY) and eight fellow House Republicans sent a letter to President Biden urging him to not nominate Jack Lew to be the next US Ambassador to Israel. Per the letter, Lew’s disqualifying sins include having been “one of the chief architects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal” which the letter characterizes as “one of the greatest U.S. foreign policy disasters of the 21st century [seriously].” The letter goes on: “Despite the harm he has caused to American and Israeli national security, Lew is apparently being rewarded with an important ambassadorship.” Another allegedly disqualifying sin is Lew having a “history of casting unwarranted blame on the Prime Minister,” and specifically having “frequently criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and placed significant blame on Prime Minister Netanyahu for the well-documented poor relationship between former President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu.” And finally, Lew is allegedly guilty of a mega-sin for having “repeatedly supported President Obama’s decision not to veto UNSC 2334 (2016), which condemned Israeli settlement constructions in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria.” The letter closes: “We urge you only to move forward with the nomination of a candidate who has demonstrated an ability to work collaboratively with and strengthen the critical relationship between our two nations” — which appears to be code for “only name an ambassador whose views/agenda when it comes to Iran, settlements, and US-Israel relations align with Netanyahu and the Evangelical/Greater Israel right-wing in the U.S.” — i.e., someone like… David Friedman. Also see: Tenney press release/X-Post

(SUBPEONA KUSHNER RE FIRM’S SAUDI TIES) Raskin letter to Rep. Comer:  On 8/31/23, The Hill published an article headlined, “Raskin asks Comer to subpoena Kushner for information on firm’s Saudi ties.” The article states: “House Oversight and Accountability Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) asked panel Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) to subpoena Jared Kushner to produce documents about money his investment firm has received from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies. In a Thursday letter to Comer, Raskin referenced Comer’s recent public comments expressing skepticism about the post-Trump administration activities of Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Trump who was a top White House aide. Raskin asked Comer to join the Democrats’ probe into Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners.” The article cites from the letter: ““I am encouraged by your recent acknowledgement that ‘what Kushner did crossed the line of ethics’ and your repeated assertions that our Committee is ‘investigating foreign nationals’ attempts to target and coerce high-ranking U.S. officials’ family members by providing money or other benefits in exchange for certain actions,’” Raskin said in the letter” and “In light of these concerns, I urge you to pursue a serious and objective investigation by issuing a subpoena to Affinity and requiring the firm to comply with my February 15, 2023, request for documents regarding its receipt of billions of dollars from Gulf monarchies shortly after Mr. Kushner left a senior White House position he used to reshape U.S. foreign policy toward Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in Saudi Arabia’s favor — a request you have thus far allowed Mr. Kushner to ignore and defy…”

(RELEASE FUNDING FOR UNRWA!) Bicameral Democrats’ Letter to Risch: On 8/29/23, Rep. Carson (D-IN) and Sen. Sanders (I-VT) led a letter, cosigned by 61 fellow House and Senate Democrats, to Senator Risch (R-ID), who for months has put a hold on US funding for food assistance for Palestinians via UNRWA [the letter was previously previewed in the 7/28/23 edition of the Round-Up]. The letter states: “We write to respectfully request that you release the hold placed on the $75 million in previously appropriated congressional funding in the FY2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which is designated for the provision of food assistance to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza administered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). If these funds are not obligated shortly the UNRWA food pipeline could break and over a million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, including almost half a million children, could go hungry. This will create a humanitarian tragedy and poses a huge risk to regional security. In Gaza, Palestinian refugees and vulnerable populations rely on food assistance from UNRWA or the World Food Programme (WFP). Despite this assistance, severe food insecurity continues to rise – now over 40% people in Gaza are severely food insecure. Food insecurity in Gaza is already at a tipping point following the WFP’s decision to reduce assistance from 300,000 Gazans down to 100,000 – necessitated by that agency’s overall funding shortage. Helping to assure the provision of food assistance to refugees in need is yet another reflection of American values as well as in diplomatic and security interests of the United States…”

Also see:

• Haaretz 8/31/23: “Democrats Urge GOP to Lift Block on $75m in Palestinian Food Aid as Deadline Looms“
• The Hill (Khaled Elgindy) 8/30/23: Stop playing politics with Palestinian lives [“Risch has said that he will not release the funds until he receives assurances from the Biden administration that UNRWA is not aiding Palestinian militants or promoting antisemitism. However, these and other conditions are already requirements UNRWA must abide by in its framework agreement with the State Department. In other words, Risch is holding up essential food aid over things the State Department has already certified are happening.“]

(OBLIGATE FUNDING FOR UNRWA!) DeLauro letter to SecState Blinken: On 7/26/23 (not previously reported in the Round-Up) Rep. DeLauro (D-CT) sent a letter to SecState Blinken urging his “immediate action to obligate the funding provided through the International Organizations and Programs account of the fiscal year 2023 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs bill.” Noting the impact of the Ukranian conflict on global food security, the letter goes on: “The voluntary contributions provided by this account are critically needed to sustain programs, but none more so than the $75 million provided by the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill to provide additional food support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA provides food assistance to 1.2 million Palestinians, 40% of which are children. Three out of four Gazans are rely on external food assistance through UNRWA or the World Food Programme, who has also recently announced cuts. The situation is urgent...” DeLauro adds it was in recognition of the urgency of the current needs that “Congress took the extraordinary step of providing these resources through UNRWA specifically to ‘maintain food assistance to vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza in response to rising food and transport costs’ in the fiscal year 2023 Appropriations Act.” She also notes that  “These funds are only available for obligation until the end of September and, if received after September 1, will likely lead to a pipeline break of commodities to the Gaza Strip.” She closes: “The recent breakdown of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the immediate increase in global food prices, makes the situation even more urgent. There are real consequences to any further delay and I urgently request that the State Department make this contribution as soon as possible as required by the fiscal year 2023 Appropriations Act…“

 

2. Members’ of Congress’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in the Middle East

3. Israel & AIPAC  in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)

• Mondoweiss 8/31/23: The Shift: Ehud Barak vs. AIPAC [“…This tension isn’t going away. Nearly 20 U.S. Jewish organizations are circulating an open letter urging congressional members to back a resolution that expresses support for protest movement and condemns Netanyahu reforms. Those include USA for Israeli Democracy and J Street, along with Ameinu, Americans for Peace Now, Israel Policy Forum, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Jewish Democratic Council of America, National Council of Jewish Women, New Israel Fund, New York Jewish Agenda, Partners for Progressive Israel, Rabbinical Assembly, Reconstructing Judaism, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Union for Reform Judaism, and UnXeptable. It’s already backed by 47 Democrats.AIPAC is heading into the 2024 elections with a lot of money, but how long can they hold off a reckoning on the Democratic side of the aisle?”]
• Fox News 8/31/23: Top House Dem ‘vigorously’ endorses Ilhan Omar for re-election amid pro-Israel PAC criticism
• Politico 8/30/23: Jeffries endorses Ilhan Omar amid AIPAC primary threat [“Democratic leadership is sending a message to progressives who are worried about primary challenges from the pro-Israel group: Caucus leaders plan to support all incumbents.“]
• Star Tribune 8/30/23: Facing another primary challenge, Rep. Ilhan Omar endorsed by top U.S. House Democrats [“The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group that has clashed with Omar, is reportedly looking at the race and talking with potential challengers.“]
• Jewish Insider 8/30/23: Rhode Island lieutenant governor promotes her support for Israel in closing week of congressional campaign [“Sabina Matos has positioned herself as the most stalwart backer of Israel in a field that includes a Bernie Sanders-backed progressive“]
• Jewish Journal 8/29/23: GOP Tension Over Israel [“…suppose that Ramaswamy’s sense of rank and file Republicans is accurate? What if he is correct in believing that the growing isolationism among conservatives no longer automatically exempts Israel? If he is right, then Israel and its supporters will soon be facing bastions of anti-Zionism at the ideological far left and right, with pockets of anti-Israel votes on both sides of the aisle in Congress. If that’s where we are headed, then many of the 70 Republican votes against increased aid to Ukraine this summer could manifest themselves against Israel as well, joining with a comparable number of Democrats in opposition to funding, military support and other expressions of American solidarity for Israel.”]
• Baltimore Sun 8/27/23: Chris Roemer: Tolerating antisemitism is not the way for Democrats to get moral authority back [attacking as “antisemitic” Reps. Omar (D-MN),  Tlaib (D-MI), Jayapal (D-WA), Pressley (D-MA), and Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and attacking Democrats of suppporting/tolerating antisemitism for failing to sufficiently call out/ostracize/punish their progressive colleagues (the author really, really hates progressives in general].
• Cincy Jewfolk 8/25/23: Landsman Seeks To Be Pragmatic Leader In Extreme Times [“To Landsman, the US-Israel relationship is now more important than ever. ‘Israel has always been a strategic partner,’ said Landsman. ‘It is a critical relationship for our security and theirs. It’s something I care deeply about, and we need pragmatic thoughtful leaders, not the flame throwers, who are the folks who kick up dust and go on Twitter and cable news and frankly make things worse in the region by raising the temperature.’”]

4. Media & Reports

Queens Jewish Link 8/30/23: Congresswoman Grace Meng Speaks For The Young Israel Of Kew Gardens Hills [“Addresses Anti-Semitism, Israel, Mail Issues”]

Mid Hudson News 8/30/23: House members join Lawler’s effort to enforce economic sanctions

Jewish Insider 8/30/23: Riverdale event to celebrate legacy of MLK speechwriter Clarence Jones [“‘We are all bound together in the struggle against hate and extremism,’ said Torres, a pro-Israel progressive and the only openly gay Black man in Congress. ‘An America shaped in the image of Clarence Jones is an ideal we’re striving for and celebrating. Celebrate we will in Riverdale.’”]

Jewish News Syndicate 8/30/23: ‘Sensitive’ State Dept. document runs in Tehran paper, as Foggy Bottom rebuffs Congress [“‘The Tehran Times’ presents a ‘sensitive but unclassified’ memorandum, apparently acquired before U.S. legislators saw it.“]

DAWN 8/30/23: U.S.: Former Legislative Assistant Rashid Hallaway Sportswashing Saudi Abuses by Lobbying for LIV Golf

West Virginian Metro News 8/29/23: Justice, candidate for Senate, confirms meeting Saudi representative at LIV Golf event but calls it no big deal

Middle East Eye 8/29/23: Israeli opposition leader Lapid to visit DC as Biden keeps Netanyahu waiting [“Yair Lapid will hold high-level meetings with members of Congress and senior Biden administration officials in Washington“]

Al-Monitor 8/29/23: Republican says Congress ‘kept in dark’ as Iran envoy saga develops

UNRWA USA X-post 8/28/23: “Despite all our efforts, @SenatorRisch is still blocking the $75 million in congressionally-approved food assistance for refugees. No action by 9/1 could mean empty @UNRWA food distribution centers in Gaza and 1.2 million refugees facing hunger…“

Politico 8/28/23: An Iran mouthpiece’s ‘scoop’ draws Republican ire

 

5. Members on the Record

Ernst (R-IA) 8/31/23: X-post – “Even worse – the Biden administration knew they were hiring an IRGC propagandist to speak to @US_STRATCOM. Their appeasement is showing. Our senior military officials do NOT need advice from Iran’s mouthpiece.” Linked to X-post from Adam Kredo/Free Beacon 8/31/23, “UPDATE: STRATCOM spox tells me: “We were aware of Mr. Mousavian’s previous position within the Iranian government and believe that…we would have benefited from that insight into an opposing viewpoint”

Landsman (D-OH) 8/31/23: X-post – “‘We’ve got to buckle in for decades worth of really tough, hard elections until we have our democracy, our freedoms, and our economy secure.’ Worth a read on combatting antisemitism, trips to Israel, and my Jewishness.” Linked to article, Landsman Seeks To Be Pragmatic Leader In Extreme Times (Cincy Jewfolk 8/25/23)

Ernst (R-IA) 8/30/23: X-post – “The Biden admin has funneled billions to Iran’s terrorist activities. Now, it’s paying a Tehran surrogate to speak @US_STRATCOM. Spending tax dollars for an IRGC propagandist to spread lies should be a non-starter. Biden must STOP kowtowing to Iran.” Linked to article, US Strategic Command Hosts Former Iranian Official Who Bragged About Efforts To Assassinate US Leaders (Free Beacon 8/30/23)

Lawler (R-NY) 8/30/23: X-post – “My legislation with @RepMoskowitz to hold Iran’s enablers accountable now has 155 House cosponsors. I will continue working with my colleagues in both parties to pass H.R. 3774, the SHIP Act, which will sink Iran’s aspirations of regional dominance.” Linked to article, House members join Lawler’s effort to enforce economic sanctions (Mid Hudson News 8/29/23)

Self (R-TX) 8/30/23: X-thread – “ALL of Joe Bidens ‘objectives’ have resulted in failure!…Blowing up the Abraham Accords by forsaking our Arab partners. Alienating Israel by reviving a failed Iran Deal....”

Lankford (R-OK) 8/29/23: press release – Lankford Urges Department of Education to Take Concrete Steps to Counter Antisemitism on College Campuses [letter covered in last week’s Round-Up]

Hagerty (R-TN) 8/29/23: X-thread: “It’s shocking that a propaganda arm of Iran’s terrorist regime got its hands on what appears to be a ‘Sensitive But Unclassified’ April 2023 memo related to the suspension of Special Envoy @Rob_Malley’s security clearance. (1/2). @StateOIG must probe whether any State Dept officials have violated any laws or regulations in what appears to be an unauthorized disclosure of this sensitive communication related to Malley & national security. (2/2).” Linked to article, An Iran mouthpiece’s ‘scoop’ draws Republican ire (Politico 8/28/23)

McCaul (R-TX) 8/29/23: press release re Malley memo in Iranian newspaper – “If this memo is authentic, it is extremely concerning especially since this is not the first time the Iranian regime’s mouthpiece has appeared to have sensitive U.S. government information recently while Congress is kept in the dark. I have requested transparency from the State Department on the ongoing Robert Malley saga and will continue to demand answers. This latest chapter raises serious questions about how the regime obtained this potentially authentic document and what other sensitive or classified information they may have. The State Department needs to do a top to bottom security review, because I am concerned they have a leak.” Also see X-post

Sanders (I-VT) 8/29/23: X-post – “There is substantial evidence that Saudi Arabian border guards have killed hundreds of unarmed migrants seeking to cross their border, and tortured and raped survivors. These horrific allegations must be investigated, including by the U.S. government.” Linked to article, Saudi forces killed hundreds of Ethiopians at Yemen border, report says (Washington Post)

LaLota (R-NY) 8/29/23: X-post – “It was an honor to welcome Israel’s President Isaac Herzog before his address to Congress last month. I am proud to support Israel and will continue to push back on cases of antisemitism around the world.”

Ernst (R-IA) 8/28/23: X-post – “Iran is trying to go behind our backs and undermine the United States. The Biden admin must see through this ruse and end their appeasement in pursuit of a flawed deal.” Linked to article, Iran summons Swiss diplomat over US seizure of Iranian crude oil that’s now at port in Houston (AP News 8/28/23)

Britt (R-AL) 8/28/23: X-post – “The Biden Administration’s decision to hand $6 billion to Iran is not only reckless, it threatens the lives of Americans and our allies around the world. That’s why my colleagues and I are demanding answers and accountability.” Linked to article, Britt joins Senate colleagues in demanding answers from Biden admin over $6 billion payment to Iran (1819 News 8/28/23)

Hagerty (R-TN) 8/28/23: X-post – “Is this Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) memo about the suspension of @USEnvoyIran @Rob_Malley ’s security clearance authentic? How did Iran’s regime get this SBU memo? @StateDept owes U.S. Senators answers to these & many other critical questions“, linked to X-post from former State Dept official/JINSA fellow Gabriel Noronha linking to alleged State Dept memo posted by Tehran Times

Hill (R-AR) 8/28/23: press release – Rep. Hill Statement on Visit to Syria. Also see X-post

Cramer (R-ND) 8/28/23: X-post – “It was truly special to speak at Christians United for Israel’s Night to Honor Israel. Thank you to @CUFI & @PastorJohnHagee for your incredible ministry, vision, & leadership. This work is critical to remind the church about our connection to God’s chosen people in Israel.“

Blackburn (R-TN) 8/27/23: X-post – “Six additional countries, including Iran, have been invited to join the Brics Group of emerging nations, which includes Russia and Communist China. The U.S. must stand against the New Axis of Evil’s attempts to expand their political and economic influence.”

Fischbach (R-MN) 8/27/23: X-post – “Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of attending a Joint Session of Congress to hear from President @Isaac_Herzog. @Israel has our back. It is vital that we have theirs.”

Torres (D-NY) 8/27/23: X-post – “An innocent Israeli mother by the name of Batsheva Nigri, a Kindergarten teacher, was murdered in the presence of her 12 year old daughter who, in a eulogy, uttered these words of inconsolable grief: “I am jealous of all the angels who are lucky to have you in heaven.” A cold-blooded murder that leaves a 12-year old motherless is not “resistance.” It’s terrorism, pure and simple. Glorifying terror against Israel means openly inciting violence against innocent Israelis. Violence never brings peace. It only begets more violence and spills more bloodshed. And it only deepens the senseless suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.” Linked to Jerusalem Post article 

Lawler (R-NY) 8/26/23: X-thread – “My team was proud to participate in the Annual Westchester Jewish Music and Arts Festival last weekend in Valhalla. I’m proud to represent one of the largest Jewish constituencies in the country and will continue working with my colleagues to strengthen our partnership with our closest ally Israel, tackle the affordability crisis, and eliminate the scourge of anti-Semitism at home and abroad.“

Lawler (R-NY) 8/25/23: X-post – “Not only does this threaten to undermine an agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, it potentially puts Israel in a position where it is pressured into decisions that jeopardize its safety and security. Israel is our closest ally. We must have her back.” Linked to article, U.S. tells Israel mega-deal with Saudis must include concessions to Palestinians (Axios 8/25/23)

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. House Members’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in Israel
3. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

New from FMEP:

• 8/23/22: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, “Hebron (Al-Khalil) Through Palestinian Eyes,” ft. FMEP 2023 non-resident fellow Rabea Eghbariah speaking with Abdullah (last name withheld), a tour guide from Hebron (Al-Khalil). The conversation touches on the history of Hebron, the development of the Israeli settlement project in the city post its 1967 occupation, and the division of the city into H1/H2 zones following the Oslo Accords. We also hear from Abdullah about the dystopian reality of living under hyper-militarization and the pervasive surveillance in the city.

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(EQUIP/TRAIN IRAQI & KURDISH PESHMERGA FORCES) HR 5232: Introduced 8/18/23 by Bacon (R-NE) , the “Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga Forces Defense Act of 2023“, aka, “To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to equip and train Iraqi security forces and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, andthe Committee on Armed Services.

(ISRAEL/MIDEAST IN FY24 INTELL AUTH BILL) HR 3932: On 8/18/23, the FY24 Intelligence Authorization Act was reported out of Committee with a report. That bill text includes:

• Section 705, requiring the submission to relevant congressional committee of “an intelligence assessment on efforts by the People’s Republic of China to increase its influence, through overt or covert means, with respect to the political, military, economic, or other policies or activities of governments of countries in the Middle East in ways that are detrimental to the national security interests of the United States.“
• Section 707, requiring the CIA director, in consultation “with the heads of the other elements of the intelligence community that the Director determines appropriate” to submit to congressional intelligence committees “an assessment of the current effects on the intelligence community of the agreements between Israel and 4 other foreign countries, collectively known as the Abraham Accords, and of the potential effects on the intelligence community if the Abraham Accords were to be expanded to additional foreign countries.” The section specifies that the include a description of whether, and in what respects, the agreements between Israel and the 4 countries (Bahrain, Morocco, the UAE and Sudan) have “resulted in the intelligence community obtaining new and valuable insights regarding national intelligence priorities.” It also must include, “An assessment of whether, and in what respects, additional agreements between Israel and other foreign countries to normalize or otherwise enhance relations would result in the intelligence community obtaining new and valuable insights regarding national intelligence priorities.”

Letters

(ENFORCE IHRA DEFINITION IN US SCHOOLS!) Manning/Smith/Rosen/Lankford et al letter to Education Secretary: On 8/22/23, Reps. Manning (D-NC) and Smith (R-NJ), and Sens. Rosen (D-NV) and Lankford (R-OK) led a letter, cosigned by 85 fellow House and Senate members (bipartisan) to Education Secretary Cardona noting, “we are deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitic incidents at universities and college campuses” and stating, among other things, that they “strongly encourage the Department to continue taking the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into consideration as it investigates individual incidents of anti-Jewish discrimination and enforces federal civil rights law.” As alleged evidence of antisemitism, the letter specifically offers exactly one example: “A 2022 survey also found that 54% of Jewish students feel that they pay a social cost for supporting the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.” Signers ask Cardona to respond in writing to a series of questions and “Keeping the priorities and questions outlined above in mind, we urge the Department to brief Congress on the Department’s plan to implement key actions outlined in the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism by September 30, 2023.”

Also see:

• Press releases: Manning (D-NC), Rosen (D-NV)
• X: Lawler (R-NC) 8/22/23: X-thread – “I joined 83 colleagues on a bipartisan letter to the Department of Education concerning the backlog of investigations into campus antisemitism as well as how they plan to improve protections for Jewish students. Anti-Semitism on college campuses is a problem. That’s why I introduced H.R. 3773, the Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act, which will take away federal funding from college campuses that peddle in anti-Semitism. Hate has no place in our society and I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure we are doing everything we can to eliminate the scourge of anti-Semitism.” [NOTE: HR 3773 would legislate the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples, into law as the basis for stripping campuses of labeling criticism of Israel as antisemitism and punishing campuses for it]. Wilson (D-FL) 8/22/23: X-post – “Antisemitism and hate have no place in our society, especially in our places of education. Sadly, antisemitism is on the rise. I joined my colleagues to urge the @usedgov to improve protections for Jewish students on college campuses.”
• Lawmakers press Department of Education on campus antisemitism (Jewish Insider 8/22/23); Leading Jewish Civil Rights Group Applauds US Lawmakers Calling on Biden Admin to Resolve Campus Antisemitism Complaints (Algemeiner 8/22/23)

(WE ACCUSE YOU OF MAKING DEAL WITH IRAN!!!) Scalise-Stefanik-McCaul letter to Biden: On 8/21/23, Reps. Scalise (R-LA), Stefanik (R-NY) and McCaul (R-TX) sent a letter to President Biden, expressing their “significant concern that your Administration is pursuing a nuclear understanding with Iran alongside a hostage release deal.” The letter goes on: “The Wall Street Journal reported on August 11 that Iran had ‘diluted a small amount of 60% enriched uranium in recent weeks and slowed the rate at which it is accumulating new material.’ This report coincided with news of a deal for Iran to release five American hostages in exchange for several Iranian prisoners and access to at least $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in South Korea and potentially billions more held in Iraq. Taken together, this strongly suggests your Administration has contemporaneously brokered a $6 billion prisoner deal and a nuclear ‘understanding’ with the regime that are inextricably linked. This would be a clear violation of your Administration’s legal obligation under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (‘INARA’; 42 U.S.C. 2160e), which requires you to submit any ‘agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran” requiring U.S. action “regardless of the form it takes, whether a political commitment or otherwise, and regardless of whether it is legally binding or not’ (42 U.S.C. 2160e(h)(1)) to Congress for formal review within five days.” The letter goes on to lay out objections/concerns and closes with a conclusion that in effect finds the Biden Administration guilty of (doesn’t even bother with the pretense of seeking more information from the Administration) and a threat: “Our citizens deserve answers about why your Administration is rewarding an Iranian regime that is targeting Americans overseas and at home. The Administration must adhere to U.S. law which requires that any agreement, arrangement, or understanding, formal or informal, with Iran needs to be submitted to Congress pursuant to INARA, and submit the information required by law to Congress, as prescribed by statute. Should the Administration continue to ignore U.S. law and flout congressional oversight, we will use all the tools at our disposal to bring transparency and accountability to the American people and return to a policy of maximum pressure that reverses Iran’s nuclear advancements and deters its targeting of American citizens and servicemembers, support for terrorism, and other malign activities.”

Also see:

• Press releases: Scalise (R-LA), Stefanik (R-NY), McCaul (R-TX)
• X: McCaul (R-NY) 8/23/23: X-post – “If President Biden finalized a nuclear understanding w/ Iran simultaneously with a $6B hostage deal, continuing to keep Congress in the dark violates US law. @SteveScalise, @RepStefanik, and I will use all tools at our disposal to bring transparency & accountability to Americans.“
• Thanks, Joe: Here’s What Biden’s Illegal Deal With Iran Means for the U.S. (Townhall 8/22/23)
  GOP House leaders accuse Biden of secret Iran nuclear ‘understanding’ (Jewish Insider 8/23/23)

(WE DEMAND ANSWERS RE ANY DEAL WITH IRAN!!!) Scott et al letter to Blinken & Yellen: On 8/18/23, Sen. Scott (R-FL) led a letter, cosigned by 24 fellow Senate Republicans, addressed to SecState Blinken and Treasury Secretary Yellen. The signers express “significant concern over the administration’s decision to release approximately $6 billion in frozen assets to the Islamic Republic of Iran in exchange for the release of five American detainees” and suggest that “this decision will reinforce an incredibly dangerous precedent and will enable the Iranian regime to increase its destabilizing activities across the Middle East.” They add: “We are also worried that your administration is attempting to sidestep Congress and pursue other pathways to financially compensate Iran in an attempt to renegotiate a successor to the ill-fated 2015 nuclear deal. Any agreement with the Iranian regime that entails financial reward for malign behavior is wholly unacceptable.” The letter goes on to demand written answers, within 30 days, to a list questions related to these concerns.

Also see:

• Press releases:  Scott (R-FL), Lankford (R-OK), Kennedy (R-LA), Cassidy (R-LA), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hagerty (R-TN),
• GOP senators blast Biden’s Iran hostage deal (Jewish Insider 8/21/23)

(WE WANT MORE INFO ABOUT MALLEY SITUATION) McCaul-Mast letter to Blinken: On 8/18/23, Reps. McCaul (R-TX) and Mast (R-FL) sent a letter to SecState Blinken, “to directly reiterate our request that the Department notify and brief the Committee upon any relevant developments regarding the status of Mr. Malley’s employment and his ability to access classified information at the Department. This request is even more important with the recent news that Mr. Malley will be joining both Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs as a visiting professor and guest lecturer, and Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs as a senior fellow. Both developments would suggest a change to his employment status and that he will be leaving the State Department.” The letter adds: “To improve communication and transparency with Congress going forward, we also request that the Department notify and brief this Committee when an Assistant Secretary or higher, a Deputy Chief of Mission or higher, or an individual who is a direct report to you, such as a Special Envoy, has their clearance suspended or revoked.” Also see: McCaul press release.

(TARGETING WORLD VISION) Grassley letters to World Vision & USAID: On 8/11/23 (not previously reported in the Round-Up), Sen. Grassley (R-IA) sent letters to World Vision and to USAID (press release) linked to the case of Mohamed Halabi – the Palestinian from Gaza who after a trial/pre-trial detention that lasted SIX YEARS was convicted by Israel of funneling World Vision funding to support terrorism – a case that has been widely condemned (Amnesty International has classified Halabi as a prisoner of conscience, and involving accusations by Israel that have been contradicated by World Vision auditors – also see: Kafka in Gaza: How Israel turned a Palestinian aid worker into a ‘terrorist’ — All of the evidence in Mohammed Halabi’s six-year trial was either ‘secret’ or implausible. That didn’t stop Israel sentencing him to 12 years in prison.“).

• The letter to demands that World Vision provide the audit to him, and provide answers/records responding to a list of questions, all of which start with the embrace of Israel’s accusations against Halabi — accusations that were not borne out by World Vision’s own audit/investigations – and which appear designed to find a pretense on which to cut off all US funding for World Vision.
• The letter to USAID mirrors the letter to World Vision, this time demanding answers from USAID to questions that, once again, appear to be driven by the goal of establishing a pretext to bar World Vision from receiving US funding.

2. House Members’ Most Excellent Recess Adventures in Israel

AIPAC & its Recent Delegation of House Dems to Israel

• Landsman (D-OH) 8/23/23: video diary of his trip, with comment “Six takeaways from our most recent trip to Israel and the West Bank” [also see AIPAC X-post thanking Landsman and reminding the world – “This month @HouseDemocrats visited Israel with AIEF to see the Jewish state firsthand, meet with top officials across the political spectrum, and learn about how a strong U.S.-Israel relationship helps address pressing security threats.” Landsman also posted full “trip notes” here.
• In 2022, AIPAC opposed Shri Thanedar. This month he went to Israel with the group. (Jewish Insider 8/22/23) [“Thanedar told Jewish Insider in an interview last week following his trip to Israel that he has gone through a ‘big learning experience,’…'[Israel] certainly is a vibrant, liberal democracy. No doubt about that,’ Thanedar continued. ‘And they are an important ally of the United States. It’s a dangerous region. Israel is really the only democracy surrounded by some hostile elements.’… ‘It highlighted why protecting or helping Israel defend herself, by herself, is very essential and critical to our national security and our national interest,’ the Michigan congressman said. ‘It’s a relationship that is mutually beneficial.'”
• Rep. Balint Joined House Dems on August Trip to Israel (Seven Days – Vermont 8/22/23)
• Nickels (D-NC) 8/21/23: Press release – Congressman Nickel Travels to Israel on Congressional Delegation Trip

Other Members in Israel

3. Israel & AIPAC  in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)

AIPAC in the News

Seeking the future of pro-Israel activism (Cleveland Jewish News/Doug Bloomfield 8/24/23) [“AIPAC has plunged into partisanship with a hard turn to the right, embracing evangelical Christians, hardline conservative Republicans and election deniers whose views on everything but Israel were largely anathema to the mainstream Jewish community.”]

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak Takes on AIPAC During Pro-democracy Event in U.S. (Haaretz 8/24/23)

I was involved with AIPAC for 35 years. Their latest move convinced me to join J Street (The Forward 8/23/23)

‘We cannot be selective with justice’: Texas congressional candidate Pervez Agwan is standing up to AIPAC (Mondoweiss 8/22/23)

How AIPAC Can Rescue What’s Left of Its Influence and Credibility (Haaretz 8/22/23) [“While Israelis are speaking out, loudly and clearly, against Netanyahu’s assault on democracy, AIPAC just sticks a finger in their eye and organizes photo-ops with government mouthpieces. Will AIPAC, belatedly, wake up or will it watch Israel crumble?”]

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Affirms Support For Embattled Progressive Incumbents (Yahoo News 8/22/23) [“House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), a staunch ally of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, affirmed his support for the reelection bids of progressive Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar (Minn.) and Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.), whom AIPAC is hoping to oust”]

Ilhan Omar calls Israel lobby AIPAC a ‘right-wing’ PAC funded by ‘dark money’ (F0x News 8/21/23)

AIPAC, J Street and Summer Lee wrangle over 2024 District 12 race (Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh 8/21/23)

Other Israel-related News in Various Races

In Ohio, Frank LaRose looks for his lane – The Ohio secretary of state is facing a three-way primary ahead of next November’s general election against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) (Jewish Insider 8/23/23) [“The Akron native, who described himself as a ‘proud Zionist,’ said he would be a stalwart supporter of Israel in the Senate. ‘I would be not just a casual vote in favor of things like funding Iron Dome’ and ‘opposing BDS,’ he explained… ‘I would be a champion on those and many other things to advance and strengthen the relationship between the United States and the State of Israel.‘”

4. Media & Reports

Baltimore Jewish Times (Mitchell Bard) 8/24/23: How Good Are US-Israel Relations?

Breaking Defense 8/24/23: Any Saudi-Israeli normalization requires clearing major security, defense roadblocks: Experts

The Nation 8/21/23: Cutting US Aid to Israel Doesn’t Go Nearly Far Enough

Middle East Forum 8/18/23: Crocodile Tears from Jailed Muslim Brotherhood Cleric Earns Sympathy from Congress

Jewish News Syndicate 8/18/23: State Dept: Worth naming ambassador to Israel despite Senate political football game [“Foggy Bottom looks forward to working with partners in Congress whenever the administration announces its nominee for ambassador to Israel, a State Department spokesman told JNS.”]

5. Members on the Record

Lawler (R-NY) 8/24/23: X-thread – “Even worse than the disgraceful graduation speech, CUNY hired a professor who was reprimanded at his last job for anti-Israel comments, palled around with Louis Farrakhan & was fired by CNN for openly genocidal comments calling for Israel’s elimination. This is exactly why I introduced H.R. 3773, the Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act, to take away federal funding from any college or university that peddles in anti-Semitism.” Linked to article, CUNY, Under Fire for Antisemitism Complaints, Hires Prominent Anti-Israel Scholar as ‘Presidential Professor’ (The Algemeiner 8/23/23)

Wilson (R-SC) 8/24/23: X-thread – “The multi-ethic and cross-sectarian protests across Syria against brutal Assad this week have inspired the world and demonstrate that Syria has no future and will never stabilize under Assad. Tomorrow at the “Friday of Accountability for Assad” even bigger protests are planned. I am looking forward to Congress soon passing our bipartisan Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act and am grateful to stand for a #FreeSyria. Like Ukrainians, the people of Syria have suffered absolute depravity at the hands of mass murderers Putin & Assad. Those who seek to normalize and reach agreements with Assad are doing business with death itself.”

Letlow (R-LA) 8/24/23: X-post – “Co-Sponsor Alert: I recently signed on to the Fight CRIME Act, which will double-down on sanctions on those aiding Iran’s missile and drone programs and constrain their missile and drone building efforts. It’s time to keep Iran’s illegal actions in check.“

D’Esposito (R-NY) 8/23/23: X-post – “I recently spoke with the Jewish Home to discuss my continued support for Israel here in Congress and the various actions I have taken in the several months of my term. I will always stand up for our great ally Israel.” [gif of article]

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. House Dems’ Most Excellent Recess Adventure Celebrating Israel & AIPAC – continued
3. Israel & AIPAC in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

NOTE: The Congressional Research Service issues two Israel-related reports this month – Israel: Controversy over Judicial System Changes and Proposals (8/4/23) & Israel: Major Issues and U.S. Relations – Updated August 15, 2023

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(IRAQ POLICY) HR 5188: Introduced 8/11/23 by Crane (R-AZ) and no cosponsors, “To maintain in effect certain sanctions imposed with respect to Iraq in the event of a termination of the applicable declared national emergency, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules.

Letters

(DEAL WITH IRAN THREATS & INTIMIDATION RE OIL TANKER IN TX) Ernst et al letter to Biden: On 8/16/23, Sen. Ernst (R-IA) led a bipartisan/bicameral letter, cosigned by 4 fellow senators  and 5 members of Congress, “to urgently request additional information regarding allegations of threats and intimidation by Iran against U.S. citizens and corporations that have prevented the transfer of oil from the  Suez Rajan, an oil tanker anchored outside of Galveston, Texas. The ability for a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) to prevent the transfer of seized assets within U.S. territorial waters is an unprecedented intimidation effort that threatens to undermine our Nation’s security.” Also see:

• X-posts: Ernst (R-IA) 8/16/23: “The Biden admin’s failure to enforce sanctions on Iran has made the world a less safe place. I’m leading the charge to hold President Biden accountable for his lack of action that has emboldened our adversaries.“; Ernst (R-IA) 8/16/23: “Iran is threatening American companies in U.S. waters. This is unacceptable. I’m leading bipartisan oversight to hold @POTUS accountable for emboldening Iranian aggression“; Ernst (R-IA) 8/16/23: : “I’m leading my colleagues in demanding President Biden end his strategy of appeasement and enforce existing sanctions against Iran. [linked to article”]; Miller (R-OH) 8/17/23: “We put sanctions in place to protect America’s interests & provide funding for US Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism. @POTUS needs to enforce American sanctions on Iran. Proud to join @SenJoniErnst
  & others in both parties to address this.”; Stefanik (R-NY) 8/17/23: “I’m leading a bipartisan effort demanding answers from the Biden Administration about Iran’s increased aggression against Western ships. Iran’s ramped-up attacks are the direct result of the Biden Administration pandering to the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism, Iran.”
  

  Press releases: Cramer (R-ND), Stefanik (R-NY),
• Media: Breitbart 8/16/23, Daily Caller 8/16/23, Jewish Insider 8/16/23, Reuters 8/16/23, New York Post 8/16/23, Daily Mail 8/16/23, Washington Examiner 8/16/23)

(KSA INVESTMENT GROUP HEAD MUST TESTIFY) Blumenthal letter to PIF head: On 8/16/23, Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan, along with letters to 4 entities that have reportedly advised Saudi Arabia on PIF’s targeted investments in sports (McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Teneo, and M. Klein & Company). The letters are in response to al-Rumayyan asserting that his position in the Saudi government precludes him from testifying before Blumenthal’s subcommittee. Blumenthal notes that a US court has previously rejected this argument, and states: “PIF cannot have it both ways: if it wants to engage with the United States commercially, it must be subject to United States law and oversight. That oversight includes this Subcommittee’s inquiry.” Blumenthal goes on to: reiterate the subcommittee’s invitation to testify at a hearing on 9/13/23 or negotiate another date if that doesn’t work (adding “Your apparent reluctance to voluntarily appear raises questions about the veracity of your previously cited scheduling conflicts“); to repeat the demand for relevant PIF documents, again noting that a US court precedent makes clear that sovereign immunity does not apply; and to note finally, that “while the Subcommittee will not accept a briefing from a PIF representative in lieu of your testimony and documents from PIF, it will accept a briefing from an appropriate PIF representative to learn more about PIF’s intentions while awaiting your testimony and document production.”

Also see:

• Blumenthal press release
• US senator warns top Saudi over refusal to testify on PGA golf deal (The Guardian 8/16/23)

 

2. House Dems’ Most Excellent Recess Adventure Celebrating Israel and AIPAC – continued

More hostage videos (sorry, I mean video testimonials from Democrats in Israel faithfully reciting AIPAC talking points into the camera (in some cases clearly reading from a script)

• Menendez (D-NJ) 8/15/23
• Goldman (D-NY) 8/12/23
• Thanedar (D-MI) 8/12/23 [note: this is the same guy that UDP – AIPAC’s PAC – spent more than $4 million trying to defeat in his 2022 primary. Apparently he’s not holding a grudge]
• Garcia (D-CA) 8/11/23
• Scholten (D-MI) 8/11/23
• Sorensen (D-IL) 8/11/23

Delegation members posts

 

3. Israel & AIPAC  in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are heating up)

On X (general)

Torres (D-NY) 8/13/23: X-post – “I wrote an op-ed making the case for US Aid to Israel in response to calls for defunding from both the left and the right. US aid to Israel lies at the core of a mutually beneficial friendship that has led to life-saving innovations like Iron Dome (saving both Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs) and path-breaking peace agreements like the Abraham Accords (bringing together Jews, Christians, and Muslims to an extent never seen before). It is a success story of shared peace and prosperity that will endure for the next 75 years and beyond. Here is my op-ed responding to a right-wing case against US Aid to Israel – link” Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Torres for his “leadership in support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and vital security aid that helps keep our ally safe and advances America’s interests.“

Vargas (D-CA) 8/11/23: X-post – “As a Progressive Democrat, I am deeply proud to support @AIPAC. AIPAC is an invaluable source of information and a strong ally of peace & stability in the Middle East.  Thank you AIPAC for your support of the ironclad relationship between America  and Israel .” Also see AIPAC X-post thanking/praising Vargas for this post

Vargas (D-CA) 8/11/23: X-post – “I stand with our Leader @repjeffries as he advocates for Israel , our strategic democratic ally in the Middle East, and her right to self-defense. Thank you Leader Jeffries for your commitment to the ironclad relationship between America and Israel.“

Media

(a) Targeting Rep. Omar (D-MN)

This week saw attacks on Rep. Omar for alleged hypocrisy for having traveled to Qatar for the World Cup on a trip funded by the Qatari government.  These attacks argue that Omar is guilty of “selective outrage” for accepting a trip from a government that is guilty of human rights violations (violations she has notably called out), given her  criticisms of Israel and of pro-Israel funding. However one feels about members of Congress accepting externally-funded travel, Omar’s critics’ line of argument suggests, inaccurately, that Omar’s moral outrage is reserved for Israel when, in fact, she is outspoken in opposing human rights abuses/violations pretty much everywhere).

And speaking of selective outrage: Reps. Swalwell (D-CA), Carson (D-IN),  Tenney (R-NY), LaHood (R-IL) and Steil (R-WI) were all part of the same trip to Qatar that Omar is being attacked for accepting, but outrage is reserved solely for Omar — notwithstanding the fact that some of these members are outspoken when it comes to human rights in other countries. This absence of criticism of the other delegation members is especially notable given that all of the articles attacking Omar include language suggesting that the outrage over her trip is in part linked to Qatar’s connection to Hamas – a US designated terrorist organization.

Finally, if critics of Omar really want to open the Pandora’s box of congressional travel, then it is important to remind people that AIPAC/AIEF is annually a top, if not far-and-away THE top spender in that category. As noted in last week’s Round-Up: “Learn more about AIEF finances and how much these trips cost — IRS form 990s; 2022 filings to the House Clerk laying out trip costs in detail; article from Legistorm 11/21/22, noting that (so far) in 2022 AIEF was the top spender with respect to sponsoring congressional travel, having spent $1.87 million (more than double the other top 2 members, combined).”

• For Ilhan Omar, not all foreign influence spending is bad (Jewish Insider 8/16/23)
• Omar accused of ‘selective outrage’ after Qatar funded her World Cup trip (Jewish News Syndicate 8/16/23)
• All About the (Qatari) Benjamins: Qatar Funded Ilhan Omar’s World Cup Trip (Free Beacon 8/16/23)

(b) AIPAC Attacking Members of Congress & J Street

In recent weeks (maybe longer) AIPAC has been posting on X a regular stream of attacks on J Street and its endorsees in Congress (always ending with the taunting tag line, “@jstreetdotorg is many things, but it’s not pro-Israel” – see latest example.

• Summer Lee (D-PA): On 8/15/23, AIPAC posted on X: “Summer Lee boycotted Israel’s president, calls to condition lifesaving security aid, and aligns with Israel’s loudest critics. Now J Street is hosting fundraisers for her as “a champion of J Street’s core values.” @jstreetdotorg is many things, but it’s not pro-Israel.” On 8/16/12, Lee responsed, “This is a right-wing bully group that supports actual insurrection, white supremacists. But they spent 4 million calling me a Trump supporter bc they can only win w/lies They spend even more money insisting that anyone who doesnt agree w their extreme right-wing views is a bigot.” AIPAC responded, “Despite your transparent and baseless attempts to make it about race, gender, background or party, we oppose you only because of your anti-Israel votes and statements.  Your spins, lies and slander can’t distract from your anti-Israel record – which you notably don’t deny.“
• Nina Turner: Nina Turner, a progressive Democrat (and a Black woman) who AIPAC/UDP (and DMFI) spent big to defeat in her 2022 Democratic primary, responded to AIPAC’s attack on Lee with her own X-post – “This is a right-wing group that endorsed over 100 House Reps that voted to overturn the 2020 election, and funds the likes of Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz. It’s no wonder this PAC continues to target progressive Black women.” AIPAC responded by re-posting its X-post from 11/8/22: “Congratulations @RepShontelBrown! We were proud to support pro-Israel Rep. Shontel Brown and help her defeat an anti-Israel, Bernie Sanders-backed candidate in her primary race. Being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics.” AIPAC/UDP spent millions getting Brown, while notably leaving out of its campaign messaging anything related to Israel — suggesting that pro-Israel is not so much good policy in terms of rallying voters, as much as it is good policy in terms of getting pro-Israel funding. AIPAC’s re-post is clearly meant as a reminder that Brown is also a Black woman, but rather than a “progressive,” she is a Ritchie Torres-style “progressive-except-on-Palestine”.
• Also see: fun X-thread from If Not Now 8/16/23 in response to AIPAC attack on Lee  (with GIF receipts for each point in the thread): “AIPAC is continuing their tried-and-true strategy of targeting progressive candidates of color because they’re willing to stand up for human rights. But let’s be clear about what AIPAC stands for: 1/ AIPAC is many things, but they’re not pro-choice. 2/ AIPAC is many things, but they’re not pro-democracy. 3/ AIPAC is many things but they’re not anti-racist. 4/ AIPAC is many things, but they’re not pro-LGBTQ+ rights. 5/ We can’t fight for a thriving future for all when AIPAC is still enmeshed in our communities and our politics...”
• Attacking others this week: AIPAC X-post 8/15/23: “J Street is fundraising for: Bernie Sanders (condition aid) Summer Lee (boycotted Herzog) Pramila Jayapal (Israel “a racist state”) Jamaal Bowman (Israel’s founding “a catastrophe”) Andre Carson (opposed Iron Dome funds) @jstreetdotorg is many things, but it’s not pro-Israel.“
• Also see: ‘They’re Just an Extremely Wealthy White Org’: Squad Member Feuds With AIPAC Over ‘Bullying’ (Algemeiner 8/17/23) [“

(c) General

• What’s pro-Israel activism’s future amid Netanyahu’s war on democracy? (Jerusalem Post 8/17/23)
• Antisemitism, a divided Congress, Israel protests: CD1 candidates get personal at forum (Providence Journal 8/16/23)
• Dealing with the anti-Israel left [“The great majority of Democrats in Congress are reliably pro-Israel. But the numbers of those who vote against the interests of the Jewish state are growing.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 8/16/23)
• The Guardian Covers For Anti-Israel ‘Squad’ Members in Conspiratorial Piece About AIPAC (Honest Reporting 8/14/23, republished 8/15/23 in the Algemeiner)
• AIPAC Is the pro-Netanyahu, anti-Israel Lobby (Haaretz editorial 8/14/23) [response – AIPAC Is Not an ‘anti-Israel Lobby’ — “Those attacking AIPAC for not adopting Israel’s pro-democracy protest movement appear deliberately ignorant of the one and only issue that matters to the pro-Israel lobby and how and why it operates: To ensure America has Israel’s back” (Haaretz 8/15/23)]
• Jason Blazakis joins crowded N.J. congressional primary to take on Tom Kean Jr.  [“I’ve dedicated my career to fighting the global spread of antisemitism and other forms of extremism and mis- and disinformation. I am proud to call myself a steadfast ally of the State of Israel and in Congress, I will remain a strong and unwavering ally of Israel.“] (Jewish Insider 8/15/23)
• ‘Tip of the spear’: Kustoff, Miller carry Jewish GOP torch in Congress (Jewish News Syndicate 8/14/23)
• AIPAC Is, Again, Siding With the Enemies of Democracy. This Time in Israel [“When a delegation of Democratic Congress members visited Israel last week, organized by AIPAC, the historic pro-democracy protest movement was left off the agenda. After it endorsed GOP election deniers, it’s about time AIPAC realizes that there are no longer any buyers for the fake picture of Israel it’s trying to sell”] (Haaretz 8/13/23 – by Elah Alkalay, Mika Almog, Orly Barlev, Eran Etzion, Yossi Kucik, Orni Petruschka, Gilead Sher)
• AIPAC looking to target Omar, Bowman, and other progressives in Democratic Party primaries (Mondoweiss 8/12/23)
• AIPAC’s attacks on J Street show how out of touch they are (The Forward 8/11/23)
• Pro-Israel PAC pushing Minneapolis Councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw to challenge Ilhan Omar [“While AIPAC targets Omar, Congressional Black Caucus PAC endorses endorses the lawmaker“] (MinnPost 8/10/23)

 

4. Media & Reports

 

5. Members on the Record

Lankford (R-OK) 8/17/23: X-post – “Countries like Iran and Russia shouldn’t be able to avoid international sanctions just by using spoofed location data. @SenatorHassan and my work to crack down on these bad actors is one step closer to becoming law.”

Scott (R-FL) 8/17/23: X-post – “.@JoeBiden is negotiating with terrorists who hate America and want to destroy Israel. We need to get these Americans home without bowing down to the murderous Iranian regime.” Linked to article, Biden administration plan to unfreeze Iran funds draws Republican fire (The Hill 8/17/23)

Ernst (R-IA) 8/17/23: X-post – “Now is not the time for weakness towards our adversaries.    Especially after President Biden’s $6 BILLION payout to Iran that will only encourage their terrorist activities and further endanger Americans.” Linked to article, The Disastrous Implications of the $6 Billion Iran Hostage Deal (The Dispatch 8/15/23)

Rosedale (R-MT) 8/16/23: X-post – “It was a pleasure meeting with Israel’s Consul General @MarcoCSermoneta at my office in Helena. Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and I look forward to the continued partnership between our two countries.“

Risch (R-ID) 8/16/23: X-post – “Today’s sanctions against Green Without Borders are a welcome step. This group, under the guise of environmental activism, has long served as a front for #Hezbollah’s terrorist activities in southern #Lebanon.”

McCaul (R-ID) 8/16/23: X-post – “CHM @RepMcCaul: ‘I am glad to hear that Hizballah’s cover operation, Green Without Borders, has finally been sanctioned for its terrorist activities. I am hoping that this long overdue step will enable more robust enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.‘”

Lankford (R-OK) 8/16/23: X-post – “We have several international agreements with Israel for cooperation in science, agriculture, and cybersecurity. We should build on our successful relationship and collaboration with Israel with the rest of the Abraham Accords countries.”

Bacon (R-NE) 8/16/23: X-post – “Rep. Hoyer is right! ‘This is a substantial amount of money for Iran, which has used money historically for damaging purposes…particularly [against] Israel for support for terrorism…It’s hard to think that it does not incentivize criminal activities.’”

Cruz (R-TX) 8/16/23: press release – Sen. Cruz Issues Statement On Reports Biden Admin Sought Terrorism Exemption for Palestinian Aid; also see Cruz X-post, “The Biden administration has a pathological obsession with undermining the US-Israel relationship and Israeli security. A new report based on internal documents confirms they poured hundreds of millions into Palestinian-controlled areas even though they knew the money would benefit Palestinian terrorists with the blood of Americans and Israelis on their hands.” [all in reference to article in the Free Beacon, Biden Admin Raised Concerns Palestinian Aid Would Boost Hamas. It Went Ahead With Aid Anyway.

McClain (R-MI) 8/15/23: X-post – “President Biden’s relentless pursuit of pleasing the tyrannical Iranian regime is an embarrassment to our country and will only make the Middle East, and the rest of the world, more dangerous.“

Schakowsky (D-IL) 8/15/23: X-post – “I’m proud to represent Mahvash Savet through the @TLHumanRights Defending Freedoms Project & am horrified by Iran’s continued persecution of the Baha’i community! The US & int’l community must condemn this awful decision & seek justice & accountability for Mahvash & all Baha’is!”

Letlow (R-LA) 8/15/23: X-post – “Iranian oil sales not only provide the country with more funds for their illegal nuclear programs, they also benefit hostile nations like China. This bipartisan legislation is a start to putting a stop to these actions.” [accompanied by GIF promoting HR 3774, the “Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act”]

Tenney (R-NY) 8/15/23: X-post (arguing with Murphy, D-CT X-post from 8/10) – “The Biden Admin funneled Iranian mullahs $6 billion to fund terrorism and continued oppression of the Iranian people, not humanitarian efforts. Delusional comments like this only empower the nefarious regime.“

Beyer (D-VA) 8/14/23: X-post – “Ten years ago, hundreds were murdered by the Egyptian regime in the Rabaa massacre. The victims, their families, and the Egyptian people deserve justice, and I urge to the U.S. government to seek accountability for the perpetrators.“

Blackburn (R-AR) 8/14/23: X-post – “The Biden administration is prepared to give $6 billion to Iran in a hostage deal. This is a dangerous move that puts the U.S. in a weak position. We should not be negotiating with terrorists.”

Cotton (R-AR) 8/14/23: X-post – “I welcome the release of American hostages from Iran. But President Biden’s $6 billion ransom payment only encourages the ayatollahs to take more hostages and will finance terrorist attacks against Americans and our allies.”

Murphy (D-CT) 8/12/23: X-thread responding to thread from FDD’s Mark Dubowitz– “Nearly every word of this thread is flat wrong. 1/ It’s useful to explain why, bc this critique hits all the highlights of the neocon, Iran hawk, anti-diplomacy argument (the policy that keeps failing) 2/ For the last time, it’s so hacky to say it’s a “ransom”. It’s not. The fact that Iran is our enemy doesn’t change the law. And the law says the $6B is Iran’s money that we were holding. And it can only be used to buy oil and food for people in need. 3/ Even worse, it’s just made up to suggest the $3B from Iraq is a “cash payment” for hostages. It’s a commercial debt Iraq owes for Iran for energy imports. Iraq has to pay it. Even Trump authorized these transactions bc he knew Iraq can’t exist without Iranian energy. 4/ Biden is not bypassing Congress. INARA requires Congress vote on a nuclear agreement with Iran. Just like Trump’s hostage deal with Iran (yup, he did one too!), Biden’s hostage arrangement doesn’t trigger congressional review. 5/ Mark is angry that Iran is enriching to 60%! Ok, so why did he oppose the JCPOA which was limiting enrichment to 3.6%?? Trump pulled out of the deal, and surprise – Iran boosted enrichment. How on earth is that Biden’s fault, and what does it have to do with hostages? 6/ Just not true they there has been “minimal to no response” to Iranian proxy attacks on US troops (btw these attacks weren’t happening during the JCPOA!). Biden has ordered multiple strikes, and since he did, proxy attacks have trailed off. 7/ And finally, the general idea that “Iran’s nuclear expansion” is Biden’s fault is laughable. Iran’s nuclear program was constrained by the JCPOA. It would still be today if Trump had listened to his nat sec advisors instead of deal critics like Mark, and stayed in the deal.“

Murphy (D-CT) 8/11/23: X-post – “It’s a special breed of Iran hawk that says you should never ever ever ever ever trust anything Iran says, EXCEPT when the things Iran says align with the Iran hawks’ positions.”

Lankford (R-OK) 8/11/23: X-post – “In another win for the Abraham Accords, Israel has now recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco—This is great news for progress toward peace in the Middle East and North Africa.“

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. House Dems’ Most Excellent Recess Adventure Celebrating Israel & AIPAC
3. Israel in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are starting to heat up)
4. Media & Reports
5. Members on the Record

New this week from FMEP:

• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast – Has Israel Annexed the West Bank? ft. , FMEP’s Kristin McCarthy talking to Shira Livne (ACRI/Association for Civil Rights in Israel) about all things annexation. Including, how is annexation related to the current judicial reforms? What has annexation looked like previous to the current government? How significant are the changes in governance that the current government have taken? Should we consider the West Bank, or just Area C, annexed?

NOTE: Until a consensus taxonomy takes hold, in the Round-Up what were formerly labeled “Tweets” will be labeled “X-posts,” “Twitter threads” will be “X-threads,” and “retweets” will be “X-reposts”

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(US MUST TREAT SETTLEMENTS AS PART OF ISRAEL – & NOT DOING SO IS ANTI-ISRAEL BDS) HR 5179 (text): Introduced 8/8/23 by Tenney (R-NY), “To require the maintenance of the country of origin markings for imported goods produced in the West Bank or Gaza, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Reminder — As has always been the case in this battle over how to label place-of-origin of settlement products, the Tenney/Free Beacon argument boils down to: (1) if people know that some products are produced in settlements, they will likely on their own make the decision to boycott these products as a form of personal protest against Israeli policies; (2) such a boycott by individual purchasers, reflecting their own deeply-held values, CANNOT BE PERMITTED; and (3) to prevent consumers making purchasing decisions that are consistent with their own deeply-held beliefs in the Israel/Palestine context, the U.S. must allow these products to be mis-labeled to conceal their point of origin — and to do otherwise is BDS/anti-Israel.

Also see:

• Tenney (R-NY) 8/8/23: press release – Congresswoman Tenney Reaffirms Support for Israeli Sovereignty Over Area C in Judea and Samaria; also see Tenney X-post – “The US must continue to stand firmly against efforts to delegitimize Israel. That’s why I introduced the Anti-BDS Labeling Act to protect the Trump-era rule that reiterates our nation’s dedication to protecting Israel’s sovereignty over Area C in Judea and Samaria.” Also Tenney X-post 8/11/23
  
• Free Beacon 8/8/23: How Republicans Are Working Against Dem Attempts To Boycott Israel

Letters

(DON’T CERTIFY CERTAIN FMF FOR EGYPT) Meeks et al letter: On 8/10/23 Rep. Meeks (D-NY) led a letter, cosigned by 10 fellow House Democrats, to SecState Blinken. The letter expresses the signers’ “concerns over the State Department providing the $320 million conditioned on human rights” in the FY22 SFOPS  law. After recognizing the importance of Egypt etc, the signers note, “ we are strongly concerned by reports from both the State Department as well as numerous credible human rights and civil society organizations about the persistent and continued systemic violations of human rights in Egypt.” After laying out details of these concerns, they conclude: “Therefore, as the Department weighs whether to grant Egypt the $320 million in FY22 FMF or to withhold such funds from obligation, we call on you not to certify that Egypt has taken ‘sustained and effective steps’ to implement the criteria as required by law…” The letter closes: “As we continue to stand for the prioritization of basic human rights in our foreign policy and call on the Administration to adhere to the spirit and letter of the law in ensuring progress in the U.S. – Egypt relationship, we call on you to withhold the full $320 million of FY22 FMF until Egypt’s human rights record significantly improves.”

Also see:

• press release
• X-posts: Connolly (D-VA), Meeks (D-NY), Kamlager-D0ve (D-CA)

(KEEP FUNDING ISRAEL CYBER PROGRAMS) Garbarino et al letter to Mayorkas: On 8/4/23, Rep. Garbarino (R-NY) led a letter, co-signed by 5 fellow House Republicans, urging Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, expressing, “serious concerns with reports that the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is considering defunding two programs vital to our national security at home and abroad: the U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation grant program and the U.S.-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Homeland Security (BIRD HLS) program.” The letter goes on: “Currently, language outlined in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations states, ‘S&T shall consider funding’ both of these programs. This non-binding language allows the Department to decide whether these programs are funded to the levels authorized by Congress. With this in mind, we encourage you to consider the Congressional intent behind authorizing these programs and fund both programs to the fullest extent possible.”

Also see:

• Garbarino press release
• GOP lawmakers caution DHS could defund cooperative programs with Israel (Jewish Insider 8/4/23)

 

2. House Dems’ Most Excellent Recess Adventure Celebrating Israel and AIPAC

This week, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), along with Hoyer (D-MD) and AIPAC President Michael Tuchin, led a delegation of 24 House Democrats (and in some cases – not clear how many – their spouses) to Israel. This trip is organized and paid for by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) — an arm of AIPAC — and is part of the regular schedule of AIPAC/AIEF-backed congressional travel to Israel that takes place every year, involving a huge percentage of members of Congress (and spouses) and huge financial investments by AIPAC/AIEF.

AIPAC announced on its website: “House Democrats visit Israel with AIEF — A delegation of 24 House Democrats, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, and Former Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, is in Israel this week with the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF)—the charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC. The members will receive exclusive briefings about the strategic threats facing the Jewish state, tour Israel’s northern and southern borders, witness vital U.S.-Israel security programs up close, and meet with top Israeli and Palestinian officials. Follow @AIPAC on social media for updates.” That same page on AIPAC’s site includes an array of materials PR materials related to the trip, including members’ posts on X, video testimonials, photos, and more.

Below is a compilation of resources – articles, videos, social media posts – related to the visit.

Reminder about AIEF vs AIPAC (Excerpt from the 8/15/19 edition of the Round-Up)

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

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

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

How much does AIEF, the sister organization to AIPAC, spend on these trips?
…according to Legistorm, going into the August recess [2019], AIEF had already spent more on Congressional travel in 2019 than any other group, “dropping more than $407,000 on travel to Israel for a bipartisan group of 29 staffers.” [UPDATE in the 8/4/23 Round-Up: Learn more about AIEF finances and how much these trips cost — IRS form 990s; 2022 filings to the House Clerk laying out trip costs in detail; article from Legistorm 11/21/22, noting that (so far) in 2022 AIEF was the top spender with respect to sponsoring congressional travel, having spent $1.87 million (more than double the other top 2 members, combined).]

Israeli government on the visit

• The IDF 8/10/23: X-post – “We hosted a U.S. Democratic Congressional Delegation organized by @AIPAC, led by House Minority Leader @RepJeffries and @RepStenyHoyer. The delegation toured an Iron Dome battery and Hezbollah’s terrorist tunnels in northern Israel. We held productive discussions on shared security challenges & strengthening the ironclad bond between Israel and the U.S.” [with pix] Also see AIPAC X-post echoing the IDF post
  
• Benny Gantz (Blue/White) 8/8/23: X-post – “I had the pleasure this evening to host two true friends of Israel, House Minority Leader @repjeffries and Congressman @repstenyhoyer, leading a US congressional delegation from the Democratic Party organized by @AIPAC. We discussed the Iranian threat, the prospects of normalization, and combating growing antisemitism abroad.” Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Gantz
  
• Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 8/7/23: X-thread (with video of speech, featuring Jeffries & Tuchin seated together at the front in Netanyahu’s briefing room as Netanyahu delivers his remarks) -“Prime Minister Benjamin, Netanyahu met today with a US Democratic Congressional delegation, organized by AIPAC, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and AIPAC President Michael Tuchin. Full remarks >> PM Netanyahu: “The future belongs to those who innovate but the future also belongs to the free societies who cooperate with each other to assure that our people, our citizens, get the benefits of AI and not its curses. We have plenty of both. I think in this regard, and in many other regards, Israel has no better ally than the United States and the United States has no better ally than Israel. We are the innovation society. The most important thing is to produce a credible military threat to Iran. The other thing is use it. We don’t want a world in which Iran can threaten New York or Washington or Los Angeles or anything in between with nuclear weapons. Certainly we’re not going to have one in which they could annihilate Israel, which they call a one-bomb country. It’s an abhorrent statement but it tells you where they are. We will do everything in our power, with or without this or that agreement, to defend ourselves. PM Netanyahu: I wanted to thank you for your position on antisemitism and on the mendacious attack on Israel as an apartheid state, for your support for Israel’s security and supporting the President’s effort to expand the peace. These are hectic times but also full of promise.” Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Netanyahu for these remarks
• President Herzog 8/7/23: X-post – “It was my honor to welcome tonight a distinguished delegation of House Democrats visiting Israel with @AIPAC, led by House Democratic Leader @RepJeffries. It was a special pleasure to welcome longstanding friend of the State of Israel Rep @StenyHoyer.” With pix. Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Herzog
  

AIPAC-produced Video Testimonials, posted on X, from Dems in Israel

These videos, in which Dems dutifully recite AIPAC talking points directly into the camera, have half-jokingly dubbed “hostage videos” by at least one poster on X. Another insightful X poster noted, “Why do US Congress members visiting/discussing #Israel always act cringier than this SNL sketch?“ (video embedded in X-post)

• Nickel (D-NC)
• Moskowitz (D-FL)
• Petterson (D-CO)
• Aguilar (D-CA)
• Ryan (D-NY)
• Tokuda (D-HI)
• Caraveo (D-CO)
• Stevens (D-MI)
• Jeffries (D-NY)
• Hoyer (D-MD)
• Schneider (D-IL)
• Landsman (D-OH)
• Davis (D-NC)
• Plus an additional video from Stevens (D-MI) — a super cringey performance in the AIEF tour bus in Israel (with entire bus chiming in at the end) that definitely feels more Birthright than congressional delegation

Members on the Record on the Visit

• Moskowitz (D-FL) 8/11/23: X-post – “It was a pleasure to be back in Israel this week with my fellow @HouseDemocrats for my 2nd congressional visit. I’m always grateful to be in the company of such great people, reaffirming the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel” [with pix] Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Moskowitz
• Nickel (D-NC) 8/9/23: X-post – “This week, I’m joining @HouseDemocrats in Israel to meet with key leaders and officials, visit strategic and historical sites, and experience the Jewish state firsthand. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and look forward to strengthening the relationship between the [US flag] and [Israeli flag]. [with pic of Nickel and his wife in the Western Wall plaza] Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Nickel
• Landsman (D-OH) 8/8/23: X-post – pre-trip video [walking the world through the swag bag/packing list/itinerary provided to members by AIEF] Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Landsman
• Davis (D-NC) 8/8/23: X-post – “Great discussion with retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, the former international spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces. He provided a detailed, informative strategic overview of regional threats. A peaceful Middle East is crucial to democracy and world peace.” Also see AIPAC X-repost and comment
  
• Hoyer (D-MD) 8/7/23: X-post – “Pleased to be in Israel with @RepJeffries and 24 other House Democrats. On my twentieth trip to Israel, I look forward to continuing my work to strengthen our U.S.-Israel relationship & protect the shared principles that bind our nations together.” Also see press release [specified that “shared principles” are “democracy, freedom, and justice”] and AIPAC X-post thanking Hoyer
  
• Davis (D-NC) 8/7/23: X-post – We’re in Israel, part of a Congressional delegation, ready to engage with leaders on defense & diplomacy. We have much to gain from working together in agrotechnology, health care, and building a more resilient economy. Collaboration is critical as we work to strengthen the U.S. — Israel relationship.” Also see: AIPAC X-post thanking Davis; DMFI X-post thanking Davis
• Jeffries (D-NY) press release 8/6/23: LEADER JEFFRIES, REP. HOYER AND HOUSE DEMOCRATS TRAVEL TO ISRAEL [“‘With this trip, House Democrats reaffirm our commitment to the special relationship between the United States and Israel, one anchored in our shared democratic values and mutual geopolitical interests, [emphasis added]’ said Leader Jeffries. ‘We will learn ways Congress can continue strengthening this alliance and enable peace and stability between Israel and its neighbors. As we listen and learn, we reiterate our ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Israel and to the existence of Israel as a prosperous and Jewish democratic state.’”] Also see AIPAC X-post thanking Jeffries

AIPAC on the Visit

• AIPAC X-post 8/11/23: “This week with AIEF, @HouseDemocrats visited a #Hezbollah tunnel that was discovered by the @IDF before it could be used to launch attacks against Israelis. The Iran-backed terrorist group spent years and millions of dollars building attack tunnels like these. Israel can detect the tunnels with technology developed through joint U.S.-Israel R&D, funded by Congress.” [with video of members of Congress in the tunnels]
• AIPAC X-post 8/9/23: “In Israel with AIEF, @HouseDemocrats visited an Iron Dome battery to see the lifesaving system that protects against Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorism. Iron Dome is a hallmark of the  relationship and a byproduct of consistent U.S. support for Israel’s safety. #AIEF2023“ [with pix]
• AIPAC X-thread 8/7/23: “.@RepJeffries: “With this trip, @HouseDemocrats reaffirm our commitment to the special relationship between the United States and Israel, one anchored in our shared democratic values and mutual geopolitical interests.” #AIEF2023” & “.@RepStenyHoyer: “On my twentieth trip to Israel, I look forward to continuing my work to strengthen our U.S.-Israel relationship and to protect the shared principles of democracy, freedom, and justice that bind our nations together.” #AIEF2023”
• AIPAC X-post 8/7/23: “House Democratic Leader @RepJeffries with a delegation of 24 @HouseDemocrats in Israel: “We reiterate our ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Israel and to the existence of Israel as a prosperous and Jewish democratic state.” #AIEF2023“
• AIPAC X-post 8/7/23: “House Democratic Leader @RepJeffries and a delegation of @HouseDemocrats are in Israel this week with AIEF. Thank you @RepJeffries for your leadership and your work to strengthen the ties between America and our ally Israel!  #StrongerTogether“

Media Reports on the visit — On meeting with Palestinians

• WAFA 8/7/23: PM calls on US to recognize Palestine during meeting US Congress members [“Shtayyeh called on Congress to pressure Israel to allow holding of Palestinian elections, including Jerusalem, in accordance with the signed agreements, considering that Israel’s failure to allow this is an attempt to fight Palestinian democracy. The PM also demanded that the US administration’s condemnation of settlements be translated into deterrent measures that protect the two-state solution from Israel. On the other hand, the Prime Minister called on members of Congress to push for amending laws and regulations that target the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization and link them to terrorism.“] [NOTE: As far as I can tell, no members of the delegation posted on X or spoke publicly about meeting with any Palestinians]

Media Reports on the visit — On judicial “reform”/”overhaul” & protests

• Jewish News Syndicate 8/9/23: Democratic lawmakers say ties with Israel will survive [“‘I don’t think that the issue of judicial reform will undermine the relationship,’ said Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).”]
• Washington Free Beacon 8/9/23: AOC Accuses Pro-Israel Lobbying Group of ‘Funneling Dark Money’ to ‘Undermine Democracy’ [“NY Dem blasted for using ‘antisemitic tropes’ in fundraising email“]
• Times of Israel 8/7/23: Top House Democrat says judicial overhaul must not affect US military aid to Israel
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 8/7/23: In Israel with fellow Democrats, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries says judicial legislation won’t affect US aid
• Jacob Kornbluth (The Forward) 8/7/23: X-thread – “House Dem leader Hakeem Jeffries tells reporters after meeting Netanyahu that the Israeli PM told the group that additional changes in the judicial reform plan will pass only with ‘a broad consensus across the ideological spectrum,’ as the Democrats said they want to see. 1/5 Netanyahu was also equally clear that, in his view, Israel would not move away from its foundation as a liberal democracy, Jeffries said, adding that the mass protests against the judicial overhaul are a positive sign that Israel is a vibrant democracy. 2/5 The House Dem leader said that while it’s not his job to ‘articulate the precise contours’ for judicial reform, what binds the two countries together are ‘respect for the rule of law and an independent judiciary that serves as a check and balance on other parts of the government’ Jeffries made it clear that U.S. funds for Israel’s security needs will continue “regardless of where Israel lands in terms of the judicial reform effort,” given the shared strategic interests. 4/5 Jeffries said his expectations are that ‘during a time at which both of our countries are facing concerns that the fabric of our democracies are being undermined that we both emerge from this period of time with democracy strengthened, not weakened.’ On Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in WB, Jeffries said Netanyahu made it clear to the delegation that he ‘doesn’t condone violence, no matter where it originates. And I take him at his word.’“
• Jewish News Syndicate/Israel Hayom 8/7/23: Jeffries: US support for Israel above judicial reform (original JNS version)
• Haaretz 8/7/23: The Biggest Lies Netanyahu Probably Told AIPAC’s Visiting Democratic Delegation to Israel  [“‘Twenty-four Democratic members of Congress met Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday and heard from him that despite his judicial overhaul, ‘Israel will remain a liberal democracy.’ AIPAC won’t set the record straight for them, so Haaretz will at least try to do so”]
• Jerusalem Post 8/7/23: US to ensure Israel’s security regardless of judicial reform – Jeffries Also see AIPAC X-repost, “.@RepJeffries: “The stakes are too high in a very dangerous world for anything other than our continued security cooperation to remain ironclad.” #AIEF2023“
• Amichai Stein (Kann) 8/7/23: X-post – “Israel PM Netanyahu meets Democratic congressmen delegation led by @RepJeffries and @RepStenyHoyer” [with group pic of smiling delegation members]
• Jewish Insider 8/7/23: Jeffries tells Netanyahu that he hopes the PM will seek a broad consensus on judicial reform
• Haaretz 8/7/23: Pro-democracy Demonstrators Urge Hakeem Jeffries to Meet With Protest Leaders While in Israel

Media Reports on the visit — On settlements, Iran, etc

• Haaretz 8/10/23: Lapid Tells U.S. Lawmakers Saudi Arabia Cannot Be Allowed to Enrich Uranium [“In first official reaction by an Israeli leader, opposition head tells Democratic Congresspeople he opposes making normalization conditional on a Saudi nuclear program. Likud: He should not be preaching to the PM about security”]
• Times of Israel 8/10/23: Lapid said to tell US lawmakers: Giving Saudis uranium for peace ‘endangers Israel’
• Haaretz 8/7/23: House Democrats Raise Concerns Over Israeli Settlers’ Violence in Meeting With Netanyahu

Media Reports — On visit in general

• The Florida Star 8/11/23: In Israel, House Democrats Reaffirm ‘solidarity With The Jewish State’
• The Guardian 8/11/23: Democratic House leader under fire for Israel trip sponsored by lobbyist group
• Jerusalem Post 8/10/23: Editor’s Notes: How to create more pro-Israel progressives [“Members of Congress who visit Israel go back to the US with a newfound appreciation of the Jewish state.“]
• Momdoweiss 8/10/23: AIPAC strikes back with the help of cooperative Democrats
• Jewish News Syndicate 8/10/23: In Israel, House Democrats reaffirm ‘solidarity with the Jewish state’ [“Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) told JNS that he was excited to meet both the prime minister of Israel and the prime minister of “Palestine”]
• Jerusalem Post 8/8/23: Despite anti-Israel rumblings, US Democrats signal business as usual – analysis [“The narrative that Israel is losing the Democrats is one that many people with wildly different agendas are interested in promoting.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 8/7/23: Two dozen US House Democrats visiting Israel
• Haaretz 8/7/23: Top House Democrat Leads AIPAC-sponsored Trip to Israel Amid Controversies [“Over $2.6 million was spent on privately sponsored travel to Israel for Democrats and Republicans in 2022, with Democrats set to visit again and ‘reaffirm the special relationship’ between the two countries”]
• Jewish Insider 8/6/23: Hakeem Jeffries takes House Democrats on AIPAC-affiliated trip to Israel [“According to a draft list of attendees viewed by JI, participants on the trip, which is being organized by the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), include Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Becca Balint (D-VT), Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 8/7/23: Netanyahu meets with 24 Democratic Congress members
• Reuters 8/6/23: Delegation of US House Democrats to visit Israel, occupied West Bank this week
• Jacob Kornbluth (The Forward) 8/6/23: X-thread – “‘House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is leading a delegation of 25 Dems on trip to Israel this week. Trip is sponsored by AIPAC’s American Israel Education Foundation. The group will discuss regional peace, Iran & “the ongoing judicial reform debate,’ Dem leader’s office says. Delegation will also visit the West Bank and meet with Palestinian leaders.“

3. Israel in the 2024 Election Cycle (things are starting to heat up)

In parallel to AIPAC spending the week using social media to promote its current delegation of Democrats to Israel, and getting delegation members to commit – on video – to AIPAC talking points (covered in detail above), this week saw the definitive (inevitable, predictable) emergence of Israel as a political issue/weapon in the 2024 elections.

(A) AIPAC investing in 2024 Democratic races

• Mondoweiss 8/10/23: The Shift: AIPAC eyes another round of Democratic races, brings Jeffries group to Israel [“AIPAC is preparing to spend big on the Democratic primaries again. A recent congressional trip to Israel has demonstrated the power the organization still holds, even among some progressives.“]
• Jewish Insider 8/9/23: AIPAC steps up efforts to oust anti-Israel lawmakers [“After focusing on open primaries in 2022, the pro-Israel PAC is targeting several left-wing Squad members for 2024” Excerpt – “In recent months, AIPAC has stepped up its recruitment efforts to challenge Democratic incumbents who have clashed with the pro-Israel establishment, pushing the activist left into a defensive crouch as it prepares for a potentially bruising primary cycle. The bipartisan pro-Israel group has been actively courting a slate of House candidates to oppose marquee members of the ‘Squad,’ including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), according to multiple sources familiar with AIPAC’s outreach who spoke with Jewish Insider on Tuesday.”]
• Haaretz 8/6/23: GOP Megadonor Gives $1m to AIPAC SuperPAC, Likely to Fuel Friction With Democrats [“Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus’ donation to AIPAC’s United Democracy Project means the super PAC has $8.7 million 15 months ahead of Election Day. Last year, progressive groups were furious that AIPAC allowed Republican supporters to influence Democratic elections“]
• For folks interesting in following the fundraising record of AIPAC’s “United Democracy Project,” bookmark this page at the FEC website… [you can also follow DMFI’s fundraising here]

(B) Making Israel an issue in specific races

• WESA 8/11/23: AIPAC signals potential 2024 moves against U.S. Rep. Summer Lee
• Jewish Insider 8/10/23: In Houston, a far-left insurgent challenges a Democratic incumbent on Israel [“‘Most people want the United States not to be sending aid to countries that violate human rights,’ Agwan told The Intercept last month. ‘It starts with electing people that aren’t going to be bought off by any lobbying group. So I think Lizzie really needs to start shifting her stance, and she won’t do it, because she’s funded by AIPAC.’”]
• Scarsdale 10583 8/9/23: Congressman Bowman Could Be In For A Challenge Due To His Stance on Israel
• New York Magazine 8/8/23: Ex-Rebel With a Cause [“Mondaire Jones wants back in Congress, and that means making nice with the Democratic establishment.” excerpt – “In another break with his lefty allies, Jones said he would have gladly attended the Israeli president’s address to Congress last month, which Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, and Bowman boycotted. Since then, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee started recruiting a primary challenger to Bowman. As for Jones, he said, ‘I’ve got a great relationship with AIPAC,’ and his team would not say whether he would endorse the AIPAC-backed challenger or Bowman, only that Bowman doesn’t need his endorsement.”]
• Mondoweiss 8/7/23: The Democratic consensus on Israel is beginning to fracture, but leadership is not budging on issue

(C) AIPAC and RJC on the Offensive

Social media sparring (and snarking) by AIPAC & its detractors is now in high gear. Some key exchanges on X from this week (these are in addition to weeks of AIPAC attacking J Street and its endorsees on social media):

Exchange 1 (Justice Democrats vs AIPAC, AIPAC vs Nina Turner):

• Justice Democrats 8/9/23 (responding to Jewish Insider article about AIPAC targeting progressive Democratic candidates and incumbents in the next cycle): “AIPAC is actively & publicly targeting progressive Black lawmakers who consistently stand up for the basic human rights of the Palestinian people. Will Democratic Party leadership do anything to stop AIPAC targeting its incumbents or does an AIPAC check buy their silence?”
• Reply from AIPAC 8/10/23: “.@justicedems is upset about targeting incumbents? Really? AOC (Crowley) Bowman (Engel) Pressley (Capuano) Bush (Clay) Cisneros (Cuellar) Morse (Neal) Collins (Davis) Kelly (Cooper) AIPAC actively & publicly backs pro-Israel Democrats, including progressive Black lawmakers.”
• Reply from Nina Turner (the Ohio Democrat whose 2022 race was targeted by massive AIPAC/UDP & DMFI funding): “AIPAC backed 109 Republicans who voted to overturn the 2020 election [receipt]. AIPAC is anti-democracy and anti-Black.”
• AIPAC response: “Didn’t you lose your bids for Congress to an AIPAC-backed progressive, pro-democracy Black woman? We are proud to have supported your opponent, a strong pro-Israel Democratic voice who is now in the Congressional Black and Progressive Caucuses.”
  

Exchange 2 (Justice Democrats vs AIPAC, AIPAC vs Mark Pocan):

• Justice Democrats 8/9/23 (responding to Jewish Insider article about AIPAC targeting progressive Democratic candidates and incumbents in the next cycle): “AIPAC is actively & publicly targeting progressive Black lawmakers who consistently stand up for the basic human rights of the Palestinian people. Will Democratic Party leadership do anything to stop AIPAC targeting its incumbents or does an AIPAC check buy their silence?”
• Reply from AIPAC 8/10/23: “.@justicedems is upset about targeting incumbents? Really? AOC (Crowley) Bowman (Engel) Pressley (Capuano) Bush (Clay) Cisneros (Cuellar) Morse (Neal) Collins (Davis) Kelly (Cooper) AIPAC actively & publicly backs pro-Israel Democrats, including progressive Black lawmakers.”
• Reply from Rep. Pocan (D-WI) 8/11/23 – “You raise big sums of Republican money and spend it in Democratic primaries. Trojan Horse money. That’s the real beef. Those donors usually spend money to defeat Dems. I guess some of us consider that anti-democratic. Big D and small d. Just stating the facts, @AIPAC“
• AIPAC response 8/11/23 – “It’s entirely democratic for Americans to help elect politicians with pro-Israel policies they agree with & help defeat politicians with anti-Israel policies they disagree with. Policy, not partisanship. Transparent, not ‘Trojan Horse money.’ Just stating the facts, @MarkPocan“

Exchange 3 (RJC vs. US Jewish Dems):

• Jacob Kornbluth (The Forward) 8/9/23: “Ted Cruz is the latest Republican to invoke George Soros for fundraising” [with pic of Cruz mailer]
• USJewish Dems re-post with comment 8/10/23: “Ted Cruz is resorting to antisemitism to raise money. This is the latest example of antisemitic rhetoric from GOP leaders.“
• Republican Jewish Committee response 8/10/23: “Senator @tedcruz is a stalwart champion for the causes that matter to the Jewish community. Meanwhile, national Democrats have lined up behind radical Colin Allred, who has: • voted to keep antisemite Ilhan Omar on the House Foreign Affairs Committee; • supported the disastrous JCPOA nuclear deal with the terrorist regime in Iran; • opposed the successful effort to block Washington D.C.’s radical criminal code overhaul, which would have reduced sentences for violent criminals; • and Allred isn’t just endorsed by anti-Israel J Street – which routinely criticizes Israel for defending itself against Palestinian terrorism – he let them plan the Mideast trip he took part in earlier this year, while accepting nearly $200,000 of their tainted money. Try again,  @USJewishDems – this is pathetic.”

4. Media & Reports

5. Members on the Record

Israel/Palestine

Wicker (R-MS) 8/10/23: X-thread – “Throughout my time in Congress, I have pushed for greater support for Israel. Last month, I met with Mississippians from Christians United for Israel to discuss their priorities.“

Lawler (R-NY) 8/10/23: X-thread – “I enjoyed meeting with members of @Hadassah from my district. Hadassah is the largest woman Zionist organization in America, with over 300,000 members located in all 50 states, 5700 of whom reside in #NY17. It was wonderful to speak with these women about my work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, my efforts to combat anti-Semitism at home and abroad, and the important work that must be done to combat women’s heart health and infertility issues.”

Lankford (R-CO) 8/8/23: X-post – “This year we continue to honor the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel and the growing success of the Abraham Accords among the US, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.” AIPAC X-post thanking Lanford

Massie (R-KY) 8/8/23: X-post – “‘More and more Americans who are fundamentally sympathetic to Israel are increasingly antagonistic to the idea of foreign aid in general.’ ‘U.S. officials should understand that the best way to ensure a peaceful, secure Israel and a strong America is to make sure both countries spend money sensibly and strengthen their own military capabilities.’” Linked to article, The Pro-America Case for Ending Aid (Tablet 8/6/23)

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/6/23: X-post – “I led a bipartisan group of 50 Members (30 Democrats & 20 Republicans) asking @SecBlinken to update Congress on the status of negotiating an end to the Palestinian Authority’s ‘Pay for Slay’ program rewarding deadly terror attacks with monetary payments.” Linked to article, US lawmakers call on Biden to end PA’s ‘pay for slay’ (Jewish News Syndicate 7/19/23). Also see AIPAC tweet thanking Gottheimer

Iran

Members (all Republicans) dunking on Biden Administration for deal to release Americans held by Iran: Loudermilk (R-GA), Malliotakis (R-NY), Budd (R-NC), Hill (R-AR), Issa (R-CA), Harshbarger (R-TN), Wilson (R-SC), Mooney (R-WV), Lawler (R-NY), Cruz (R-TX), McClain (R-MI), Stefanik (R-NY), Scott (R-SC), Scott (R-SC), Hagerty (R-TN), Britt (R-AL), Santos (R-NY)

Members (all Democrats) praising/defending Biden Administration for deal to release Americans held by Iran: Himes (D-CT), Murphy (D-CT – noting that it was Trump who changed US policy re hostages),  Murphy (D-CT), Murphy (D-CT), Schakowsky (D-IL), Cardin (D-MD), Coons (D-DE)

 

 

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Media & Reports
3. Members on the Record

This week from FMEP:

• New Occupied Thoughts podcast: The Palestine Laboratory – A Conversation with Antony Loewenstein, ft. journalist, filmmaker, and author Antony Loewenstein in conversation with FMEP’s Lara Friedman about his new book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World
• New Occupied Thoughts podcast: Defending Palestine Free Speech — The Case of Fatima Mohammed, ft. Palestine Legal’s Amal Thabateh in conversation with FMEP’s Lara Friedman
• New FMEP webinar: Blockade, Bombings, and Continuing Trauma: Assessing Mental Health in Gaza, ft. Dr. Yasser Abu-Jamei (Gaza Community Mental Health Programme), Ghada Majadli (Physicians for Human Rights Israel), and Razzan Quran (George Washington University) in conversation with Dr. Yara Asi (FMEP Non-resident Fellow)

 

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

none.

Letters

(ADJUST US APPROACH TO LEBANON) Risch letter to Biden; Issa-Lahood-Miller letter to Blinken: On 8/4/23, Sen. Risch (R-ID) led a letter to President Biden arguing that the US “must take a more assertive role in shaping Lebanon’s trajectory, or risk losing Lebanon entirely as an Iranian client state. The United States must better support credible political candidates and a robust civil society, increase sanctions against corrupt Lebanese officials across the sectarian spectrum, impose costs for Hezbollah’s use of civilian areas to store weapons that threaten Israel, expand support to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), seek to eliminate Iranian revenue streams that keep Hezbollah afloat, and prioritize accountability as a pillar of American policy.” Also this week, according to press reports, Reps. Issa (R-CA), Lahood (R-IL) and Miller (R-OH) sent a letter [not posted on any of their websites or on social media] to SecState Blinken expressing similar concerns.

Also see:

• Risch tweet
• Lebanon: Republicans in Congress call for sanctions against political class (Al-Monitor 8/4/23)
• Beirut blast: US sanctions ‘must target Lebanon’s political class’ — Calls for accountability are mounting as Lebanon marks the third anniversary of the deadly port explosion [The National News (UAE) 8/4/23)

(LIFT HOLD ON DESPERATELY NEEDED HUMANITARIAN AID FOR PALESTINIANS) Carson letter to HFAC/SFRC GOP leaders blocking UNRWA aid: As reported last week, this week Rep. Carson (D-IN) continued seeking cosigners on a letter to HFAC Chair McCaul (R-TX) and SFRC Ranking member Risch (R-ID), “to respectfully request” that they “release the hold placed on the $75 million in previously appropriated congressional funding in the FY2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which is designated for the provision of food assistance to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza administered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).” The letter is reportedly set to close on August 9.

(WITHHOLD EGYPT MILITARY AID) Murphy et al letter to SecState Blinken: On 7/28/23, Sen. Murphy (D-CT) led a letter, cosigned by 9 fellow senators (all Democrats plus Sanders, I-VT) stating: “The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill directs the administration to withhold $320 million of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Egypt absent improvements on human rights. Over the last year, Egypt’s human rights record has continued to deteriorate, despite the Egyptian government’s claims to the contrary. Therefore, we urge you to withhold the full amount of $320 million.” The letter goes on to detail how Egypt has failed to meet the requirements set out by Congress to avoid the withholding, and closes: “The decision the administration will make as to whether to enforce the conditions set forth by Congress on holding Egypt accountable for progress on human rights is critical to advancing long-term U.S. interests in Egypt and American credibility on human rights globally. We urge the administration to withhold the full $320 million as called for by the FY22 Appropriations Act until Egypt’s human rights record improves.”

Also see:

• Murphy press release – Murphy Leads 10 Senators in Urging Biden Administration to Withhold Military Aid to Egypt Given Human Rights Concerns
• Jewish Insider 8/1/23: Senate Democrats call to withhold military aid to Egypt over human rights violations
• Attack on Murphy by FDD’s Jonathan Schanzer – Tweet: “Almost as if he wants to push the most populous Arab country toward economic collapse, while also undercutting the successful peace deal it enjoys with Israel. What could possible so wrong?“; response from Murphy – Tweet: “a. $300m less U.S. military equipment is going to collapse a $380 billion economy? b. There’s nothing more Washington than a group called Foundation for Defense of Democracies arguing to keeping giving no strings weapons aid to a country with 60,000 political prisoners.” NOTE: Schanzer’s attack on Murphy for allegedly undercutting the Israel-Egypt peace deal by seeking accountability for Egyptian violations of US law/conditions is particularly notable given the fact that  FDD colleagues have in recent months engaged energetically to target Jordan and Jordan/Israel relations [including urging Congress to take action] – see: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

(CONCERN OVER IRAN INFLUENCE IN US MOSQUES) Lamborn et al letter to AG Garland & DNI Haines: On 7/28/23, Lamborn (R-CO) led a letter, cosigned by 8 House colleagues (all Republicans), to Attorney General Gardland and Director of National Intelligence Haines, expressing their concern about “the pressing issue of foreign influence in American religious institutions by the Islamic Republic of Iran, a theocratic, state sponsor of terrorism that has the blood of hundreds of Americans on its hands.” The letter goes on to state: “In four separate cases, recent reports have illustrated the Iranian regime’s influence on multiple Shi’a mosques and religious institutions in the United States. This is unacceptable. Most recently, in May, a mosque just a few miles from Washington D.C. in Potomac, Maryland, the Islamic Education Center (IEC) was revealed to be part of a network of mosques controlled by the Alavi Foundation…” The letter asks Garland and Haines to provide answers to questions about these allegations by August 11th. NOTE: The Middle East Forum is explicitly taking credit for this letter [notably, the letter itself is being hosted by a group that is a spin-off of the Middle East Forum – also see Middle East Forum tweet; also see GOP reps raise alarm bells over Iran’s influence in ‘American religious institutions’ (Fox News 8/1/23 — by MEF Fellow Ben Weinthal).

(CONCERN FOR PALESTINIANS – WADI FOQUIN) Lee et al letter to State Department: On 7/25/23 12 House Democrats, led by Rep. Lee (D-CA) sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf “regarding the Palestinian village of Wadi Foquin located in the Bethlehem District of the West Bank.” The letter details the harm facing residents of Wadi Foquin – including potential loss of land and economic suffering – “due to the policy decisions and actions of the Government of Israel.” The letter urges the State Department “to strongly communicate our concerns to the Israeli government and call for an immediate halt to all demolitions and property seizures in Wadi Foquin, including halting any planning or construction on proposed Highway 3742, military roads, and sewage infrastructure. We are aware that State Department personnel in Jerusalem are in touch with village leadership and we encourage their continued engagement in reporting concerns from the ground to your office.”

 

2. Media & Reports

3. Members on the Record

Roy (R-TX) 8/3/23: Tweet – “‘[Biden is] trying to draw a moral equivalency between the Palestinians who are bombing innocent civilians…and the Israeli government which has a right to defend itself!’ WATCH: Rep. Roy and @VictoriaCoates call out Biden’s failed Israel policy on @MorningsMaria” (incl video)

Jeffries (D-NY) 8/2/23: Twitter thread from Jacob Kornbluth – “House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announces he will lead a Dem congressional delegation to Israel this week — his 7th trip since entering Congress in 2013 and second for this year. Jeffries spoke at the Boro Park JCC annual bbq event.  Jeffries on why he’s taken this many trips to Israel: ‘Understand something. I’m from Brooklyn where we consider Jerusalem to be the 6th borough [of NYC]. So I’m just starting to catch up.'” [with video] – Also see AIPAC tweet applauding Jeffires

McClain (R-MI) 8/2/23: Tweet – “Iran’s corrupt regime will stop at nothing to advance its dangerous agenda. We must continue to support our critical allies in democracy across the globe. Israel is one of those vital allies, and I am proud to stand with them.” [AIPAC tweet applauding McClain]

Ossoff (D-GA) 8/1/23: press release – Sen. Ossoff Speaks with Former Prime Minister & Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid

Lesko (R-AZ) 8/1/23: Tweet – “Equating one of America’s most critical allies to murderous terrorists is disgraceful. @HouseGOP will always be unabashedly pro-Israel!” Linked to article, The Deadly Costs of Biden’s Israel Policy (National Review 7/31/23)

Sherman (D-CA) 8/1/23: press release – Congressman Brad Sherman Named as Member of House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group (also tweet)

Steube (R-FL) 8/1/23: Tweet – “The U.S. and Israel are united in our efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran. We will continue to support our ally Israel in countering Iranian attacks and in their right to self-defense.”

Lawler (R-NY) 8/1/23: Tweet – “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group to combat hatred against Israel and the Jewish people. As I said when I addressed @CUFI month, we have to root out anti-Semitism at every turn.” [with video]

Malliotakis (R-NY) 8/1/23: press release – Malliotakis Appointed to Bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group (also see Tweet)

Cruz (R-TX) 8/1/23: Tweet – “Team Biden made a day 1 decision to stop supporting the Abraham Accords and reestablish failed discredited approaches. But the Abraham Accords flourished at every level – security, diplomatically, and culturally. Recently Israel recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, opening the way to greater engagement, while Israelis have been flocking to Morocco in record numbers.” Linked to article, Flocking to Morocco: Record number of Israelis file for visa to visit Morocco (YNet 7/26/23)

Kean (R-NJ) 8/1/23: Tweet – “As a member of the @HouseForeignGOP, I know how important it is to support our allies, especially our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. I am proud to join my colleagues across the aisle and cosponsor the U.S.-Israel Antin-Killer Drone Act.” Linked to Bipartisan bill pushes for increased U.S.-Israel counter-drone cooperation (Jewish Insider 7/28/23)

D’Esposito (R-NY) 7/31/23: Tweet – “Grateful to @SpeakerMcCarthy for appointing me to the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group. I look forward to collaborating with my Israeli counterparts in our shared mission to strengthen our bond & promote liberty, democracy, & human rights across the world.“

Cassidy (R-LA) 7/31/23: press release – Senate Passes Cassidy, Cotton Bipartisan Resolution Affirming American Support for Israel

Roy (R-TX) 7/31/23: Op-ed in the National Review (co-authored by Victoria Coates) – The Deadly Costs of Biden’s Israel Policy [“Today, the damage that Biden is inflicting on the U.S.–Israel partnership, and thus damage to the security of the American people, is too important to ignore. If his administration refuses to reverse its disastrous pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel policies that will do nothing to promote a real solution to the conflict, then Congress must step in. Going forward, all members who support Israel need to stand strong against the noxious anti-Israel bias in the progressive caucus and aggressively counter requests for funding to the Palestinian Authority, which is incapable of stemming the violence, and vehicles such as UNRWA that only increase aid dependency, antisemitism, and violence in places such as Jenin. And if the president can’t summon the good manners to formally schedule a visit for one of our closest allies to the White House, the speaker of the House should use his authority to invite the real leader of Israel to address a joint session of Congress, and the American people, about the state of affairs in his country.“] Also see Roy’s tweet.

Sullivan (R-AK) 7/31/23: Tweet – “The historic Abraham Accords continue to bear fruit, with Israel now recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, opening the way to greater engagement. This deepening partnership will help maintain security & peace across the Middle East and North Africa.” Linked to 7/19/23 Tweet from the account of Israeli PM Netanyahu: “Moroccan King Mohammed VI invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Morocco. The invitation was sent in a warm, personal letter in which His Majesty thanked the State of Israel for its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.”

Kustoff (R-CA) 7/28/23: press release – Kustoff Named Chairman of House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group

Cardin (D-MD) 7/27/23: press release – Cardin Calls for Release of Egyptian Political Prisoner, Salah el Deen Soltan Also see: Democratic Senator Lobbies Egypt to Free Cleric Who Called for Murder of Israeli Tourists (Free Beacon 8/3/23)

1.Bills, Resolutions & Letters
2. Members of Congress on Israel’s Judicial “Reform”
3. Thou Shalt Not Call Israel “Racist” – continued
4. Hearings, Markups & Events
5. Media & Reports
6. Members on the Record (Israel/Palestine)
7. Members on the Record (Iran & other Mideast countries)

NOTE: For now, I will be continuing to refer to communications on the platform-formerly-known-as-Twitter as “Tweets.”

New from FMEP:

• Upcoming FMEP Webinar – August 2, 2023: Blockade, Bombings, and Continuing Trauma: Assessing Mental Health in Gaza, ft. Dr. Yasser Abu-Jamei (Gaza Community Mental Health Programme), Ghada Majadli (Physicians for Human Rights Israel), and Razzan Quran (George Washington University), in conversation with Dr. Yara Asi (FMEP Non-resident Fellow). Details and registration here.
• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast: “We Can’t Afford to Leave”: A Conversation about Jaffa with Abed Abu Shehadeh, ft. FMEP 2023 non-resident fellow Rabea Eghbariah in conversation with Abed Abu Shehadeh, a political and community organizer from Jaffa who is also an elected city council member in Tel Aviv-Jaffa’s municipality.

1. Bills, Resolutions & letters

(a) Israel

(SUPPORTING ISRAEL DEMOCRACY) H. Con. Res. 61: Introduced 7/27/23  by Schakowsky (D-IL) and Kuster (D-NH), along with 10 all-Democratic colleagues, “Supporting Israeli democracy.” The resolution states that it is the sense of Congress that “(1) democracy is at the core of the special relationship between the United States and Israel; (2) Congress opposes actions that undermine Israel’s future as a Jewish, democratic state; and (3) Congress stands with all Israelis seeking to defend liberal democracy, judicial review, and independent political institutions acting in a system of checks and balances.” [Yes, you read that right — the res0lution makes no mention of the existence of Palestinians, or occupation, or apartheid, or racist Israeli policies, etc. Make of that what you will.] Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Also see:

• Press release – Schakowsky, Kuster Introduce Resolution in Support of Pro-Democracy Movement in Israel [also makes no mention of Palestinians]
• Original cosponsors: Schakowsky (D-IL), Kuster (D-NH), Raskin (D-MD), Goldman  (D-NY), Dean (D-PA), Connolly (D-VA), Eshoo (D-CA), Brownley (D-CA), DeLauro (D-CT), Lee (D-CA), Takano (D-CA), and Wild (D-PA)
• The resolution is supported by J Street

(THOU SHALT NOT CALL ISRAEL RACIST!) H. Con. Res. 57/S. Con. Res. 14: On 7/25/23, the Senate adopted H. Con. Res 57 by unanimous consent. As a reminder, this resolution was introduced in the House 7/17/23 by Pfluger (R-TX) and 25 cosponsors [24 Republicans plus Moskowitz (D-FL)], and as identical text in the Senate 7/18/23 by Cotton (R-AR) and 28 all-Republican cosponsors, “Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel.” And as noted last week, it could more aptly be titled, “some members of Congress — on both sides of the aisle — doth protest too much in defense of Israel, and also never miss an opportunity to use the conflation of criticism of Israel with antisemitism to attack progressives.” The full text of both resolutions reads: “Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that— (1) the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state; (2) Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia; and (3) the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel.”

• Last week – on 7/18/23, the House passed H. Con. Res. 57 by a roll call vote of 412-9-1 (for full details see last week’s Round-Up). This week, on 7/25/23, the Senate passed H. Con. Res. 57 (which, remember, is identical to Cotton’s S. Con. Res. 14) by Unanimous Consent. Notably, at the time of its passage, S. Con, Res. 14 had attracted a total 0f 31 cosponsors  — 30 Republicans, plus a lone Democrat, Casey (D-PA). See Section 3, below, for grandstanding tweets/statements/press releases related to Senate passage of the resolution.
• Underscoring the degree to which this resolution’s “Israel is not racist!” sloganeering is totally contradicted by reality, listen to the former head of Israel’s Mossad, Tamir Pardo, speaking this week: “‘horrible, racist parties’ in Netanyahu’s coalition are similar to the notorious American white supremacist Ku Klux Klan. In a scathing interview with Kan public broadcaster radio on Thursday, Pardo slammed Netanyahu for ‘taking the Ku Klux Klan and putting them into government.’ “Worse than this, I don’t want to go into examples from the 1930s,” he said, pointing to Smotrich’s comments that the Palestinian town of Huwara should be ‘wiped out.’ Pardo went on to say that many of the laws that the government is legislating are tantamount to ‘antisemitic laws,’ and would be labelled such were they passed in any other country. ‘Tomorrow morning, they can’t enter a club, or a locality, or can’t buy a house in a certain area, or have less rights, that is antisemitism for its own sake’ he said. On Tuesday, the Knesset expanded the so-called Admissions Committees Law, which enables small communities to reject applicants they deem ‘unsuitable,’ and was described by leading rights organization Adalah as ‘racist.'”

(COUNTRY OF ORIGINAL LABELING) S. 1421: Introduced 5/3/23 by Baldwin (D-WI) and having 5 bipartisan cosponsors, the “COOL Online Act“, aka, “To require origin and location disclosure for new products of  foreign origin offered for sale on the internet.” On 7/27/23, during a markup of S. 1421 in the Senate Commerce Committee, Cruz (R-TX) offered an amendment seeking to exempt Israel from the FTC labeling requirements, in order to enable products of Israeli settlements [which Cruz referred to as being made in “Judea and Samaria”] to be inaccurately/misleadingly be labeled as made in Israel (starting at 42:00 in the video). Cruz argued that such labeling requirements are antisemitic and a form of antisemitic (in effect suggeesting that if people are allowed to know that products come from settlements they might choose not to buy them, and that would be antisemitic boycott), and he went so far as to — yes — invoke the Holocaust (really, just listen to the whole speech). Vance (R-OH) spoke in support of the Cruz amendment. Cantwell (D-WA) opposed the amendment not on substance but on the grounds that this matter is outside the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee and should have been brought up in the SFRC (Cruz disagreed). The amendment failed by a party-line roll call vote.

Also see:

• Cruz Moves to Block FTC From Penalizing Israeli Companies (Free Beacon 7/26/23).
• Senate Democrats Clear the Way for Boycott of Israeli Products (Free Beacon 7/27/23)
• Conservative War Machine 7/27/23: Tweet – “WATCH: In the Senate Commerce Committee today, every Senate Democrat just voted to advance boycotts of Israel through discriminatory ‘country of origin’ labeling. – with video of Cruz comments in committee”. Also see my response: “Cruz’s amendment sought to establish in US law an Israel-specific exception to rules requiring ACCURATE labeling of where products are made. It’s an amdt to make it US law to treat all the area between the river & the sea as Israel. One state, river to the sea, as US law.“

(JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF ISRAEL-TARGETED ATTACKS IN ARGENTINA) S. Res. 307 (text): Introduced 7/25/23 by Rubio (R-FL) and Menendez (D-NJ), “A resolution remembering the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aires on March 17, 1992, and the 29th anniversary of the bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association building in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994, and recommitting to efforts to uphold justice for the victims of the attacks.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Also see:

• Rubio (R-FL) press release – Rubio, Menendez Introduce Resolution Honoring Victims of Terrorist Attacks Against Argentina’s Jewish Community

(b) Iran

(US-ISRAEL DRONE COOPERATION) HR XXX: On 7/28/23 Jewish Insider reported: “A bipartisan group of more than 40 lawmakers is expected to introduce legislation today that aims to combat the Iranian drone threat through increased cooperation between the U.S. and Israel. The U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act, the text of which was obtained by Jewish Insider, proposes increasing funding caps for existing U.S.-Israel counter-drone programs from $40 million to $55 million annually. It would also direct the defense secretary to report to Congress on the status of U.S.-Israel counter-drone cooperation and any additional funding or authorities that could assist such efforts, as well as the threat Iranian drones pose to the U.S. and Israel. The bill is being sponsored by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY).” NOTE: Gottheier and Garabino introduced this same legislation on 10/31/22, in the form of HR 9256 – that bill attracted no other cosponsors and died in committee.

(CONDEMNING IRAN GOVT/JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS) H. Res. 627: Introduced 7/27/23 by Gooden (R-TX) and 38 bipartisan cosponsors,  “Condemning the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the massacre of political prisoners in 1988 and the uprisings of recent years, including the 2018, 2019, and 2022 uprisings, and calling for justice for its victims.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 2626: Introduced 7/27/23 by Rubio (R-FL) and Padilla (D-CA),  “A bill to impose sanctions with respect to the Supreme Leader of Iran and the President of Iran and their respective offices for human rights abuses and support for terrorism,” aka the “Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability (MAHSA) Act. “Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Also see:

• Rubio press release – Rubio, Padilla Introduce Bill to Impose Economic Sanctions on Iranian Regime
• Rubio (R-FL) 7/28/23: Tweet – “Was joined by @SenAlexPadilla in introducing the Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability (MAHSA) Act. This bill would require an annual assessment from POTUS on whether or not sanctions should be imposed against top officials of the oppressive regime in Tehran.”
• AIPAC Twitter thread 7/28/23: “Iran’s brutal theocratic regime engages in systemic human rights abuses against its own people. Thank you @SenMarcoRubio and @SenAlexPadilla for leading this bipartisan effort to increase pressure on the oppressive regime for its egregious human rights violations. .@SenMarcoRubio: ‘The U.S. must evaluate and re-amp economic pressure against Senior Iranian regime officials who are actively partaking in the crackdown of Iranian protestors and civilians.’ .@SenAlexPadilla: ‘We must do our part to hold Iranian leaders accountable for their violent crackdown of these protests and the regime’s ongoing repression, censorship, and abuse against its people.'”

(IRAN PROTESTS) S. Con. Res. 2: Introduced 1/26/23 by Menendez (D-NJ) and 32 bipartisan cosponsors (and now having 50 cosponsors), “A concurrent resolution commending the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran demonstrating in more than 133 cities and risking their safety to speak out against the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses.” Reported out of the SFRC on 7/25/23 without amendment and an amendment to the title and with an amended preamble, and with no written report.

(c) Tunisia

(TUNISIAN DEMOCRACY) H. Res. 613: Introduced 7/25/23 by Phillips (D-MN) and Wilson (R-SC), “Recognizing Tunisia’s leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Also see:

• Phillips (D-MN) 7/25/23: Tweet – “It’s been 2 years since President Saied’s power grab and Tunisian democracy, human rights, and freedoms have only regressed. That’s why today @RepJoeWilson and I introduced a resolution condemning Saied’s actions & expressing support for upholding Tunisia’s democratic principles.”

(DEFENDING TUNISIAN DEMOCRACY) S. 2006: Introduced 6/15/23 (not previously reported in the Round-Up) by Risch (R-ID) and Menendez (D-NJ), “A bill to foster Tunisia’s democratic institutions, to limit funds until Tunisia restores checks and balances, and to authorize the creation of a fund to support democratic reforms.”  Reported out of the SFRC on 7/25/23 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and no written report.

(d) Syria & Lebanon

(LIMITING SYRIA SANCTIONS EXCEPTIONS) HR 4847: Introduced 7/25/23 by Baird (R-IN), McCaul (R-TX) and Wilson (R-SC),  “To provide for limitations on general license authorities under the Syria Sanctions Regulations.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as the Committees on the Judiciary, Financial Services, Oversight and Accountability, and Ways and Means,

Also see:

• Baird (R-IN) press release – Baird introduces effort to hold war criminal Assad accountable; Baird Tweet 7/26/23 – “This admin may be willing to turn a blind eye to Assad’s unspeakable war crimes, but I’m not. That’s why I introduced a bill with @RepMcCaul @RepJoeWilson to block further extensions of the over-broad GL23. Mass murders like Assad shouldn’t get a pass.“

(LEBANON SECURITY THREATS) HR 4929: Introduced 7/26/23 by Meng (D-NY) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “To require the Secretary of State to submit a report on security threats in Lebanon, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(e) NDAA & Approps Bills

(FY24 SFOPS NDAA) HR 4665/S. 2438 & & HR 2670/S. 2226 & misc other approps legislation: As noted in last week’s Round-Up, I’m not going to be tracking the FY24 SFOPS & NDAA (and other approps bills) through the legislative process this year — a process that more than likely will lead to stalemate/shutdowns/continuing resolutions (making the battle around these bills largely symbolic). When this clown show concludes I may publish analysis looking back at key Israel/Palestine/Middle East issues raised during the process, but for now, for folks who do want to follow this clown show, see:

• SFOPS — Senate’s foreign budget bill sets up clash with the House (Jewish Insider 7/25/23)
• NDAA news — Two Israel-related amendments of note were offered in the Senate (neither of which got a vote). First, Sanders (D-VT) offered an amendment (S. Amdt. 1031) to condition all FMF to Israel on the Secretary of State certifying that the Israeli government “is taking sustained and effective steps to halt all tenders for settlement construction and cease construction and expansion of Israeli-controlled settlements outside Israel’s international-recognized borders.” Also see AIPAC tweet. Second, Sanders – along with Van Hollen (D-MD), Markey (D-MA), Welch (D-VT), and Warren (D-MA) offered an amendment – S. Amdt. 1032 – to authorize an additional $200 million of UNRWA “to make up the funding shortfall for such organization and to ensure the continuity of basic services to Palestinian refugees”  and an additional $50 million in ESF “for assistance to the West Bank and Gaza.”
• Defense Approps: AIPAC 7/27/23 tweet – “Today, @SenateApprops @AppropsGOP passed important pro-Israel provisions in their FY24 Defense Appropriations bill, including:  $500 million for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation  $47.5 million for joint anti-tunnel cooperation  $40 million for joint counter-drone cooperation These critical funding measures will help keep our ally Israel safe and advance American interests. Thank you @PattyMurray @SenatorCollins @SenatorTester for your leadership!”

(f) AIPAC Sums It All Up

AIPAC Twitter thread 7/28/23, going into summer recess: “Congress Demonstrates Overwhelming Support for Israel Major Progress on Bipartisan Pro-Israel Legislation AIPAC appreciates the pro-Israel leadership demonstrated by Democrats and Republicans in Congress working to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship. 1/13 Before adjourning for summer recess, Congress came together to send unequivocal and bipartisan messages of support for Israel and pro-Israel policies. 2/13 Both the House and Senate have advanced critical pieces of pro-Israel legislation that will bring the two allies closer together, and ensure the Jewish state has the resources it needs to defend itself against growing threats. 3/13 The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have both passed bills that include full funding of vital security assistance to Israel, $3.3 billion, rejecting those calling to jeopardize and politicize Israel’s security by adding new conditions on the aid. 4/13 . @SenateApprops @AppropsGOP @HouseAppropsGOP @AppropsDems also passed:  $500 million for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation  $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperation  $40 million for U.S.-Israel counter-drone cooperation 5/13 Both versions of the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House and Senate authorized:  Full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation ($500 million)  U.S.-Israel counter-tunnel cooperation through 2026 ($47.5 million) 6/13 As Iran continues to threaten both America and Israel, the inclusion of the Expediting Israeli Aerial Refueling Act of 2023 in both bills will strengthen support for Israel’s capabilities and deterrence toward the regime. 7/13 .@HouseForeignGOP @HouseForeign also adopted two important bills addressing security threats from the Iranian regime:  The Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act, or “Fight CRIME” Act (H.R.3152)  The Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2023 (H.R.4691) 8/13 The Fight CRIME Act requires the administration to provide Congress with a diplomatic strategy to secure the renewal of the expiring restrictions on the Iranian missile and drone program. 9/13  The Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act enhances congressional oversight on the implementation of Iranian sanctions laws. 10/13  These pro-Israel initiatives come on the heels of both the House & Senate overwhelmingly adopting resolutions reaffirming the enduring partnership between America and Israel and directly refuting those pushing the dangerous slander of Israel as a racist or apartheid state. 11/13  When Congress returns in September, we urge adoption of these critical pro-Israel measures. 12/13 As Israeli President @Isaac_Herzog eloquently stated in his recent address to Congress which received bipartisan acclaim, “When the United States is strong, Israel is stronger. And when Israel is strong, the United States is more secure.” END”

Letters

(LIFT HOLD ON DESPERATELY NEEDED HUMANITARIAN AID FOR PALESTINIANS) Carson letter to HFAC/SFRC GOP leaders blocking UNRWA aid: This week, Rep. Carson (D-IN) was seeking cosigners on a letter to HFAC Chair McCaul (R-TX) and SFRC Ranking member Risch (R-ID), “to respectfully request” that they “release the hold placed on the $75 million in previously appropriated congressional funding in the FY2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which is designated for the provision of food assistance to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza administered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).”

 

2. Members of Congress on Israel’s Judicial “Reform”

This week, Israel passed “judicial reform” or “judicial overhaul” legislation — a law designed to diminish the powers of Israel’s Supreme Court and expand the powers of lawmakers — that has been the focus of mass protests in Israel for weeks, and that the Biden Administration had explicitly urged the Israeli government to back off on/delay. Responses from members of Congress to the passage of the legislation broke down on partisan lines, with some Republicans defending the move and attacking Democrats for daring to raise concerns, and a small number of Democrats expressing concern and disappointment (but emphatically NOT calling for any consequences – bringing to mind a lyric from Tom Lehrer’s timless classic, The Folk Song Army – “If you feel dissatisfaction // Strum your frustrations away // Some people may prefer action // But give me a folk song any old day”).

Concerned, Disappointed, etc (just don’t suggest consequences)

Schakowsky (D-IL) et al 7/27/23: Introduced H. Con. Res. 61, “Supporting Israeli democracy.”

Trone (D-MD) 7/26/23: Tweet – “Earlier this week, the Knesset passed the first bill of PM Netanyahu’s contentious judicial overhaul. I’m concerned by this decision and do not believe that it reflects the key values Israel was founded on. Democracy takes work, and it takes all of us to uphold and defend it.”

Slotkin (D-MI) 7/26/23: Twitter thread – “Last night I sat down with Israeli Ambassador @AmbHerzog for a frank discussion on developments in Israel, including my concerns around the government’s overhaul of the judiciary & the uptick in violence this year in Israel & the West Bank. As someone who is committed to Israeli security, I hope for serious & non-violent compromise on these issues. I also expressed my hope that the signing of a new agreement with the U.S. last week will make it easier for all Americans to visit Israel & the Palestinian territories. My own constituents have had access problems in the past, and so I am hopeful that this new arrangement will be successful.”

Welch (D-VT) 7/25/23: Tweet – “The parliament’s decision to pass judicial overhaul legislation curbs the Supreme Court’s independence and threatens the checks and balances crucial to a healthy democracy in Israel.” Linked to article, Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul victory spells a tragic, disastrous defeat for Israel (David Horovitz/Times of Israel 7/24/23)

Jewish Insider 7/25/23: Manning expresses ‘concerns’ about judicial reform, Israeli government action in West Bank

Eshoo (D-CA) 7/25/23: Twitter thread – “As a longtime friend of Israel, it pains me to witness the passage of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul legislation which imperils the rights of Israelis and Palestinians alike and undermines the democratic values at the core of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Bravo to the hundreds of thousands of Israeli protesters who refuse to accept the erosion of their democracy in a peaceful way.”

Kildee (D-MI) 7/25/23: Tweet – “As a supporter of Israel, I am concerned by any law which undermines Israel’s system of democratic checks and balances. I urge Israel’s government to listen to its citizens, military leaders and judges and not rush this undemocratic judicial overhaul.”

Escobar (D-TX) 7/25/23: Tweet – “I’m deeply disappointed by the Netanyahu government’s undermining of the Israeli Supreme Court’s authority. This vote is an overreach by the ruling coalition and a threat to Israel’s commitment to democracy.” Linked to Reuters tweet with video of Israeli protestors

Merkley (D-OR) 7/24/23: Tweet – “Checks and balances—including a strong, independent judiciary—are crucial to any thriving democracy. This anti-democratic attack on Israel’s Supreme Court threatens the rule of law and could be the nail in the coffin for a two-state solution and enduring peace.”

Goldman (D-NY) 7/24/23: Tweet – “As a pro-Israel Jew, I am deeply disappointed to see the passage of the first step of the anti-democratic judicial overhaul plan. Israel’s government should heed the voice of its citizens, aim to find consensus, and reaffirm a commitment to the checks and balances of democracy.”

Raskin (D-MD) 7/24/23: Twitter thread – “This premeditated right-wing hit on judicial review in Israel is a profound disappointment in the wake of President Herzog’s fine speech in Congress last week—and a setback to liberal democracy on earth. 1/ I will always stand strong with the hundreds of thousands of Israelis marching for a strong democratic Israel which upholds the spirit of freedom, human rights and equal justice under reasoned law. 2//”

Nadler (D-NY) 7/24/23: Statement posted on Twitter – “Last week, I had the honor of listening to President of Israel Isaac Herzog extol the importance of an independent judiciary to the U.S. Congress. Today, the prime minister and his extremist coalition disregarded the president’s – and the Israeli people’s – call for consensus and, taking a major step forward in their judicial overhaul plans, passed legislation that desecrates judicial independence. It is a dark day for Israeli democracy. Despite these challenges, as the peaceful demonstrators across Israel and the United States have made clear, the hope among Israelis and the Diaspora community that inspired Israel’s founding and its prosperity nonetheless persists. Today’s deeply disappointing vote in the Knesset need not mark an ending, but rather an opportunity to renew that hope and continue fighting for a democratic Israel.”

Schneider (D-IL) 7/24/23: Twitter thread – “I am deeply saddened and profoundly concerned by the decision of the coalition government in Israel to unilaterally move forward with dramatic and controversial changes to its judicial system. The deep divide in Israeli society is only exacerbated by this move that unnecessarily puts Israel’s democracy and international standing in a precarious position.  While the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad, the actions of the current government will undoubtedly strain Israel’s critical relationships with the diaspora Jewish community and the nations in which they all live. I stand resolutely with the Jewish, democratic state of Israel, and with the majority of Israelis, and their allies around the world, committed to advancing the fundamental Zionist ideal articulated 75 years ago in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.”

Levin (D-CA) 7/24/23: Tweet – “As a strong defender of Israel’s democracy, I am concerned by today’s passage of the judicial reform bill by Israel’s Knesset. It is important that the independence of Israel’s courts is preserved to protect the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.” Linked to NPR article, Israeli lawmakers pass a key law to weaken the judiciary despite public outrage

Cardin (D-MD) 7/24/23: Twitter thread – “Legitimate checks-and-balances are essential in all democracies. The Knesset vote today for a law stripping the Israeli Supreme Court of its power to block government decisions is contrary to democratic values. I implore Netanyahu to support the core values that have enabled Israel to flourish and grow.”

Dean (D-PA) 7/24/23: Tweet – “This is as true today as it was four months ago. Israel must maintain its democracy — which means preserving an independent judiciary. Today’s vote in the Knesset is a step away from democratic values.”

Murphy (D-CT) 7/24/23: Murphy Statement on Israeli Knesset’s Passage of Judicial Overhaul Legislation – “In the face of historic and unprecedented protests, I am deeply disappointed that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government was unwilling to broker a compromise and instead moved forward unilaterally with its plans to kneecap the Supreme Court. It is clear that the people of Israel remain deeply divided on this latest step to undercut the ability of the judiciary to review government decisions, and many believe it puts the future of their economy, national security, and democracy at risk. While this is an internal matter for Israel to resolve, our bilateral relationship has always been grounded in shared democratic values and I remain concerned by the path Prime Minister Netanyahu is leading his country down.”

Not a big deal (and why won’t Biden/ Dems/activists leave Israel alone!)

Jordan (R-OH) 7/25/23: Tweet – “God Bless Prime Minister Netanyahu! Luckily, no one reads the Washington Post.” Linked to article,WaPo Declares ‘Trump-Like’ PM Benjamin Netanyahu Israel’s ‘Biggest’ Threat (Breitbart 7/24/23)

Hagerty (R-TN) 7/25/23: Tweet – “#Biden’s interference in Israel’s internal politics is shameful, inappropriate & hypocritical. It’s another example of the Biden Admin’s obsession with undermining our most important ally in the Middle East.” Linked to article, White House blasts Israel for passing sweeping judicial changes with ‘the slimmest possible majority’ (Yahoo News)

Cornyn (R-TX) 7/25/23: Tweet – “Israel’s judicial debate is far down the list of urgent problems in the Middle East. “ Linked to Wall Street Journal editorial – Israel’s Supreme Court Panic Attack – Compromise is the way out of the mess, and Joe Biden’s help isn’t needed.

Blackburn (R-TN) 7/25/23: Tweet – “It’s ironic that while Democrats are bashing Israel’s judicial reform, many in the Democratic Party support packing the U.S. Supreme Court. Consistency isn’t their strong suit.”

Jewish News Syndicate 7/24/23: Democrats’ criticism of judicial reform vote met with pushback in Washington [citing Cotton, (R-AR), someone from the Heritage Foundation, Danielle Pletka (AEI), and Jonathan Schanzer (FDD)]

Blackburn (R-TN) 7/24/23: Tweet – “Biden urged Netanyahu not to ‘rush’ Israel’s judicial reforms. This is coming from the same man who created a commission to look into packing the United States Supreme Court.”

Cotton (R-AR) 7/24/23: Tweet – “Joe Biden’s meddling in Israel’s internal politics is unprecedented and inappropriate. He has no business telling one of our most important allies how to govern their own country.” Linked to article in the Algemeiner, ‘Unprecedented and Inappropriate’: Sen. Tom Cotton Slams Biden Statement on Israeli Judicial Reform

Green (R-TN) 7/24/23: Tweet – “The United States will always stand with our indispensable ally, Israel. We will never take the friendship of our two nations for granted.” Linked to tweet quoting Herzog’s speech to Congress

3. Thou Shalt Not Call Israel “Racist” – Continued

Last week’s kerfuffle over whether or not Israel can be called “racist” continued into this week – because of course it did…

Senate passes “ISRAEL IS ABSOLUTELY NOT RACIST” Resolution

As noted in Section 1 (above), this week the Senate passed the “thou-shalt-not-call-Israel-racist” resolution passed by the House last week. Notably, this Senate version passed with far less grandstanding and partisan fanfare (far far fewer statements/tweets/press releases – whew!). Also note that Senate engagement on this resolution was almost entirely partisan:  just one Democrat — Casey (D-PA) cosponsored the Cotton (R-AR) version of the resolution, and the House version that the Senate passed (identical to the Senate version) was adopted by Unanimous Consent (meaning no roll call vote, which also meant less opportunity and/or need for statements).

Must-read Analysis/commentary

• Progressives dish on ‘chilling effect’ on Israel criticism after uproar over Pramila Jayapal’s comments: ‘We never do anything constructive on this issue’ (Business Insider 7/22/23)
• Congress Melts Down Over Israel Again (The Intercept 7/21/23)
• Why Do Americans Get Attacked for Saying What Israelis Say About Israel?  (The Nation 7/20/23)

Continued Grandstanding, incl around Senate passage of “ISRAEL IS *NOT* RACIST” Res

Torres (D-NY) 7/26/23: Tweet – “The notion that Israel is “the only state in the world that rejects the idea that the state should be a state of all its citizens” is a lie. Leave aside the fact that the citizens of Israel, both Arab and Jewish, enjoy fundamentally more rights than the citizens of just about every country in the Middle East. I am pretty sure that the CCP rejects the idea that China should be a state of all its citizens. The CCP, after all, has waged a genocidal campaign to eradicate the very identity, fertility, and history of Uyghurs in order to forcibly assimilate minorities like them into a homogeneously Han Chinese society. There is an ongoing effort to not only malign Israel at every turn but also to portray it as the worst state on earth and the root of all evil. There are BDS activists who blame Israel for social evils that have nothing to do with Israel, like police brutality in the United States. The demonization of Israel often reaches the realm of the absurd.” This was in response to a tweet by the Arab Center’s Yousef Munayyer, “This is the only state in the world that rejects the idea that the state should be a state of all its citizens.” That tweet linked to a Reuters article, Arabs in Israel stay on sidelines of raging democracy battle, and was citing a direct quote from that article, from Palestinian-Israel lawyer Hassan Jabareen, the founder of the Haifa-based Adalah rights group. Apparently Torres believes that (a) defending Israel’s treatment of Palestinians by suggesting a comparison to China’s treatment of the Uyghurs is anything other than a huge self-own (if a CRITIC of Israel invoked this comparison they would be attacked, for sure, as anti-Israel and antisemitic); and (b) he is better positioned to judge what is legitimate analysis/critique of Israel than a renowned Israeli lawyer who has for years argued cases before Israel’s Supreme Court – then again that lawyer is also Palestinian, which for Torres may be enough to merit automatic disqualification/dismissal/disparagement of anything he says.

Washington Examiner 7/26/23: Schumer quietly rebukes Jayapal over Israel ‘racist state’ comments

Crapo (R-ID) 7/26/23: Crapo Applauds Passage of Resolution Affirming American Support for Israel

Kennedy (R-LA) 7/26/23: Tweet – “The rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments from members of Congress is disgraceful. Israel is a friend to America.” Linked to Kennedy press release – Senate passes Kennedy-backed bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. support for Israel

Cotton (R-AR) 7/26/23: Tweet – “My statement on the Senate passing my resolution supporting Israel: ‘I’m pleased that a bipartisan group of my colleagues supported this resolution upholding that Israel is not a racist state, that Congress reject any form of antisemitism, and that America will always be a staunch supporter of Israel. It is unfortunate that Democrat attacks on Israel necessitated Congress passing this legislation'” Also see Cotton press release – Senate Passes Cotton Bipartisan Resolution Affirming American Support for Israel

AIPAC 7/26/23: Tweet – “Thank you @RepPfluger and @SenTomCotton for leading bipartisan resolutions in the House and Senate overwhelmingly supporting our democratic ally Israel. America stands with Israel.”

AIPAC 7/26/23: Twitter thread – “AIPAC applauds the Senate for overwhelmingly expressing bipartisan solidarity with our democratic ally Israel and forcefully rejecting anti-Israel and antisemitic attacks. The House and Senate have both made it clear that America stands with Israel. (1/2) This is an important statement that demonstrates that both Democrats and Republicans stand solidly with Israel and against those who would slander and demonize the Jewish state. (2/2)”

Budd (R-NC) 7/26/23: Tweet – “Proud to join @SenTomCotton and my colleagues in supporting Israel and rejecting all forms of antisemitism.”

Britt (R-AL) 7/26/23: Tweet – “I was proud to co-sponsor and support @SenTomCotton‘s resolution reaffirming Congress’ support for Israel and stating our complete rejection of the unfair attacks against our close friend and ally.“

Pfluger (R-TX) 7/26/23: Tweet – “Both chambers of Congress affirm support for Israel!”

Cramer (R-ND) 7/25/23: Tweet – “The world needs to know the U.S. stands with Israel as our friend & ally. This is why I co-sponsored @SenTomCotton’s resolution which passed the Senate today, reaffirming America’s support for Israel.“

Jerusalem Post 7/25/23: Why do some US Congress members have unwavering hostility to Israel? – opinion

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/25/23: Extension of remarks dated 7/18/23 but published in the Record 7/26/23 – “…I rise today in support of this resolution expressing the sense of Congress Supporting the State of Israel. As the only vibrant, progressive, and inclusive democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a beacon of hope–a country where pluralism flourishes. Efforts to delegitimize the Jewish State and claims that the country has abandoned the democratic principles on which it was founded are unfair and false. In Israel, Arab parties serve in the Knesset, women serve at the highest levels of the military, and the country remains an oasis for LGBTQ+ people in a region hostile toward the community. The U.S.-Israel alliance is strong for a reason. Our nations were founded on these shared values, and those ideals keep our partnership ironclad to this day Israeli security is critical to America’s national security. Our bilateral defense and intelligence cooperation makes our two countries safer and plays a key role in the global fight against terror, I am proud to champion this relationship in Congress. We have no better partner in the region than the State of Israel and I will remain committed to ensuring that Israel has the resources it needs to defend itself. I have traveled to Israel twice this year alone, alongside Democrats and Republicans, and have many times visited the country to meet with senior level officials and civil society leaders. Each time I am reminded of the resolve and passion of the Israeli people. I am also reminded of the importance of the Jewish State. The United States was the first country to recognize Israel‘s independence 75 years ago, just eleven minutes after its founding. It has since become the “Start Up Nation”, a leader in high-tech, sustainability, and innovation. The United States has stood with Israel every step of the way. Over the last 75 years, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship has proven vital to protecting our national security, fighting terror, and intelligence collaboration. I look forward to celebrating Israel‘s next 75 years, and furthering the vital U.S.-Israel relationship.”

All Israel News 7/24/23: Boycott of Herzog’s speech to US Congress projected ‘antisemitic message,’ says Joel Rosenberg [“ALL ISRAEL NEWS founder and editor-in-chief discusses growing antisemitism among Democrats during Newsmax interview ‘Saturday Report with Rita Cosby'”]

Emmer (House Majority Whip) (R-MN) 7/24/23: Tweet – “By boycotting Israeli President Herzog’s address and refusing to agree that Israel is NOT a racist state, House Democrats showed us their true colors last week. The contrast between our two parties couldn’t be more clear.” Linked to article, Republicans hammer Democrats on Israel after President Herzog’s address to Congress (Washington Examiner 7/19/23)

McCaul (R-TX) 7/23/23: Tweet – “To call Israel a ‘racist state’ is against America’s values. I took to the House floor to make it known that antisemitism has no place here in Congress — or anywhere in our nation.”

Stop Antisemitism 7/23/23: Tweet – “Great news out of DC as a resolution to censure Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has been introduced; it cites: – Jayapal has promoted antisemitic through her congressional career – in May 2021, Jayapal blamed Israel for Hamas firing over 4500 terror rockets into Israel – in May 2021, Jayapal co-sponsored legislation which would have provided congressional disapproval arms sales to Israel as Israeli citizens were enduring a barrage of rockets from Palestinian terrorists – last weekend Jayapal stated Israel is a racist state Thank you Reps. Ogles, Weber, and Duncan – antisemitism must NEVER be allowed to ferment within the walls of Congress.”

Weber (R-TX) 7/24/23 – Tweet – “Antisemitism has no place in Congress, has no place in America, and it has no place in the world. I’m proud to join @RepOgles.” Linked to Ogles (R-TN) 7/21/23: Tweet – “I hope all of my House colleagues join me in condemning the antisemitism perpetuated by @RepJayapal.” Linked to article, Rep. Andy Ogles Moves To Censure Dem Rep Over ‘Antisemitic’ Remarks (Daily Caller)

 

4. Hearings, Markups, & Events

July 28, 2023: On 7/28/23, the State Department provided a closed/classified briefing to HFAC Chairman McCaul (R-TX) [and likely other HFAC members] on the ongoing investigation regarding Iran envoy Rob Malley.

Also see:

• Jewish Insider 7/28/23 [“House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-TX), emerging from a classified briefing on Friday morning, told Jewish Insider that administration officials had not been able to offer committee members details on the status of Iran envoy Rob Malley, who has been suspended for allegedly mishandling classified information…’We don’t really have any details’ on the Malley investigation ‘because it’s an ongoing investigation,’ McCaul said. He said that the administration will likely not be able to provide a full briefing until the investigation concludes…McCaul appeared to drop his threat to subpoena testimony on Malley’s status in the short term. ‘Just because of the ongoing investigation, I assume they would not comply with a subpoena, and it’d be hard to enforce that just given the Privacy Act and other considerations,’ McCaul said…”]
• Politico 7/25/23 [” The State Department will brief the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s leadership in the wake of the Biden administration’s decision to bench Iran envoy Rob Malley after the panel’s top lawmaker threatened to subpoena administration officials. Rep. Michael McCaul, the committee chair, secured an agreement from the State Department for the sit-down some time this week, according to a Republican committee aide granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive situation. The classified briefing is also open to the panel’s top Democrat, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York.“
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/27/23: US State Department to brief lawmakers on suspension of Iran envoy Malley

July 26, 2023: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a mark-up of various measures, including: HR 3152, “To impose sanctions with respect to countries, individuals, and entities that engage in any effort to acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or deploy Iranian missiles and related goods and technology, including materials and equipment, and for other purposes“; and HR 4691, “To provide for congressional review of actions to terminate or waive sanctions imposed with respect to Iran.” Watch the mark-up here. Also see: Democrats divided on legislation allowing Congress to overrule White House on lifting Iran sanctions (Jewish Insider 7/28/23)

 

5.  Media & Reports

New York Times (Tom Friedman) 7/27/23: Biden Is Weighing a Big Middle East Deal [“…’It will be hard enough for President Biden to sell any deal like this to the U.S. Congress,’ Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, which funds the State Department, said to me. ‘But I can assure you that there will be a strong core of Democratic opposition to any proposal that does not include meaningful, clearly defined and enforceable provisions to preserve the option of a two-state solution and to meet President Biden’s own demand that Palestinians and Israelis enjoy equal measures of freedom and dignity. These elements are essential to any sustainable peace in the Middle East.’”]

Haaretz 7/27/23: With pro-China Wink, Netanyahu Gave America the Finger. Thanks to AIPAC, He Will Face No Consequences

Jewish Insider 7/26/23: U.S. partisanship is killing opportunities for progress on Iran policy, former U.S. diplomat says [“‘One congressional staffer said it to me so well: Iran policy is all about virtue signaling. Iran policy is domestic policy, it’s not foreign policy,’ Goli Ameri told Jewish Insider“]

Jewish Insider 7/26/23: Progressive activist emerges as frontrunner in open Rhode Island House race [“…’While he is progressive on a lot of issues, his position on Israel was pretty much aligned with where we are,’ said Hollis Wein, JACPAC’s director of communications and research. ‘We are hoping that he will be a bridge, once he gets to Congress, with some of the more progressive members, on Israel.’ One of those members might be CPC chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)…Regunberg disagreed with Jayapal’s assessment: ‘No, I do not think that Israel is a racist state,’ he told JI…’Based on my family’s experience, my grandfather’s experience in the Holocaust, I feel strongly about the importance of a Jewish and democratic state and homeland. And I think Israel has long been an essential partner for the U.S.’…”]

Jewish Currents (Matt Duss) 7/25/23: Herzog’s Lullaby [“…while it may be the view of most Democrats in Congress that the occupation should not be mentioned, it is clearly not the view of most Democrats…The Biden administration’s policy, supported by most Congressional Democrats, is completely out of touch with this shift in the electorate, and instead prefers to view Israel through the haze of nostalgia. But not everyone in Congress is playing ball. “]

 

6. Members on the Record (Israel/Palestine)

Green (R-TN) 7/28/23: Tweet – “I enjoyed meeting with Israel’s Ambassador Michael Herzog. The United States will always stand with our steadfast ally, Israel!“

Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/28/23: Tweet – “Devil is in the details, but let’s be clear: a sustainable & just peace can only be secured by effectively safeguarding the option of a viable 2 state solution — & achieving equal measures of freedom, security & dignity for Israelis & Palestinians.” Linked to New York Times (Tom Friedman) 7/27/23: Biden Is Weighing a Big Middle East Deal

Menendez (D-NJ) 7/27/23: Tweet – “Immensely proud to introduce this legislation with @SenateForeign and the #AbrahamAccords Caucus co-chairs. It builds on bipartisan efforts to expand the circle of peace, in the MENA and beyond, firmly anchored in normalized relations with Israel.” [with image of paragraph from Menendez statement on the bill issued 7/20/23, back when the bill was introduced]

Cruz (R-TX) 7/27/23: op-ed in Tablet – Dead Wrong – Biden’s White House is stabbing Israel in the back. Ending military aid will be the final twist of the knife.

Estes (R-KS) 7/28/23: Tweet (DELETED) – “As key partners, Israel and the U.S. work to advance agriculture through the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) Fund, offering scientists opportunities to pursue agricultural research relevant to many Kansans. Learn more: bard-isus.com“

Estes (R-KS) 7/28/23: Tweet (replacing deleted tweet) – “As key partners, Israel and the U.S. work together to advance agriculture through the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD) @BDevelopm, offering scientists opportunities to pursue agricultural research relevant to many Kansans.“

Torres (D-NY) 7/27/23: op-ed in Tablet – Ending Aid Won’t Stop the Demonization of Israel – Tampering with something that works would put Israelis in danger

Sykes (D-OH) 7/25/23: Tweet – “I was honored to join my friend @RepDWStweets last week for a conversation with my guest for the Joint Meeting of Congress with Israeli President @Isaac_Herzog, Mr. Joe Kanfer. As your Congresswoman, connecting our #OH13 community to Congress is a top priority.“

Davis (D-CA) 7/24/23: Twitter thread – “A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is imperative to democracy, and that’s why it’s crucial to cosponsor the following bipartisan bills: H.R.1777, a bill that would enhance our mutual security, strengthen our strategic partnership and ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. H.R.4076, a bill focusing on developing health technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drugs and vaccines, and telemedicine. H.R.3792, a bill that would encourage the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords, affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. H.R. 4709, a bill that would facilitate cooperation between the U.S. and Israel to counter unmanned ariel systems.”

Cline (R-VA) 7/24/23: Tweet – “.@CUFI educates and empowers Americans to speak out in support of Israel, and I was pleased to meet with a representative from Harrisonburg last week to learn more about its mission.”

WESA 7/21/23: Summer Lee skips congressional speech by Israel’s president, but says there is no message behind it

 

7. Members on the Record (Iran & Other Mideast countries)

Steube (R-FL) 7/27/23: Tweet – “A nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is unacceptable and Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons. I am cosponsoring @RepMcCaul‘s resolution reaffirming the commitment of the United States to prevent a nuclear Iran.“