FY26 House NSRP (bill formerly known as SFOPS)

State-of-play: On 7/23/25, the House Appropriations Committee held a Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (NSRP), at which they marked up and passed (by a party-line vote of 35-27) the base text of the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (previously known as the State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) bill and its accompanying report. That hearing (video here) featured – predictably – lots of focus on Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East, including plenty of grandstanding in support of Israel and point-scoring against Palestinians, including via amendments (see all amendments). Also see the Committee (GOP) press release, Committee Approves FY26 National Security, Department of State Appropriations Act, which notes the adoption of an amendment offered by Diaz-Balart (R-FL), adopted by a vote of 34-27, that among other things “strengthens Iran sanctions and enforcement” and “confronts Muslim Brotherhood threats” and combats CCP-linked scam centers that target Americans.

Next up: On 7/25/25 the FY26 NSRP Appropriations bill was reported out of the Appropriations Committee , and formally introduced as HR 4779. Stay tuned for timing on debate/amendments on the House floor.

The Middle East in the House FY26 NSRP bill & accompanying report: As always, this bill is packed with provisions related to the Middle East in general, and related to Israel and the Palestinians in particular. Details are below.

TITLE I — DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

BILL TEXT

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

REPORT TEXT

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

TITLE III — BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

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

NATIONAL SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS (formerly known as ESF): The REPORT TEXT includes a table laying out “National Security Investment Programs” allocations includes for the Middle East and North Africa as follows:

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

TITLE IV – INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE

BILL TEXT

Non-proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR): This section of the bill includes a perennial stipulation that “…funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for the IAEA unless the Secretary of State determines that Israel is being denied its right to participate in the activities of that Agency”
Peacekeeping Operations (PKO): The bill earmarks not less than $30 million “for a United States contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai”

REPORT TEXT

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

TITLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS

BILL TEXT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 7034: Special Provisions: Part (f)(3) of this section extends existing U.S. loan guarantees for Israel (provided under Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108–11; 117 Stat. 576) until September 30, 2030 [NOTE: This is the emergency $9 billion that was provided for Israel in 2003, quietly extended over and over by Congress for going on 20 years. As noted in a recent CRS report on US aid to Israel, “Israeli officials may believe that although they have not used the loan guarantees in the last 18 years, maintaining the program boosts the country’s fiscal standing among international creditors in capital markets.“]

Section 7035: Law Enforcement and Security

Part (b)(3) of this section of the bill is a perennial provision providing for financing of commercial leasing of defense articles to Israel, Egypt, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and major non-NATO allies.
Part (b)(5) is entitled, “War Reserve Stockpile Authority.” It stipulates that “For fiscal year 2026, section 514(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not apply to defense articles to be set aside, earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as reserve stocks in stockpiles in the State of Israel.” What this means, in effect, is that for FY25, Israel can legally obtain unlimited amounts of defense articles from US war reserve stockpiles.
Part (c)(2) lays out limitations related to landmines and cluster munitions.

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

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

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

Part (a): OVERSIGHT – this sub-section stipulates that “For fiscal year 2026, 30 days prior to the initial obligation of funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, the Secretary of State shall certify to the Committees on Appropriations that procedures have been established to assure the Comptroller General of the United States will have access to appropriate United States financial information in order to review the uses of United States assistance for the Program funded under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund’ for the West Bank and Gaza.”
Part (b): VETTING – this sub-section stipulates that “Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Economic Support Fund” for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that such assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private or government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity nor, with respect to private entities or educational institutions, those that have as a principal officer of the entity’s governing board or governing board of trustees any individual that has been determined to be involved in, or advocating terrorist activity or determined to be a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, as appropriate, establish procedures specifying the steps to be taken in carrying out this subsection and shall terminate assistance to any individual, entity, or educational institution which the Secretary has determined to be involved in or advocating terrorist activity.”
Part (c): PROHIBITION – This subsection bars use of funds for the West Bank and Gaza being used for: “Recognizing or otherwise honoring individuals who commit, or have committed acts of terrorism” or for “any educational institution located in the West Bank or Gaza that is named after an individual who the Secretary of State determines has committed an act of terrorism.” It also bars funding for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza under the the Secretary of State report to Congress on “the benchmarks that have been established for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza and on the extent of Palestinian compliance with such benchmarks” and “the steps being taken by the Palestinian Authority to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees, including by bringing to justice members of Palestinian security forces who commit such crimes.”
Part (d): AUDIT – this sub-section lays out required oversight by USAID, including annual (at least) audits of “all contractors and grantees, and significant subcontractors and sub-grantees, under the West Bank and Gaza Program“, and allocating up to $1.4 million to USAID for “audits, investigations, and other activities in furtherance of the requirements of this subsection.”
Part (e): AUDIT – this subsection requires the Comptroller General of the United States to audit and investigate “the treatment, handling, and uses of all funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, including all funds provided as cash transfer assistance, in fiscal year 2025 under the heading ‘Economic Support Fund’”
Part (f): NOTIFICATION – this subsection states that “Funds made available in this Act for West Bank and Gaza shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 7041: Middle East and North Africa

>>>BAHRAIN<<<

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

>>>EGYPT<<<

BILL TEXT

(1) Assistance.–Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $1,425,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Egypt, of which– (A) not less than $125,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading “National Security Investment Programs”; and (B) not less than $1,300,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’, to remain available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That such funds may be transferred to an interest bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

(2) Additional security assistance.–In addition to amounts made available pursuant to paragraph (1), not less than $75,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ shall be made available for assistance for Egypt.

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

REPORT TEXT

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

>>>IRAN<<<

BILL TEXT

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

(2) Reports.– (A) Semi-annual report.–The Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations the semi-annual report required by section 135(d)(4) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2160e(d)(4)), as added by section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-17). (B) Sanctions report.–Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report– (i) describing the impact of United States sanctions, including secondary sanctions, on Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear program, destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missiles and weapons proliferation; And (ii) providing an assessment of Iran’s existing sources of revenue, and whether such revenue is derived from transactions with potentially sanctionable entities that have not yet been designated.

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

REPORT TEXT

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

>>>IRAQ<<<

Not mentioned in the bill, but the report text includes:

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

>>>ISRAEL<<<

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

REPORT TEXT

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

>>>JORDAN<<<

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

REPORT TEXT

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

>>>LEBANON<<<

BILL TEXT

“(1) Limitation.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) or the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) if the ISF or the LAF is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).

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

REPORT TEXT

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

>>>MOROCCO<<<

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

>>>SYRIA<<<

BILL TEXT

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

(2) Limitations.–Funds made available pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection–(A) may not be made available for a project or activity that supports or otherwise legitimizes the Government of Iran, foreign terrorist organizations (as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189)), or a proxy of Iran in Syria; and (B) may not be made available for activities that further the strategic objectives of the governments of the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China that the Secretary of State determines may threaten or undermine United States national security interests.(3) Consultation.–Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs that are made available for any new program, project, or activity in Syria shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.”

REPORT TEXT

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

>>>WEST BANK & GAZA<<<

NOTE: The bill includes no earmark (hard or soft) for assistance for either the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. Instead, this section lays out (and expands) limitations, restrictions, etc, on aid to the West Bank and Gaza.

BILL TEXT

Barring Aid to the PA: Part 1(A) is perennial language (dating back to the Obama era) barring any National Security Investment Programs (formerly known as ESF) for the PA if, after the date this bill becomes law, “ the Palestinians obtain the same standing as member states or full membership as a state in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians”or if “the Palestinians initiate an International Criminal Court (ICC) judicially authorized investigation, or actively support such an investigation, that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians”. The bill includes no waiver of any kind for either of these restrictions, even if the President were to decide it was necessary for U.S. national security.

Preventing the PLO Office from Re-Opening in the U.S.: Part 1(B) limits the President’s ability to waive longstanding (and anachronistic) legislation barring the PLO from having any representation in the United States. Where for decades Congress granted the President a “clean” national security or national interests waiver of that prohibition (contained in section 1003 of Public Law 100-204), starting in the Obama era Congress moved to make such waiver contingent on the President certifying that the Palestinians have not, after the date of enactment of this Act, “obtained in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof the same standing as member states or full membership as a state outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians” or “initiated or actively supported an ICC investigation against Israeli nationals for alleged crimes against Palestinians” or “initiated any further action, whether directly or indirectly, based on an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice that undermines direct negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including matters related to final status and Israel’s longstanding security rights and responsibilities.” This section includes a Presidential waiver, under which the President can permit the office to open even if the conditions are not met, but only if he can certify that “the Palestinians have entered into direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel” [so there is not even a pretense that US national security would be a reason for a waiver…].

DE-FUNDING US DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT WITH PALESTINIANS — Part (1)(C) of this section states simply: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available for the Office of Palestinian Affairs, Department of State.” NOTE: The Office of Palestinian Affairs was the part of the US Embassy in Jerusalem responsible for dealing with Palestinian-related issues and engaging Palestinians – so in effect this provision ends US diplomatic outreach to and engagement with Palestinians [which is already the policy of the current Administration].

Taylor Force Act: Part 2 of this section states: “Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “National Security Investment Programs” that are made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza shall be made available consistent with section 1004(a) of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115-141).”

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

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

Security report: Part 3 of this section states: “The reporting requirements in section 1404 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110–252) shall apply to funds made available by this Act, including a description of modifications, if any, to the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority..”

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

Incitement report: Part 4 of this section states: “Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and to promote peace and coexistence with Israel.” [The bill of course nowhere acknowledges, let alone calls for action to address, the non-stop genocidal, racist, violent, dehumanizing, hateful rhetoric and incitement that is being produced every by Israeli politicians, media figures, active-duty soldiers, and hasbara heroes – and disseminated by them, giddily, on media and social media pretty much every day since October 7th).

Bifurcating Palestine: Part 5 of this section states, “Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of State shall bifurcate the budget operating unit of “West Bank and Gaza” into separate units. NOTE: Under the Oslo Accords (which the US ostensibly still supports), the West Bank and Gaza Strip are to be treated as a single territorial unit. Efforts to bifurcate them into separate units align closely with longstanding efforts of Greater Israel advocates.

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

REPORT TEXT

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

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

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

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

Monitoring, notification, and vetting:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 7042 – Africa

REPORT TEXT

South Africa.–The Committee notes that the United States has provided significant financial support to the people of South Africa while the Government of South Africa has worked in direct opposition to United States and partner nation interests, including through military and economic cooperation with the Russian Federation, the PRC, and Iran, pursuing baseless charges of genocide against Israel, while not Hamas, at the International Court of Justice, and participating in the practice of human trafficking through the use of Cuban doctors. Therefore, subsection (b) prohibits funds to the Government of South Africa unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of South Africa has met the following conditions–

ceased cooperation with United States adversaries;
ceased participating in human trafficking, such as the exploitation of Cuban medical professionals; and
ceased the implementation of policies that undermine inherent property rights of the citizens of South Africa.

Section 7045 – Latin America and the Caribbean

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

Section 7046: Europe and Eurasia

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

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

Section 7048: United Nations

BILL TEXT

Linking US Aid to how nations vote at the UN: (a) United Nations Voting Practices.–(1) In considering bilateral assistance for a foreign government, the Secretary of State shall review, among other factors, the voting practices of such government in the United Nations in relation to United States strategic interests. (2) The Secretary of State shall consult with the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations on the voting practices of foreign governments prior to the submission of the report required under section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2413(a)).

Withholding of 15% of US funding to the UN & UN Agencies unless they satisfy list of demands, including “taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias”: (b) Transparency and Accountability.–Of the funds appropriated by this Act that are available for contributions to the United Nations (including the Department of Peacekeeping Operations), international organizations, or any United Nations agency, 15 percent may not be obligated for such organization, department, or agency until the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the organization, department, or agency is–…(4) taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias… (6) implementing policies and procedures to effectively vet staff for any affiliation with a terrorist organization.”

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

Restrictions linked to support for international terror: (c) Restrictions on United Nations Delegations and Organizations.– (1) Restrictions on United States delegations.–None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay expenses for any United States delegation to any specialized agency, body, or commission of the United Nations if such agency, body, or commission is chaired or presided over by a country, the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), supports international terrorism. (2) Restrictions on contributions.–None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of State as a contribution to any organization, agency, commission, or program within the United Nations system if such organization, agency, commission, or program is chaired or presided over by a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), or any other provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. NOTE: For years this language included a Presidential national security waiver; this text does not.

No $$ for UN Human Rights Council: (d) United Nations Human Rights Council.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Human Rights Council, including the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, notwithstanding any other provision of law.

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

NO $$ for UNRWA [also see Sec. 7066 – United Nations Relief and Works Agency — Oversight and Justice for Victims]: (e) United Nations Relief and Works Agency .–None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be made available– (1) for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), notwithstanding any other provision of law; or (2) to solicit or otherwise encourage funds for UNRWA from other donors and sources, notwithstanding any other provision of law…

REPORT TEXT: …The Committee notes that UNRWA has been compromised by staff who have promoted incitement to violence, antisemitism, and the destruction of the State of Israel. The Committee is concerned by UNRWA’s relationship with Hamas and other terrorist organizations, including credible allegations that several UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023 massacre that killed over 1,200 people, including American citizens, and was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Further, the Committee is concerned by the use of UNRWA facilities to shield Hamas infrastructure, such as the Hamas data center under UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters. The Committee notes allegations that significant numbers of UNRWA staff celebrated the October 7, 2023, massacre on social media and that many UNRWA staff, including school principals and senior UNRWA management, are also members of terrorist organizations that violently oppress the Palestinian people, including by using them as human shields. The Committee further notes that the OIG has obtained evidence implicating UNRWA staff and resources in the October 7, 2023, attacks, which may have been implicated by a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services report the United Nations, including UNWRA, has refused to share unredacted. Any United Nations personnel who provided material support to terrorist entities must be held fully accountable, including through United States courts and administrative proceedings without claim to functional immunity.

PLAN FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF UNRWA: “Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing the total amount of United States assistance provided to UNRWA from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025. The report shall also include any known instances in which such assistance was diverted to, or used by, terrorist organizations, including Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or paid the salary of UNRWA staff who were members of such organizations. In addition, the report shall include a transition plan for providing assistance in the Middle East without direct or indirect funding to, or support from, UNRWA.”

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

Prohibition on Funding to ICJ and ICC: (l) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be—…(4) made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the International Court of Justice, notwithstanding any other provision of law; (5) made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the International Criminal Court, notwithstanding any other provision of law…

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

Other REPORT TEXT

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

Section 7050 – Internet Freedom

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

Section 7060 – Sector Allocations

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

Section 7065: Gaza Oversight & Other Matters

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

BILL TEXT

(a) Certification.–The Secretary of State shall certify and report to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, that– (1) oversight policies, processes, and procedures have been established by the Department of State and are in use to prevent the diversion to Hamas, other terrorist and extremist entities, and criminal gangs in Gaza and the misuse or destruction by such entities of assistance, including through international organizations; and (2) such policies, processes, and procedures have been developed in coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors and the Government of Israel, as appropriate.

(b) Oversight Policy and Procedures.–The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, concurrent with the submission of the certification required in subsection (a), a written description of the oversight policies, processes, and procedures for funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, including specific actions to be taken should such assistance be diverted, misused, or destroyed, and the role of the Government of Israel in the oversight of such assistance.

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

(d) Third Party Monitoring.–Funds appropriated by this Act shall be made available for third party monitoring of assistance for Gaza, including end use monitoring, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.

(e) Report.–Not later than 90 days after the initial obligation of funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, and every 90 days thereafter until all such funds are expended, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the amount and purpose of such assistance provided during each respective quarter, including a description of the specific entity implementing such assistance.

(f) Assessment.–Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 90 days thereafter until September 30, 2027, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and other heads of elements of the intelligence community that the Secretary considers relevant, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report assessing whether funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza have been diverted to or destroyed by Hamas, other terrorist and extremist entities, and criminal gangs in the West Bank and Gaza: Provided, That such report shall include details on the amount and how such funds were made available and used by such entities: Provided further, That such report may be submitted in classified form, if necessary.

(g) Consultation.–Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act but prior to the initial obligation of funds made available by this Act for humanitarian assistance for Gaza, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the amount and anticipated uses of such funds.

(h) Inspector General.–The Inspector General of the Department of State shall conduct investigations of implementing partners that receive funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs and made available for assistance in the West Bank and Gaza, including multilateral organizations, and entities that provide logistical support to implementing partners that receive such funds to determine if allegations or reports that such entities have employed staff or contractors that are members of, or affiliated with, a United States designated terrorist organization or have participated in any terrorist act, including before, on, or after October 7, 2023, are credible, and, as appropriate, refer investigative findings for potential criminal, civil, or administrative enforcement remedies.

(i) Limitation on Foreign Nationals From Gaza.–None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs under title III may be used to support the admission and resettlement into the United States of a foreign national from Gaza.

REPORT TEXT — “The Committee directs the Department of State OIG to leverage the expertise of personnel from the OIG funded under Title II in prior acts with respect to material support to terrorists, as the office integrates into the Department of State. The Committee notes such expertise is required to ensure sufficient oversight in high-risk environments, such as Gaza, including to detect the presence of designated terrorists within implementing organizations. The Committee expects that any individual employed by a United States-funded entity who is determined to be a member of a designated terrorist organization–or who knowingly employed such individuals–shall be referred expeditiously for appropriate administrative suspension and debarment proceedings, in accordance with applicable regulations.”

****NEW SECTION — ADDITIONAL TARGETING OF UNRWA*** Sec. 7066 – United Nations Relief and Works Agency — Oversight and Justice for Victims

BILL TEXT

None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or any prior Act making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be obligated or expended for the Secretariat of the United Nations or any of its affiliated offices or programs until the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that–

(a) the Department of State has received a fully unredacted copy of the report prepared by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services concerning individuals affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) who were implicated in the events of October 7, 2023, including the killing of United States citizens;

(b) the findings and associated evidence collected by the Office of Inspector General that implicates UNRWA staff involvement in the deaths of United States citizens have been referred to the United States Department of Justice for criminal, civil, or other enforcement action, as appropriate;

(c) appropriate proceedings for the suspension and debarment of individuals or entities implicated in such events by such findings have been initiated pursuant to applicable regulations and policies, and such proceedings are being expedited to the maximum extent practicable to prevent the rehiring of such individuals or entities by recipients of United States assistance; and

(d) the Secretary-General of the United Nations has provided written assurance to the Secretary that privileges, exemptions, and immunities will not be asserted for any staff, consultant, or contractor of UNRWA or any other United Nations entity in cases involving–

gross violations of human rights;
acts of terrorism;
material support to foreign terrorist organizations, individuals, or entities designated as such by the United States Government; or
other serious crimes under United States or international law, including corruption-related offenses, where such acts fall outside the scope of official duties.

REPORT TEXT

The Committee is gravely concerned by credible reports that UNRWA employed individuals linked to Hamas, has a long history of supporting terrorist groups, and employed staff who murdered American citizens on October 7, 2023. The Committee directs the Secretary of State to initiate urgent reforms to multilateral oversight and any relevant certification for its multilateral partners, with full accountability to American victims and their families. The Committee rejects the United Nations Secretary General’s claim of immunity for terrorism, atrocities, or corruption and supports the directives in subsections (a) through (c), regarding evidence preservation, Department of Justice referrals, and withholding funds until accountability is ensured. The Department of State shall regularly update the appropriate congressional committees of efforts to carry out justice on behalf of the American victims and their surviving families.
The Committee directs that, for the purposes of this section, the term “individuals or entities implicated in such events by such findings” shall include any United Nations official, contractor, or subcontractor who has materially supported, including through employment, members of a United States-designated terrorist organization, or who has mismanaged United States contributions in a manner that enabled such individuals to carry out any act in support of such terrorist organization, commit mass atrocities, or cause harm to United States citizens.

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

7/24/25: Humanizing and Historicizing the World in a Time of Genocide, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with UC Berkeley History Professor Ussama Makdisi, who was personally named and targeted by Members of Congress in the recent House of Representatives hearing ostensibly on antisemitism in higher education. Beinart and Makdisi discuss the “surreal” experience of being denounced in Congress as well as the truth and power of the widespread mobilization of people from a wide range of backgrounds, faiths, and generations calling for justice and an end to the genocide in Gaza. They also discuss the long and relatively under-researched history of interconnections among Muslims, Christians, and Jewish communities in the Middle East, the importance of reading history, and the shocking brutality of the genocide in Gaza. As they close their conversation, Makdisi asserts that the urgent and essential task is to make sense of the world in terms that “humanize rather than dehumanize, historicize rather than dehistoricize, advocate for justice and equality rather than ethno-religious supremacy of any sort.”

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING FREE SPEECH/CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) HR XXXX: On 7/24/25, Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Bacon (R-NE), joined by the head of the ADL Jonathan Greenblatt, held a press conference to announce the re-introduction of the “STOP HATE Act” [the bill is not in the Congressional Record as of 12pm 7/25/25] This same trio previously came together in 2023 to introduce this same legislation (HR 6463). Also see:

Press release: Gottheimer, Bacon, ADL Announce Legislation to Combat Terrorists & Disinformation on Social Media, including this quote from Greenblatt: “The world’s oldest hate is crossing borders and going viral. One of the main drivers supercharging the global rise in antisemitism is the unregulated proliferation of extremists online who are looking to seed divisions among us and drive hate…Today’s extremists exploit social media to recruit, radicalize, and incite violence – often in violation of these platforms’ own terms of service. As antisemitism and hate surge to record levels, the STOP HATE Act is a vital bipartisan bill that will hold tech platforms accountable for hosting terrorist and extremist content. This bill will provide essential oversight and ensure companies enforce their own policies...”
Press conference: Reps. Gottheimer, Bacon, ADL Announce Bipartisan STOP HATE Act
Media: Gottheimer, Bacon re-up effort to combat antisemitism on social media [“The STOP HATE Act would require social media companies to publicize policies on the use of their platforms by designated terrorists“] (Jewish Insider 10/24/25); Gottheimer, Bacon, ADL announce bill to combat Jew-hatred, terrorism on social media (Jewish News Syndicate 7/23/25); This Bill Would Fine Social Media Companies $5 Million Every Day for Not Fighting ‘Terrorism’ [excerpt: “At the press conference, Bacon made it clear that the STOP HATE Act was meant to push social media companies to act even more like an arm of government censorship. ‘People should feel like they’re scorned for having these ideas and espousing these ideals. We need to work with our social media companies to clean this up,’ he said. ‘It’s further influencing other young—more people are being influenced by what they’re saying. They’re saying that this is acceptable behavior. It is not. We need to hold these companies accountable and work with them to take it off the airwaves.’ The specific idea that Bacon had in mind was antisemitism, and he made clear that it includes criticism of the State of Israel in his book. ‘I saw the protests out here the past few days. They were vile. You could see the antisemitism in their comments, the way they were treating some of our members of Congress who are Jewish,’ Bacon said.”] (Reason 7/24/25); ADL-Backed Bipartisan Bill Threatens to Censor Israel Criticism on Social Media (Common Dreams 7/25/25)
Other: X-post from Glenn Greenwald re the bill – “There was an full consensus on the Right for the last decade that Big Tech censorship was a great evil, especially if pressured and demanded by the US Government. All that changed with it came time to censor for Israel: ‘we’re very proud the bill has the backing of the ADL.’“; ADC press release – ADC: STOP HATE Act is a Dangerous Attack on Free Speech and The Right to Dissent

(TARGETING PROTEST & NON-PROFIT SECTOR) S. 2376: Introduced 7/22/25 by Cruz (R-TX) and 6 Republican co-sponsors, “A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity,” aka the “Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (Stop FUNDERs) Act.” Per Cruz’s press release the bill will: “Amend 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1) to add ‘rioting,’ as defined in the Anti-Riot Act, to the list of racketeering predicate offenses” and “Enable the Department of Justice to use RICO tools—including joint liability and group prosecution, conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture, and enhanced criminal penalties—against organizations and individuals who repeatedly fund or coordinate violent interstate riots” and “Deter abuse of nonprofit status and expose hidden financial pipelines behind politically motivated violence.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see:

My X-thread 7/23/25, which among other things notes that this bill aligns with the tactics laid out in Project Esther, which among other things states: “We have several laws at our disposal that may help to exploit HSN and HSO vulnerabilities, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA); the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO); and counterterrorism, hate speech, and immigration laws…”
Media: Cruz moves to penalize groups funding antisemitic, anti-ICE riots (Fox News 7/22/25); Ted Cruz Wants to Use Law Meant to Prosecute Gangs to Go After Anti-ICE Protest Organizers (Latin Times 7/23/25); Congressional Republicans introduce bill targeting riot funders (AOL 7/24/25)

(USING MEMBERSHIP DARING TO DISAGREE WITH THE ADL ON ISRAEL AS PRETEXT TO TARGET THE NEA) S. 2428: Introduced 7/24/25 by Lummis (R-WY) and 4 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend chapter 1511 of title 36, United States Code, to impose certain requirements on the National Education Association, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on Finance. Also see:

Press release: Lummis, Fitzgerald Introduce STUDENT Act to Reform National Education Association’s Federal Charter
Lummis X-post 7/23/25: “It’s heartbreaking & disturbing to see educational institutions weaken their ties with organizations combatting antisemitism. I’m proud to stand with Jewish Americans & introduce the STUDENT Act to bring NEA’s charter to its original purpose of supporting teachers, not politics.“
Media: Sen. Lummis to introduce legislation barring the NEA from engaging in politics or lobbying (Jewish Insider 7/24/25) – the “Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act” or the ‘‘STUDENT Act“; text [among other things barring the NEA or its affiliates to”require or encourage staff, officers, affiliates, or members to affirm, adopt, or adhere to any belief of concept that” among other things, “promotes antisemitic beliefs or practices, including beliefs that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Jewish people, deny or minimize the Holocaust, or promote hatred or discrimination against Jewish individuals based on identity, ancestry or connection to and beliefs about Israel“]

(TARGETING PROTEST & NON-PROFIT SECTOR) HR 4232: Introduced 6/27/25 (not previously covered in the Round-Up) by Kiley (R-CA), the “No Tax Dollars for Riots” Act. The bill would ban federal funding to, and strip the tax-exempt status of, any non-profit organization an officer or board member of which is convicted of an offense in connection to a protest deemed by law enforcement to be a “riot.” These consequences would apply REGARDLESS of whether the convicted individual was acting in a personal capacity or as a representative of the organization in question. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see:

Kiley press releases – Rep. Kiley to Introduce Legislation Targeting Rioters & President Trump Endorses Rep. Kiley Bill to Prevent Violent Riots; Kiley X-post – “I am introducing the No Tax Dollars for Riots Act, legislation to deny public funding and tax-exempt status to “nonprofits” that organize riots. The group known as CHIRLA played a central role in the chaos in LA after receiving over $34 million in public funding.”
President Trump post on Truth Social 6/28/25: “CONGRESSMAN KEVIN KILEY’S, ‘NO TAX DOLLARS FOR RIOTS’ legislation, should be passed immediately. I am hereby instructing my Administration not to pay ANY money to these radicalized groups, regardless of the legislation. They get paid to incite riots, burn down or destroy a city, then come back to the trough to get money to help rebuild it. NO MORE MONEY!!!“
Trump Demands Republicans Crack Down on Nonprofits That Protest ICE [“The president endorsed a GOP lawmaker’s bill to take away the tax-exempt status of groups supposedly involved in ‘unlawful riots'”] (Rolling Stone 6/28/25)

(YET MORE US AID FOR/COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) HR 4655: Introduced 7/23/25 by Fine (R-FL) and 8 cosponsors [7 Republicans + Gottheimer (D-NJ)], “To direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a grant program to increase cooperation on post-traumatic stress disorder research between the United States and Israel.“ Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

(ARGENTINA/HEZBOLLAH + IHRA) S. Res. 326: Introduced 7/17/25 (Missed this last week – sorry) by Curtis (R-UT) and Rosen (D-NV), “A resolution remembering the 33rd anniversary of the bombing of the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aries on March 17, 1992, and the 31st 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 victims of the attacks.” Includes clause in which the Senate: “commends the Government of Argentina for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and encourages other partners and allies to do the same.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Senators Curtis, Rosen Lead Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Victims of Argentine Terror Attacks, Confronting Rise in Global Antisemitism

(CONCERN FOR CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED BY MUSLIMS – NEVER MIND ISRAEL KILLING/INURING/DISPLACING CHRISTIAN PALESTINIANS, OR EVEN BOMBING A CHURCH IN GAZA LAST WEEK) S. Res. 327: Introduced by Hawley (R-MO) 7/21/25, “A resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries and encouraging the President to prioritize the protection of persecuted Christians in United States foreign policy.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. This is the Senate companion to H. Res. 594, introduced last week. Also see:

press release – Congressman Moore, Senator Hawley Introduce Resolution Condemning International Persecution of Christians.
NOTE: The bill text does mention Palestinian Christians in Gaza, but not to express concern for them being killed/injured/displaced/starved by Israel, or concern about Israel repeatedly bombing churches in Gaza, but as yet another prop to deflect focus from Israel’s actions in Gaza: “Whereas, in Gaza, Christians live as an extreme minority with almost no rights under the Hamas-led government“.
Recommended reading: The Dilemma of Gaza’s Christians (The New Yorker 1/24/24); I’m a Palestinian Christian in Gaza. I want peace—for my homeland and my family. (America Magazine 12/20/23); Under Israeli attack: Who are the Christians of Gaza? They’re small in number, but with deep roots that they are unwilling to leave behind. (Al Jazeera 11/1/23)

2. Letters

(INVESTIGATE DEATH OF AMCIT IN WEST BANK) 7/24/25: Van Hollen, 28 Senators Call on Administration to Conduct Independent, U.S.-Led Investigation into Death of American Citizen in West Bank [letter text]. Also see:

X-posts & press releases: Van Hollen – “Saifullah Kamel Musallet is the 7th U.S. citizen killed in the West Bank by settlers or the IDF since 2022, and the 5th in the last 19 months. Today I led 28 Senators in writing to Rubio & Bondi demanding an independent, U.S.-led investigation — and accountability for ALL these American lives lost“; Warren (D-MA) – “We can’t stand by while Israeli settlers kill innocent civilians, including Americans, in the West Bank. Trump made this worse by revoking 30+ sanctions on extremist settlers. It’s wrong, and I was proud to join Senator Van Hollen in pressing for accountability and justice.“; Warren press release – Warner, 28 Senators Call on Administration to Conduct Independent, U.S.-Led Investigation into Death of American Citizen in West Bank
Media: Democrats demand U.S. investigation of American’s death in West Bank (Washington Post 7/24/25); Democratic senators call on Trump to investigate US citizen killed in West Bank (The Hill 7/25/25)

3. Hearings & Briefings

July 23, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled, U.S. Diplomatic Strategies for a Dynamic Middle East (video). Witnesses were: Brian Hook, former US Department of State Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor (statement); Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East (statement); and Shelly Culbertson, Senior Policy Researcher, RAND (statement). Also see:

Chairman Lawler (R-NY) opening statement
Former officials warn of consequences if U.S. dials down presence in Middle East (Jewish Insider 7/24/25)

July 23, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, FY26 State Department Posture: Bureau of Political Affairs (video). The sole witness was Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker (statement). Of note: Rep. Castro (D-TX) focused his time on Israel/Gaza/the West Bank (starting around 2:23:08 in the video), asking about the Trump Administration’s plan to deal with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza (he posted parts of his exchange with Hooker on X – here, here, here). The answer he got basically blamed Hamas for all suffering and deaths in Gaza, absolved Israel of responsibility, and raised the Trump Administration’s ostensible support for ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He also asked Hooker whether the Trump Administration plans to independently investigate terrorist acts by Israeli settlers, including the recent murder of a Palestinian-American (her answer suggested that no, the Trump Administration won’t).

July 23, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa held a hearing entitled, Bureau of Counterterrorism FY26 Budget Posture Hearing (video). The sole witness was Gregory LoGerfo, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State (statement). LoGerfo mentioned antisemitism once in his prepared remarks and once in response to a member’s question. In addition, Sherman (D-CA) asked LoGerfo to “commit to designating the Popular Resistance Committees of Gaza as either a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated global terrorist?” LoGerfo responded: “…the department is committed to reviewing the Popular Resistance Committee in Gaza for a potential terrorist designation…” Sherman followed up: “How soon can we count on that review being done? They’ve been a terrorist organization for a couple decades now. Your predecessors have just not focused on this.” LoGerfo committed to getting back to Sherman on this “as soon as possible.” Sherman responded, “I look forward to hearing from you within a month.” [this exchange takes place starting at 26:48 in the hearing video]

July 23, 2025: The House Committee on Appropriations held a mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Bill. See next week’s Round-Up for a full analysis of the Middle East-related provisions in the bill, as approved by the Committee, and the accompanying report. For now, see: hearing video; Full Committee Mark (base bill the Committee marked up); Full Committee Mark Summary; Bill Report. Also see:

7/23/25 Diaz-Balart Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Full Committee Markup
7/23/25 Cole Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Full Committee Markup
House Appropriations Committee backs funding increase for antisemitism envoy (Jewish Insider 7/23/25)
Appropriations Committee Democrats criticize anti-UNRWA provisions in House funding bill [“Rep. Madeleine Dean described the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as a ‘death trap for starving Palestinians’”] (Jewish Insider 7/23/25)
Dean (D-PA) X-post w/ video clip from hearing: “Gaza is starving. This week, I spoke of the complexity of addressing this scale of malnutrition. It goes beyond food — Gaza needs skilled pediatricians, nutritionists, and other specialists to save innocent people, including children, from starving to death.” Escobar (D-TX) commenting on Dean’s post – “The hunger in Gaza is catastrophic, devastating, desperate. The world’s inaction is beyond comprehension. Congress could have allocated funding to help. But didn’t. I was proud to support your amendment, @RepDean. We must continue to do all we can, especially for the children“

July 22-23, 2025: The House Financial Services Committee held a two-day markup of various measures, including HR 4427, the Syria Sanctions Accountability Act, introduced by Lawler (R-NY). During the hearing Lawler proposed an amendment in the nature of a substitute (i.e., replacing the entire bill). Discussion of that ANS occurred on Day 1 (7/22/25), starting 2:05:35 in the markup video. Hours later (starting at 6:15:40 in the video), the committee voted (1) to reject by a vote of 17-37 an amendment to Lawler’s ANS proposed by Ranking Member Waters (D-CA); (2) to adopt by a Voice Vote Lawler’s ANS to HR 4427; and (3) to order by a vote of 31-23 that HR 4427, as amended, be reported out of committee (paving the way for it to be taken up by the full House). Also see: House committee votes for bill to condition removal of sanctions on Syria (Jewish Insider 7/23/25); House committee to vote on Lawler bill modifying Syria sanctions [“The legislation stops short of full repeal of the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act sanctions bill that other lawmakers are pushing on a bipartisan basis“] (Jewish Insider 7/21/25)

July 22, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a markup of various measure (markup video), including:

HR 2505, the “Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act” (covered in the 4/4/25 edition of the Round-Up). Discussion of HR 2505 starts round 0:22:30 in the markup video. The committee PASSED HR 2505 by a vote of a 50-0 [voted to report it out of committee with a favorable recommendation; vote at 5:25:05 n the video]. NOTE: In his comment, Rep. McCaul (R-TX) spoke about Syria and his desire to see a repeal of the Ceasar Act (starting around 34:00 in the video) and his belief in building a secure Syria, “…the greatest beneficiary of that would be the people of Israel, to have a level of security and not a fragmented Syria…“
HR 4335, the “Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act” (covered in the 7/11/25 edition of the Round-up). Discussion of HR 4335 starts around 1:28:00 in the markup video. The Committee PASSED HR 4335, as amended, (incorporating an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute circulated by HR 4335’s lead sponsors, Lawler, R-NY) by a (mostly party-line) vote of 31-19 [voted to report it out of committee with a favorable recommendation; vote at 5:30:50 in the video). Democrats on the committee, while making clear they passionately support the Abraham Accords, opposed HR 4335 based on concerns that it would exempt from oversight on the use of US weapons/technology countries that the US should not be exempting from such oversight. Also see: House committee advances legislation expediting arms sales to Abraham Accords partners (Jewish Insider 7/23/25); Bipartisan House bill would expedite arms sales to Abraham Accords partners [“Rep. Lawler: ‘I am committed to strengthening our relationships with regional partners and putting our ally Israel in the best position possible to do the same’”] (Jewish Insider 7/10/25)
HR 2633, the “U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025″ (covered in the 4/4/25 edition of the Round-Up). NOTE: An entire section of the bill is focused on South Africa’s policies vis-à-vis Israel and the Palestinians. Discussion on HR 2633, which focused on Israel/Gaza, starts around 2:21:20 in the markup video. The Committee PASSED HR 2633 by a vote of 34-16 [after first rejecting a series of Democratic amendments, and 4 Democratic amendments and adopting one [adding one word], from Keating, D-MA).

4. Selected Members on the Record

Concern about Famine/Genocide in Gaza [all Democrats, many of whom have actively enabled/defended Israeli policies/actions for 600+ days — apparently live-streamed mass death from famine is FINALLY enough for some folks to draw some sort of line, and remarkable how many waited until Friday — as Congress goes into a month-long recess — to fing their courage…]

Schneider (D-IL) 7/25/25: Rep. Schneider Statement on Gaza and Need to Pursue Peace for Both Palestinians and Israelis [calling for an end to the war so that aid can flow, while also placing all responsibility for suffering in Gaza on Hamas, also criticizing France for announcing it will recognize Palestine, because of course it does; also calling out Israeli ministers speaking publicly in support of ethnic cleansing of Gaza, not because he is concerned that this is Israel’s actual policy being implemented, but because speaking this way “empowers those who accuse Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity“]
Reed (D-RI), Durbin (D-IL), Shaheen (D-NH), Warner (D-VA), Coons (D-DE), and Schatz (D-HI) 7/25/25: U.S. Senators Call on Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza [excerpt: “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to: Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible. Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs. Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need. Establish a ‘day after’ plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding. Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”
Kim (D-NJ) 7/25/25: “There are trucks of aid waiting just outside of Gaza – reportedly 6,000 of them – ready to enter and provide relief. They must be allowed to enter immediately. It is an utter tragedy to have this suffering of children and other civilians unfold while the resources exist right at the border. The continued denial of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government is shameful. The nearly three month blockade of humanitarian supplies they executed earlier this year and the failed delivery system they have imposed since have had devastating and deadly results. I see more and more voices in Israel and the Jewish community in America speaking out, including families of the remaining hostages and former Israeli defense and security leaders. I urge others, including supporters of Israel, to demand a change in course. Countering Hamas and seeking the release of hostages does not necessitate restricting life-sustaining humanitarian supplies for civilians. In fact, the tragedy facing children and civilians in Gaza will only exacerbate and prolong security concerns facing Israel.”
Lee (D-PA) 7/25/25: X-post – “Palestinians in Gaza are being starved to death. The IDF is blocking aid and shooting people waiting in line for food. People are collapsing in the streets from extreme starvation. Horrors upon horrors. The U.S. must stop funding Israel’s manufactured famine and genocide.“
Magaziner (D-RI) 7/25/25: X-post – “The starvation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis. Children are dying and doctors are too hungry to work. Aid must be surged and allowed in NOW.”
Merkley (D-OR) 7/25/25: X-post – “Gaza is starving. Every moment that the U.S. fails to demand a massive influx in humanitarian aid and continues to supply Netanyahu with bombs, we are complicit. No bombs. More aid.“
Cleaver (D-IL) 7/25/25: X-post – “The people in Gaza are starving to death. The humanitarian crisis is not easing – it’s accelerating. Every delay in aid is a death sentence. The world cannot look away: Israel has an obligation to provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians. That’s why I joined @RepJayapal and 90+ Democrats in June to call on the U.S. administration to do more.”
Peters (D-MI) 7/25/25: X-post – “Over recent weeks, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened significantly. There are credible reports that innocent people are going days without eating and that life-threatening violence around aid distribution sites is making it too dangerous for families to get food, water, and medical supplies. It is past time for a lasting ceasefire that ensures that innocent civilians in Gaza receive desperately needed humanitarian aid, secures the release of the remaining hostages, and supports peace and stability in the region.“
Kelly (D-IL) 7/25/25: X-post – “The surging humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent action. People need food, medicine, and safety. A ceasefire agreement where all hostages can come home and aid can flow into the region is imperative. All people want to live in peace.“
Garcia (D-CA) 7/25/25: X-post – “The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the famine unleashed upon children and families is horrific. People are being shot who are trying to get food. We need a full flow of aid and a ceasefire immediately. The war must end so we can save lives and return hostages home.”
Craig (D-MN) 7/25/25: X-post – “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is not acceptable. Children, families, innocent civilians, doctors and journalists are starving. Now, over 100 foreign aid groups have sounded the alarm, and the situation is only worsening. I’m calling on the Israeli government and the Trump Administration to work swiftly to reach a diplomatic solution, implement an immediate ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian aid – including food – is able to enter Gaza.”
DeSaulnier (D-CA) 7/25/25: X-post – “The situation in Gaza is dire. Aid groups and the World Health Organization are all in agreement that mass starvation is spreading and needs to be addressed urgently. The Trump Administration needs to do all it can to put pressure on the Netanyahu regime to take immediate action.“
Ansari (D-AZ) 7/25/25: X-post – “The intensifying starvation in Gaza and attacks on people seeking food are horrifying and must end. Gazans should be able to access aid at humanitarian sites without fear of being gunned down. Netanyahu must stop this. Trump must stop finger-pointing and commit to real diplomacy to end this war immediately.“
Murray (D-WA) 7/24/25: X-post – “This is a crisis. While I have very little confidence in this administration, I’m calling on POTUS to intervene. No one should starve or die from disease when aid is sitting across the border. Let all humanitarian actors get aid into Gaza. Make sure it can be delivered safely”
Doggett (D-TX) 7/24/25: X-post – “There is no justification for the pictures the world is seeing daily of emaciated Palestinian children, caught in the crossfire between Hamas’ evil and the extremist Netanyahu government. Over 115 humanitarian organizations have warned their colleagues in Gaza are starving to death. There must be a ceasefire and surge in humanitarian aid immediately.“
Smith (D-MN) 7/24/25: X-post – “Food and water should never be politicized. Netanyahu’s disregard for civilian life is appalling. The near-total blockade of food and aid into Gaza must end – innocent children are being starved.“
Raskin (D-MD) 7/24/25: X-post – “Hundreds of hungry Palestinians have been killed near food sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which is funded in part by our tax dollars. This group should not receive our support while Gazans face starvation and violent death every day. The famine and slaughter must end now.“
Jayapal (D-WA) 7/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Earlier this year, @RepRashida and I introduced resolutions to block the sale of specific offensive weapons to Israel. We need to respond to these atrocities with restraint and the assurance that any government will uphold U.S. law and international humanitarian law.“
Jacobs (D-CA) 7/24/25: X-post – “I am sickened by what we’re seeing in Gaza right now. The IDF has blocked aid while shooting people waiting in food lines for what little aid is actually coming from the sham Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israel needs to lift its blockade and the U.S. needs to stop sending bombs.”
Amo (D-RI) 7/24/25: X-post – “The people of Gaza should not starve or be targeted as they seek what little food aid is available. Trump must demand Israel immediately surge sufficient food, water, and medical supplies for Palestinians. There must be an immediate end to this war and suffering.“
McCollum (D-MN) 7/23/25: “Since 2006, I have proudly defended the human rights of the Palestinian people living in Gaza and the West Bank. For two decades, I have maintained that the United States must not tolerate the apartheid policy of our ally, Israel. Let me be clear: I was horrified by the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7^th, and my heart aches for the remaining hostages and their families who are waiting for them to return home. However, the disproportionate response to this attack by Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremist right-wing government has caused a spiral of death and destruction. Prime Minister Netanyahu is only working with the extremists in his government who would prefer that there are no Palestinians. They have corralled an entire population into an unsafe, untenable, and inhumane situation, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has commanded a barbaric military campaign that has killed or injured more than 50,000 children. The current Israeli government has effectively weaponized aid by initially accepting the provision of food and medicine from third parties and then abruptly reversing course and rejecting aid from international aid groups. The reports of death and starvation in Gaza are agonizing, and now there is credible evidence that foreign doctors, journalists, and aid workers are facing starvation along with the people they are trying to save. Instead of working with our international partners to swiftly provide food and medicine to those who need it, the Trump Administration has hastily propped up the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) which has failed to get food, medicine, or clean water to the people of Gaza. In fact, what started as nearly 400 humanitarian aid sites for 2.1 million Gazans has now dwindled down to only four active sites run by GHF. The lack of distribution sites has caused mass chaos. Palestinians who are fighting for their lives and the lives of their loved ones face nearly impossible odds to get to these distribution sites. The Israel Defense Forces’ response has been to shoot first and ask questions later. The Trump Administration is complicit in this staggering injustice. It is failing to work with other democracies and international organizations to get aid into Gaza, and the American people and the world are taking notice. Instead, this administration continues to support the failed policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist government. Just yesterday, House Republicans rejected an amendment in the National Security and State Department appropriations bill that would have provided funding to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network – a faith-based hospital system providing vital services to both Israelis and Palestinians. Even more shocking, the Trump administration last week incinerated 500 metric tons of food meant to help hungry children all over the world, including in Gaza, in what can only be described as a shameful episode of America abdicating its humanitarian obligation. I, along with the world, watch in horror as the Trump Administration buoys Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist right-wing government. Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine things would get so bad. No child on this planet should be starved when the United States has the capacity to feed them. I implore my colleagues to consider: How will the world remember us?“
Bell (D-MO) 7/24/25: X-post – “I’ve always supported Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. That hasn’t changed. But supporting this government’s actions—allowing children to starve and firing on civilians seeking food—is something I can’t stand by. This isn’t self-defense. It must stop.“
Ritchie (D-NY) 7/24/25: X-post – “Telling Palestinians in Gaza to ‘starve away’ is an evil thing to say. The US must make every effort to secure the release of the hostages, end the war, enable new Palestinian self-governance in Gaza, build a durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and expand the Abraham Accords in the service of broader Israeli-Arab peace.” [responding to Fine (R-FL) post, below. Note: while taking a shot at Fine for his “starve away” comment, Ritchie conspicuously does not call for anyone to do anything to actually get urgent aid into Gaza, suggesting his dispute with Fine is more about style than substance.]
Klobuchar (D-MN) 7/24/25: C-Span X-post – “Acute malnutrition is rising. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while seeking food, most in the vicinity of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution sites and others on the routes of aid convoys. This is simply unacceptable.“
Lynch (D-MA) 7/24/25: X-post w/ video clip – “What is happening in Gaza is just wrong. I call on the Trump Administration to condemn attacks against the civilian population.” [speech on video focused on killing of people seeking food & on malnutrition, death from famine]
Tlaib (D-MI) 7/24/25: X-post – “I’m at the Capitol with Mosab Abu Toha, a teacher, poet, and genocide survivor who escaped Gaza after losing dozens of his family members. We are here to call on my colleagues and government officials to stop funding the genocide in Gaza.“
Dexter (D-OR) 7/24/25: X-post – “Netanyahu is weaponizing starvation in Gaza. Aid is blocked. Children are dying. The world must act. I am backing legislation reinstating UNRWA to rush life-saving aid into Gaza. I’m demanding answers on the deadly mismanagement at U.S.-backed aid sites. We cannot look away.“
Velazquez (D-NY) 7/23/25: X-post – “Families in Gaza are starving. Children are dying. People searching for food are being shot. Israel is blocking aid, and over 100 humanitarian groups are sounding the alarm. The U.S. must act now to end the blockade and get life-saving aid to civilians. This is an emergency.“
Simon (D-CA) 7/23/25: X-post – “Let me be clear, there is a man-made famine in Gaza right now. This is illegal and it is inhumane, Israel must let humanitarian aid into Gaza immediately.”
Dexter (D-OR) 7/23/25: floor statement – “I rise today as a mother, a physician, and a Member of Congress horrified by the ongoing massacre in Gaza. This is not a humanitarian crisis in abstract. It is the result of choices, choices leading to preventable famine. While bombs are leveling entire cities, the only so-called aid group allowed in, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is annihilating the very principles of neutrality and humanitarian relief. Now, we are hearing reports that aid will be contingent on a cease-fire. Let me be clear: That is morally bankrupt. You do not negotiate over food. You do not bargain with medicine. Youdo not turn aid sites into deathtraps. Palestinians in Gaza deserve safety, dignity, and the right to self-determination, not starvation. Oregonians have been clear: The United States has a moral obligation to use its power to end this tragedy. A critical step is demanding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency is immediately reinstated in Gaza for large-scale aid delivery.“
Gallego (D-AZ) 7/23/25: X-post – “When I served in war, I understood the dual obligation to combat terrorists and protect innocent civilians. Netanyahu’s current approach to humanitarian aid in Gaza is failing and must be improved. The suffering of civilians cannot be ignored.”
Baldwin (D-WI) 7/23/25: X-post – “Starving families that were in line to get food were senselessly gunned down. It’s horrific, illegal, & unacceptable. This war has to end. Palestinian families desperately need aid, Israeli families need their loved ones home, & we need peace, security, and a two-state solution.“
Pocan (D-WI) 7/23/25: X-post – “There is no excuse for Israel under Netanyahu to block food, bomb aid convoys, and shoot civilians at food lines. It’s abhorrent and illegal. This lifesaving aid must be allowed to enter Gaza ASAP.”
Dingell (D-MI) 7/23/25: X-post – “Starvation is not self defense. The blockade must end.”
Casar (D-TX) 7/23/25: X-post – “The Israeli military has killed over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza seeking aid, and its blockade is starving innocent children. There are no words for how horrifying this is. We must end Netanyahu’s war on Gaza’s civilians, and we must end the United States’ support for it.”
Ramirez (D-IL) 7/23/25: X-post – “Netanyahu is using starvation as a weapon of war. Since March 2, he has cut off food, medical supplies, and other aid to more than 2 million Palestinians. Enough is enough! Israel must lift its blockade on aid. We must see Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for the sham that it is. The attacks on people waiting for what little aid is offered must stop. The atrocities must end.”
Jayapal (D-WA) 7/23/25: X-post – “Children are literally starving to death in Gaza. The Israeli government is using starvation as a weapon of war and using our taxpayer dollars to do it. This plain cruelty must stop.”
Kelly (D-AZ) 7/22/25: X-post – “Israel must stop these attacks on people seeking aid. There are starving children in Gaza and more needs to be done to end this crisis.”
Panetta (D-CA) 7/22/25: “The reported bloodshed at humanitarian aid sites in Gaza is wrongful and unacceptable. When efforts to deliver food result in gunfire, stampedes, and civilian and child casualties, GHF must immediately reassess what it is doing and work with the Israeli government and its defense forces to revise its procedures and plans as one of the few distributors of humanitarian aid to Gaza. GHF should consider using cleared, trusted, and verified NGOs to expand delivery corridors by land, air, and sea, and institute secure, direct-to-civilian aid routes that minimize contact with Hamas. Furthermore, there is a U.S.-led and Qatari and Egyptian-facilitated deal on the table for a 60-day truce between Hamas and Israel, which would be accompanied by the staggered release of all the hostages. As I have said from the beginning of this conflict, the United States must continue to lead by working with both sides to immediately reach a deal. A deal that will not only stop the violence, but also prompt the release of every hostage, the security of Israel, the administrative and military dismantling of Hamas, and the safe and proper delivery of humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. Moreover, this deal could lay a strong foundation for the larger goals in the region, including a potential resolution of the Palestinian issue, the further isolation of Iran, and a broadening normalization of relations between our Arab partners and the only democracy in the Middle East.“
Green (D-TX) 7/22/25: video – Rep. Al Green Calls Out Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, & Collective Punishment of Palestinians in Gaza [full statement in Congressional Record]
Min (D-CA) 7/22/25: X-post – “What’s happening in Gaza is devastating and heartbreaking, which is why I am once again calling on the Israeli government to ensure that starving Palestinians receive food and other humanitarian aid. The suffering must end.“
Tran (D-CA) 7/22/25: floor statement – “I rise today to express my horror at the reports coming from Gaza of hundreds of innocent civilians being killed or maimed while they are seeking humanitarian assistance. This is a humanitarian crisis. Congress and the Trump administration must take action to put an end to the violence. Killing those seeking food is incompatible with the pursuit of peace. The choice by Israeli leadership to engage in military actions at aid sites endangers all innocent Palestinians and Israelis who deserve to live with dignity. I am the child of refugees. My parents were forced to flee because they feared for their own lives in their home country. The United States must ensure that the Palestinian people can live their lives in peace without the fear that they will be killed in line for food.“
Garcia (D-IL) 7/21/25: X-post – “As they starve under an Israeli-imposed blockade, Palestinians are being shot at for seeking food and water. I join the Pope as he once again calls for an end to the barbarity in Gaza.“
Scholten (D-MI) 7/21/25: X-post – “I’m heartbroken and deeply concerned about the loss of innocent lives this weekend in Gaza. Innocent people seeking aid and food MUST be able to do so without harm as we work toward an end to this humanitarian crisis.”
Foushee (D-NC) 7/21/25: X-post – “Trump’s aid plan for Gaza doesn’t work. Starving civilians are being met with gunfire at aid sites—it’s inhumane and unacceptable. I continue to call for a ceasefire to ensure the flow of aid to the region and safe return of the remaining hostages.”
Dingell (D-MI) 7/19/25: X-post – “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.’ Yet, hungry people desperate to reach a legitimate food distribution center are being fired upon and killed. The desperation of hunger is not a crime. This is not defense, it’s a humanitarian failure.“

Zero Concern About Famine in Gaza, except to blame Hamas

Scott (R-FL) 7/25/25: X-post – “I’m sick and tired of terrorist sympathizers blaming Israel for people starving in Gaza. That’s a flat-out lie. HAMAS is stealing aid from the people of Gaza and starving innocent people, including the hostages they hold. It has been 658 days, and every day that goes by could be their last. We can’t rest until we bring them all home!“
Scott (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “While Hamas terrorists feast on food they stole from civilians in Gaza, the innocent hostages Hamas has held for 656 days are starving to death. It’s disgusting and pure evil. Enough is enough — Bring them all home!” — linked to what appears to be an old video being circulated by the IDF
Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “When you wonder why I don’t give a shit about Gazans, here is one reason. As if it wasn’t enough, there are 1450 more.” Linked to X-post about a 22-year-old Israel woman killed 10/7/23 at the Nova Festival.
Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “To the people fighting for Muslim terrorists, harassing staff in the cafeteria, and storming Congressional offices. I have a message for them.” with image with text: I WILL ALWAYS STAND AGAINST TERRORISTS
Fine (R-FL) 7/22/25: X-post – “Terror raggies don’t bother me.” [referring to activists from Code Pink calling him out re: Gaza]
Fine (R-FL) 7/22/25: X-post – “Release the hostages. Until then, starve away. (This is all a lie anyway. It amazes me that the media continues to regurgitate Muslim terror propaganda.)” This post by Fine was tsk tsk’d 7/23/25 by the American Jewish Committee (which perhaps recognized that sounding too pro-starvation of 2+ million people, even as there is now a constant stream of photos of emaciated dead and dying Palestinians, including children, is a bad look for Israel and its defenders), which posted: “The serious humanitarian situation in Gaza must not be taken lightly, especially by those at the highest levels of government. Implying that starvation is a legitimate tactic is unacceptable. All those in need of humanitarian aid should receive it promptly and safely. Our leaders must focus less on scoring political points and more on doing their jobs.”

GOP Love for Israel & Trump Admin

Scott (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “.@VoteRandyFine will do a great job standing up for Israel” [responding to news that the GOP put Fine on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, while Democrats put Rep. Omar (D-MN) back on that committee (Republicans threw her off the committee in 2023)]
Hawley (R-MO) 7/23/25: X-post – “Hahahah – pro-Hamas CRAZIES tried to disrupt another event this morning. What a bunch of nutcases. I’m proud as ever to stand for America and our ally Israel” Fine (R-FL) responded on X: “Stand your ground, Senator. Don’t let the delusional, paid protesters push their Muslim terror narrative in America. I’ll hold it down on the House side. Americans need Republicans to be united on this.”
Daines (D-MT) 7/23/25: X-post – “Thanks to the incredible strength of the Israeli military & the leadership of @POTUS, I’m optimistic about a ceasefire between Israel & Gaza.“
Luna (R-FL) 7/19/25: X-post – “A few months back, I asked the Israeli government directly about a prior strike that hit a Christian church in Gaza. I also reached out to the Gov. of Syria regarding the strike a few days ago. These continued aggressions— after @POTUS has been VERY CLEAR ABOUT PEACE in GAZA and backing Syria— should not go unchecked. Thank you @GovMikeHuckabee for your strong leadership on this.”
Fetterman (D-PA) 7/19/25: X-post – “For nearly 2 years, the media normalized hostages held in hellish places. To the tunnel rats: the world knows you and Iran have been broken. Disarming yourselves and freeing the hostages would bring peace to Gaza.”
Bacon (R-NE) 7/18/25: X-post – “No two state solution until Palestinians are ready to have peace with the Jewish state of Israel.“

Re: Israel Looking for US Help/Supporting in Ethnically Cleansing Gaza

Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/18/25: X-post – “A truly outrageous and sickening request from the Netanyahu government. The U.S. should not be complicit in or use ANY governmental, American taxpayer resources to aid and abet what amounts to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian civilians from Gaza. We cannot stand for this” – Responding to Axios article, Scoop: Israel seeks U.S. help on deals to move Palestinians out of Gaza

Meanwhile, re: the West Bank

Tlaib (D-MN) 7/24/25: X-post – “It’s unbelievable that American politicians and media outlets still get away with genocide denial every single day while the Israeli government is voting overwhelmingly to put their war crimes in the legislative record. This is unambiguously illegal, and they’re proud of it.” With screenshot of Times of Israel headline, “Knesset votes 71-13 for non-binding motion calling to annex West Bank” [full article]
Tenney (R-NY) 7/23/25: X-post – “Historic moment in Israel: the Knesset just passed a resolution supporting asserting sovereignty over Judea & Samaria. These regions are not “occupied”; they are the ancestral heartland of the Jewish people. As Chair of the Friends of Judea & Samaria Caucus, I will continue to stand with Israel & its right to exist, securely & sovereignly.“
Quigley (D-IL) 7/23/25: X-post – “Saif Musallet was an American citizen visiting family in the West Bank. He was beaten to death by Israeli settlers. There must be an independent investigation into Saif’s murder. With violence against Palestinian civilians increasing every day, we can not let his death — the death of an American — go unanswered.“
Quigley (D-IL) 7/22/25: “I was horrified by the murder of 20‑year‑old Palestinian‑American Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet in the West Bank. There must be an independent investigation into Saif’s murder, and those responsible must be held accountable. I am a proud cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to bring an end to violence in the West Bank and ensure that any perpetrators are brought to justice. Amid their grief, Saif’s family has asked only for an end to the violence in the West Bank. Congress must do our part to provide them that justice. Over the weekend, I was equally horrified by the 94 Palestinians who were killed while seeking food aid and at least 33 people, including 12 children, who died of starvation. The time for Israeli reassurances about food aid has long passed. The United Nations must resume full control of humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip. More than 80 children have died of malnutrition since the war began, and 90,000 women and children are now in urgent need of treatment. These conditions are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end. As Israel’s closest ally, we have an obligation to hold our friends to the same standard we would any other international actor. That is why I am urging an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to immediately reinstate UN control over humanitarian aid distribution.”
Moore (R-UT) 7/21/25: X-post – “The death of an American citizen in the West Bank by a group of settlement residents on July 11 should have never happened and demands a full investigation from the Israeli government. The U.S. and Israel have a remarkable opportunity to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East after Operation Midnight Hammer and the decimation of Iran’s proxy terrorist network, but these types of tragedies detract from and threaten to derail that incredible potential. Ambassador Huckabee and the Trump administration are right to call for accountability.“
Sanders (I-VT) 7/19/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s atrocities are not limited to Gaza. He has also unleashed terrorist settlers in the West Bank who attack civilians and recently beat a young American to death. Even Trump’s ambassador, Mike Huckabee, called this a “terrorist act.” NO MORE MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.“

We Don’t Mind Famine/Genocide but We Draw the Line at a Slogan (that we define to mean something the people who use it say it doesn’t mean)

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/20/25: X-post w/ video clip – “There are no two sides to the meaning of ‘Globalize the Intifada.’ It’s hate speech, plain and simple. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution with @RepRudyYakym condemning this antisemitic slogan. Everyone must step up to combat rising Jew hatred.” [covered in last week’s Round-Up]
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/19/25: X-post – “‘The Intifada’ refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. Globalizing it is a direct call for violence against Jews. It’s time to pass my bipartisan resolution condemning this hate-filled slogan.”

Iran, Iran, Iran

Daines (R-MT) 7/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Strengthening the relationship between Israel & Azerbaijan is critical for national security & countering the threats that Israel faces from Iran.“
Daines (R-MT) 7/23/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The Iranians chant ‘Death to America” & “Death to Israel.’ They should never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
Cotton (R-AR) 7/22/25: X-post – “Iran’s ‘space program’ is nothing more than a ridiculous charade designed to hide their efforts to develop long-range ballistic missiles to attack America and our allies. Don’t be fooled by their propaganda.“
Shreve (R-IN) 7/21/25: Representative Shreve Introduces Bill to Counter Iran’s Regime of Terror [covered in last week’s Round-Up]

More $$$ & Weapons for Israel!

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/22/25: X-post – “As the parent company of terror, Iran and its proxies continue to attack U.S. and Israeli service members, civilians, and families. I’m proud the House passed my piece of bipartisan legislation to defend our troops, protect civilians, and support our key democratic ally, Israel, against increasing threats from killer drones.” Commenting on JNS 7/18/25 article – House passes defense appropriations bill with millions for Israel
Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 7/20/25: X-post – “Marjorie Taylor Greene’s amendment does nothing to cut off offensive aid to Israel nor end the flow of US munitions being used in Gaza. Of course I voted against it. What it does do is cut off defensive Iron Dome capacities while allowing the actual bombs killing Palestinians to continue. I have long stated that I do not believe that adding to the death count of innocent victims to this war is constructive to its end. That is a simple and clear difference of opinion that has long been established. I remain focused on cutting the flow of US munitions that are being used to perpetuate the genocide in Gaza.”
- NOTE: This post from Ocasio-Cortez, responding to criticism for her vote against Greene’s amendment, sparked even more outrage and backlash, including, for example, from Human rights attorney & Professor Noura Erakat, “Saying nothing would have been better than this gaslighting. The structural problem is US provision of weapons & impunity. It’s necessary to undermine that structure. Distinguishing bw offensive & defensive weapons attempts to normalize our role in genocide & how we got here.”; from lawyer Jenin Younes, “You voted to keep sending money to a terrorist regime that’s committing genocide. It doesn’t matter what the money is earmarked for. unbelievable“; and from former UN official and human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber, “Respectfully, Representative, you have just voted to send weapons to a regime that the ICJ and all human rights organizations have affirmed is an apartheid regime, that is on trial for genocide in the ICJ, and the leaders of which are indicted by the ICC for crimes against humanity. This is not acumen or discernment. It’s complicity. And I think you know it.“
- This escalated further with accusations that AOC had voted for military aid for Israel during this genocide. Ocasio-Cortez responded on X: “Google is free. If you’re saying I voted for military funding, you are lying. Receipts attached. Drag me for my positions all you want, but lying about them doesn’t make you part of the ‘left.’ If you believe neo-nazis are welcome and operating in good faith, you can have them!“

Anniversary of 1994 AMIA bombing

House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 7/18/25: X-post – “The AMIA bombing was the deadliest antisemitic attack in the West Hemisphere—85 murdered by Iran-backed Hezbollah. 31 years later, we’re still demanding justice. Was honored to host an event commemorating the anniversary with @alejandrito.“
Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/18/25: X-post – “Earlier this week, I joined in honoring and mourning the 85 innocent lives who were brutally murdered, and the more than 300 injured, in the deadliest antisemitic terrorist attack in Argentina’s history. On July 18, 1994, the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) headquarters in Buenos Aires was targeted in a blatant act of antisemitism. As co-chair of the Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, I remain committed to demanding justice and accountability for the vile perpetrators of this crime, including Iran’s former Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi and other terrorists. We must never forget the victims, and we must continue to condemn the alarming rise of antisemitism and hold accountable those who commit such heinous acts.“
Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/21/25: Díaz-Balart, Wasserman Schultz, Gonzales, Espaillat Lead Latino-Jewish Caucus in Marking Anniversary of AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, Demand Accountability [covered in last week’s Round-Up]

Mamdani Obessession

Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “This is what is going to happen to flights out of NYC if Mamdani gets get elected. We can’t let Muslim Terrorists start a caliphate in our country like they have in Europe.” Responding to X-post from Eyal Yakoby: “BREAKING: Fifty Jewish French children, aged 10 – 15, were singing Hebrew songs on the plane. The Islamist @vueling airline crew said that Israel is a terrorist state and forced the children off the aircraft. I’m sure they’ll be in court soon.” Also see: the airline’s version of the story
Gottheimer (D-NY) 7/22/25: X-post – “We need Democrats who want to combat higher taxes. We need Democrats who can lead and ensure that government runs well. We don’t need tax-raising socialists who refuse to condemn antisemitic hate speech.” [targeting Mamdani]

Targeting Academia/Free Speech/Right to Protest

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/24/25: X-post – “Earlier this year, violent anti-Israel protesters stormed Columbia’s library — pushing security guards and trapping students studying for finals. I’m glad to see @Columbia finally hold those involved accountable. No student should ever be afraid to go to class.“
House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 7/24/25: X-post- “America’s biggest teachers union shows its true colors once again. @NEAToday is attempting to erase the deaths of more than 6 million Jews during the Holocaust while pushing anti-Israel, antisemitic ideology masquerading as educational tools. How could anyone think this is okay?” Responding to Free Beacon 7/23/24 article – Largest Teachers’ Union in United States Erases Jews From the Holocaust
Fine (R-FL) 7/23/25: X-post – “Extraordinary. @realDonaldTrump is dismantling Muslim Terror on our college campuses. No President has ever notched so many wins this fast. An extraordinary moment for young American Jews — and everyone who loves America.” With pic of New York Post headline, “Columbia University to pay out more than $200M after violating Jewish students’ civil rights in massive win for Trump Admin“
House Committee on Education & Reform (GOP) 7/23/25: “Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement in response to Columbia University’s agreement with the Trump administration: ‘The need for a federal settlement underscores Columbia’s lack of institutional willingness to effectively respond to antisemitism. This school and its so-called leaders have failed time and time again to keep Jewish students, faculty, and staff safe. True progress requires universities to confront antisemitism proactively, in partnership with affected communities. We will closely monitor Columbia’s purported commitment to this agreement and continue to develop legislative solutions to address antisemitism. All colleges and universities must fulfill their legal obligations under federal antidiscrimination law.'”
House Committee on Education & Reform (GOP) 7/22/25: “Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement on today’s news that Columbia is reportedly disciplining students for the violent, antisemitic encampments and takeover of the library: ‘Columbia has more progress to make before Jewish students can truly feel safe on its campus. The Committee’s work has underscored the depth and breadth of antisemitism at Columbia that can’t be ignored. We will continue to investigate antisemitism at Columbia and other universities and develop legislative solutions to address this persistent problem. Our nation’s institutions of higher education must fulfill their legal obligations under federal antidiscrimination law.'”
Gomez (D-CA) 7/22/25: X-post – “Trump isn’t defunding Harvard to combat antisemitism on campus — he’s trying to gain control over decision-making at independent universities, even at the cost of research that saves lives and shapes our future.“
Hunt (R-TX) 7/22/25: X-post – “Anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil makes his rounds in D.C. visiting legislators who supported him during his detention. Khalil’s detention came after he started riots at Columbia University. Dem’s are making him a ‘star’ because they don’t have one.“

HOW DARE FRANCE RECOGNIZE PALESTINE?

Ogles (R-TN) 7/25/25: X-post – “France is moving to recognize a Palestinian state; make no mistake, this is a pro-Hamas decision. Macron should be focused on rooting out the terror cells inside France, not legitimizing them abroad.“
Tenney (R-NY) 7/25/25: X-post – “It is deeply disappointing to see President Macron push to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN, especially while radical Palestinian terrorists still hold hostages and continue a campaign of terror. Having a “Western” nation openly embrace terrorism is beyond shameful. France now aligns itself with Russia and China instead of the United States and Europe. This move rewards Hamas, undermines Israel’s right to self-defense, and dishonors the victims of October 7th.“
McCormick (R-PA) 7/25/25: X-post – “France’s unilateral recognition of a Palestinian State will neither bring about a ceasefire or help the people of Gaza. Instead, it emboldens terrorists and their barbaric tactics. We know the path to peace demonstrated by the Abraham Accords: direct negotiations that foster economic growth and promote regional stability.“
Harrigan (R-NC) 7/25/25: X-post – “.@EmmanuelMacron’s push to recognize a Palestinian state is reckless. It props up Hamas, buries the peace process, and dishonors the victims of October 7. The United States should oppose it completely.”
Schneider (D-IL) 7/25/25: from his statement on Gaza – “France’s announcement of pending recognition of a Palestinian state is premature and unhelpful. It rewards Hamas’s terror rather than advancing the necessary steps to achieve peace.“
Steube (R-FL) 7/25/25: “Grateful to have a Commander in Chief who doesn’t cater to Hamas’ demands. The French could learn a thing or two from President Trump about peace through strength.“
Messmer (R-IN) 7/25/25: X-post – “Israel is fighting a war for its very existence against barbarous Hamas terrorism! I find it shameful that any country would choose to side with terrorists who are torturing hostages in their tunnels. Israeli citizens deserve to live in Peace. I stand with Israel.“
House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 7/24/25: X-post – “.@RepBrianMast: ‘Choosing to reward terrorism, hostage taking, and genocide against Jews is the wrong choice.’”
Graham (R-SC) 7/24/25: X-post – “The French government’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state is curious and disturbing on multiple levels. I am certain this will embolden Hamas and make a ceasefire more difficult. In addition, here are some questions that come to mind. Who’s in charge? What are the borders and boundaries? What is the governance structure? Does Hamas stay involved politically or militarily? Is the West Bank and Gaza part of a single state? Are they allowed to have an army? Does the education system change? Other than these few missing details, it seems like a foolproof plan!“
Cotton (R-AR) 7/24/25: X-post – “This is a shameful endorsement of terrorists. The best way for this conflict to end is to back Israel in its righteous mission of rescuing the hostages and defeating Hamas.“
Fine (R-FL) 7/24/25: X-post – “France has a long history of surrendering. They surrendered their country to Muslim terrorists long ago. Now they want to surrender the Holy Land to Hamas. America and Israel don’t surrender, especially to countries like ‘Palestine’ that don’t exist .”
Gimenez (R-FL) 7/24/25: X-post – “The democratic Jewish State of Israel is America’s closest ally on earth. President @EmmanuelMacron’s recognition of Palestine as a state is a slap to the face to the Jewish community & the state of Israel. President Macron must rethink this decision and side with freedom & democracy, not a terrorist regime.“

Other stuff

Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/25/25: X-post – “Another example of Petro aligning himself with malign actors, in this case with Hamas terrorists“. Responding to post from the president of Columbia (translated): “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President @PetroGustavo ordered: Not a single ton of coal will go to Israel, and I take responsibility,’ the president assured that Colombia will not be complicit in a genocide.“
Welch (D-VT) 7/24/25: X-post – “I met with Dylan Collins, a Vermonter and video journalist, who survived a targeted attack by Israel Defense Forces while reporting in Southern Lebanon. I’ll continue to demand that the U.S. hold the Israeli government accountable for assaults on journalists and U.S. citizens.“
Tlaib (D-MI) 7/24/25: X-post – “Sinn Féin President @MaryLouMcDonald is not afraid to speak truth to power. I am grateful for her commitment to ending the genocide in Gaza. May we live to see a free Palestine and a United Ireland.“
Welch (D-VT) 7/23/25: X-post – “I met with Mahmoud Khalil, who was imprisoned by the Trump Administration for peacefully protesting the war in Gaza. Punishing people for exercising their freedom of speech is a danger to our democracy. His advocacy never wavered. Neither should ours.“
Bacon (R-NE) 7/23/25: X-post – “America must be better than this. Congressional staffers, whether Republican or Democrat, should feel welcome and safe no matter their religion or ethnicity.” Responding to Jewish Insider article, The new normal for Jewish Democratic staffers on Capitol Hill: isolated, fearful, united
Welch (D-VT) 7/22/25: Vermont Delegation Meets with Dylan Collins, Demands Accountability for Targeted Attack Against International Journalists in Lebanon
Meeks (D-NY) 7/22/25: Meeks Statement on the Trump Administration Withdrawing the U.S. from UNESCO [“…Contrary to the Trump administration’s smears against UNESCO, our withdrawal from this body only weakens our ability to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias…]
Schneider (D-IL) 7/21/25: X-post – “Turkey illegally invaded Cyprus 51 years ago. Turkey continues to illegally occupy a third of the island, and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance Caucus, I remain committed to supporting Cyprus’s reunification and sovereignty. That’s why I introduced the Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act [HR 1890] and Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act [HR 3307]. These bipartisan bills push back on Turkey’s destabilizing activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and strengthen our partnerships with key regional allies.” Linked to Reuters 7/20/25 article, Greeks mourn, Turks celebrate anniversary of invasion that split Cyprus
Ramirez (D-IL) 7/20/25: X-post – “Antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and antimigrant [sic] violence are all rooted in white supremacy— and this weekend, our communities witnessed it once again. As we condemn the appalling attack on our shared humanity and hold those who perpetrate hate accountable, we must recognize our interconnected struggle against all forms of bigotry. Our collective safety depends on it.”

5. Selected Media

Gaza/West Bank/Genocide/Famine

NOTUS 7/25/25: Lawmakers Raise Alarms Over Starvation in Gaza [“Even Israel’s allies in Congress are urging Israeli officials to push more food into the war-torn enclave.”]
Democracy Now 7/25/25: Rep. Rashida Tlaib on Gaza Siege, American Killed by Israeli Settlers & Epstein’s Financial Network
Counterpunch 7/25/25: US Congress Can Stop Genocide – Why Won’t They?
Jewish News Syndicate 7/24/25: Israeli sovereignty over Judea, Samaria ‘important to the world,’ Scalise says [“‘We always pray for Israel, and especially the people of Samaria,’ the House majority leader said.“]
MSNBC 7/23/25: What Ilhan Omar gets right and AOC gets wrong on Israel [“The close colleagues are splitting on funding Israel’s Iron Dome system, but Omar is on stronger ground.“]
Jewish Insider 7/23/25: Lindsey Graham urges Israel to conduct itself in a way that maintains support in the U.S.
Anadolu Agency 7/23/25: US senator blasts State Department over Gaza aid mismanagement [“State Department approved $30 million for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation instead of working via ‘respected’ aid organizations, says Jeanne Shaheen”]
Jewish Insider 7/22/25: The new normal for Jewish Democratic staffers on Capitol Hill: isolated, fearful, united; Reminder: More Than 400 Capitol Hill Staffers Call For Cease-Fire In Gaza [“Muslim and Jewish congressional staffers signed a letter Thursday urging Congress to back a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in light of “antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Palestinian sentiment on the rise nationwide.”] (Huffington Post 10/19/23); Democratic Aides in Congress Break With Their Bosses on Israel-Hamas War (New York Times 11/13/93)
Middle East Monitor 7/21/25: US senator calls for end of US military aid to Israel amid rising Palestinian death toll in Gaza
Times of Israel 7/21/25: Pro-Israel senator demands penalty for settlers who imperiled West Bank church ruins
Politico 7/21/25: AOC’s campaign office vandalized with anti-Israel message — Her office says she’s faced “multiple threats” on her life in recent days. Also see reports on YNet;
Jewish Telegraphic Agency 7/21/25: AOC faces backlash, vandalism after voting against cutting US aid from Israel’s Iron Dome
Middle East Eye 7/21/25: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defends decision to support military aid for Israel
Democratic Socialists of American 7/19/25: On the Iron Dome Vote

Elections/Politics

Zeteo 7/25/25: A DC Reporter’s Inside Look at Who Matters More to Congress: Americans or Israel
Real Sludge 7/25/25: AIPAC Gives Millions in PAC Donations to House Allies, Senators in 2026 Races
The Intercept 7/25/25: Is AIPAC Testing the Waters to Primary Rep. Summer Lee? [“AIPAC did its second poll this year on potential candidates to challenge members of Congress who have criticized Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”]
Jewish Insider 7/25/25: Cracks in the coalition: Pro-Israel Arizonans wary of Sen. Mark Kelly’s endorsements [“The senator asked several pro-Israel organizations to refrain from involvement in races where he endorsed candidates without Jewish communal support”]
Jewish Link 7/24/25: Rep. Mikie Sherrill Is Failing the Test on Israel and Antisemitism
New Hampshire Journal 7/23/25: Shaheen’s Latest Attack on Israel Inspires Angry Reaction From Jewish Groups
Jewish News Syndicate 7/23/25: North Carolina Democrats break with a proud tradition of support for Israel
Jewish News Syndicate (Jonathan Tobin editorial) 7/23/25: Don’t be misled by AOC and Mamdani’s fake moderation [“The Democrats’ ‘big tent’ includes antisemites, some of whom plan to be its leaders. Unlike the GOP’s Israel-haters, they have a realistic chance of achieving their ambitions.”]
Times of Israel 7/23/25: Bernie Sanders meets with anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil
Jewish News Syndicate 7/23/25: In Washington, anti-Israel activist Khalil meets with Bernie Sanders
Jewish Insider 7/22/25: Minneapolis Jews sound an early alarm on Democratic Party endorsement of DSA lawmaker
Jewish Insider 7/22/25: Brian Varela running in the centrist lane in race against Rep. Kean [“In an interview with JI, Varela said that ending the war in Gaza requires Israel’s ousting of Hamas from power”]
Jewish Insider 7/22/25: Israel record of Rosemary Pino, leading GOP candidate against Rep. Pou, raises questions
New York Post 7/18/25: Top House Dem Hakeem Jeffries doesn’t endorse socialist Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral race in lukewarm statement after highly-anticipated meeting
Politico 7/18/25: Mamdani finally meets Jeffries — and comes up short

Current Affairs 7/8/25: Thomas Massie’s Anti-War Politics Put Democrats to Shame [sorry, missed this when it came out]

France Plan to Recognize Palestine

Jewish Insider 7/25/25: Top Republicans blast France for recognizing Palestinian state [“Sen. Tom Cotton called the move a ‘shameful endorsement of terrorists’“]

Iran

Jewish Insider 7/21/25: Sen. Mark Warner: U.S. strikes on Iran were a ‘success,’ but what happens next is critical
Jewish Insider 7/18/25: Sen. Chris Coons: U.S. strikes on Iran could ultimately be a positive step
Jewish Insider 7/23/25: Rand Paul blocks Ricketts-led resolution calling for Iran sanctions snapback

Targeting Criticism/Critics of Israel, Free Speech, Protest

Newsmax 7/24/25: Rep. Fine to Newsmax: ‘No More Lip Service’ From Schools Like Columbia [“‘They’re implementing the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which will say that many of these protests they had on campus were antisemitic,’ said Fine… ‘Adopting the IHRA definition is a huge deal,’ he said, explaining that means that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism, which will have a ‘big impact’ on protester groups.”]

Congress Targeting of NGOs

Haaretz 7/24/25: Did Biden Really Send a Billion Dollars to Sabotage Netanyahu? Inside a Conspiratorial GOP Report From a Parallel Reality
Jerusalem Post 7/24/25: Likud seeks inquiry into foreign funding of Israeli protests [“The move comes days after Likud issued a statement citing what it called ‘astonishing revelations’ contained in an official document recently published by the US Congress.”]

Other stuff

Jewish Insider 7/24/25: Senate committee delays ethics watchdog’s confirmation hearing amid GOP questions [“Paul Ingrassia has a record of conspiratorial comments, including calling the the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks a ‘psyop’ and defending prominent antisemites“]
The Hill 7/23/25: Hawley temporarily escorted off stage after conference interrupted by protesters
Zeteo 7/23/25: On a Mission: Mahmoud Khalil Visits Capitol Hill
Jacobin 7/23/25: AIPAC-Backed Lawmakers Are Pushing AI Funding for Israel
Jewish News Syndicate 7/18/25: Biden admin let $900m in federal funds go to terror, anti-Netanyahu protests, House panel says
Jewish News Syndicate 7/18/25: House passes defense appropriations bill with millions for Israel
Jewish News Syndicate 7/18/25: Bipartisan reps introduce resolution to censure use of ‘globalize the intifada’ [covered in last week’s Round-Up]

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

7/16/25: “Iyad El-Baghdadi on ‘Late Stage Zionism’ & What it Might Suggest for the Future of Israel and Palestine,” ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Palestinian political analyst Iyad El-Baghdadi
7/11/25: A conversation with Stefanie Fox, Executive Director of JVP, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaking with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Executive Director Stefanie Fox about the evolution of Jewish Voice for Peace as a Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the US.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(ACTUAL GENOCIDE? MEH. BUT WE DRAW THE LINE AT A SLOGAN WHICH WE DEFINE TO MEAN SOMETHING THE PEOPLE WHO USE IT SAY IT DOESN’T MEAN) H. Res. 588 [resolution text]: Introduced 7/17/25 by Yakym (R-IN) and 13 cosponsors [11 Republicans plus Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Suozzi (D-NY)], “Condemning the slogan ‘Globalize the Intifada’ as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world and urging United States national, State, and local leaders to condemn it as such.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:

Among other things, the resolution states: “Whereas the Anti-Defamation League characterizes the slogan ‘Globalize the Intifada’ as ‘generally understood as a call for indiscriminate violence against Israel, and potentially against Jews and Jewish institutions worldwide” and “Whereas the American Jewish Committee characterizes the slogan ‘Globalize the Intifada’ as ‘often understood by those saying and hearing it as encouraging violence against Israelis, Jews, and institutions supporting Israel‘”
The resolutions resolves that: “(1) the slogan, ‘Globalize the Intifada’, is a call for violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world; (2) the slogan undermines the safety and security of Israeli and Jewish people in their communities; (3) those truly committed to Middle East peace should refrain from affirming, chanting, or displaying the slogan; (4) organizers of demonstrations truly committed to Middle East peace should denounce participants that affirm, chant, or display the slogan; and (5) the slogan must be strongly and unequivocally condemned by national, State, and local leaders.“
press release – Yakym, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning “Globalize the Intifada”; Gottheimer, Yakym Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning “Globalize the Intifada” — Phrase Is Hate Speech That Calls for Violence Against Jews

(CONCERN FOR CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED BY MUSLIMS – NEVER MIND ISRAEL KILLING/INURING/DISPLACING CHRISTIAN PALESTINIANS, OR EVEN BOMBING A CHURCH IN GAZA THIS WEEK) H. Res. 594 [resolution text]: Introduced 7/17/25 by Moore (R-WV) and 7 Republican cosponsors, “Condemning the persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Congressman Moore, Senator Hawley Introduce Resolution Condemning International Persecution of Christians

(TARGETING THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD) S. 2293 & HR 4397: Introduced 7/15/25 in the Senate by Cruz (R-TX) and 5 cosponsors (all Republicans), and in the House by Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and 8 cosponsors (5 Republicans plus Moskowitz, D-FL; Suozzi, D-NY; and Gottheimer, D-NJ), “to require the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, to direct the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress regarding such designation, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

Press releases: Sen. Cruz Introduces the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act; Díaz-Balart, Moskowitz Reintroduce the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025; Sens. Ashley Moody, Ted Cruz & Colleagues Introduce the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act
Previous versions introduced by Cruz and Diaz-Balart: S.3151 / HR 5840 (2021), HR 2412 (2019); S.68 / HR 377 (2017); S.2230 /HR 3892 (2015)
Media: Ted Cruz Unveils Bill To Designate Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization, Anticipates Bipartisan Support (Free Beacon 7/14/25); Bipartisan House bill aims to designate Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization [“The bill takes a new tack at a previously attempted move by first designating Muslim Brotherhood branches individually”] (Jewish Insider 7/15/25); Will Congress Act on the Muslim Brotherhood? (New York Sun 7/15/25); Cruz reintroduces bill to designate Muslim Brotherhood as terrorists (Jewish News Syndicate 7/16/25)
Social media: Cotton (R-AR) 7/15/25: X-post – “The Muslim Brotherhood preaches death to Israel, the United States, and other western governments. These are the statements of a terrorist group, and they should be labeled as such. Proud to support @SenTedCruz’s bill.“

(MORE US $$ FOR, & COOPERATION WITH, ISRAEL) HR. 4473 [bill text]: Introduced 7/16/25 by Weber (R-TX), Pappas (D-NH), and Tenney (R-NY), “To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a bilateral research and innovation program to facilitate and coordinate efforts between the United States and Israel in certain health-related areas, and for other purposes” aka the “United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in Health Act of 2025’’ aka the “BIRD Health Act of 2025.” Referred tto the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Also see: press releases — Pappas, Weber Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Medical Innovation; Rep. Weber Introduces BIRD Health Act to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Medical Innovation. Bipartisan bill aims to expand U.S.-Israel health collaboration (Jewish Insider 7/16/25)

(TARGETING HEZBOLLAH IN LATIN AMERICA) HR 4531: Introduced 7/17/25 by Shreve (R-IN) and 4 cosponsors (3 Republicans plus Gottheimer, D-NJ), “To require a strategy to counter Iranian and Hezbollah influence operations in Latin America.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING HEZBOLLAH IN ARGENTINA) H. Res. 597: Introduced 7/17/25 by Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “Condemning the attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and encouraging accountability for the attack.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: Wasserman Schultz previously introduced this resolution in 2024, 2023, and before that it was introduced (or something like it) multiple times by then-House member Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).

(DELEGITIMIZING/TARGETING US NON-PROFITS & PROTEST/PROTESTORS) S. 2305: Introduced 716/25 by Budd (R-NC) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended to treat certain tax-exempt organizations receiving funding from foreign principals of foreign countries of concern as agents of a foreign principal under such Act, and for other purposes” aka “the Foreign Registration Obligations for Nonprofit Transparency (FRONT) Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Sens. Budd, Justice, Hawley, Ricketts Introduce Bill to Increase Transparency of Foreign Funds Fueling Left-Wing Agitators [“FRONT Act would require U.S. nonprofits to register under FARA if they accept funds from hostile nations”].

(DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION – SENATE) S. 2296: Introduced 7/15/25 by Wicker (R-MS), “An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.

(DEFENSE APPROPS BILL – HOUSE) HR 4016: This week the House took up HR 4016, the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill, and passed it 7/18/25 at 12:45am by a vote of 221 – 209. The base bill includes:

“Sec. 8067. Of the amounts appropriated in this Act under the headings “Procurement, Defense-Wide” and “Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide”, $500,000,000 shall be for the Israeli Cooperative Programs: Provided, That of this amount, $60,000,000 shall be for the Secretary of Defense to provide to the Government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats, subject to the U.S.-Israel Iron Dome Procurement Agreement; $127,000,000 shall be for the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) program, including cruise missile defense research and development under the SRBMD program; $40,000,000 shall be for co-production activities of SRBMD systems in the United States and in Israel to meet Israel’s defense requirements consistent with each nation’s laws, regulations, and procedures, subject to the U.S.-Israeli co-production agreement for SRBMD; $100,000,000 shall be for an upper-tier component to the Israeli Missile Defense Architecture, of which $100,000,000 shall be for co-production activities of Arrow 3 Upper Tier systems in the United States and in Israel to meet Israel’s defense requirements consistent with each nation’s laws, regulations, and procedures, subject to the U.S.-Israeli co-production agreement for Arrow 3 Upper Tier; and $173,000,000 shall be for the Arrow System Improvement Program including development of a long range, ground and airborne, detection suite.“

Prior to the House taking up the bill, the House Rules Committee met 7/14/25 to adopt a Rule governing how the bill woud be dealt with on the floor, including deciding which amendments would get floor votes. Middle East-related amendments “Made in Order,” as laid out in the Rule adopted by the committee, are listed below, along with how they fared:

Amendment offered by Jackson (R-TX) and Schneider (D-IL) to “Increase the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account by $10,000,000 to be used for joint United States/Israel anti-tunneling programs and efforts. This amendment is offset by decreasing the Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $10,000,000.” PASSED 7/16/25 AS PART OF EN BLOC (H. Res. 46) by Voice Vote
Amendment offered by Gottheimer (D- NJ), Garbarino (R-NY), and Gimenez (R-FL), “Increases funding by $5,000,000 to Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide to increase funding for the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS and directed energy development program by $5,000,000. Offsets from Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide.” PASSED 7/16/25 AS PART OF EN BLOC (H. Res. 46) by Voice Vote. Also see Gottheimer X-post 7/18/25 – “This week, my amendment to boost cooperation between the United States and Israel to develop technology to counter “killer drones” passed the House. Iran is the leading state sponsor of terror with a growing arsenal of deadly drones. We must continue to work with Israel to counter threats to our security.“
Amendment offered by Greene (R-GA), “Strikes funding for the Israeli Cooperative Programs.” [Also see: Greene’s very long X-post announcing her amendments, including: “…The U.S. State Department already gives Nuclear armed Israel over $3 Billion every single year. Nuclear armed Israel has nearly decimated Hamas in Gaza all by themselves. And we just successfully bombed Iran’s and wiped out Iran’s nuclear program for Nuclear armed Israel. Nuclear armed Israel’s national debt is under $400 Billion compared to our crippling national debt of $37 TRILLION. Nuclear armed Israel seems to have their defense and debt under control, so the American taxpayers should not be required to give Nuclear armed Israel another $500 million in our U.S. defense bill. Jordan gets around $1.6 Billion from the U.S. State Department every year, why do we have to give them another $500 Million?”…P.S. Not giving another additional $500 Million to Nuclear armed Israel will not make us all anti-Semitic. Or Isolationist. P.S.S. We don’t have to pay off Jordan with another $500 Million either.”] Failed by a vote of 6 – 422. Votes in favor: Greene (R-GA), Massie (R-KY), Green (D-TX) [statement], Lee (D-PA), Omar (D-MN), and Tlaib (D-MI) [statement]. Also see: House votes 422-6 to reject MTG bid to cut missile defense aid for Israel (Jewish Insider 7/18/25); Nadler (D-NY) X-post opposing the amendment.
Amendment offered by Steube (R-FL), “Prohibits all assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces” FAILED by a vote of 76 – 355. Also see Steube X-post w/ video clip – “”
Amendment offered by Greene (R-GA), “Strikes funding to support the armed forces of Jordan.” FAILED by a vote of 30 – 400
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MN), Ramirez (D-IL), and Johnson (D-GA), “Strikes the provision blocking funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.” Made in order but not voted on.

Finally: all proposed amendments to this bill, as submitted to Rules, are here. As is always the case with bills of this nature (which attracts huge numbers of amendments, many for grandstanding purposes), most proposed amendments were not made in order (and therefore did not get a vote). Yet, all are worth paying attention to all of them, since they offer a useful roadmap to the plans and priorities of various members — plans and priorities that will likely come up again in relation to other legislative vehicles. Middle East-related amendments that were NOT made “in order” on this bill are:

Re: Israel

Amendment offered by Omar (D-MN), “Strikes $500,000,000 in funding for Israel.“
Amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN), “Prohibits funds for military exercises with countries that boycott Israel or Israeli defense companies.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds from being used to support the unilateral annexation by Israel of the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.”
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds for any Israeli military and intelligence units that assist or fail to take reasonable actions to prevent or intercede to stop Israeli settler violence against Palestinian civilians and their property in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.“
Amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN), “Prohibits funds to participate in any defense exposition that has a policy of excluding participation by the State of Israel.”

Re: Lebanon

Amendment offered by Tlaib (D- MI), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to Lebanon.”
Amendment offered by Steube (R-FL), “Conditions aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces.“

Re: Iran

Amendment offered by Nadler (NY), “Requires a report detailing the battle damage assessment (BDA) of the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the impact on the nuclear program, the remaining capabilities, any resulting difference in breakout time, an assessment of any remaining nuclear material, and an assessment of the impact of the strike on Iranian ballistic missile program and proxy activity.”
Amendment offered by Tlaib (MI), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Amendment offered by Simon (D-CA), “Prohibits funds from being used to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities in Iran in contravention of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).”
Amendment offered by Massie (R-KY) and Khanna (D-CA), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran.“

Re: Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, UAE

Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits the use of funds to maintain a U.S. military presence inside Syria after one year, unless otherwise Congressionally authorized.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to Yemen.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds from facilitating the unilateral annexation of Yemeni territory by the United Arab Emirates or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits the use of funds for foreign military sales to the United Arab Emirates.”
Amendment offered by Steube (R-FL), “Prohibits all assistance to the Government of Iraq.“

Re: Antisemitism

Amendment offered by Jackson (R-TX), “Prohibits funds made available by this act to be used by an institute of higher education that allows antisemetic [SIC] demonstrations on its campus and fails to take action to mitigate and prevent such occurrences in the future.” [Missed this in the last Round-Up due to the spelling error]
Amendment offered by Goldman (D-NY), “Increases the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $1,000,000 to support enhanced screening of civilian personnel and implementation of training programs to prevent domestic extremist, white supremacy, and antisemitic ideology within the Department of Defense workforce.“

———————

Other bills/legislation news

See next week’s Round-Up for a comprehensive breakdown of Middle East-related elements in the FY25 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill (NSRP — formerly known as SFOPS, formerly known as ForeignOps), marked up in the House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee 7/15/25.

2. Letters & Reports

(TARGETING US NON-PROFITS & FUNDERS) 7/17/25: House Judiciary Committee press release — Memo Reveals Biden-Harris Admin Misused Taxpayer Dollars to Fund Anti-Netanyahu Organizations [memo text – pdf]. Also see: In new memo, Republicans allege Biden admin provided grants for Palestinian NGOs with terror ties (Jewish Insider 7/18/25); report on the memo in Jewish Insider sister publication eJewish Philanthropy, which states this Judiciary Committee memo “relies primarily on innuendo and suggestion.“
(EU MUST SANCTION IRAN!) 7/17/25: Risch, Colleagues Urge European Snapback Sanctions on Iran [letter text]. Also see: Six Senate Republicans call on E3 to immediately reimpose sanctions on Iran (Jewish Insider 7/18/25)
(TARGETING OF IRANIAN AMERICANS) 7/11/25: Representatives Dave Min, Yassamin Ansari Stand Up for Iranian Americans, Demand Answers From ICE [letter text]

3. Hearings & Briefings

July 23, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism will hold a hearing entitled, U.S. Diplomatic Strategies for a Dynamic Middle East. Scheduled witnesses will be: Brian Hook, former US Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State; Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East; and Shelly Culbertson, Senior Policy Researcher, RAND.

July 22, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a markup of various measure, including – “H.R. ___, To provide authority to enhance security assistance with countries that are engaged in regional security cooperation efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, and for other purposes.” Not clear why there is no bill number/text, as this appears to be a bill covered in the 7/11/25 edition of the Round-up — “HR 4335 (bill text): Introduced 7/10/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and 25 cosponsors [22 Republicans plus Moskowitz (D-FL), Davis (D-NC) and Gottheimer (D-NJ)], “To provide authority to enhance security assistance with countries that are engaged in regional security cooperation efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, and for other purposes” aka the “Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Messmer Supports the Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act; Jewish Insider 7/10/25: Bipartisan House bill would expedite arms sales to Abraham Accords partners [“Rep. Lawler: ‘I am committed to strengthening our relationships with regional partners and putting our ally Israel in the best position possible to do the same’”]”

July 15, 2025: The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing entitled, “How Leftist Nonprofit Networks Exploit Federal Tax Dollars to Advance a Radical Agenda,” advertised as a hearing that would “examine how left-wing organizations have exploited federal tax dollars to advance their radical causes. In particular, the hearing will focus on how federal grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Justice Department were leveraged by these organizations to fund causes fundamentally opposed to the national interests of Americans.” Witnesses were: Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center [statement] (and whose organization in March 2025 published a report, When Charities Betray America: How “Pro-Palestinian” Protest Groups Promote Anti-Americanism – Data analysis warns of escalating terrorism threat; and who published a July 12, 2025 op-ed, Time to End the NGO Gravy Train); also see the organization’s “DOGE Files,” listing allegedly controversial recipients of US government grants and mentioned repeatedly during the hearing; Mike Gonzalez, The Heritage Foundation [statement] (and co-author of the June 2025 report, How the Revolutionary Ecosystem Sustains Pro-Palestinian Protesters and the BLM Movement); Tyler O’Neil, formerly of the Heritage Foundation, now senior editor of the Daily Signal [statement] (and who in February 2025 delivered testimony at the House DOGE committee, entitled USAID’s Troubling Ties to the Left’s Dark Money Network; he’s also the author of the book, The Woketopus — “The same left-wing dark money foundations that supported the anti-Israel protests are funding a radical cabal, manipulating the administrative state on education, unions, transgender orthodoxy, elections, and the weaponization of law enforcement to silence their critics.”); and Luis C. Debaca, Lawyer and former United States Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons [statement]. Some key moments from the hearing:

Raskin: “Ambassador Debaca, is there anything illegal about not-for-profit spending money on a priority that a government agency or department also has? And I’ll give you an example, the Gates Foundation has spent $30 billion to advance vaccines, both research and spreading vaccines around the world. USAID spent $3 billion over the last decade on that. Is that either illegal or unusual, that you would have a convergence of the not-for-profit philanthropic sector with a governmental priority?” Debaca: “It’s not illegal, and in fact, it is a best practice, so that you can extend the both the governmental and the philanthropic space.“
O’Neil, after being pressed to confirm that USAID funding to Tides was spent to support the SPLC: “We don’t have concrete proof of the fact of the Tides Center receiving [taxpayer] money that they then gave to the Southern Poverty Law Center…“
Raskin – “Is there anything illegal about people in not for profits going to work in the federal government in a new administration?” Debaca – “No, sir.” Raskin – “In fact, a great example of that is this guy, Ed Martin, who was for a while, the acting US Attorney in the District of Columbia. They were forced to withdraw his nomination when it turned out that his close friend is a Neo Nazi who dresses up like Adolf Hitler, and they just switched over to appointing him to a non-confirmable position in the Department of Justice, believe it or not, running the Task Force on weaponization. But any event, he ran something called the Patriot Freedom Project, which is a 501, c3 not for profit organization that supported January 6 defendants and their families, more than 100 criminal defendants, including people who violently assaulted our police officers, wounding them, injuring them, disfiguring them, permanently, disabling them. And then he went into the government, and he’s got close ties. In fact, he dismissed some of the prosecutions against these people, and they have fired lots of January six prosecutors. That looks like a really tight little revolving door channel, and it’s not just him. In fact, they hired an actual January 6 insurrectionist who was convicted of crimes to go work for him at that same entity in the Department of Justice. As much as we might hate it, as much as we might think the American people should know about it, that the criminals in this soft on crime administration are taking over at the Department of Justice. It’s hard to say that there’s anything illegal about it, right? So if somebody goes from working at the Gates Foundation or the Open Society Institute at the State Department, is there anything illegal or criminal about that? Is there anything that should cause public alarm in the way these gentlemen are trying to stimulate it?” Debaca – “No, sir.“
Raskin: “…This, this hearing, is just weird. It’s just people getting up and complaining about things that happen under administration they disagree with when the administration they agree with is doing the exact same thing on a mirror image basis.”
Chairman Van Drew (R-NJ): “Mr. Raskin and I think Ms Crockett as well, had brought up, you know, that there’s nothing illegal. I agree. The purpose of the hearing is this wasn’t talking about the legality that we don’t know what maybe there is, but we don’t know of illegal activity. But the point is, it’s distasteful. It’s. Disturbing. It’s disgusting…”

July 15, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce held yet another hearing ostensibly on antisemitism, this one entitled, “Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology” (hearing video). This is the 9th hearing in this Committee focused, ostensibly, on antisemitism, in the past 18 months, as pointed out by Ranking Member Scott (D-VA) in his opening statement. Witnesses were: Dr. Robert M. Groves, Interim President, Georgetown University (statement); Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor, The City University of New York (statement); Dr. Rich Lyons, Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley (statement); and Matt Nosanchuk, Principal, Mattnos Strategies and Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (statement). Also see:

Chairman Walberg (R-MI) opening statement, incl: “…The Committee will be examining several factors that incite antisemitism on college campuses. First, we will examine faculty and student groups. We’ve long expressed concern about the group Students for Justice in Palestine. But after October 7th, chapters of the faculty variant of this group, Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, proliferated at universities across the United States. Over 100 new chapters have been established in an effort to bring antisemitism into the classroom and lend institutional legitimacy to antisemitic sentiments. Second, we will examine faculty unions. Faculty unions have played a critical role fomenting antisemitism at universities under the guise of labor rights. As we’ll see today, unions across the country encourage antisemitic activism through protests, demands, and workshops. Third, we will look at Middle East Studies centers. Many such centers have become beachheads for faculty with extremist ties who seek to demonize Israel and the United States. We support the study of the Middle East and recognize that it important for our national security—but we do not support promoting antisemitism and Islamism, a radical political ideology. Fourth, we will examine foreign funding. Foreign funding can influence research priorities, faculty appointments, public statements, and events on campus. This is especially the case for U.S. universities with a separate campus abroad. We need greater transparency into foreign funding when it comes to higher education. The DETERRENT Act, passed on a bipartisan basis through the House earlier this Congress, would achieve that goal. Finally, and more broadly, we will be examining the diversity, equity, and inclusion policies universities use, and the individuals they hire, to implement Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The DEI ideology embraced by so many university bureaucrats categorizes Jews as white oppressors—and therefore excuses, or even justifies, antisemitic harassment. The violence, fear, and alienation felt by Jewish students is, at its core, a result of administrators and their staff lacking the moral clarity to condemn and punish antisemitism that is creating a hostile environment for Jewish students on America’s campuses. Speech that is protected by the First Amendment can still contribute to a hostile environment, and universities are obligated to do something about it. Universities can choose to hire antisemitic faculty, welcome students with a history of antisemitism, accept certain foreign funding, and let the behavior of antisemitic unions go unchecked. But as we will see today, they do so at their own risk.”
Member press releases: Chairman Walberg Holds Hearing on Drivers of Antisemitism on College Campuses; Stefanik, Vernikov Demand Gov. Kathy Hochul Fire CUNY Chancellor Rodríguez for Failing to Hold Faculty Members Accountable for Alarming Rise of Antisemitism on Campus; Stefanik Exposed CUNY Chancellor Rodríguez for Failing to Hold Faculty Members Accountable for Alarming Rise of Antisemitism on Campus; Chairwoman McClain Presses University Presidents on Antisemitism Response During Congressional Hearing; Messmer Questions U.S. University Leaders Regarding Antisemitic Demonstrations
Jewish/Israeli Media: House Holds Politically Charged Hearing on College Antisemitism (Jewish Link 7/17/25); US university heads grilled in Congress about anti-Israel terror support on campus (Times of Israel 7/16/25); US Republicans grill university leaders in latest House antisemitism hearing (Jerusalem Post 7/16/25); ‘Fine Scholar’: UC Berkeley Chancellor Praises Professor Who Expressed Solidarity With Oct. 7 Attacks (The Algemeiner 7/15/25); Trump cuts made campuses less safe for Jewish students, says former Dept. of Education official — Also at the Tuesday hearing, a Jewish congresswoman slammed the GOP for “weaponizing” antisemitism (The Forward 7/15/25); Anti-Israel Georgetown professor Jonathan Brown removed as Islamic studies department chair (Jewish Insider 7/15/25); Georgetown, already under scrutiny, to face questions over Qatar ties, inaction against extremism (Jewish Insider 7/15/25); Berkeley chancellor calls Hamas-endorsing professor a ‘fine scholar’ at antisemitism hearing (Jewish Insider 7/15/25); CUNY head tells Congress campuses have had 84 reports of antisemitism since start of 2024 (Times of Israel 7/15/25); Professor who called for Iran to strike US base removed, Georgetown says at House hearing (Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/25); This summer break, university leaders prepare for a congressional grilling (Jewish Insider 7/14/25)
Other media: University Leaders Reject Republican Attacks on Campus Antisemitism (New York Times 7/15/25); Four CUNY Professors Say They Were Fired for Supporting Palestine [“As Congress grills CUNY’s chancellor, the terminated Brooklyn College faculty say Palestine activism is “the only thing we have in common.”] (The Intercept 7/15/25); UC Berkeley Chancellor weathers political storm in House antisemitism hearing (The Daily Californian 7/16/25); Chancellor Lyons Testified in House Hearing on UC Berkeley Antisemitism Policies (KQED 7/15/25); Democrats Demand Pam Bondi and Kash Patel Testify on Epstein (Daily Beast 7/15/25); Rep. Elise Stefanik skewers CUNY chancellor, calls for his ouster over ‘failed’ leadership on NYC campus antisemitism (New York Post 7/15/25)
On 7/14/25, Chairman Walberg (R-MI) re-issued a reminder (previously issued 7/2/25) about the hearing, noting: ” “We continue to see antisemitic hatred festering at schools across the country. While much of the discussion has focused on the devastating effects of antisemitism, this hearing will focus on the underlying factors instigating antisemitic upheaval and hatred on campus. Until these factors—such as foreign funding and antisemitic student and faculty groups—are addressed, antisemitism will persist on college campuses. Our Committee is building on its promise to protect Jewish students and faculty while many university leaders refuse to hold agitators of this bigotry, hatred, and discrimination accountable.
Selected Social Media Posts — Republicans: House Committee on Education & the Workforce 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “.”; House Committee on Education & the Workforce 7/15/25: X-post – “Antisemitism is everywhere on college campuses. Universities aren’t doing enough. Today, we’re holding a hearing to examine what’s driving it: foreign funding and antisemitic students and faculty groups. We must protect Jewish students—and all students—as the law requires.”; House Committee on Education & the Workforce 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip- “ALL FAX, NO PRINTER @RepFine tells the presidents of @Georgetown, @UCBerkeley, and @CUNY that antisemitism is out of control on college campuses across America because they allow it. University leaders aren’t doing nearly enough to protect Jews or prevent discrimination.” Messmer (R-IN) 7/15/25: X-post – “There you have it. Yet another American university that doesn’t just let antisemites off the hook, it gives them a paycheck too. Do better, @CUNY.“; House Committee on Education & Workforce 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “If @Georgetown faculty are willing to invite an anti-Israel activist to its campus—who celebrated the brutal massacre of more than 1,200 innocents—would the school’s faculty also invite the KKK? @RepBurgessOwens exposes American higher ed’s antisemitic double standard“; Onder (R-MO) 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “At today’s @EdWorkforceCmte hearing on antisemitism in higher education, I confronted UC Berkeley’s Chancellor about the Union of Academic Workers compiling a list of UC Board of Regents members with Jewish and Israeli ties. This blatant targeting is antisemitic and deeply alarming.” House Committee on Education & Workforce 7/15/25: X-post w/video clip – “Ideologues in classrooms are driving the antisemitism we are seeing on college campuses today. Take it from the teachers themselves, who falsely say anti-Zionism isn’t antisemitism or support the anti-Israel BDS movement. They’re not even trying to hide it.” Owens (R-UT) 7/15/25: X-post – “Joining @EdWorkforceCmte to question leaders from @Georgetown, @CUNY, and @UCBerkeley on their failure to confront campus antisemitism. We will NEVER accept pro-terror groups, foreign dollars bankrolling hate, or faculty pushing division over education.”; Owens (R-UT) 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Why did @Georgetown invite a Hamas sympathizer who says Jews should ‘perish’ to speak on campus four times? This isn’t ‘listening to both sides’ — it’s moral failure and institutional antisemitism. Owens (R-UT) 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “A pro-Hamas protester interrupted our @EdWorkforceCmte hearing today — and proved exactly why we’re holding it. This wave of antisemitism is coming from the top down on college campuses. Either school leaders clean it up, or there will be consequences.” Stefanik (R-NY) 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “WATCH: I expose Dr. Félix Matos Rodríguez (@ChancellorCUNY) for failing to protect Jewish students and faculty from the alarming rise of antisemitism on campus.“; Stefanik (R-NY) 7/15/25: X-post – “At the Education & Workforce Hearing, I just asked @ChancellorCUNY about the scourge of antisemitism on @CUNY .” Stefanik (R-NY) 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “After his failed leadership at CUNY allowing antisemitism to rage on NY campuses to his disgraceful testimony at today’s hearing, I am calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to fire CUNY Chancellor Rodriguez. Kathy Hochul controls the CUNY Board of Trustees, which hires and fires the Chancellor. New Yorkers deserve accountability and a zero tolerance policy when it comes to combatting antisemitism. We need more than just desperate words, but actual actions and results.“; Walberg (R-MI) 716/25: X-post with video clip – “The violence, fear, and alienation felt by Jewish students is, at its core, a result of administrators and their staff lacking the moral clarity to condemn and punish antisemitism that is creating a hostile environment for Jewish students on America’s campuses.“
Selected Social Media Post – Democrats: DeSaulnier (D-CA) 7/15/25: X-post – “Today, Republicans on the Committee of Education and Workforce held yet another hearing exploiting the issue of antisemitism to attack higher education after gutting the very agency that is responsible for investigating discrimination on campuses. I spoke with @UCBerkeley Chancellor at the hearing about the progress Cal has made to address antisemitism while protecting students’ First Amendment rights.”; Hayes (D-CT) 7/15/25: X-post – “.@EdWorkforceDems held a hearing on Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology. After 9 hearings on this topic, it should be clear to Republicans that dissolving the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education, the sole enforcement body responsible for protecting the civil rights of students, is a horrible idea.”
House Committee on Education & Reform X-posts of materials mentioned during the hearing: here, here, here

July 15, 2025: The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations held a Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill. Also see:

Notice of FY26 Subcommittee Markup; Subcommittee Mark (i.e., the base bill being marked up by the Subcommittee); Subcommittee Mark Summary; press release – Committee Releases FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill
Jewish Insider 7/15/25: House Appropriations Committee aims to leverage U.N. funding for UNRWA accountability [“The committee’s draft funding bill would ban funding for the U.N. Secretariat until the body provides the State Department with a copy of its investigations into UNRWA employees’ participation in Oct. 7“]
Diaz-Balart Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Subcommittee Markup [“The bill prioritizes our national security, especially in the Western Hemisphere, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. It provides unwavering support for Israel and fully funds the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance to allow Israel to defend herself from existential threats. Other key partners and allies in the Middle East, such as Egypt and Jordan, are strongly supported.”] Also see: Díaz-Balart’s FY 2026 NSRP Bill Strengthens National Security, Slashes Waste
Cole Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Subcommittee Markup [the bill: “…reaffirms our steadfast support for our great ally Israel as they fight for their existence amidst terror and evil.”]

July 15, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider a slate of presidential nominees (hearing video), including Michael Walz to be US Ambassador to the UN. Also see:

Walz’s written statement
Chairman Risch (R-ID) Opening Statement [“…Mr. Waltz, you come to us with a breadth of experience in Congress, our nation’s military, and the executive branch, which has been detailed already this morning. This experience will serve you well as you take the lead at one of our most critical diplomatic positions as ambassador to the United Nations. The UN is always a challenge and desperately needs reform, which we have been unable to accomplish so far. Your pragmatism and patriotism are sorely needed in New York because, as you know, there is a lot of rot at the UN. Antisemitism and anti-American sentiments are on the rise, as is the influence of China and Russia.”]
Member press releases/social media: Murphy Questions Mike Waltz on Trump Administration’s Kneecapping Of U.S. Counter-Propaganda Efforts, Failures In Yemen; Daines: “The UN is a Hotbed of Antisemitism”; Daines (R-MT) 7/15/25: X-post – “The U.N. has become a hotbed of antisemitism, and it’s absolutely unacceptable. Glad that @michaelgwaltz will address this as our next UN Ambassador & make it clear that America stands with Israel.“; Ricketts Discusses Importance of Snapback Sanctions Against Iran with U.N. Ambassador Nominee Michael Waltz (Ricketts, R-NE)
Media: Trump’s pick for UN ambassador says he’ll work to dismantle UNRWA if confirmed (Times of Israel 7/16/25); Waltz commits to combating ‘pervasive antisemitism’ at U.N. during nomination hearing (Jewish Insider 7/15/25); Waltz vows to combat UN Jew-hatred in confirmation hearing (Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/25)

4. Selected Members on the Record

[NOTE: I’m not covering the various statements/tweets responding to the NEA’s decision to cease working with the ADL. To find out whether a given member said something on the topic, check his/her website or social media]

Concern over Murder of American in the West Bank by Israeli settlers 7/11/25 [I did not any statements from any Republicans]

Frankel (D-FL) 7/18/25: X-post – “My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Saif Musallet, an American citizen from my home state of Florida, who was tragically and senselessly killed in the West Bank. I join those urging the Israeli government to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.“
Schneider (D-IL) 7/18/25: “I am appalled and heartbroken by news of the killing of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old American citizen from Florida, by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The attack took place in Area B as defined by the Oslo Accords, a space where Israel exercises security responsibility and no settlements may be constructed. Palestinian militant attacks on Israelis and Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians are acts of terrorism. Terrorism is never justified. As a lifelong and unyielding defender of Israel’s security, and a committed advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, I’ve repeatedly called on the Israeli government to address the growing number of violent attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This violence is a threat to Israel’s security and a barrier to a better, peaceful future for Israelis, Palestinians and the region as a whole. Israel’s democracy, like all democracies, depends on the rule of law and its equal application to all citizens. Israeli authorities must fully investigate this incident and hold the perpetrators to account.“
Panetta (D-CA) 7/17/25: X-post – “The killing of Sayfollah Musallet, an American citizen visiting family in the West Bank, is horrible and heartbreaking. My condolences to his family, loved ones, and the community in mourning. The Israeli government must investigate this killing and hold those responsible accountable under the law. Senseless violence of this type must stop for there to be lasting peace.”
Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 7/17/25: X-post – “Sayfollah Musallet was beaten to death by Israeli settlers. He was an American citizen, just 21 years old. His death should matter and still U.S. leaders are refusing to reconsider weapons sales to the government responsible for protecting his killers. It’s indefensible.“
Sherman (D-CA) 7/17/25: “I am the Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, the Ranking Member of the Congress-Knesset Friendship Group, and a lifelong advocate for an ironclad U.S.-Israel relationship. It is in the spirit of that support that I wholeheartedly condemn the heinous recent terrorist murder by extremist Israeli settlers of Sayfollah Musallet, a young Palestinian American visiting family in the West Bank. Just today I discussed this with Israel’s Consul General Israel Bachar and will be expressing these views to Ambassador Yechiel Leiter tomorrow. Mr. Musallet was attacked on his family’s property in Area B of the West Bank, where no settlements may be constructed and no settlers should be present. All settlement outposts in Area B, particularly those associated with this incident, should be dismantled. Further fueling the outrage are reports that the assailants prevented ambulances from reaching Mr. Musallet for hours while there still may have been an opportunity to save his life. I join U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in calling this crime what it is: a ‘criminal and terrorist act. Terrorism, whether its targets be Israelis or Palestinians, is unacceptable and unjustifiable. Tolerance for terrorism anywhere and by any perpetrator is a grave threat to the safety of both Israelis and Palestinians alike. In addition, the U.S.-Israel relationship requires that the Government of Israel brings to justice anyone who commits such a heinous act against an American citizen.“
Friedman (D-CA) 7/16/25: X-post – “The murder of 20-year-old American Sayfollah Musallet by Israeli settlers in the West Bank is horrifying and unacceptable. I am praying for his family and loved ones. The U.S. must demand accountability to the full extent of the law and act to protect its citizens.”
DeSaulnier (D-CA) 7/16/25: X-post – “I am heartbroken and angered over the murder of 21-year-old American citizen, Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers last week while visiting his family in the West Bank. As with the killing of any American citizen abroad, the government must conduct an independent investigation so that those responsible for Sayfollah’s death can be held accountable. As settler violence in the West Bank has reached epidemic levels, the Netanyahu government’s failure to intervene is unacceptable.“
Rosen (D-NV) 7/16/25: X-post – “I’m disturbed and saddened by the brutal killing of Saif Musallet, an American citizen, at the hands of Israeli settlers in the West Bank. There needs to be a thorough, independent investigation, and those responsible must be brought to justice. My thoughts are with Saif’s family and loved ones.”
Cortez Masto (D-NV) 7/16/25: X-post – “The brutal murder of U.S. citizen Saif Musallet by settlers in the West Bank is an outrage. Israel must conduct a full investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.“
Lee (D-PA) 7/16/25: X-post – “Another U.S. citizen murdered in the West Bank. Sayfollah Musallet deserves justice and accountability. The U.S. government must conduct a swift investigation and take action against settler violence.”
Ansari (D-AZ) 7/16/25: X-post – “The Israeli government must conduct a full and transparent investigation into this murder and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law. Escalating attacks on Palestinian civilians are a violation of human rights and must end immediately. If we are to play a meaningful role in securing a just and lasting peace, the Trump Administration cannot remain silent as our own citizens are killed.”
Larson (D-CT) 7/15/25: “My heart goes out to Sayfollah Musallet’s family in Connecticut and the Palestinian American community in Connecticut’s First District and across the country…There is no place for such horrific violence. The settlers responsible for Sayfollah’s death should be swiftly brought to justice, and I join with his family in calling for a formal inquiry by the U.S. State Department and an FBI investigation. Violence in the West Bank, which clearly goes against the goal of achieving peace for Israelis and Palestinians, must end. I am a cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act in Congress to sanction instigators of settler violence, and I urge all my colleagues to join in demanding accountability.”
Meng (D-NY) 7/15/25: X-post – “The murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen, was a tragedy and an act of violence. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. I urge the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and for all parties, including the Palestinian Authority, to cooperate fully. Those responsible must be held accountable.“
Himes (D-CT) 7/15/25: “The murder of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old American citizen visiting his family in the West Bank, is appalling and unacceptable. My heart is with his family and community as they mourn this tragic loss. The Israeli government must immediately investigate this brutal killing, and those responsible should be brought to justice. For too long, violence in the West Bank has undermined the prospects for peace and long-term stability in the region. Earlier this year, I joined Representatives Nadler and Smith in introducing the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to ensure that instigators are held accountable for their actions. Today, I am calling on my colleagues to support this effort and move towards restoring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian people.”
DeLauro (D-CT) 7/15/25: “I am disturbed and outraged by the brutal killing of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian American citizen, by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, where he had travelled to visit family. There, he was beaten and strangled by settlers, who blocked medical personnel from reaching him for hours. He died en route to the hospital. Sayfollah had family in Florida and Connecticut, and I join them in grieving this senseless killing. Deadly attacks like this have become horrifically commonplace as Israeli settlers have pushed further and further into Palestinian communities, engaging in vigilante violence with tacit and sometimes explicit support from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. That is why I led a bicameral effort urging the Biden Administration to sanction Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, two hard-right Israeli ministers who openly support settler violence, as well as settler organizations that support illegal construction and land seizures in the West Bank. President Trump has since lifted sanctions on these organizations and withdrawn the executive order authorizing them — a boon for extremist supporters of the settlement movement. I condemn the killing of Sayfollah Musallet in the strongest terms, and demand that the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation launch a formal inquiry into this targeted killing of an American citizen. I will continue to advocate for a ceasefire that allows unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, and formal negotiations to end this war.”
Garcia (D-IL) 7/15/25: X-post – “Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet, a U.S. citizen of Palestinian descent, was brutally killed in the West Bank while visiting his family. The U.S. should conduct an independent investigation into his murder and demand accountability of all those involved.“
Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/15/25: X-post w/ video clip – “We just saw yet another US citizen killed by violent settlers in the West Bank. There must be an independent, US-led investigation NOW.“
Velazquez (D-NY) 7/16/25: X-post – “Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet was a 20-year-old American visiting family in the West Bank for the summer. He was beaten to death by Israeli settlers. The U.S. must immediately launch a full, independent investigation and demand accountability for his death.”
Simon (D-CA) 7/15/25: X-post – “I am heartbroken to hear of the brutal murder of Sayfollah “Saif” Musallet, a 21 year old U.S. citizen, by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.”
Welch (D-VT) 7/15/25: X-post – “A 20-year-old American was just beaten to death by a mob of Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. President Trump revoked President Biden’s sanctions against violent settlers on his first day in office. Congress should pass my bill to codify the Biden sanctions into law.“
McCollum (D-MN) 7/15/25: X-post – “It is horrifying that two young men, including Palestinian-American Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet, were beaten to death in the West Bank by violent settlers. The Israeli government must be held accountable for this unconscionable brutality. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of these young men.”
Subramanyan (D-VA) 7/15/25: X-post – “The killing of Sayfollah Musallet, an American citizen visiting his family in the West Bank, is horrifying and unacceptable. I strongly condemn this act and call for a full investigation so that those responsible will be held accountable.“
Carson (D-IN) 7/15/25: X-post – “Sayfollah Musallet was a 20-year old American of Palestinian descent. He worked at his family’s ice cream shop in Tampa. He’s been described as kind and compassionate. He was beat to death by Israeli settlers while visiting his family in the West Bank. Any American citizen killed abroad must be independently investigated. I join Sayfollah’s family in mourning and call on the US government to fully investigate this killing, and the rise in violence towards Palestinians by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.”
Budzinski (D-IL) 7/15/25: X-post – “The murder of two young men, including Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Israel must carry out a full, transparent investigation — accountability is non-negotiable. Sayfollah should be alive, and those responsible must face justice. This tragedy underscores the alarming rise in settler violence in the West Bank. I urge the Administration to impose sanctions on those fueling instability and to actively pursue a genuine path to peace.“
Goldman (D-NY) 7/15/25: X-post – “I am outraged by the brutal murder of Saif Musallet, a Palestinian American, by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. There must be a full investigation, and those responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Since the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, I have repeatedly warned of the dangers of escalating violence against Palestinian civilians by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This conduct erodes democracy in Israel and the possibility of peace in the region, and I urge the Israeli government to nfroce the rule of law by ensuring accountability for those who perpetrated this act. My heart goes out to Saif’s family. I will continue to push for justice and democracy in the West Bank in pursuit of a lasting peace in the region.“
Schneider (D-IL) 7/15/25: X-post – “I am appalled and heartbroken by news of the killing of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old American citizen from Florida, by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The attack took place in Area B as defined by the Oslo Accords, a space where Israel exercises security responsibility and no settlements may be constructed. Palestinian militant attacks on Israelis and Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians are acts of terrorism. Terrorism is never justified. As a lifelong and unyielding defender of Israel’s security, and a committed advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, I’ve repeatedly called on the Israeli government to address the growing number of violent attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This violence is a threat to Israel’s security and a barrier to a better, peaceful future for Israelis, Palestinians, and the region as a whole. Israel’s democracy, like all democracies, depends on the rule of law and its equal application to all its citizen. Israeli authorities must fully investigate this incident and hold the perpetrators to account.”
- Landsman (D-OH) 7/15/25: X-post – “Agree strongly with my colleague. An American citizen was killed in the West Bank. Israel must investigate immediately and hold these criminals accountable.”
- Castor (D-FL) 7/15/25: X-post – “”
Tlaib (D-MI) 7/14/25: X-post – “An American was beaten to death by Israeli settlers backed by the military. Instead of pursuing justice for Sayfollah, our government continues to send billions to prop up the apartheid system that killed him and kills Palestinians like him every day. Arms Embargo Now.“
Jayapal (D-WA) 7/14/25: X-post – “Yet another horrific killing of an American in the West Bank. How many more times must this happen before our government demands real action? We need and deserve accountability and justice.“
Jeffries (D-NY) 7/14/25: “The brutal killing of Sayfollah Musallet, an American citizen of Palestinian descent, while he was visiting his family in the West Bank is shocking and appalling. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and the community in mourning. The Israeli government must thoroughly investigate this killing and hold any and all settlers responsible for the brutal death of Mr. Musallet accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The rise in violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank directed at Palestinian civilians is completely and totally unacceptable. The Trump administration cannot continue to turn a blind eye to what is happening in the West Bank if it is truly committed to finding a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian people.“
Nadler (D-NY) 7/14/25: X-post – “I am horrified by the brutal murder of 20‑year‑old Palestinian‑American Sayfollah Musallet by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Reports that the settlers prevented ambulances from reaching the victims and IDF soldiers were also present but failed to intervene are deeply disturbing. Violence in the West Bank has reached epidemic levels. That is why I introduced the West Bank Violence Prevention Act, which codifies and enshrines into law the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14115, which sought to prevent these kind of acts of violence in the West Bank and to punish all those who commit such acts in the West Bank, regardless of their nationality. I call on my colleagues to join me and cosponsor HR 3045 in the wake of this terrible tragedy, in hopes that one day such violence will cease, and Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace, security, and stability through a negotiated and viable two-state solution.“
Pressley (D-MA) 7/14/25: X-post – “Sayfollah Musallet should be alive today. Instead, he was beaten to death in the West Bank by Israeli settlers, the second American killed there this year. The State Department must lead an immediate investigation and root out settler violence once and for all. There must be accountability”
Slotkin (D-MI) 7/14/25: X-post – “Another violent week in the Middle East: in Gaza, this weekend brought the death of another 60 Palestinians who were simply seeking food and water for their families. Israel has the responsibility to allow humanitarian aid in — just as the US had the responsibility to allow aid into places like Fallujah. And if President Trump’s hand-picked aid organization can’t get food and medicine to people in Gaza a safe way, Israel has the responsibility to find one that can. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers beat a Palestinian-American U.S. citizen to death. This totals 5 Americans killed in the West Bank since October 7, 2023 and more than a dozen Palestinians killed by lawless settler violence. It’s hard to understand this lack of accountability by the Netanyahu government as anything other than tacit approval by the state — something that should be treated as abhorrent by all decent people. This violence has to end. As I saw from my own experience in places like Iraq, democratic governments have responsibilities even when under threat. If President Trump and his team truly want a lasting ceasefire (not to mention a Nobel Peace Prize), they need to extract basic humanitarian and law and order standards now.“
Omar (D-MN) 7/14/25: X-post – “Sayfollah Musallet, a Palestinian‑American was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. An immediate investigation into his horrific murder must take place. We can’t continue to let settler violence, or any acts of terror continue with the full backing of the United States. There must be accountability.“
Ramirez (D-IL) 7/14/25: X-post – “Saif is the 6th Palestinian American brutally murdered in the West Bank since October 7. As we mourn Saif, the US State Dept. must launch an immediate investigation into his murder and all murders of Americans in the West Bank as a result of settler and military violence. There must be accountability.“
Swalwell (D-CA) 7/12/25: X-post – “I have long worked to stop settler violence in the West Bank. This death of a U.S. citizen must be investigated.” Linked to Reuters article: US citizen killed in West Bank settler attack

Bipartisan Concern/Warnings/Threats to Ireland, that it BETTER NOT pass a law to boycott West Bank Settlements

Latimer (D-NY) 7/17/25: X-post – “It is disheartening to see a bill in the Irish Parliament advance defining the sovereign State of Israel as an “occupying” entity in the Middle East. As an American of Irish heritage, I celebrate the full Irish independence finally achieved in 1949; that sense of national identity and purpose also applies to Israel’s establishment in 1948. Economic efforts to punish American companies who do business with Ireland from also doing business with Israel is bad economic policy, and a misguided geopolitical policy.“
McCormick (R-PA) 7/17/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposed bill boycotting Israeli goods is ill-conceived and morally bankrupt in the face of the threats facing Israel. It will also have significant ramifications on U.S. companies operating in Ireland and damage the U.S.-Ireland relationship. Ireland should know that there will be economic and trade consequences if they proceed down this misguided path.“
Weber (R-TX) 7/16/25: X-post – “Ireland’s attempt to boycott goods from Judea & Samaria is outrageous and reeks of antisemitism. Let’s be clear: targeting Jewish communities is not foreign policy…it’s hate. I stand with Israel.“
Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/16/25: X-post – “I am deeply concerned about the blatantly anti-Israel boycott legislation being pushed in Ireland. This is clearly based on unfounded claims. If passed, this law would not only harm the trade of Israeli goods, but also negatively impact the 1,000 U.S. companies operating in Ireland. U.S. law prohibits American companies from complying with unsanctioned foreign boycotts. Israel is a strong U.S. ally, and the United States will continue to stand in solidarity with it as it faces existential threats from Iran and Iran’s terrorist proxies.“
Cramer (R-SD) 7/16/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposed ban against trading with Israel-occupied settlements is discriminatory, antisemitic, and strategically reckless. The United States needs to stand with our friend and ally Israel against this foolishness.“
Rogers (R-KY) 7/16/25: X-post – “The United States’ support of Israel has been reaffirmed time and again, not only in defending and protecting our allied nation, but in bolstering economic trade. Ireland’s proposed bill to boycott trade with Israel is a blatant antisemitic move that should be stopped in its tracks.”
Schneider (D-IL) 7/16/25: X-post – “Ireland can be a constructive voice drawing on its history of bridging divide rather than stoking division and undermining transatlantic relationships.“
Hagerty (R-TN) 7/16/25: X-post – “Ireland’s anti-Israel BDS bill engages in discriminatory economic warfare against Israel, America’s ally. It rewards Hamas terrorists. And it creates significant legal conflicts for U.S. companies operating in Ireland. I urge and Irish lawmakers to reconsider.”
Cotton (R-AR) 7/16/25: X-post – “Ireland’s embrace of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) is a shameful economic attack on Israel. We have laws protecting our allies from boycotts and we will enforce them.”
Barr (R-KY) 7/15/25: X-post – “The legislation boycotting, divesting, and sanctioning Israel moving through the Irish parliament is a huge mistake and will have impacts on American companies. I urge lawmakers and Prime Minster Harris to reconsider. This would be a stain on Ireland.“
Webster (R-FL) 7/16/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposed BDS policy is deeply troubling and risks damaging trade with American companies. Israel is a key ally of the U.S. and the Irish government’s proposal would embolden extremists while punishing businesses partnerships and peace prospects.“
Stauber (R-MN) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland is making a serious mistake. Banning the import of goods from Israeli businesses operating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is not only antisemitic, but it also has serious ramifications for American businesses. Ireland must reconsider.”
Messmer (R-IN) 7/15/25: X-post – “I join my colleagues and the world in condemning this threatened antisemitic behavior, and urge Ireland to stop this appalling proposal!“
Scott (R-FL) 7/15/25: X-post – “This foolish move not only wrongfully targets Israel & the Jewish Community, but also harms American businesses. They should think twice about the message they’re sending by passing this bill, which complicates our economic relationship & targets our ally.“
Tenney (R-NY) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposal to ban products made in Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria is not only deeply anti-Semitic but antithetical to Western values. As the Chair and Founder of the Friends of Judea & Samaria Caucus, I call on @dfatirl to rescind this radical proposal immediately“
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposal to boycott, divest, and sanction Israel is blatantly antisemitic — and it will hurt American companies too. I strongly urge Ireland to reverse course and reconsider. There is no place for this kind of hate.“
Emmer (R-MN) 7/15/25: X-post – “The BDS law being considered in Ireland is not only biased and anti-Israel, it also creates uncertainty for American companies operating in Ireland. Ireland should reject the BDS movement, for the benefit of their own nation and the rest of the world.”
Graham (R-SC) 7/15/25: X-post – “I hope that Ireland will reconsider their efforts to economically isolate Israel, as they are in a fight for their very existence. I do not believe these efforts would be well received in the United States and they certainly would not go unnoticed.“
Hageman (R-WY) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposed legislation targets Jewish communities by singling out settlements tied to Israel. American companies with a presence in Ireland who complied would violate U.S. anti‑boycott statutes and face penalties in the U.S. America will continue to stand with our ally Israel and protect our companies.“
Moore (R-AL) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposal to ban products made in Judea and Samaria wrongfully targets Israel and hurts American businesses. I ask that @dfatirl rescind this radical proposal immediately!“
Ogles (R-TN) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposed ban of Jewish-made products is nothing short of antisemitic. This proposal not only harms American businesses but undermines the very principles of Western Civilization. I vehemently oppose this decision and urge Ireland to reconsider.“
Crapo (R-ID) 7/15/25: X-post – “The United States opposes any foreign government-led boycotts against Israel, including those which seek to target Israeli-controlled territories. More than 36 states, including Idaho, agree with this policy, and the U.S. will not support any contradiction to this legal obligation.”
Lawler (R-NY) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s draft BDS law is reckless and sets a dangerous precedent. Targeting Israel won’t bring peace, and will only reward extremism. Ireland should reject this misguided legislation and stand against hate.”
McClain (R-MI) 7/15/25: X-post – “Any legislation boycotting, divesting, or sanctioning Israel would be a huge mistake for Ireland. This type of extreme antisemitic hate is unacceptable and should be rejected.“
Scalise (R-LA) 7/15/25: X-post – “Ireland’s proposed boycott law is misguided, blatantly anti-Semitic, and a threat to U.S.-Ireland relations. It undermines commercial ties and empowers efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel. Ireland must reconsider.“

Syria

Wilson (R-SC) 7/18/25: X-post – “Israel’s strikes on Syria are suicidal. The real enemy is Tehran. Israel and Syria should work together. President Trump will deescalate the situation. Grateful to speak to @FoxNews.” With link to Fox News article: Pro-Israel congressman accuses Tel Aviv of ‘mocking’ Trump with ‘suicidal’ strikes in Syria
Tlaib (D-MI) 7/17/25; X-thread – “The Israeli government’s rogue bombing of Syria must end. The same occupying power that ethnically cleansed Syrian Druze from the Golan is no protector. All Syrians deserve real safety. The Syrian government must end the violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and commit to an inclusive transition that protects all of Syria’s diverse communities.“
Shaheen (D-NH) 7/16/25: “I am deeply concerned by the uptick of violence in Syria, including Israel’s decision to launch airstrikes on Damascus and Suwayda. This escalation could undermine and endanger Syria’s stability and derail progress made by Special Envoy Tom Barrack towards achieving normalization between Syria and Israel. Concurrently, Syria’s authorities must commit to peacefully restoring order in Druze areas and pursuing accountability for any security forces who have committed violations in Druze communities. The only way forward is for all sides—Druze, Bedouin tribes, Israeli forces and the Syrian government—to de-escalate immediately. Syria’s authorities need international support to build capacity, professionalize and train their forces and support our shared objectives of eliminating the threat posed by terrorist groups and other nefarious actors in Syria. To that end, we must all aim towards and support the path to a unified Syria that protects the interests of all citizens and can pursue peaceful relations with its neighbors.”
Wilson (R-SC) 7/16/25: X-post – “I support President Trump’s efforts to de-escalate the situation in Syria. Israel’s unnecessary strikes must cease immediately. The strikes benefit Iran, the CCP, and war criminal Putin. Suicidal for Israel. Also, there must be accountability for sectarian crimes. Separatist drug traffickers with malign influence are sabotaging the most historic opportunity for peace & stability in Syria in our lifetime.“
Sherman (D-CA) 7/16/25: X-post – “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks against #Syria’s #Druze community. The Syrian government and President al-Sharaa must get serious and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for the kind of sectarian violence we’re seeing erupt in Syria once again. The international community has been much too silent as innocent Druze are targeted – the time to speak is now.”
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/16/25: X-post – “I am closely monitoring developments in southern Syria and strongly condemn any violence against the Syrian Druze community. A swift and immediate end to this violence is crucial for peace in Syria and the region.“

We stand with Israel in everything it does, including against Americans who criticize Israel

Moore (R-WV) 7/17/25: X-post – “I am saddened to learn of the deaths and injuries at the Holy Family Catholic Church today in Gaza, which left three dead and nine wounded. Though it has yet to be determined how exactly this occurred, I would urge Israel to utilize their military target discrimination capabilities to ensure the protection of Catholic Churches and other Christian sites. I pray for the souls of the faithful who died. Eternal rest grant unto them, o Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them.”
LaLota (R-NY) 7/17/25: X-post – “Iran backs terror, funds Hamas, and spreads violence. We must keep max diplomatic and economic pressure until terror ends, hostages are freed, and Hamas stops targeting Israel. Appeasement won’t work—strength will.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee GOP/Mast (R-FL) 7/15/25: X-post – “Honored to share the stage with @AvivaKlompas at the @israelcc summit in Washington today. From war zones to college campuses, antisemitism must be combated and eradicated!”
Davidson (R-OH) 7/16/25: X-post (responding to news of an Israeli settler attack on a Christian-Palestinian village in the West Bank) – “Christian Persecution? No, cover for arsonists trying to stop Israelis from living in Israel. Here’s the explanation I have from friends I trust, who live there: The incident in question took place in an area of the Binyamin region where Jewish shepherds have been grazing legally on public land. In recent weeks, we have witnessed a troubling trend: deliberate arson attacks by Arab residents intended to destroy grazing lands and displace Jewish presence. In this specific case, the fire was indeed set intentionally by Arabs,not by Jews. The Jewish farm owner and his workers, who were present in the area, attempted to contain and extinguish the fire. Video evidence exists showing them actively working to stop the flames. In fact, the farm owner filed three official complaints with the police regarding repeated arson attempts against his farm. Tragically, the fire spread and reached a nearby Christian cemetery, causing damage. This is deeply regrettable, and I emphasize that the damage was unintended and collateral, stemming from Arab-initiated arson and not any act by Jewish residents. Nonetheless, certain actors are now attempting to twist the narrative and accuse the very people who tried to put out the fire. There is a broader campaign underway by well-funded and politically motivated groups, including some operating under Christian labels, whose goal is to delegitimize Jewish life in Judea and Samaria by spreading false accusations and emotional misinformation. These groups seek to vilify our residents in the eyes of the international community, weaken Christian-Jewish alliances, and ultimately pressure Israel to abandon our ancestral heartland.“
Bacon (R-NE) 7/13/25: X-thread – “There should be no room for anti-Semitism in both parties. Anti-Semitism is anti-American…I served with Israeli defense Forces and proud of it.” Responding to X-post from Sen. Murphy (D-CT) – “It’s weird that a big tent Democratic party wouldn’t include the guy who just handily won the Democratic primary in the city with the most Democratic voters in America. #votersmatter”
Graham (R-SC) 7/13/25: X-post – “It was my great honor to speak with my friends at the Chabad of Charleston today. We shared our love for Israel and affirmed its right to exist. We also discussed the importance of ending the threat from regimes and entities who want to eliminate the one true Jewish state. We must unapologetically stand with Israel. All those who wish to destroy Israel also wish to destroy us.”
Ernst (R-IA) 7/13/25: X-post – “My DEFEND Act created unprecedented cooperation between Israel and Abraham Accords nations, but October 7th was a reminder that our enemies are constantly evolving. By updating my DEFEND Act in the NDAA, we can ensure that America and our partners stay one step ahead of our enemies.“

Concerns/Criticisms Related to Israel, Bibi Govt, Etc.

Sanders (I-VT) 7/15/25: X-post – “More and more Americans understand that support for the racist Netanyahu government is not only immoral, it is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. We should not provide billions to a government that shoots starving people waiting for food. NO MORE U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.“
Sanders (I-VT) 7/14/25: X-post – “Israel’s far right tried to expel Ayman Odeh, an Arab Israeli opposition leader, from the Knesset because of his opposition to Netanyahu’s war. Today, they failed. If Israel is going to be considered a democracy, it cannot expel members of parliament for their political views.”
Sanders (I-VT) Welch (D-VT) and Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/13/25: Sanders, Welch, Van Hollen Issue Statement of Solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh Following Expulsion Efforts from the Israeli Parliament
Omar (D-MN) 7/11/25: X-post “Get lost, your intimidation tactics aren’t working on us anymore. P.S. Tell Israel to use its own money, because I and many others don’t want $3.5 billion dollars of our money going to them.” Responding to AIPAC X-post 7/9/25: “.@RepMTG and @IlhanMN: two sides of the same radical coin. Each proposed the same legislation to weaken America and hurt our ally Israel. Cutting off funding for missile defense cooperation between America & Israel undermines U.S. national security and helps our shared enemies.“

Other stuff

Welch (D-VT), Merkley (D-OR), Van Hollen (D-MD) & Sanders (I-VT) 7/18/25: Welch, Merkley, Van Hollen, Sanders Denounce Threats to West Bank Communities
Bacon (R-NE) 7/13/25: X-post – “I worked on a team that stood up long-range missile defense in Israel focused against Iran in 2009 – 2010. It has paid off… this past year it has intercepted 99% of the Iranian and Houthi missiles fired at Israeli cities. I am proud of 3rd Air Force and the Israelis for the mission success and saving many lives.“
Hagerty (R-TN) 7/11/25: Hagerty joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran Threat, Crypto Regulation Reform
Gill (R-TX) 7/11/25: X-post – “Zohran Mamdani is as radical as radical gets. His rabid racism and antisemitism have no place in our country.”
Omar (D-MN) 7/10/25: Column in Hometown Source – Omar on Minnesota shootings, Iran and ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

5. Selected Media

Elex/politics/Mamdani

CNN 7/17/25: What Bernie Sanders told Zohran Mamdani about antisemitism and pushing back on Democratic leaders
Jewish Insider 7/17/25: Gottheimer avoids confronting Mamdani over ‘intifada’ comments
Jewish Insider 7/17/25: Fundraising reports reveal fading clout of congressional centrists [“…On the Democratic side, there were some fresh signs that mainstream, pro-Israel candidates aren’t getting quite the same fundraising traction as they have in the past...]
Mondoweiss 7/17/25: The Shift: Pro-Israel leaders angry over Nadler’s Mamdani endorsement
New York Post 7/16/25: Zohran Mamdani gets hero’s welcome from lefty Dems at AOC-hosted breakfast in DC
Jewish Insider 7/16/25: Democratic pro-Israel group warns of ‘troubling developments’ within the party [“DMFI president Brian Romick cited Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to condemn ‘globalize the intifada’ rhetoric and N.C. Dems’ adoption of anti-Israel resolutions“]
Jewish Insider 7/15/25: Nadler faces blowback from Jewish leaders for his Mamdani outreach
The Hill 7/14/25: Jeffries: Mamdani must reassure Jewish community ‘that he’s going to stand up’ for their safety, security
Jerusalem Post 7/14/25: Bernie Sanders openly attacks AIPAC, calls for boycott from Democrats [“Senator Sanders asked all Democrats to stop their relationship with AIPAC, calling them ‘the organization that helped deliver the presidency to Donald Trump.'”]
Jewish Insider 7/14/25: Jewish Democrats divided over Ken Martin’s ‘globalize the intifada’ remarks

Other stuff

Jewish Insider 7/18/25: Sen. Chris Coons: U.S. strikes on Iran could ultimately be a positive step
Spectrum News 7/17/25: Trump administration, some Democrats denounce killing of 20-year-old Florida man in West Bank
Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/25: Congressmen raise questions about US funding to anti-Netanyahu protest groups
Jewish News Syndicate7/14/25: US senators on Arab MK’s pending impeachment: ‘Assault on democracy’
Jewish Insider 7/14/25: Rep. Greg Landsman: Americans are ‘tired’ of partisanship on Iran and foreign policy
Jewish Insider 7/11/25: Senate’s defense bill includes effort to advance Middle East air defense cooperation [“The amendment, led by Sen. Joni Ernst, highlights the ‘serious and growing’ missile threats from Iran and its proxies“]

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

7/10/25: How Western journalists are complicit in Israel’s effort to silence Palestinian journalists – ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Palestinian American journalist and writer Jennifer Zacharia about the treatment of Palestinian journalists and reporting by Israel and Western media, building on Zacharia’s recent Boston Review piece,”Can Anyone Hear Me? Palestinians are only allowed to exist if we don’t cause discomfort for those who seek to erase us.”
7/10/25: How to think about Gazans’ mental health during this genocide, ft. FMEP fellow Hilary Rantisi in conversation with Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, psychiatrist and Director General of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP), Gaza’s leading mental health organization.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

(ENSURING UNLIMITED US WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL VIA STOCKPILE) S. 2216: Introduced 7/9/25 by Banks (R-IN) and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to extend war reserves stockpile authority” aka the “Weapons Resupply, Stockpile, and Alliance-Israel Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Rosen, Banks Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Military Stockpile; Jewish Insider 7/9/25: Banks, Rosen introduce bill to replenish U.S. weapons stockpile in Israel – The legislation would extend the stockpile through 2029 from its current expiration in 2027

(USING US WEAPONS SALES TO INCENTIVIZE NORMALIZATION WITH ISRAEL) HR 4335 (bill text): Introduced 7/10/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and 25 cosponsors [22 Republicans plus Moskowitz (D-FL), Davis (D-NC) and Gottheimer (D-NJ)], “To provide authority to enhance security assistance with countries that are engaged in regional security cooperation efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, and for other purposes” aka the “Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Messmer Supports the Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act; Jewish Insider 7/10/25: Bipartisan House bill would expedite arms sales to Abraham Accords partners [“Rep. Lawler: ‘I am committed to strengthening our relationships with regional partners and putting our ally Israel in the best position possible to do the same’”]

(CENSURING REP. OGLES) H. Res. 576: Introduced 7/10/25 by Torres (D-NY) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “Censuring Representative Andy Ogles” (for his anti-Muslim rhetoric). Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.

(DEFENSE APPROPS BILL) HR 4016: The House is getting set to take up HR 4016, the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill. That bill includes:

The Rules Committee will meet 7/14/25 to determine which amendments will get floor votes. The deadline to propose amendments to the bill was 7/8/25 (with many amendments coming in late). All amendments submitted to Rules are here – all are worth paying attention to all of them, regardless of whether they are ruled in order, because they are a good roadmap to what these members will be trying to do with other legislation. Middle East-related amendments submitted (as if 2pm 7/11/25) are:

Re: Israel

Amendment offered by Jackson (R-TX) and Schneider (D-IL) to “Increase the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account by $10,000,000 to be used for joint United States/Israel anti-tunneling programs and efforts. This amendment is offset by decreasing the Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $10,000,000.”
Amendment offered by Omar (D-MN), “Strikes $500,000,000 in funding for Israel.“
Amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN), “Prohibits funds for military exercises with countries that boycott Israel or Israeli defense companies.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds from being used to support the unilateral annexation by Israel of the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.”
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds for any Israeli military and intelligence units that assist or fail to take reasonable actions to prevent or intercede to stop Israeli settler violence against Palestinian civilians and their property in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.“
Amendment offered by Gottheimer (D- NJ), Garbarino (R-NY), and Gimenez (R-FL), “Increases funding by $5,000,000 to Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide to increase funding for the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS and directed energy development program by $5,000,000. Offsets from Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide.”
Amendment offered by Greene (R-GA), “Strikes funding for the Israeli Cooperative Programs.” [Also see: Greene’s very long X-post announcing her amendments, including: “…The U.S. State Department already gives Nuclear armed Israel over $3 Billion every single year. Nuclear armed Israel has nearly decimated Hamas in Gaza all by themselves. And we just successfully bombed Iran’s and wiped out Iran’s nuclear program for Nuclear armed Israel. Nuclear armed Israel’s national debt is under $400 Billion compared to our crippling national debt of $37 TRILLION. Nuclear armed Israel seems to have their defense and debt under control, so the American taxpayers should not be required to give Nuclear armed Israel another $500 million in our U.S. defense bill. Jordan gets around $1.6 Billion from the U.S. State Department every year, why do we have to give them another $500 Million?”…P.S. Not giving another additional $500 Million to Nuclear armed Israel will not make us all anti-Semitic. Or Isolationist. P.S.S. We don’t have to pay off Jordan with another $500 Million either.”]
Amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN), “Prohibits funds to participate in any defense exposition that has a policy of excluding participation by the State of Israel.”

Re: Lebanon

Amendment offered by Tlaib (D- MI), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to Lebanon.”
Amendment offered by Steube (R-FL), “Conditions aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces.“
Amendment offered by Steube (R-FL), “Prohibits all assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces”

Re: Iran

Amendment offered by Nadler (NY), “Requires a report detailing the battle damage assessment (BDA) of the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the impact on the nuclear program, the remaining capabilities, any resulting difference in breakout time, an assessment of any remaining nuclear material, and an assessment of the impact of the strike on Iranian ballistic missile program and proxy activity.”
Amendment offered by Tlaib (MI), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Amendment offered by Simon (D-CA), “Prohibits funds from being used to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities in Iran in contravention of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.).”
Amendment offered by Massie (R-KY) and Khanna (D-CA), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran.“

Re: Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, UAE

Amendment offered by Greene (R-GA), “Strikes funding to support the armed forces of Jordan.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits the use of funds to maintain a U.S. military presence inside Syria after one year, unless otherwise Congressionally authorized.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution with respect to Yemen.“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits funds from facilitating the unilateral annexation of Yemeni territory by the United Arab Emirates or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia“
Amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MI), “Prohibits the use of funds for foreign military sales to the United Arab Emirates.”
Amendment offered by Steube (R-FL), “Prohibits all assistance to the Government of Iraq.“
Jewish Insider 7/7/25: Banks, Rosen introduce bill to replenish U.S. weapons stockpile in Israel [“The legislation would extend the stockpile through 2029 from its current expiration in 2027“]

Re: Antisemitism

Amendment offered by Goldman (D-NY), “Increases the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $1,000,000 to support enhanced screening of civilian personnel and implementation of training programs to prevent domestic extremist, white supremacy, and antisemitic ideology within the Department of Defense workforce.“

Other legislation news:

Senate Armed Services Committee 7/11/25 – Executive Summary of FY26 NDAA [Re: the Middle East – “•Directs continued cooperation with allies and partners in the Middle East with respect to implementing an integrated air and missile defense architecture. • Extends the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip (CTEF) authorities to assist the Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian partner forces to counter the threat from ISIS. • Directs a report on the Department of Defense’s plan to provide assistance to the military forces of Jordan and the military forces of Lebanon. • Extends the United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation initiative. • Authorizes increased funding for United States-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned aerial systems.”
Jewish Insider 7/11/25: Senate’s defense bill includes effort to advance Middle East air defense cooperation [“The amendment, led by Sen. Joni Ernst, highlights the ‘serious and growing’ missile threats from Iran and its proxies“]
The Commitment to Aid Workers Act: Pingree 7/7/25: Pingree Unveils Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Global Conflict Zones [“2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian aid workers, according to the United Nations.“]

2. Letters

None.

3. Hearings & Briefings

July 15. 2025: The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight will hold a hearing entitled, “How Leftist Nonprofit Networks Exploit Federal Tax Dollars to Advance a Radical Agenda.” This appears to be a follow-up to three letters sent by the Committee last week (covered in last week’s Round-Up). The hearing “will examine how left-wing organizations have exploited federal tax dollars to advance their radical causes. In particular, the hearing will focus on how federal grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Justice Department were leveraged by these organizations to fund causes fundamentally opposed to the national interests of Americans.” Witnesses will be: Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center; Mike Gonzalez, The Heritage Foundation; and Tyler O’Neil, The Daily Signal.

July 15. 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold yet another witch trial/kangaroo court – sorry, I mean hearing – this one entitled, “Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology.” Announced victims – sorry, I mean witnesses – (so far) are: Dr. Robert M. Groves, Interim President, Georgetown University; Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor, The City University of New York; and Dr. Rich Lyons, Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley.

On 7/2/25, Chairman Walberg (R-MI) issued a reminder about the hearing, noting: ““We continue to see antisemitic hatred festering at schools across the country. While much of the discussion has focused on the devastating effects of antisemitism, this hearing will focus on the underlying factors instigating antisemitic upheaval and hatred on campus. Until these factors—such as foreign funding and antisemitic student and faculty groups—are addressed, antisemitism will persist on college campuses. Our Committee is building on its promise to protect Jewish students and faculty while many university leaders refuse to hold agitators of this bigotry, hatred, and discrimination accountable.”
House Committee on Education and Reform (GOP) 7/10/25: X-post – “Unions are promoting antisemitism. Instead of listening to dues-paying members, unions spout antisemitic propaganda and sideline workers with pro-Israel views. In many cases, workers are REQUIRED to fund these organizations that discriminate against them! The disease of antisemitism runs deep.” With link to Wall Street Journal article, How Labor Unions Feed Campus Antisemitism — Questions for Congress to ask the leaders of UC Berkeley and the City University of New York.
Stefanik (R-NY) 7/9/25: X-post – “I am preparing for the upcoming July 15th @EdWorkforceCmte Hearing on Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology with the presidents of @Georgetown @Berkeley and look forward to holding them accountable for the rot of antisemitism permeating their campuses. Unfortunately, @ChancellorCUNY is for the 3rd time attempting to back out of testifying. @ChancellorCUNY, please confirm your attendance immediately with the other college presidents to testify – and I would be remiss if I did not remind you that Congressional Republicans have subpeona [sic] authority and have used it extensively in our higher education investigations.“
CalMatters 7/8/25: Congress is targeting these California universities in antisemitism hearings

Other hearing-related news:

Jewish Insider 7/10/25: Trump provides ‘window of opportunity’ for U.N. reform, nominee says [“Asked by members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about antisemitism issues at the U.N. and efforts to disband the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, Bartos described the U.N. as ‘almost immune to reform’ but said that U.S. leadership from Trump as a ‘unique window of opportunity’ to force reform by leveraging U.S. funding. Jennifer Locetta, the nominee for alternate representative to the U.N. for special political affairs, who testified alongside Bartos, said that she would work with the administration on its review of U.S. participation in U.N. agencies, such as those that have shown ‘pervasive anti-Israel bias’ and would work to ensure that ‘everything that we do makes sure that America is stronger, safer and more prosperous.’”]

4. Selected Members on the Record

Bibi Returns to DC

Thune (R-SD) 7/9/25: X-post – “Hosted a bipartisan meeting with Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu to discuss bringing American hostages home from Gaza and building off @POTUS’ leadership to restore peace and security in the region.”
McCormick (R-PA) 7/10/25: X-post – “It was great seeing Prime Minister Benjamin @netanyahu, at the Capitol yesterday. Dina and I last met with him during our trip to the Middle East in May. I complimented him on the magnificent performance of Israel’s military in destroying Iran’s nuclear capabily [sic], and I remain steadfast in my support for Israel in its fight against terror. Israel and the US, under President Trump’s leadership, are working together toward a future of security, peace, and stability for the region.”
Cassidy (R-LA) 7/9/25: Cassidy Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Discuss Peace in the Middle East
Daines (R-MT) 7/9/25: Daines Previews Meeting With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Fox: “It is Time for Regime Change in Iran”
Graham (R-SC) 7/9/25: X-post – “Very good meeting with Prime Minister @netanyahu and his team today. We discussed the importance of keeping the Iranian regime in a weakened state until they change their behavior toward Israel and the region, and toward the United States. We also talked about the mutual desire to continue to integrate the region politically and economically, moving toward the light away from the darkness. I completely support Israel’s position that Hamas must be removed from Gaza as part of any peace agreement and that Iran should recognize Israel’s right to exist as a prerequisite to any peace negotiations. Israel continues to be one of the foundational partners for the United States and I have a lot of admiration for the people of Israel and the state of Israel. P.S. Appreciated the birthday cake! Bibi is a great leader… but singer? Not so much.”
- Cotton (R-IN) re-posted this with the comment: “Great to join @LindseyGrahamSC and @netanyahu today. I share his sentiments and am proud to stand with our partners in Israel.”
Daines (R-MT) 7/9/25: X-post – “Looking forward to meeting with PM Netanyahu today- America stands with Israel. It’s time to see regime change in Iran.”
Tenney (R-NY) 7/8/25: X-post – “Welcome to the United States Capitol @netanyahu. Congressional Republicans stand alongside Israel in their fight to secure peace, & protect democracy & innocent lives. The world is safer when America & Israel stand together.“
Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 7/8/25: X-post – “The United States stands solidly with our friend and ally, Israel.“
Ciscomani (R-AZ) 7/8/25: X-post – “We stand proudly with Israel — our steadfast friend and ally“
Fallon (R-TX) 7/8/25: X-post – “Under President Trump’s bold, decisive leadership and willingness to fully support our ally, Israel, things are headed in the right direction for the Middle East. Iran’s nuclear program has been set back years, while the strength of its terrorist proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and Ansarallah have been severely diminished. The US-Israel alliance is stronger than ever and deals have been secured with the Gulf States. This is good for peace and security for the US, our allies and partners, and the region.”
Mace (R-SC) 7/8/25: X-post – “Thank you President Trump. There is no better friend and ally of Israel and the Jewish people than you.”
Gimenez (R-FL) 7/8/25: X-post – “Welcome to the United States, Prime Minister @netanyahu! The bond between our two freedom-loving nations remains unbreakable. From the U.S. Congress, we proudly stand with the democratic Jewish State of Israel as it navigates today’s many challenges.”
Omar (D-MN) 7/8/25: X-post – “This is Benjamin Netanyahu’s third visit to DC this year. War criminals should not be welcomed by any president or Congress. He should be held accountable for his crimes, not platformed. Beyond shameful.”
- Response from Rep. Fine (R-FL) 7/8/25: “I’m sure it is difficult to see us welcome the killer of so many of your fellow Muslim terrorists. The only shame is that you serve in Congress.“
- Response to Fine from Democratic leadership 7/9/25: JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON REP. ILHAN OMAR – “The unhinged, racist and Islamophobic comments made by Randy Fine about Rep. Ilhan Omar are bigoted and disgusting. We are just weeks removed from heinous acts of political violence targeting elected officials in Minnesota for assassination. This is an incredibly difficult time for our nation and Members of Congress should be solving problems for the American people, not inciting violence. Randy Fine must apologize immediately.”
- Response from Fine to Democratic Leadership 7/9/25: X-post – The Hamas Caucus is upset. Boo hoo. I guess they weren’t listening when I said the Hebrew Hammer was coming.”
- Response by “Coalition for Jewish Values” to Democratic leadership (re-posted by Fine) 7/9/25: “This bizarre statement from @HouseDemocrats inverts hater & victim. Expecting a Jewish representative to apologize for calling out a Jew-hater warmly welcomed in the Democratic caucus is well beyond the pale. It is they who owe an apology to Jewish Americans.” and also this CFJV post with video clip – “During this morning’s interview on @NEWSMAX, Rabbi @ymenken [Executive Director of CFJV and also member of President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission] applauded @RepFine for standing up to @Ilhan. Ilhan Omar is aligned with the Hamas, she is part of their terror network and she is backing their entire narrative. Bravo, @RepFine!“[for those unfamiliar with this org, see their website; also see The Forward 11/10/27 – Inspired By Trump Era, Orthodox Rabbis Launch New Political Group]
- Additional Response from Fine to Democratic Leadership 7/9/25: X-post – “Apparently @RepJeffries has no issues with @Ilhan calling Bibi Netanyahu a war criminal but does when I call her out for doing it. I came to Washington to fight this evil. Not make peace with it.”
- Additional Response from Fine to Democratic Leadership 7/10/25: X-post – “Jihadi Jefferies and his Hamas Caucus are just trying to distract from the huge increase in violence against ICE agents because of their rhetoric. @RepBrandonGill and I didn’t come to Congress to play their Washington games, where we have to make nice with people who hate everything about America. We came to defeat them. And we will.”
- Response from Watson Coleman (D-NJ) to original Fine post 7/9/25: X-post – “Randy Fine is a vile racist whose presence in Congress is an insult to every decent American. When you think of Republicans, remember Randy Fine eats at their table. I will pray for this ugly hatred to leave his soul.“
- Response from Raskin (D-MD) to original Fine post 7/9/25: X-post – “I know you’re new to Congress, Mr. Fine, but we don’t call our colleagues terrorists here. It just makes you look idiotic. At a time when MN Democrats have been targeted for assassination by a right-wing extremist, your rhetoric is seriously dangerous. Apologize now.“

Johnson (R-LA) 7/8/25: Speaker Johnson Welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Back to the U.S. Capitol
Johnson (R-LA) 7/8/25: X-post – “Today, I had the honor of welcoming my good friend, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, back to the U.S. Capitol. The Prime Minister and I discussed America’s commitment to Israel’s security and our shared goal of achieving a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that is righteous, enduring, and rooted in the principle of peace through strength. America and Israel’s strong stand in the 12-Day War dealt a devastating blow to the greatest enemy of peace in the region, leaving the Iranian regime weaker than at any point in decades. We are hopeful that this marks the dawn of a new chapter of peace in the Middle East.”
Scott (R-FL) 7/7/25: X-post – “Iran and its terror proxies like Hamas should remember that the United States stands strong with Israel. As @POTUS and @Netanyahu meet 640 days after the October 7th terrorist attacks, Iran-backed Hamas should remember we want EVERY HOSTAGE HOME!“
Welch (D-VT) 7/7/25: X-post – “As President Trump meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he must press for a ceasefire that returns hostages and allows humanitarian organizations to provide aid to Gaza. And President Trump should demand Israel works to surge aid to civilians as negotiations continue.“
Sanders (I-VT) 7/7/25: X-post – “Today, a war criminal under indictment from the ICC will be welcomed to the White House. Trump, like Biden before him, has aided and abetted the extremist Netanyahu government as it has systematically killed and starved civilians in Gaza. It is a shameful day in America.“

Cheering Rubio for Putting Sanctions on Francesca Albanese

Fine (R-FL) 7/9/25: X-post – “Albanese is a full-throated supporter of Muslim terror and I support @SecRubio 1000%. She embodies the moral rot that is the @UN.
House Foreign Affairs Committee 7/9/25: X-post – “Albanese is the tip of the spear for antisemitism at the UN. Sanctioning her sends a clear message that if you target America or our allies—you will pay the price.“
Wagner (R-MO) 7/9/25: X-post – “Francesca Albanese has a strong bias against the United States and Israel, and I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rubio for holding her accountable for her reckless actions and statements. I have long called on her to be removed from the UN, and I am glad to see Secretary Rubio and President Trump take such strong action against her.“
Cotton (R-IN) 7/9/25: X-post – “Outspoken supporters of terrorism and unlawful ICC prosecution of American allies like Francesca Albanese have no business entering the United States. The UN’s support for her is exactly why Americans don’t trust the UN. Thank you President Trump and @SecRubio for defending our country and our allies from the illegitimate kangaroo court.“
McCormick (R-PA) 7/9/25: X-post – “Thank you, @SecRubio. This is American leadership. Albanese’s antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric is a complete embarassment to the UN Charter. She has repeatedly abused her power to advance the delegitimization of Israel and I look forward to supporting more of @POTUS’s nominees at the UN who will take on this vile rhetoric.”
Lawler (R-NY) 7/9/25: X-post – “Francesca Albanese’s absurd campaign against the U.S. and Israel ends today. We will not tolerate antisemitic witch hunts by the UN and its affiliates. Sadly, yet again, it’s the UN harboring and legitimizing these abuses of power on the global stage.“

Weaponizing Fight Against Antisemitism

Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/8/25: Gottheimer Urges Immediate Vote on Bipartisan IHRA Antisemitism Bill in NJ Assembly, Following More Delays [“70 Percent of Assembly has Co-Sponsored Bill — Yet Still No Vote Allowed. Failure to Protect Jewish Communities is ‘Outrageous and Shameful’“] Also see: Gottheimer X-post.
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/8/25: X-post – “At a time of record antisemitic violence and rising ignorance about the Holocaust, @NEAToday members’ decision to stop using @ADL materials on antisemitism and Holocaust education is dangerous and deeply concerning. Teaching students about hate and history should never be controversial.“
Miller (R-OH) 7/7/25: X-post – “Antisemitism has no place in our society. I’m glad we finally have a president who is holding woke universities accountable.” Linked to Fox News X-post with video clip 7/7/25 – “@RepMaxMiller attributes the rise of antisemitism to influence by countries like Iran and Russia.”

WE LOVE WITH & STAND WITH ISRAEL & JEWISH SUPPORTERS OF ISRAEL, INCL AGAINST IRAN!

LaLota (R-NY) 7/10/25: X-post – “For decades, Iran has armed terrorists like Hamas, Hezbollah & the Houthis to attack Americans, Israelis & our interests. Republicans & Democrats must stand united to contain this threat before it spreads further.”
Frankel (D-FL) 7/10/25: X-post – “em>Forced nudity, physical and verbal sexual harassment, sexual assaults, and threats of forced marriage.” The Dinah Project’s new report sheds light on the horrors Hamas terrorists perpetrated on and since October 7–including to those they held in captivity. Rape and sexual violence as tools of war are never acceptable. We will continue to uplift survivors, tell their stories, and hold those who commit these atrocities accountable.”
Johnson (R-LA) 7/9/25: Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries Re-establish House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group
Moskowitz (D-FL) 7/9/25: X-post- “It is an honor to be named by @RepJeffries to this bipartisan group, which reaffirms the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Israel. I look forward to working with my House colleagues and Knesset counterparts to strengthen the relationship between our nations.“
Kustoff (R-TN) 7/9/25: X-post – “I’m excited to announce that I’ve been reappointed as Chair the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 119th Congress. The U.S.—Israel relationship is more important than ever. Thank you @SpeakerJohnson for your trust. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Washington and Jerusalem to keep this alliance strong!” Also see: press release.
Wagner (R-MO) 7/9/25: X-post – “I am proud to once again be appointed to the House-Knesset Parliamentary Group. Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and I look forward to working with my bipartisan delegation and our counterparts in Israel to strengthen this vital partnership and advance peace and stability in the Middle East. Thank you to @SpeakerJohnson for entrusting me with this responsibility at such a vital time for the region.”
Crenshaw (R-TX) 7/9/25: Long X-thread attacking Tucker Carlson over interview with the president of Iran, closing with: “BOTTOM LINE: Tucker didn’t conduct an interview. He handed a mic to the Iranian regime and let propaganda flow unchecked. I should also note, the Iranian regime doesn’t even allow real journalism in their country. What does that say about Tucker? If he won’t challenge our enemies, I will.“
Scott (R-FL) 7/8/25: op-ed in the Washington Times – Trump did the world a favor with strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites — He sent a strong message to Tehran and the world: We will eliminate threats with force if necessary
Scott (R-FL) 7/8/25: X-post – “Innocent civilians have spent 641 days in the hands of Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. It breaks your heart to think about what they must be going through. Thank God we finally have a Commander-in-Chief who stands with Israel and is committed to bringing every hostage home.“
Bilirakis (R-FL) 7/8/25: X-post – “Let’s hope this momentum brings us closer to lasting peace in the Middle East and strengthens the security of our closest ally, Israel.” Linked to Fox News article: US champions Lebanon’s response to Hezbollah disarmament, hints at Abraham Accords opportunity
Scott (R-FL) 7/6/25: X-post – “Don’t forget—Hamas terrorists are still holding innocent people hostage 639 days later in tunnels throughout Gaza. People just like you and me who were going about their day, when suddenly they were dragged into captivity by these monsters. We can’t forget that. We can’t rest until we bring them all home!”
LaLota (R-NY) 7/6/25: X-post – “Not long ago, both parties stood with Israel and against a nuclear Iran. Now’s the time for unity—not partisanship—to keep America and our allies safe.“
Torres (D-NY) 7/5/25: X-post – “Murdering Jews for being Jews is not ‘political’—it’s antisemitic. The cold-blooded assassination of Yaron and Sarah outside the Capitol Jewish Museum. The arson attack on peaceful Jewish demonstrators calling for the release of the hostages. The firebombing of a Jewish governor’s residence. To downplay or deny the antisemitism at the heart of these attacks is to turn a blind eye to the dangerous and deadly resurgence of Jew-hatred staring us all in the face. America ignores the obvious at its own peril.” [an enraged response to this brilliant op-ed in the New York Times by Jewish intellectual/author/journalist Masha Gessen]
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/4/25: X-post – “Iran’s UN Ambassador made it clear: they have no intention of stopping uranium enrichment. The United States must continue applying maximum pressure and stand with our key ally, Israel, and ensure Iran can never build a nuclear weapon.“

Targeting Mamdani/Progressive Dems

Gill (R-TX) 7/11/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Zohran Mamdani is as radical as radical gets. His rabid racism and antisemitism have no place in our country.”
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 7/6/25: X-post w/ video clip – “As commonsense Democrats, we’re against socialism, higher taxes, and antisemitism. ‘Globalize the Intifada’ refers to a horrific wave of terror — attacks that left more than a thousand Jews dead. With antisemitic violence at record highs, @ZohranKMamdani’s refusal to condemn violent and hateful rhetoric is unacceptable.“

Concern for Palestinians, Int’l Law

Tlaib (D-MI) 7/9/25: X-post – “For nearly two years, world leaders have failed to act to end the Israeli apartheid regime’s genocide in Gaza. While the U.S. government attacks international law, South Africa and Colombia’s Hague Group is taking action to save lives.”
Welch (D-VT) 7/8/25: X-post – “Infants in Gaza are facing starvation because baby formula is being blocked. It’s unacceptable. The government of Israel must immediately allow baby formula and medicine through its blockade to avoid more senseless deaths of innocent children.“
Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/3/25: X-post – “It is unconscionable that American taxpayers are paying for these killings. Shame, shame on Donald Trump and the complicity of everyone who continues to look the other way.” With link to article: US contractors say their colleagues are firing live ammo as Palestinians seek food in Gaza (Associated Press 7/2/25)

5. Selected Media

Congressional Accountability?

Zeteo 7/10/25: Republican Lawmaker Calls Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Zohran Mamdani ‘Muslim Terrorists’ – Will He Be Censured?

Elections/politics (Mamdani & more)

Jewish Insider 7/11/25: Rep. Nellie Pou [D-NJ] adapts to political life in a swing district
Times of Israel 7/10/25: Some Jewish Democrats in US Congress raise concerns about Mamdani’s anti-Israel stances
The National Desk 7/9/25: Jewish lawmakers call Mamdani’s embrace of ‘disturbing’ anti-Israel rhetoric ‘dangerous’
Jewish Telegraphic Agency 7/9/25: Jewish Democrats in Congress raise concerns about Zohran Mamdani’s anti-Israel positions [“While some Jewish Dems have raised alarm at the mayoral candidate, others have cautiously endorsed him.“]
The New York Post 7/9/25: Jewish Democrats in Congress on edge after Zohran Mamdani’s NYC primary win: ‘Huge problem’
The Hill 7/9/25: Jewish Democrats in Congress sound the alarm on Mamdani
Jewish Insider 7/8/25: Effie Phillips-Staley plays to progressive base as she targets Rep. Mike Lawler [“The Democratic candidate for New York’s 17th Congressional District called the U.S. strikes on Iran ‘alarming and unprecedented’”]
Jewish Insider 7/7/25: Michigan Senate hopeful Mike Rogers underscores his support for Trump’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear program [“Rogers, a former House Intel Cmte chair: ‘I was for all of this when it wasn’t very cool to be for all of this’“]’
Jewish Insider 7/7/25: Mike Rogers campaign names anti-Israel influencer as county chair [“Jackson Karki was named as a county chair for the Upper Peninsula counties of Baraga, Delta, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Marquette”]
Jewish Link 7/3/25: NJ Democratic Nominee Mikie Sherrill’s Mixed Messages on Israel Raise Serious Concerns

Bibi Visits White House/Congress (again)

CBS News 7/9/25: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with congressional leaders
UPI 7/9/25: Netanyahu talks Mideast matters with U.S. senators, defense officials in D.C.
Jewish Insider 7/10/25: Netanyahu, Senate leaders discuss Gaza, Iran and Abraham Accords [“A senator in attendance told JI that Netanyahu took a different tone discussing negotiations with Hamas: ‘It sure felt like he’d been told by Trump to get to a ceasefire’“]
Politico 7/7/25: Senate leaders to meet with Netanyahu
Jewish News Syndicate 7/7/25: ‘Shameful,’ says Sanders of Israeli prime minister’s arrival in Washington [“‘Trump, like Biden before him, has aided and abetted the extremist Netanyahu government as it has systematically killed and starved civilians in Gaza,’ wrote Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).”

Promoting IHRA Definition as Law

City & State PA 7/10/25: Opinion: To deal with a surge in ‘the oldest hatred,’ a new approach is needed
Jewish News Syndicate 7/9/25: Gottheimer criticizes NJ Assembly for delaying vote on antisemitism bill
Insider NJ 7/9/25: Gottheimer Demands Vote on Anti-Semitism Bill
YellowHammer News 7/7/25: Rep. Barry Moore pushes ‘Define to Defeat’ Act to cement antisemitism definition into law, strengthen hate-crime prosecutions
Jewish Link 7/3/25: Antisemitism Awareness Act Remains in Limbo After Senate Markup
The Hill (Mark Goldfeder) 7/3/25: To defeat antisemitism, we must first define it

Defending Settlements/Israeli Impunity, Opposing Intl Law/Accountability

Jewish Insider 7/7/25: Risch threatens economic consequences if Ireland continues ‘antisemitic path’ [“Ireland’s foreign minister urged the U.S. to push for the end of Gaza war at the embassy Fourth of July party; Dublin moved to ban products from Israelis in the West Bank“]

Other

Jewish Insider 7/11/25: Leading GOP senator [Wicker, R-MS] says Houthis ‘need to be totally eliminated’ [Also: “Asked if the U.S. should become involved directly against the Houthis again, Wicker said, ‘I wouldn’t rule that out.'” Also: Kelly (D-AZ): “we’ve got to figure out a path forward on how to respond. It can’t be a long-term thing for ships to go around the Horn of Africa.” Lankford (R-OK): “…We have to decide, and Israel has to make a determination — as they have, of late — to be very, very clear. And Israel has carried out additional strikes on the Houthis to try to make that stop.” Rounds (R-SD): “I’m not sure what our interests are there right now, but most certainly, we have told them in the past that if they want to have a ceasefire, we’ll support a ceasefire. If they want to get back in the middle of it, I suspect that the administration may very well have a response to that.“]
Breitbart 7/10/25: Senior Israeli Official: Congress Should Deny F-35’s to Turkey
Jewish News Syndicate 7/9/25: Bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group to be renewed
Zeteo 7/9/25: We Asked Republican Senators if They Knew How Many Americans Israel Has Killed Since Oct. 7. None of Them Did [“‘I haven’t even given it much thought,’ one senator said. ‘I am pro-Israel,’ another replied.”]
New York Sun (Foundation for Defense of Democracies op-ed) 7/4/25: As American Scrutiny of Muslim Brotherhood Increases, Lawmakers Overlook Qatar’s Support of the Extremist Group

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

New from FMEP:

New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, The Urgency of Telling Palestinian Stories, ft. FMEP fellow Hilary Rantisi in conversation with author & architect Suad Amiry and film & TV director/actor/producer Cherien Dabis. They discuss Cherien’s latest film, All That’s Left of You, an intergenerational story that goes back to the 1948 Nakba and arrives at the present and premiered at Sundance in early 2025. They talk about one of Suad’s most famous books, Sharon and My Mother-in-Law, about life under Israeli occupation on the West Bank, and its upcoming adaptation to the screen, which Cherien will direct. Along the way, they discuss the effect of humor in storytelling, the role of diaspora Palestinians and relationship to the broader Palestinian collective, and the urgency of telling Palestinian stories.

—————————-

1. Bills & Resolutions

War Powers Act

(NO US ARMED FORCES INVOLVEMENT IN IRAN WAR) S. J. Res. 59: Introduced 6/16/25 by Kaine (D-VA), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.” Defeated 6/27/25 by a roll call vote of 47-53 [a party-line vote except for Paul (R-KY) voting “yes” and Fetterman (D-PA) voting “no”]. See members’ websites for statements. Also see: floor statements/discussion.

Re: Iran, Iran-Israel, & Trump

(BUNKER BUSTERS FOR ISRAEL!) HR XXXX [bill text]: On 7/2/25, Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ) issued a press release: Gottheimer, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Bunker Buster Act to Equip Israel Against Iran’s Continued Nuclear Threat, Strengthen U.S. National Security. The press release notes that this is “legislation that authorizes the president to support Israel’s defense by providing the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), or ‘bunker buster’ bomb, and the aircraft required to deploy it — to take out Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure” and argues that “Equipping Israel with this capability directly strengthens American national security by eliminating Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon.” Gottheimer also posted on X – “Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terror and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans. As Iran rebuilds its nuclear program, we must maintain maximum deterrence. My bipartisan Bunker Buster Act will give Israel the tools she needs to deter Iranian aggression and take out their underground nuclear sites — strengthening U.S. national security.” Also see:

This legislation was previously introduced by Gottheimer and Lawler (R-NY) in 2002 (HR 7148) and 2024 (HR 9206). Press releases: 2024 – Gottheimer, Mast Announce Bipartisan Bunker Buster Act to Combat Iranian Threats, Protect Key Ally Israel; 2022 – Gottheimer, Mast Introduce the Bipartisan Bunker Buster Bill to Combat Iranian Threats, Protect Key Ally Israel.
2025 Media: US ready to arm Israel with bunker-busting bombs if Iran goes nuclear (New Y0rk Post 7/2/25); Trump could arm Israel with US B-2s and bunker busters if Iran tries to go nuclear under new proposal (Fox News 7/2/25); Gottheimer, Lawler push to provide Israel with bunker busters after U.S. strikes (Jewish Insider 7/2/25); Bill in US Congress would give Israel access to B‑2 stealth bombers (YNet 7/2/25)

(SUPPORTING TRUMP’S MILITARY ATTACK ON IRAN) H. Res. 554: Introduced 6/27/25 by Baumgartner (R-WA) and 4 Republican cosponsors, “Supporting President Trump’s decisive actions to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons program and affirming unwavering support for the State of Israel’s right to self-defense.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services. Also see: press release – Baumgartner, Pfluger, Nunn Champion Resolution to End Iran’s Nuclear Threat and Defend Israel

(MEDALS FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN IRAN BOMBING) HR 4254: Introduced 6/30/25 by Gonzales (R-TX) and 12 Republican cosponsors, “To establish a military service medal to be issued to members of the Armed Forces who served in support of operations related to the Iran-Israel War, including Operation Midnight Hammer.” Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. Also see: press release – Rep. Tony Gonzales Introduces Bill to Create Military Campaign Service Medal for Iran-Deployed Troops

Weaponizing “Fighting Antisemitism” to Target Free Speech/Protest/Civil Society

(DEMAND PLAN TO IMPLEMENT TRUMP EO TARGETING FREE SPEECH/PROTEST, BASED ON IHRA DEFINITION, INCL EXAMPLES) HR 4213: Introduced 6/26/25 by Amodei (R-NV), the “Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026.” On 6/26/25, the House Appropriations Committee reported HR 4213 out of committee, accompanied by a report – H. Rept. 119-173. That report includes the following: ” Combatting Antisemitism.–The Committee directs the Secretary to release a public report, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, detailing how the Department plans to implement Executive Order 14188, of January 29, 2025, relating to additional measures to combat antisemitism.” As a reminder, EO 14188, per the White House’s own fact sheet, is NOT about antisemitism in general, but rather “...takes forceful and unprecedented steps to marshal all Federal resources to combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets since October 7, 2023.” It requires every Federal executive department and agency leader to “review and report to the White House within sixty days on all criminal and civil authorities and actions available for fighting anti-Semitism.” It promises “Immediate action” by the Department of Justice “to protect law and order, quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities” and demands “the removal of resident aliens who violate our laws.” And as a reminder EO 14188 is explicitly an expansion on Trump’s 2019 EO on antisemitism (which Biden elected to never rescind), which adopts and enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples conflating criticism of Israel/Zionism with antisemitism. Also see:

Trump’s Executive Order on Antisemitism — Explained (Southern Poverty Law Center)
Trump’s threat to deport anti-Israel protesters is an attack on free speech — the president’s executive order on antisemitism would make universities monitor students’ constitutionally protected speech. (FIRE)
Palestine Legal: Trump’s Executive Order Aims to Punish Protests of Israel’s Genocide in Gaza, Promotes Anti-Palestinian Discrimination (Palestine Legal)
Rabbis Respond to Trump Administration Executive Order on Antisemitism (T’ruah)
JCPA Responds to Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Antisemitism (Jewish Council on Public Affairs)
Bend the Arc: Trump’s Expected Executive Order on Antisemitism Endangers Jews and All Americans (Bend the Arc)
Antisemitism Executive Order Wrongly Targets Students Exercising Rights to Free Expression (Amnesty International)

Other stuff

(CENSURING REP. OGLES FOR HIS ATTACK AGAINST ZOHRAN MAMDANI) H. Res. 553: Introduced 6/27/25 by Thanedar (D-MI), “Censuring Representative Andrew Ogles.” Referred to the House Committee on Ethics. The “whereas” clauses state: “Whereas, on June 26, 2025, after the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the first round of the New York City Democratic mayoral primary election, Representative Andrew Ogles used his official accounts on the social media platforms X and Instagram to publicly insult and demean Mr. Mamdani in a racist, Islamophobic, and anti-immigrant post, by calling Mr. Mamdani ‘little muhammad’ and calling for Mr. Mamdani to be ‘DEPORTED’ and ‘subject to denaturalization proceedings‘” and “Whereas, on June 26, 2025, Representative Andrew Ogles used his official account on the social media platform X to post a video of Mr. Mamdani with the caption, ‘DEPORT little muhammad!‘” and “Whereas, on June 26, 2025, Representative Andrew Ogles used his official accounts on the social media platforms X and Instagram to post an image of himself and Mr. Mamdani that contains the word ‘DEPORT’ and is accompanied by the caption, ‘Bye bye, little muhammad!‘”. Also see: press release – Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Censure Resolution against Representative Andy Ogles for Anti-Immigrant Remarks; Thanedar X-post.

(REPEALING SYRIA SANCTIONS) HR 4241: Introduced 6/27/25 by Omar (D-MN) and Luna (R-FL), “To repeal sanctions with respect to the Syrian Arab Republic, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, and Financial Services. Also see: press release – Reps. Ilhan Omar and Anna Paulina Luna Introduce Syria Sanctions Relief Act to End Broad U.S. Sanctions on Syria

(SANCTIONS ON THE “IRAN-ALIGNED” POLISARIO FRONT) HR 4119: Introduced 6/24/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and Panetta (D-CA), “To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to the Polisario Front, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: House bill aims to impose sanctions on Iran-aligned Polisario Front (Jewish News Syndicate 6/27/25)

2. Letters

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) 7/1/25: Stefanik Leads Letter Exposing Columbia University’s Leadership for Potential Title VI Violations and Betrayal of Jewish Students and Board Members [letter text]. Also see: Acting Columbia president called for removal of Jewish board member in texts obtained by Congress [“The texts from Claire Shipman, published in a letter by the House Education Committee, call a Jewish board member a ‘mole’ and ‘extremely unhelpful’“] (Jewish Insider 7/1/25); House ed panel demands Columbia answer for its president seeming to mock Jew-hatred on campus [“The House education panel sought ‘clarity’ from Claire Shipman over ‘messages you sent that appear to downplay and even mock the pervasive culture of antisemitism on Columbia’s campus.’”] (Jewish News Syndicate 7/1/25). NOTE: Columbia’s Claire Shipman apologizes for leaked messages calling for removal of Jewish trustee (Jewish Insider 7/2/25). Shortly after that article was published, Stefanik (R-NY) responded with a post on X: “RESIGN”
(TARGETING ALLEGED BIDEN ADMIN FUNDING OF OPPOSITION TO NETANYAHU GOVT AND ITS POLICIES) 6/30/25: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jordan and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mast sent 3 letters inquiry, all based on allegations that under the Biden Administration, USAID used U.S. tax-payer funds to undermine the Netanyahu government. The letters target an Israeli organization, Blue White Future, and two U.S. groups, the Abraham Initiatives and The Tides Network (aka the Tides Foundation). With respect to the latter two letters, Jordan and Mast request all documents related to the two groups and their funding-related interactions with a long list of U.S. and Israeli organizations (including, with respect to the Tides letter, the Foundation for Middle East Peace)
(OPPOSING ISRAEL’S STARVATION OF GAZA) 6/30/25: Tlaib Leads Colleagues in Opposing Israeli Government’s Use of Starvation as a Weapon [letter text]. Also see: ‘We Cannot Be Silent’: Tlaib Leads 19 US Lawmakers Demanding Israel Stop Starving Gaza (Common Dreams 6/30/25); Tlaib (D-MI) X-post – “Eighteen Members of Congress joined me in a letter urging the Trump Administration to stop the Israeli government’s mass starvation of Gaza and killing of hungry Palestinians.”; Garcia (D-IL) X-post – “What we’re seeing in Gaza is the systematic starvation of its people by the Israeli govt., along with frequent attacks near aid distribution centers that should be safe. We must do everything in our power to stop this mass starvation. Thank you @RepRashida for leading the charge.“

3. Hearings & Briefings

July 9, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold yet another witch trial/kangaroo court – sorry, I mean hearing – this one entitled, “Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology.” Announced victims – sorry, I mean witnesses – (so far) are: Dr. Robert M. Groves, Interim President, Georgetown University; Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor, The City University of New York; and Dr. Rich Lyons, Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley. On 7/2/25, Chairman Walberg (R-MI) issued a reminder about the hearing, noting: ““We continue to see antisemitic hatred festering at schools across the country. While much of the discussion has focused on the devastating effects of antisemitism, this hearing will focus on the underlying factors instigating antisemitic upheaval and hatred on campus. Until these factors—such as foreign funding and antisemitic student and faculty groups—are addressed, antisemitism will persist on college campuses. Our Committee is building on its promise to protect Jewish students and faculty while many university leaders refuse to hold agitators of this bigotry, hatred, and discrimination accountable.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

Cotton (R-IN) 7/2/25: X-post – “The murderous Hamas terrorists, who are still holding hostages, are the obstacle to peace in the region not our Israeli allies. President Trump warned Hamas and now they will face the consequences if they don’t immediately release all the hostages and surrender.”

Luna (R-FL) 7/2/25: X-post – “POTUS just brokered a 60 day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of Congress should have the common sense to agree this is a MAJOR STEP TOWARDS PEACE and give him credit where it is due!”

McCollum (D-MN) 7/1/25: X-post – “I am horrified to learn about the disgusting attacks on the Palestinian village of Kafr Marlik in the West Bank. These are blatantly illegal attacks by Israeli settlers—under both international and Israeli law. They must stop. The Israeli government must meet their own standards and hold those accountable for their crimes.” With link to New York Times 7/1/25 article, In an Attack at Sunset, Israelis Set a Palestinian Village Ablaze – The violence last week in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, comes amid a surge in assaults by Israeli settlers. It also set off a chain of violence in the area.

Risch (R-ID) 7/1/25: X-post – “Ireland, while often a valuable U.S. partner, is on a hateful, antisemitic path that will only lead to self-inflicted economic suffering. If this legislation is implemented, America will have to seriously reconsider its deep and ongoing economic ties. We will always stand up to blatant antisemitism.” Linked to Jerusalem Post article, Ireland becomes first European country to introduce ban on trade, imports from Israeli settlements

Hamadeh (R-AZ) 6/30/25: X-post – “Congressman Hamadeh is encouraged to hear that several of Israel’s Arab neighbors may be joining the Abraham Accords. Strengthening the Accords is a top diplomatic priority. That’s why the Congressman & @RepSchneider introduced the bipartisan PEACE Act.” [sic]

Tenney (R-NY) 6/30/25: X-post – “Chanting ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Death to the IDF’ at a major music festival isn’t activism; it’s promoting terrorism. The Left’s refusal to condemn this rhetoric is fueling the dangerous rise in anti-Semitism.”

Bacon (R-NE) 6/30/25: X-post – “I ran on a message of wanting a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and won five times. You know why? Because most in our district agrees.”

Walberg (R-MI) 6/30/25: Chair Walberg on Antisemitism Task Force Finding Harvard Violated Civil Rights Law

Graham (R-SC) 6/29/25: X-post (incl video clip) – “True peace will only come when Iran abandons its ambition to destroy the State of Israel. That must be the prerequisite for any negotiations.”

Cornyn (R-TX) 6/29/25: X-post – “<While Israel and the U.S. were bombing Iran’s nuclear sites, another battlefield emerged behind the scenes: the financial infrastructure that keeps Tehran connected to the world“. With link to Wall Street Journal article, How Israel-Aligned Hackers Hobbled Iran’s Financial System – Broken cash machines, halted payments and a crippled crypto exchange were all the result of pro-Israeli efforts

LaLota (R-NY) 7/29/25: X-post – “Taxpayer dollars have no place funding colleges that enable antisemitic rhetoric that leads to campus violence. That was my message at the ‘Run For Their Lives’ event in Commack, where we stood united against antisemitism and proudly in support of Israel.”

Van Hollen (D-MD) 6/27/25: X-post – “Outrageous. Yesterday the Trump admin announced $30M for GHF—the shadowy group at the center of the scheme to replace humanitarian aid orgs in Gaza w/ mercenaries, leading to the killing of starving civilians trying to collect food. Taxpayers shouldn’t be paying for this outrage” Linked to Haaretz article, ‘It’s a Killing Field’: IDF Soldiers Ordered to Shoot Deliberately at Unarmed Gazans Waiting for Humanitarian Aid

Casar (D-TX) 6/27/25: X-post – “In the past month alone, 549 unarmed Palestinians in Gaza have been killed while waiting for food and aid. Over 4,000 have been shot and wounded. ‘It’s a killing field,’ one soldier said. ‘They’re treated like a hostile force – no crowd-control measures… just live fire.’ This is horrifying. It must end, and the US must stop funding Netanyahu’s massacre in Gaza.”

5. Selected Media

The Mamdani Factor

Jewish News Syndicate 7/2/25: When endorsement becomes complicity: Nadler, Schumer and the moral abdication on Jew-hatred [“They have endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the most visible pro-BDS and antisemitic person seeking office in the most Jewish city in America.“]
Jacobin 7/1/25: The Israel Lobby Keeps Falling Flat on Its Face
Politico 7/1/25: Gillibrand apologizes to Mamdani over ‘jihad’ comments [“The New York senator was criticized for not defending the NYC mayoral candidate in a combative radio interview.”]
Jewish Insider 7/1/25: Gillibrand apologizes to Mamdani as he formally claims NYC mayoral nomination [“The senator apologized to Mamdani in a private phone call after saying in an interview that he had made ‘references to global jihad’”]
The Forward 7/1/25: Pro-Israel Jewish Democrats say Zohran Mamdani’s Israel stances are cause for concern, but not panic [“Democrats and progressive Jewish organizations want a word with the NYC mayoral candidate, who criticizes Israel in the language of the far left“]
The Hill 7/1/25: Dems grapple with where Mamdani fits in party’s rebuild
Jewish Insider 7/1/25: Responding to Mamdani, Senate Democrats say ‘globalize the intifada’ slogan must be condemned [“Schumer condemns the phrase and ‘believes it should not be used because it has such dangerous implications’”]
Jewish Telegraphic Agency 6/30/25: Chuck Schumer, ‘guardian’ of Israel, has a big political dilemma named Zohran Mamdani [“Schumer has been gentle with a rising Democratic political star who has said things about Israel that the Jewish senator has long denounced.“]
Mondoweiss 6/30/25: Democratic Party lawmakers are refusing to endorse Zohran Mamdani and are spreading lies about him in the process
Jewish Insider 6/29/25: Jeffries: Mamdani is ‘going to have to clarify his position’ on intifada slogan [“‘‘Globalizing the intifada,’ by way of example, is not an acceptable phrase,’ the House minority leader said”]
New York Magazine 6/28/25: Israel Was Supposed to Sink Zohran Mamdani — Will the Democratic Party absorb the lesson?

Elections

Jewish Insider 7/3/25: Adelita Grijalva emerging as the favorite to succeed her late father in Congress [“The former Pima County supervisor has struggled to articulate her approach to Israel as she faces Daniel Hernandez, who identities a pro-Israel progressive“]
Jewish Insider 7/3/25: Potential Massie challenger Aaron Reed a supporter of Israel, Iran strikes [“Asked about any ideological differences between him and Massie, Reed offered a one-word answer: ‘Israel’“]
Jewish Insider 7/2/25: Ritchie Torres says he’s likely passing on New York gubernatorial run [“The congressman once again declined to endorse Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race but said he is ‘likely to win’”]
Jewish Insider 7/1/25: North Carolina Democratic party’s anti-Israel votes frustrate Jewish Democrats — and create an opportunity for Republicans [“Democratic Senate contenders haven’t commented on their state party’s adoption of a resolution calling for an Israel arms embargo, among other anti-Israel resolutions”]
Jewish Insider 7/1/25: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi hopes to win the Jewish vote in Illinois Senate contest [“Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton are also competing to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin“]
Jewish Insider 6/30/25: Connecticut’s Jewish community wonders: What happened to Chris Murphy? [“The Democratic senator — and Joe Lieberman successor — has grown increasingly antagonistic toward Israel and is sounding less alarmed about rising antisemitism”]
Jewish Insider 6/27/25: DMFI board chair, former Rep. Kathy Manning blasts NC Dems for tolerating antisemitism
Jewish News Syndicate 6/27/25: Pro-Trump Super PAC launches $1 million ad campaign to unseat Massie

On the Weaponization/Politicization of Antisemitism

Northern Kentucky Tribune 6/28/25: Jesse Green: Congress must not violate First Amendment in fight against anti-semitism
Jewish News Syndicate 6/27/25: House ed panel will keep probing ‘scourge’ of campus Jew-hatred [“‘Fighting antisemitism means we must understand it,’ Rep. Tim Walberg said at the March on Washington for Jewish Civil Rights.”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/25/25: ‘Outrageous, shameful’ NJ Assembly won’t adopt IHRA Jew-hatred definition, Gottheimer says [“’No more delays,’ the congressman told JNS. ‘Our Jewish communities deserve better.’”]
Algemeiner 6/27/25: Jewish Civil Rights Scholar Urges US Congress to Respond to Antisemitism Crisis

Other stuff

Jewish News Syndicate 6/30/25: Connecticut Democratic senator calls US strike on Iran ‘illegal’ [“Sen. Chris Murphy wouldn’t sign onto an effort to impeach the president but told ‘NBC’ that Trump’s second term is ‘much more unconstitutional.’”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/29/25: Sen. Graham: Any Iran deal requires Israel recognition first [“In an interview, Lindsey Graham added: Now is the time to deepen the security alliance with Jerusalem.“]
New York Times 6/29/25: The Sheikh Who Conquered Soccer and Coddles Warlords [“…In Washington, growing disquiet over the Emirati role in Sudan’s war has become a bipartisan issue in Congress. At his confirmation hearing in January, Marco Rubio, now the U.S. secretary of state, criticized the Emirates, accusing the country of supporting a “genocide” led by General Hamdan. Prominent Democrats have pressed for a ban on U.S. weapons sales to the Emirates until it stops arming General Hamdan’s Rapid Support Forces.“]
Jewish Insider 6/27/25: Rifts remain in House following classified Iran briefing – Republicans praised the strikes, while most Democrats remained skeptical
Jewish Insider 6/27/25: Mast said to confront Rwandan, Jordanian, Qatari ambassadors over relationships with Iran and China: source [“The Foreign Affairs chair reportedly said ‘they would have to figure out which side they were on: American or China/Iran’”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/27/25: Florida rep introduces legislation to designate CAIR a terror group [“‘Enough is enough,’ said Randy Fine, a Republican Jewish legislator.“]

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

New from FMEP:

New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, How Iranians Have Reacted to the US & Israeli Attacks, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with journalist Negar Mortazavi.
New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Jewish Anti-Zionism and the American Left, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with author Benjamin Balthaser.

Also see:

FMEP’s Lara Friedman interviewed by Mitchell Plitnick for his Cutting Through podcast, talking Iran, Gaza, US, antisemitism, and more.

Also – reminder – The annual Christians United for Israel Summit [“Together, we will make Israel stronger and her people safer as we obey the Biblical mandate to bless God’s Chosen“] will take place in DC June 29 – July 1, including lots of lobbying Congress [“visit your elected officials on Capitol Hill with other constituents from your state to advocate for Israel and the Jewish people.“] Watch the intro video to the summit here (these folks pull no punches in telling the world who they are and what they are doing — people would do well to pay attention/believe them).

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1. Bills & Resolutions

War Powers Act

(NO US ARMED FORCES INVOLVEMENT IN IRAN WAR) S. J. Res. 59: Introduced 6/16/25 by Kaine (D-VA), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.” This week S. J. Res. 59 loomed over the Senate, with the Senate expected to vote on the measure on Friday afternoon (June 27 – after this Round-Up was published). Note: three substantive amendments were introduced to the measure (below).

(PRAISING US MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAN) S. Amdt. 2356 to S. J. Res. 59: Introduced 6/24/25 by Cruz (R-TX), to add to S. J. Res. 59 [introduced 6/16/25 by Kaine (D-VA), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress”] an additional finding, reading: “Members of the United States Armed Forces and intelligence community, and all those involved in the planning and successful execution of Operation Midnight Hammer on June 21, 2025, including President Donald J. Trump, should be commended for their efforts in a successful mission.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Cruz amendment to Senate war powers resolution seeks to praise Trump’s Iran strikes [“The Texas Republican introduced the amendment in anticipation of a vote later this week on the resolution, which would curtail the president’s ability to take any additional action targeting Iran without congressional approval”] (Jewish Insider 6/25/25)
(DO NOT WORRY – WAR POWERS ACT WOULDN’T LIMIT TRUMP’S ABILITY TO WAGE WAR OR TO PROVIDE CONTINUED UNCONDITIONAL, UNLIMITED SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL TO DO SO) S. Amdt. 2357 to S. J. Res. 59: Announced 6/24/25 – Sens. Schiff [D-CA], Kim [D-NJ], Kaine [D-VA] Announce Amendment to War Powers Resolution to Underscore Continued U.S. Assistance for Israel’s Self-Defense After Repeated Attacks by Iran. Amendment reads: “Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the United States from– (1) defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations; (2) collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence, including with the State of Israel and other nations and international organizations as appropriate, related to threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran or its proxies; or (3) assisting the State of Israel and other nations– (A) in taking defensive measures to protect their territory from retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran or its proxies; or (B) by providing defensive materiel support for such defensive measures.“
(IRAN IS BAD!) S. Amdt. 2359 to S. J. Res. 59: Offered by Slotkin (D-MI), to add to the resolution – “(7) The Government of Iran is a leading state sponsor of terrorism and has repeatedly engaged in a range of destabilizing and malign activities across the Middle East and around the world. (8) These actions include harassment and direct threats to United States personnel, kidnapping and detention of United States citizens and dual nationals, support to proxy forces attacking United States personnel and interests, cyberattacks against United States infrastructure and entities, and the continued enrichment of uranium close to levels that could be used to develop a nuclear weapon and beyond what is necessary for any conceivable civilian purposes.“

Media:

Khanna (D-CA) 6/25/25: Rep. Khanna, Progressive Caucus Demand Congress Reclaim Its Power: Pass the Iran War Powers Resolution Now
The Intercept 6/25/25: War Powers Resolution From House Democratic Leaders May Not Limit Trump’s War Powers [“In an apparent nod to Israel, some Democrats want to give Trump power to defend ‘an ally or partner of the United States from imminent attack.'”]
Jewish Insider 6/25/25: Support among Democrats for Senate war powers resolution growing [“Sens. Adam Schiff, Andy Kim and Tim Kaine announced plans to introduce an amendment to ensure that the U.S. can continue to share intelligence with Israel and to assist Israel’s defense“]
The Intercept 6/23/25: Hakeem Jeffries Said Trump’s Attack on Iran Was Unconstitutional. What’s He Going to Do About It? [“High-ranking Democrats are working on their own way to stop a war with Iran — instead of signing onto a war powers resolution.“]

Re: Iran, Iran-Israel, & Trump

(THREE CHEERS FOR TRUMP’S MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAN!) S. Res. 307: Introduced 6/26/25 by Cornyn (R-TX) and 14 Republican cosponsors, “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in support of the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Cornyn, Senate GOP Colleagues Introduce Resolution Supporting Operation Midnight Hammer – Senators Say President Trump Worthy of Nobel Peace Prize

(ATTACKING OBAMA’S NOBEL PRIZE & THE JCPOA, & CALLING FOR TRUMP NOBEL PRIZE FOR MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAN) S.Res.305 [resolution text]: Introduced 6/25/25 by Moreno (R-OH), “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the nomination of President Donald John Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release –Moreno to Call on Senate to Formally Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

(REMOVE US FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITH IRAN) H. Con. Res. 40: Introduced 6/23/25 by Meeks (D-NY), Smith (D-WA) and Himes (D-CT), “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Meeks, Smith, Himes Introduce War Powers Resolution to Cease U.S. Hostilities on Iran; Democratic efforts to block Trump war powers to continue despite Iran ceasefire (Jewish Insider 6/24/25)

(IMPEACH TRUMP FOR ILLEGALLY WAGING WAR ON IRAN) H. Res. 537: Introduced 6/24/25 by Green (R-TX), “Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.” The resolution states, among other things: “President Trump’s unilateral, unprovoked use of force without congressional authorization or notice constitutes an abuse of power when there was no imminent threat to the United States, which facilitates the devolution of American democracy into authoritarianism, with an authoritarian president who has instigated an attack on the United States Capitol, denied persons due process of the law, and called for the impeachment of federal judges who ruled against him– making Donald J. Trump a threat to American democracy.“ Considered by the full House 6/24/25 (privileged resolution), defeated by a bipartisan vote of 344-79 (all Republicans plus 128 Democrats voting “no”). Also see: Scott (D-VA) – Scott Statement on Vote to Table Impeachment Resolution; Moulton (D-MA) – Vote Explainer — H. Res. 537 Impeaching Donald J. Trump

Targeting Antisemitism, and Also Free Speech/Protest/Civil Society

(DEFINING CRITICISM OF ISRAEL AS ANTISEMITISM IN CIVIL RIGHTS LAW) HR 4087: Introduced 6/23/25 by Moore (R-AL), “To provide a definition of antisemitism for the enforcement of covered civil rights laws.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Committee on Education and Workforce.

(TARGETING CAIR WITH FTO DESIGNATION) HR 4097: Introduced 6/24/25 by Fine (R-FL), “To direct the Secretary of State to review whether the Council on American-Islamic Relations meets the criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Congressman Randy Fine Introduces a Bill to Designate CAIR as a Foreign Terrorist Organization [excerpt: “Last year, Congressman Fine passed a similar bill in Florida, H.R. 1209, that ordered all executive agencies of the State of Florida, law enforcement agencies, and local governments to suspend their relationship with CAIR.“]; EXCLUSIVE: New Bill Would Aim to Brand Major Muslim Group a ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ (Daily Signal 6/24/25)

(CONDEMNING “ANTISEMITIC ATTACKS” IN THE US) S. Res. 296 (resolution text): Introduced 6/23/25 by Lankford (R-OK) and 8 bipartisan cosponsors, “A resolution condemning antisemitism and recent antisemitic attacks in the United States.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Bipartisan Senate resolution condemns recent antisemitic attacks (Jewish Insider 6/24/25)

Rewarding/Incentivizing Normalization with Trade Deals

(TRADE AGREEMENTS LINKED TO ABRAHAM ACCORDS) S. XXXX: On 6/26/25, Sen. Cantwell (D-WA) announced “a plan to introduce legislation to authorize the administration to pursue negotiations of a trade agreement with the Middle East during a roundtable forum hosted by the Washington International Trade Association (WITA). The agreement would be focused on the information communications technology supply chain.” More: “I will be introducing legislation to authorize the negotiations of a Middle East trade agreement, an agreement focused on information communication technology. It was built upon what Senators McCain and Baucus introduced 22 years ago to create a Middle East trade preference program in support of the U.S.-Middle East free trade area. I happened to travel to that area with them to talk about this. The legislation that I’m considering would have requirements that partner countries join the Abraham Accords, normalize diplomatic relations with Israel, support reconstruction of Gaza, join in the efforts to support nuclear nonproliferation, and coordinate strong export controls. I think these are the approaches that we should be taking in alliance-building.”

Support the US at the UN, or Else

(NO US AID TO COUNTRIES THAT OPPOSE US POSITIONS AT THE UN) S. 2170 [bill text]: Introduced 6/25/25 by Blackburn (R-TN), “A bill to prohibit United States assistance to foreign countries that oppose the position of the United States in the United Nations.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. This is the House version of HR 1243, introduced 2/12/25 by Davidson (R-OH) and 2 cosponsors (both Republican). Also see: Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Ensure U.S. Foreign Aid Recipients Cannot Undermine America’s Interests. It has been introduced many, many times in the past in various forms, including: H.R.2120 (1993), H.R.1054 (1999), H.R.1302 (2001), H.R.4558 (2005), H.R.2509 (2007), H.R.4636 (2010), H.R.921 (2011), H.R.4237 (2017). As a reminder, in 2017 Trump threatened to implement this policy in response to objections to his move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Other stuff

(TARGETING THE HOUTHIS) HR 1998: Introduced 3/10/25 by Jackson (D-IL) and having 4 bipartisan cosponsors, the “Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025.” Considered under suspension of the Rules 6/23/25 and passed (as amended) by a vote of 392-14. Includes under “findings”: ” (3) Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7th have impacted global shipping markets” and “(4) There has been a surge in Somali pirate attacks, beginning in the fall of 2023 and lasting into 2024, that has coincided with and taken advantage of Houthi aggression.” Also see: House Passes Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson’s Sanctioning Sea Pirates Act to Protect Global Commerce and U.S. Security

(TUNISIA/ARAB SPRING) S. Res. 310: Introduced 6/26/25 by Durbin (D-IL) and 4 Democratic cosponsors, “A resolution recognizing Tunisia’s leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(BAR EX-USG OFFICIALS FROM LOBBYING FOR COUNTRIES OF CONCERN) S. 2132: Introduced 6/18/25 by Cornyn (R-TX) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent and mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest following government service, and for other purposes” aka “the Conflict-free Leaving Employment and Activity Restrictions (CLEAR) Path Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press releases 6/25/25 – Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Mitigate Foreign Influence on U.S. Policymaking; Risch, Cornyn Introduce Clear Path Act to Mitigate Foreign Influence on U.S. Officials

2. Letters

(SEEKING DE-NATURALIZATION & DEPORTATION OF NYC PRIMARY WINNER ZOHRAN MAMDANI) 6/26/25: Rep. Ogles (R-TN) posted on X: “Zohran ‘little muhammad’ Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York. He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings. Attached is my letter to @AGPamBondi.” The letter suggests that Mamdani is guilty of “affiliations or sympathies” [with terrorists] that he hid from the US government at the time of his naturalization, based on a line in a rap — which Ogles suggests signals a direct affiliation with people whose organization was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2001, when Mamdani was 10 years old (leading to a trial that ended in convictions in 2008, when Mamdani was 17 year old) — and for refusing to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada.” Letter text – page 1, page 2]. Also see: ‘Investigate Zohran Mamdani if he concealed…’ Rep Andy Ogles writes to DOJ, says his rap lyrics were problematic (Times of India 6/26/25). See section 4, below, for more from Ogles on Mamdani.

(CONGRESS MUST BE KEPT INFORMED) 6/26/25: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Demands Trump Administration Follow the Law, End Reported Plan to Withhold Intelligence from Congress Following Iran Strikes [letter text]

(TARGETING SCHOOLS FOR ALLEGED ANTISEMITISM – THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!) 6/26/25: Chair Walberg Continues Investigation into Antisemitism at DePaul, Haverford, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Following May 7 Hearing [Letters: DePaul University, California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo); Haverford College]. Also see: Congress has more questions for Cal Poly president about antisemitism on campus (The Tribune 6/26/25); House Education Committee asks for more information from colleges after hearing (Jewish Insider 6/26/25)

(EU MUST NOT DO ANYTHING TO HOLD ISRAEL ACCOUNTABLE UNDER ITS OWN AGREEMENTS WITH THE EU REGARDING INTL LAW) 6/24/25: Schneider, Bilirakis Oppose Downgrade of EU-Israel Agreement (letter text – dated 6/20/25)

(VETERANS IN CONGRESS: CONGRESS HAS WAR POWERS AUTHORITY) 6/23/25: Congressman Pat Ryan Leads Fellow Democratic Veterans in Asserting Congressional Authority Over War Powers [letter text]

(RE-CONVENE HOUSE TO DEAL WITH MIDDLE EAST SITUATION) 6/20/25: As President Trump Is Saber Rattling, Thompson Leads Letter Demanding Congress Reconvene to Address Evolving Situation in the Middle East [letter text]

(CONCERNS ABOUT GAZA “HUMANITARIAN” MECHANISM) 6/20/25: Warren Demands Answers on Trump’s Potential Contract with Shadowy Humanitarian Group, Urges More Aid to Gaza Through Responsible Partners [letter text]

(CONCERNS ABOUT OUTRAGEOUSLY INTRUSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CHECKS ON VISA APPLICANTS) 6/18/25: Sens. Markey (D-MA), Wyden (D-OR), Van Hollen (D-MD), Welch (D-VT), and Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter [letter text] to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem opening with: “Recently, the State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have sought to expand the role of social media screening in consular and immigration decisions. This policy change threatens to weaponize online speech against immigrants and foreign nationals, granting government officials broad and ill-defined authority to penalize individuals for their expression. Social media posts — often taken out of context and stripped of nuance — are an unreliable basis for such high-stakes determinations. Moreover, the government has never identified any evidence that these screenings help protect national security. In practice, this enhanced social media review appears designed to chill dissent, discriminate against particular viewpoints, and punish individuals for speech the Administration finds objectionable. We urge you both to immediately reverse this latest Trump administration attack on visitors to the United States and immigrants…” Later the letter notes: “…although we strongly oppose antisemitism in all forms, the Administration’s heavy focus on antisemitism on college campus may create implicit pressure on career employees to reject any student visa applicant who has posted any pro-Palestinian content on social media. In so doing, the directives seem designed to punish speech that the Administration dislikes and create fertile ground for abuse and discrimination.”

3. Hearings & Briefings

June 24, 2024: Trump administration officials were supposed to brief members (classified) of the House and Senate on the U.S. military action against Iran — reportedly the briefers were to have included Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. The Trump Administration subsequently postponed the briefings, reportedly to enable Secretary of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio can participate. Speaker Johnson (R-SC) posted on X 6/24/25 that the reason was “ongoing developments in the Middle East” and later that day posted, “I have just confirmed with the White House that the classified bipartisan briefing for all House Members will now be held on Friday. Senior Administration officials will present the latest information pertaining to the situation involving Israel and Iran. Details to follow.” Subsequently the briefing took place for Senators on 6/26/25, with briefing for House members scheduled for 6/27/25. Also see:

Selected Members of House & Senate express varying degrees of anger/frustration/etc over delay: Schiff (D-CA), Jeffries (D-NY), Doggett (D-TX), Pelosi (D-CA), Meeks (D-NY) + Himes (D-CT) + Smith (D-WA), Schumer (D-NY), Ryan (D-NY), House Democratic Leadership Conference, Gonzalez (D-TX), Schneider (D-IL), Massie (R-KY), Doggett (D-TX), Clarke (D-NY)
Selected Members of House & Senate, post- briefing: Van Hollen (D-MD) — “Nothing I learned from the briefing today would justify President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran or his failure to obtain Congressional approval as required by the Constitution…”]; Weber (R-TX) — “I just left the classified briefing about what’s going on between Israel and Iran. I have never been more proud to be an American than right now! And never been more proud of our great fighting men and women in the military! And of course the President & his team too! USA!“; Rogers (R-AL) – “Rogers: There’s no Question that We Delivered a Decisive Blow to Iran’s Nuclear Program“
Media: ‘Slap in the face,’ Congress members say after Trump admin postpones Israel-Iran briefing [“‘Maybe Donald Trump doesn’t want Congress or even America to know the truth about what’s going on,’ said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 6/25/25); Senate Democrats Left Unsatisfied by Trump Administration’s Classified Iran Briefing (New York Sun 6/27/25); Senators remain divided on extent of damage from U.S. strikes after classified Iran briefing (Jewish Insider 6/26/25); “a Republican Senator who received Iran briefing today said understood would take 1-2 years to get back after strikes. Say 2026. Deal Trump quit had restrictions til 2031, some for in perpetuity (no enrichment above 3.67%. No enrichment at Fordo)” (journalist Laura Rozen on X, 6/26/25)

June 24, 2024: The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing entitled, Rising Threat: America’s Battle Against Antisemitic Terror (video). Witness were: Kenneth Marcus, Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law (testimony); Dan Schneider, Media Research Center (testimony); Debra Cooper, End Jew Hatred and Jewish Advocacy Research and Writer Group (testimony) and Mathew Nosanchuk, listed as “Practitioner in Jewish community” (testimony). Also see:

Subcommittee Ranking Member Crockett’s [D-TX] Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Trump’s Weakening of the U.S.’s Ability to Combat Antisemitism [“Today, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing on how Republicans are weaponizing antisemitism for political gain while defunding the very agencies charged with fighting hate crimes and domestic extremism.”]
press release 6/25/25: Democrats Urge Republicans to Get Serious About Stopping Antisemitism Rather Than Exploiting It for Political Gain
Testy House judiciary panel hearing on antisemitic terrorism (Jewish News Syndicate 6/24/25); Republicans and Democrats clash over antisemitism solutions at emotional hearing (Cleveland-dot-com 6/24/25); Congress clashes over approach to quelling antisemitism in America (The Center Square 6/24/25); Capitol Hill divided on source of rising antisemitic violence [“Politicians suggest blame lies with TikTok, immigrants, legacy news, Trump admin policies”] (Washington Times 6/24/25)

4. Selected Members on the Record

Once again — too much re: Iran-Israel & Iran-Trump & Iran/Israel-Trump ceasefire to cover. Check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what anyone said/didn’t say.

Targeting (and to a much lesser extent, defending) Zohran Mamdani

Tlaib (D-MI), Omar (D-MN), Carson (D-IN), Simon (D-CA) 6/27/25: X-post – “Our joint statement on the vile, anti-Muslim, racist attacks on Zohran Mamdani: The vile, anti-Muslim and racist smears coming from our colleagues on both sides of the aisle attacking Zohran Mamdani cannot be met with silence. These hateful, Islamophobic, and racist tropes have become so entrenched and normalized in our politics. We know these attacks well. At a time of increased violence against elected officials, we cannot allow the attacks on Zohran Mamdani to continue. They directly contribute to the ongoing dehumanization and violence against Muslim Americans. We unequivocally reject the normalization of anti-Muslim hate and fearmongering and call on elected leaders across our country to speak out.” Zeteo’s Mehdi Hasan commented: “The four Muslim members of Congress have put out a statement condemning the Islamophobic attacks on Mamdani. But it shouldn’t just be on the Muslim electeds. Where is Hakeem Jeffries? Where is Chuck Schumer? Where is the caucus? Shame on any Dem elected who is silent on this.“
Ogles (R-TN) 6/27/25: X-post – “LISTEN: Zohran ‘Little muhammad’ Mamdani dropped this rap just a year before becoming a U.S. citizen. In it, he says he ‘loves’ five men who were convicted of funneling $12 million to Hamas terrorists through the Holy Land Foundation. He also raps, ‘Build the wall—we’ll make it fall.’ This public embrace of convicted Hamas conspirators before naturalization raises serious questions: Did Mamdani disclose these views during his naturalization interview? Did he lie on his N-400 citizenship application? If someone lies during the naturalization process—especially about support for terrorists—they should be denaturalized and deported.“
Torres (D-NY) 6/26/25: X-post (in response to Rep. Ogles’ letter calling for Mamdani to be denaturalized and deported) – “It is no secret that I have profound disagreements with Zohran Mamdani. But every Democrat — and every decent person — should speak out with moral clarity against the despicable Islamophobic attacks that have been directed at him. Demanding the deportation of an American citizen simply because he is Muslim — or simply because he holds political views different from your own — is not only bigoted. It is profoundly unAmerican. Bigotry in every form should be rejected unequivocally.”
Gillibrand (D-NY) on the Brian Lehrer show 6/26/25 (transcribed by DropSite News): “…it doesn’t matter what meaning you have in your brain, it is not how the word is received. And when you use a word like Intifada, to many Jewish Americans and Jewish New Yorkers, that means you are permissive for violence against Jews. It is a serious word. … And I would be very specific in these words, and I would say you may not use them again if you expect to represent everyone ever again because they are received as hateful and divisive and harmful. … It is why Jewish students have felt that their schools did not have their backs and cared about them or their learning, because the people doing these protests use words that have meanings that are far more violent and horrific than they may have intended. … But when you hear things like Intifada, when you hear things like Jihad, when you hear ‘from the river to the sea,’ it is received as ‘slaughter the Jews and destroy Israel,’ period. It’s how it’s received. … And if you talk to any group—you talk to our LGBTQ community, you talk to our Black community, you talk to our Hispanic community—there are words and there are imagery and there are things that are said that they will hear it and feel it as a dagger to their throat. … And so, if you want to be a leader, you have to recognize how these things are felt and received, and saying there should be no word police is irresponsible. Because as a leader, you have to protect, you have to protect everyone, period.” Drop Site commented: “Senator Kirsten Gillibrand insists that pro-Palestinian protesters should not use words like ‘intifada,’ or ‘from the river to the sea’—not because of what those words mean, or how they’re intended, but because of how some supporters of Israel, or ‘Jewish Americans,’ choose to interpret them. Gillibrand makes clear she believes that pro-Palestinian voices must be policed if certain special listeners feel offended—even if that offense is rooted in political bias, deliberate misinterpretation, or support for Israeli state violence. The meaning of the words, she says, is irrelevant. Intent doesn’t matter. Only the reaction of one group counts. She ends by claiming, with no hint of irony: ‘Because as a leader, you have to protect everyone, period.’”
Ogles (R-TN) 6/26/25: X-post – “Restoring The Republic 39: Iran [explosion emoji] BOOM-boom [explosion emoji], BBB[“!?” emoji] deport Mamdani [“!!” emoji]
Ogles (R-TN) 6/26/25: X-post – “Bye bye, little muhammad! If you lied on your N-400 naturalization forms, you’re going home.” [accompanied by openly racist/Islamophobic pic including the words “Deport Zohran”]
Ogles (R-TN) 6/26/25: X-post – “DEPORT little muhammad!” [with video clip of Zohran Mamdani]
Ogles (R-TN) 6/25/25: X-post – “This is Jihado-Communist Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s actual SoundCloud rap. In his track ‘Salaam,’ he praises a group that funneled money to Hamas. This isn’t art—it’s jihadist propaganda.“
House Committee on Education and the Workforce (GOP) 6/25/25: X-post – “Mamdani falsely equates antisemitic slogans like “globalize the intifada”—a call for the mass execution of Jews—to a call for human rights. His election would undoubtedly enflame the antisemitism running rampant in our schools—and spilling onto our streets.”

Mahmoud Khalil/Free Speech

Hunt (R-TX) 6/23/25: X-post – “ALERT: Just DAYS after a federal judge orders the release of Mahmoud Khalil he throws an anti-Israel rally at Columbia. Khalil is NOT a legal citizen yet a federal judge has granted him the position to continue spewing anti-American rhetoric.“
Balint (D-VT) 6/23/25: X-post – “After 104 days, Mahmoud Khalil is free. Despite Donald Trump and Marco Rubio’s illegal efforts, the First Amendment lives another day.”
McGovern (D-MA) 6/21/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil should never, ever have been detained. @SenMarkey, @RepPressley and I went to see him in April and have continued to advocate for his release. We must not stop fighting until no person is jailed for simply exercising their First Amendment rights.“
Ramirez (D-IL) 6/21/25: X-post – “For more than three months, Mahmoud Khalil was a prisoner of this administration, solely because he dared to dissent. Today, he is finally back with his family and newborn. May this be a reminder to the administration that we are not giving up on our constitutional rights nor our neighbors. We will fight back.“
Jayapal (D-WA) 6/20/25: “Today’s judicial ruling that Mahmoud Khalil had to be released from ICE detention is a critical step on the road to justice. Mahmoud Khalil will finally be reunited with his wife and newborn baby, whose birth he missed while unjustly detained by the Trump Administration for more than three months. His detention has been a stain on our immigration and justice system in this country: an attack on the constitutional free speech protections guaranteed to every single person in our country, utilizing the immigration system to prevent him from engaging in this constitutionally protected political speech. In this case, as in several others, we see the Trump Administration is continuing to simply target people of all legal statuses, including legal permanent residents and even U.S. citizens, simply for disagreeing with their administration in any way. That is not American and is a gross violation of all of our fundamental rights. Every single person in America should understand that if this Administration can do this to Mr. Khalil, they can do the same thing to you. Today, I celebrate with Mahmoud Khalil and his family. There is more work to do to bring full justice to this situation, and to stop the attacks on so many across this country.”
Schneider (D-IL) 6/20/25: X-p0st – “Though I completely disagree with Mahmoud Khalil and think many of his arguments against Israel are not only wrong, but dangerous, he is entitled to due process before the law, and like anyone else, entitled to be considered innocent until proven guilty. The Constitution protects the rights of all Americans, and all people living under its jurisdiction. It is the founding document that not only defines the way we govern ourselves, but I believe is the primary source of our nation’s greatness.” REMINDER: Khalil has not been charged with any crime, so crying “innocent until proven guilty” entirely misses the point (and adding it to a statement suggesting that criticism of Israel is “dangerous” suggests sympathy/support for targeting Khalil for exercising free speech…).
Velazquez (D-NY) 6/20/25: X-post – “The Trump admin jailed Mahmoud Khalil for over 3 months, not because he committed a crime but because he exercised his free speech rights. His ongoing detention was a threat to the civil liberties of all Americans. I’m relieved he’ll finally be reunited with his family.”
Nadler (D-NY) 6/20/25: X-post – “I welcome today’s decision directing the release of Mahmoud Khalil. As I have said before, his prolonged detention—without charges—is a chilling, McCarthyesque action in response to the exercise of First Amendment rights to free speech and raises serious constitutional concerns. While I do not agree with all of the content of Mr. Khalil’s protected speech, we must protect these rights even and especially of those who exercise protected speech we disagree with. The court’s decision today affirms the principles of due process and civil liberties that must remain at the core of our country’s values and rule of law. Today’s decision is a welcome rebuke of the Trump Administration’s weaponization of antisemitism for their own political gain. Indeed, as I have said, if the Trump White House were serious about rooting out antisemitism in America, they should start with their own Administration.“
Lee (D-PA) 6/20/25: X-post – “I look forward to the day Mahmoud Khalil is returned home to his wife and meets his newborn son after this administration illegally detained him.“
Pressley (D-MA) 6/20/25: X-post – “Free Mahmoud Khalil. Now.”
Larson (D-CT) 6/20/25: X-post – “This was the right decision. The Trump Administration has no right to silence someone’s speech because they disagree with what they said. In the United States of America, everyone is entitled to due process under the law.”
Tlaib (D-MI) 6/20/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil is finally free! He was targeted solely for speaking out against U.S.-backed genocide. His release is a victory for everyone fighting for our First Amendment rights, our immigrant neighbors, and Palestinian freedom.“
Jacobs (D-CA) 6/20/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil will finally be free after being wrongly detained for over 3 months. No matter if you agree with Khalil or not, the First Amendment protects his speech and he shouldn’t be jailed for his views.”
Hunt (R-TX) 6/20/25: X-post – “BREAKING: Federal judge orders NON-U.S citizen Mahmoud Khalil to be freed from ICE detention. Khalil was arrested for promoting pro-Hamas RIOTS at Columbia University. These judges need to realize that they do NOT hold more power than the President.”

Other stuff

Walberg (R-MI) 6/26/25: Chairman Walberg Speaks at March for Jewish Civil Rights [excerpt – “…We have seen college protestors wave signs with slogans like, ‘Anti-Zionism does not equal antisemitism’ to justify hostile intimidation of Jewish students and faculty…”]. Note: this was the March on Washington for Jewish Civil Rights (originally scheduled for 6/24/25); promoted to what appear to be tiny audiences on X (90 followers) and Facebook (42 followers). Note that no major, mainstream Jewish organizations are listed as sponsoring or taking part in the event, but Ralph Reed’s “Faith and Freedom coalition” is, along with a rag-tag group of small pro-Israel, anti-woke, and evangelical Christian-Jewish Zionist groups. Based on the absence of any photos or reporting from the day of the event (other than Walberg’s press release), one might suspect that very few people actually showed up.
Ramirez (D-IL) 6/26/25: X-post – “I am proud to stand in solidarity with advocates for peace in Chicago, who are on day 11 of a hunger strike to demand an end to the deadly military campaign Israel’s government has waged on Gaza. We must challenge policies that destroy life, take a first step toward accountability, and pass the Block the Bombs Act to stop the transfer of U.S. military weapons to Israel.“
Cotton (R-IN) 6/26/25: X-post – “I condemn the unlawful and partisan leak. Wherever it came from, no one is above the law.” Commenting on Free Beacon article – Classified Report That Suggested Iranian Nuclear Program Still Intact Likely Relied on Faulty Info From Iranian Sources, Former Intel Officers Say
Tenney (D-NY) 6/26/25: Loooooooong X-post opening with “I twice nominated President Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize & why I’ll do it again until he is awarded this much deserved honor...”
Durbin (D-IL) 6/26/25: X-post – “My Senate colleagues and I met with Israeli Ambassador, Michael Leiter. Amid the Israel-Iran conflict, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the continued holding of Israeli hostages by Hamas, it was timely to discuss a long-term vision for stability and peace in the region.” Also see: Durbin, Senators Meet With Israeli Ambassador To The U.S.
Ernst (R-IA) 6/25/25: X-post – “It is disgusting for a Georgetown professor to cheer for an Iranian attack on our brave servicemembers and call for more harm to Israel. Antisemitic campus crazies continue to have a shameful obsession with supporting Iran and its terrorist proxies.“
Lucas (R-OK) 6/25/25: X-post – “At today’s NATO summit, @POTUS displayed to the world America’s renewed and rightful place as the dominant global superpower. He delivered peace to a region plagued by conflict, leant needed support to our friends in Israel, and instilled fear in our adversaries. I thank President Trump for his continued legacy of peacebuilding and for reinforcing that peace through strength is a necessary component of American foreign policy.”
Schneider (D-IL) 6/24/25: SCHNEIDER RETURNS FROM MIDDLE EAST TRIP FOCUSED ON ABRAHAM ACCORDS AMID ISRAEL – IRAN CONFLICT [“The trip was organized and sponsored by the N7 Initiative, a partnership between the Atlantic Council and the Jeffrey M. Talpins Foundation which is focused on advancing US interests by strengthening cooperation between the United States, Israel, and Arab and Muslim countries.“]
Kean (R-NJ) 6/24/25: X-post – “It was great to meet with the NJ Jewish Business Alliance (NJJBA) this afternoon. We discussed the rise in antisemitism, strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, and how we can grow a stronger, more competitive economy that supports Main Street and drives American & NJ business forward. Thank you to the NJJBA for making the trip to Washington!“
Crapo (R-ID) 6/23/25: Weekly Column: We Must Combat Antisemitism In All Its Forms [but focused 100% on post-10/7/23 developments related to Palestine protest]
Senate Judiciary Committee (GOP) 6/20/25: SCOTUS Unanimously Upholds Grassley Law to Secure Justice for American Victims of PLO Terrorism
Cantwell (D-WA) 6/18/25: Floor speech on TikTok [including: “In December 2023, Rutgers University found that TikTok’s algorithm disproportionately amplified anti-Israel and, by extension, antisemitic content compared with other social media platforms. This amplification observed in the context of a major geopolitical events, such as the portrayal of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and such hashtags, “I stand with Israel” or “Pray for Israel,” were unrepresented. That means they weren’t represented at a ratio of six to one. According to the Jewish Federation of North America, individuals on TikTok for over 30 minutes a day were 17% more likely to be antisemitic. And last year, antisemitic comments on TikTok rose 912%. My fear is that a similar study would show that in between the issues that we do think are legitimate businesses on TikTok, that there is a bias and anti-American content being pushed about even the current hostilities now in Iran.“

5. Selected Media

Mamdani’s NYC Primary Win

Jewish News Syndicate 6/26/25: Mamdani and AOC are the Democrats of the future [“The radical candidate’s primary victory means more about what lies ahead for the party than it does about prospects for the survival of American Jews.“]
Jewish Press 6/26/25: Nadler and Schumer Back Zohran Mamdani, NY Jews Not Amused
Jewish Insider 6/25/25: After Mamdani victory, Jewish Democrats alarmed by party’s tolerance of antisemitism and anti-Israel extremism
Jewish Insider 6/25/25: Schumer congratulates Mamdani for presumed NYC mayoral primary win [“But the Senate minority leader didn’t say if he will be supporting the democratic socialist in the general election”]
Free Beacon 6/25/25: Dem Leaders Schumer, Jeffries Embrace NYC Socialist Zohran Mamdani
The Forward 6/25/25: Schumer and Nadler race to endorse Mamdani, in sharp contrast to Jewish establishment worries
New York Times 6/25/25: Mamdani Wins Nadler’s Endorsement as He Seeks to Unify Democrats [“Jerrold Nadler, who represents parts of Manhattan in Congress, had previously endorsed one of Zohran Mamdani’s opponents, Scott Stringer, in the Democratic mayoral primary.”]
Betar Worldwide 6/25/25: X-post – “On October 7, the intifada was globalized and Hamas freed NYC from capitalism. Today, we urgently urge Zionists to evacuate NYC. Globalize the intifada will be a NYC approved goverment [sic] slogan. The Jews have long watched this happen, and 30 percent of NYC Jews voted @ZohranKMamdani. The nice Ashkenazy Jewish establishment in America did this. The ADL advocated for open borders and radical ideas many years and now their woke was brought us this. Those in the religious Jewish community who sell their votes to the highest bidder like COJO Flatbush warmly welcomed Mamdani. The golden age of diaspora Jews is over. Evacuate Crown Heights and Tribeca, Five Towns and Scarsdale is next!”
eJewish Philanthropy (sister publication to Jewish Insider) 6/25/25: After Mamdani win, a time for wisdom, not reaction [“…For Jewish Republicans, the answer is clear: Jews no longer have a home in the Democratic Party, at least not those who care about Israel’s security…”]
eJewish Philanthropy (sister publication to Jewish Insider) 6/25/25: When anti-Zionism wins: What Mamdani’s rise reveals about the future of Jewish political power
Republican Jewish Coalition 6/24/25: X-post – “Tonight, Democrats AGAIN failed to stand with Jewish Americans, this time in New York City. Raging Antisemite, Anti-America, Anti-Israel, Democrat Socialist Zohran Mamdani will be a total DISASTER for Jewish residents—and Democrat leaders @SenSchumer, @hakeemjeffries, @GovKathyHochul, let it happen; their silence, dereliction of duty, and capitulation to this madness is embarrassing and pathetic. This is yet another data point proving that Democrats continue to nominate and acquiesce to extreme, radical candidates who are antithetical to the priorities of the Jewish community. So long as Democrats refuse to change course, they will continue to hemorrhage Jewish support.“
Republican Jewish Coalition 6/24/25: “Evacuate NYC immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter.” [responding to post showing Mamdani with a strong lead with 70% of the vote in]; re-posted by Betar Worldwide with the comment – “We urge all Jews to evacuate NYC.” NOTE: Dylan Williams (Center for International Policy) correctly observed, with respect to that last post – “The Republican Jewish Coalition jokes about bombing New York in response to Zohran Mamdani’s win in the Democratic mayoral primary, mimicking Trump’s callous words amid Israeli bombing of Tehran that killed hundreds of civilians. Such bigotry should have no place in our country.“

Rallying Support & Manufacturing Consent for: Trump Joining Israel’s War with Iran, for Israeli Attacks on Iran, for Trump Ceasefire, for stoking suspicion/hatred of Iranians & Muslims in the US:

Jewish Insider 6/27/25: Cornyn, Lankford: U.S. shouldn’t ease up on Iran sanctions without a deal
Daily Called 6/25/25: REP. BRAD KNOTT: Biden Enabled Iran To Establish Sleeper Cells, But We Can Still Destroy Them
Arkansas Democrat 6/25/25: op-ed — TOM COTTON: Support Israel — Fight against Iran vital to Arkansas
New York Times 6/25/25: U.S. Strikes on Iran Are Another Wedge for Divided Democrats [“President Trump’s strikes on Iran have resurfaced old rifts among Democrats over war and peace that have been inflamed by a newer schism inside the party, over support for Israel”]
Jewish Insider 6/24/25: GOP lawmakers: Trump ceasefire a sign of ‘peace through strength’ [“News of the ceasefire united all factions in the Republican party behind Trump; even some Democrats welcomed the diplomatic development“]
Mondoweiss 6/23/25: Republicans, AIPAC Dems unite in support of Trump’s war
Breitbart 6/23/25: Cotton: Americans ‘Right to Be Concerned’ About Iranian Sleeper Cells Embedded in the U.S.
Newsweek 6/23/25: Senator Says War Powers Resolution Against Trump Will Have GOP Support
Local 21 News 6/23/25: PA Senators Fetterman, McCormick applaud Iran strikes, others respond
Jerusalem Post 6/23/25: US strike reset Middle East, paves for Saudi-Israel pact, Lindsey Graham tells ‘Post’ [“Graham said he had already spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who ‘made it very clear … Israel is not going to live this way anymore.’”]
Jewish Insider 6/23/25: Pro-Israel groups applaud U.S. strikes in Iran while many Democrats balk [“In the aftermath of Trump’s decision to order strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend, the views of the institutional Jewish community and many rank-and-file Democrats couldn’t have been more divergent”]
Jewish Insider 6/23/25: Arab states concerned about spillover from Israel-Iran war, but recognize Iranian threat, lawmakers say
Jewish Insider 6/22/25: Graham praises Trump’s ‘brilliant’ operation, believes Israel will ‘take down’ Iranian regime [“‘Israel’s not going to live this way anymore. They’re not going to be subject to missile attacks every day and every night, living in bunkers,’ the South Carolina senator said“]
ABC News 6/22/25: Senate Intel Chair Cotton: ‘We have to be prepared for Iran to retaliate’
NBC News 6/22/25: Sen. Lindsey Graham doesn’t predict U.S. ‘boots on the ground’ in Iran: Full interview
NBC/Meet the Press 6/22/25: ‘Israel is profoundly grateful’: Sen. Lindsey Graham shares Netanyahu’s message to the U.S.

Opposition/Concern Over Trump Joining Israel’s War with Iran (in many cases over not consulting with Congress, rather tha opposition to bombing Iran)

Cincinnati-dot-com 6/23/25: Thomas Massie is right. Trump’s act of war against Iran is unconstitutional
The Guardian 6/22/25: Democrats say they were left in dark about plans for US strikes on Iran
Breitbart 6/22/25: Trump Pledges to Travel to Kentucky to Campaign Against Rep. Thomas Massie
Breitbart 6/22/25: Dem Rep. Himes: Trump Administration Claim Iran Strikes Were Successful ‘Insane’
The Forward 6/22/25: Schumer, highest-ranking Jewish official, slams Trump over Iran strike — but leaves his own position unclear [“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decried the process, exposing congressional rift on confronting Iran”]
Kentucky Lantern 6/22/25: Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky says Iran attack violates Constitution, Trump campaign promises
Times of Israel/AP 6/22/25: Democratic senator criticizes Trump for not notifying Congress of Iran strikes
Newsweek 6/22/25: Full List of Congress Members Backing War Powers Resolution Against Trump
Times of Israel 6/22/25: Schumer calls for immediate vote on War Powers Act to involve Congress in president’s Iran war decisions
PBS 6/22/25: Democrats are at odds over Israel-Iran war as Trump announces U.S. strikes on Iran
TRT Global (Turkey) 6/22/25: ‘Not our war’: Congress members divided over US joining Israel in attacking Iran
Jewish News Syndicate 6/22/25: Democrats want Trump to bring Iran op to Senate vote [“At least two GOP representatives also questioned the constitutionality of the president’s order to attack and his threats to follow up.“]
Breitbart 6/21/25: Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Trump to Be Impeached over U.S Strikes on Iran
AP/Times of Israel 6/21/25: Democrats divided over American involvement in Israel-Iran war [“Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders proposes legislation that would forbid use of federal funds to attack Iran; mainstream Dems more cautious“]
Jewish Insider 6/21/25: Jeffries, Schumer criticize Trump for striking Iranian nuclear facilities [“The top House Democrat warned that the attacks could ‘risk American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East’“]
Axios 6/21/25: Trump faces bipartisan blowback in Congress on Iran strikes
Zeteo/Spencer Ackerman 6/21/25: US Bombs Iran – Is There an Antiwar Party in This Country? [“…Where is the antiwar party in America? It is in neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party. Earlier this month, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer all but called Trump a pussy for allegedly “folding” on Iran. “Iran is a sworn enemy of the United States and can never be permitted to become a nuclear-capable power,” began a statement on Friday from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Starting from a false premise will never yield a valid conclusion. Jeffries went on to make a procedural point about who gets to start a war – Congress; though that ship sailed in 2001, with apologies to 1973 – and then a fantasy point about desiring “aggressive diplomacy resulting in a longer and stronger agreement,” when it was plain to see that the diplomatic pantomime of Trump and envoy Steve Witkoff manufactured the crisis. Never did – never would – Jeffries or Schumer say the words that Americans overwhelmingly demand: No War With Iran.“]

Trump & Friends Target Rep. Massie

Yashar Ali on X 6/26/25: “‘Massie sided with Democrats and the Ayatollah.’ President Trump’s anti-Thomas Massie SuperPAC is out with its first ad against the Kentucky Congressman.”
Jewish Insider 6/26/25: New Trump-aligned super PAC begins $1M ad blitz against GOP Rep. Thomas Massie
Daily Caller 6/26/25: EXCLUSIVE: AIPAC Seeking Out Challengers To Unseat Rep. Thomas Massie
Jewish News Syndicate 6/24/25: The unapologetic antisemite in Congress [“Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie has voted against antisemitism measures in Congress, called for the U.S. to stop sending military aid to Israel and railed out against the ‘Israel lobby.’“]
Axios 6/22/25: Scoop: Trump launches MAGA PAC in effort to oust Rep. Massie from Congress

Accusing Schumer of Failing the Jews & Israel

Jewish News Syndicate 6/26/25: A ‘shanda,’ not a ‘shomer’ — America and its Jews need more bell-menders and fewer charlatans.
Jewish Insider 6/25/25: Schumer struggles to live up to ‘shomer’ designation amid pressure from his party [“The self-dubbed ‘guardian of the people of Israel’ is now the guardian of a caucus that has drifted increasingly leftward, especially when it comes to its support for Israel”]

Other stuff

Jewish News Syndicate 6/27/25: White House demands congressman apologize for telling Jewish official ‘go back to 1930s Germany’
Jewish News Syndicate 6/26/25: Jewish groups hold ‘emergency’ security sessions on Capitol Hill [lots of quotes from members about their eternal and unconditional support for Israel]
Zeteo 6/25/25: AIPAC Has Too Much Influence on Congress, Says Rep. Ro Khanna
Politico 6/24/25: MTG suggests a link between JFK’s assassination and his opposition to Israel’s ‘nuclear program’

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

Note: The annual Christians United for Israel Summit [“Together, we will make Israel stronger and her people safer as we obey the Biblical mandate to bless God’s Chosen“] will take place in DC June 29 – July 1, including lots of lobbying Congress [“visit your elected officials on Capitol Hill with other constituents from your state to advocate for Israel and the Jewish people.“] Watch the intro video to the summit here (these folks pull no punches in telling the world who they are and what they are doing — people would do well to pay attention/believe them).

1. Bills & Resolutions

Re: Israel’s War Against Iran

(NO US ARMED FORCES INVOLVEMENT IN IRAN WAR) S. J. Res. 59 [resolution text]: Introduced 6/16/25 by Kaine (D-VA), “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. This is the Senate companion to H. Con. Res. 38, discussed below. Also see:

Kaine press releases: Kaine Announces the Filing of a War Powers Resolution to Prevent War with Iran; Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor Regarding His War Powers Resolution to Prevent War with Iran
Kaine introduces war powers resolution amid Israeli tensions with Iran [“’The American people have no interest in sending servicemembers to fight another forever war in the Middle East,’ the Virginia senator stated.”]
Sen. Kaine files resolution to block U.S. military action against Iran [“The Virginia senator can force a vote on the legislation, which would bar U.S. military action against Iran unless directly authorized by Congress“] (Jewish Insider 6/16/25)

(NO US ARMED FORCES INVOLVEMENT IN IRAN WAR) H. Con. Res. 38 [resolution text]: Introduced 6/17/25 by Massie (R-KY) and 15 cosponsors (all Democrats), “Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This is the companion to S. J. Res. 59, discussed above. Also see:

Massie press release: Reps. Massie, Khanna Introduce Bipartisan War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran
Massie on social media: X-post – “I just introduced an Iran War Powers Resolution with @RepRoKhanna to prohibit U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war. This is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.” X-post – “Most Americans do not support U.S. involvement in Israel’s war against Iran. Which begs the question, why doesn’t more of Congress oppose it? Literally no one campaigned on another war in the Middle-East.“
GOP Rep. Massie introduces bipartisan ‘War Powers Resolution’ to prohibit U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran war (One America News 6/17/25)

(NO US FUNDS FOR MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAN) S. 20 87 [bill text]: Introduced 6/17/25 by Sanders (I-VT) and 7 cosponsors (all Democrats), ” A bill to prohibit the use of funds for military force against Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

Sanders press releases 6/16/25: Sanders Introduces No War Against Iran Act; Sanders Statement: “The U.S. Must Not Be Dragged into Netanyahu’s War Against Iran”
Welch (D-VT) press release 6/27/25: Welch Joins Sanders as Cosponsor of No War Against Iran Act

Media regarding all three of the above measures:

Lawmakers push to block US involvement in Iran as Trump signals willingness to join fight [“‘This is not our war,’ said Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie”] (The Forward 6/18/25)
A divided Congress mulls war powers as Trump considers strike in Iran [“Authorizing foreign wars is the job of U.S. lawmakers, but recent presidents have stretched their own powers to engage in global conflicts.“] (USA Today 6/18/25)
‘Not our war’: bipartisan US lawmakers back resolution to block involvement in Iran [“Republican Thomas Massie joins with Democrats in effort to require Congress approval before Trump attacks Iran”] (The Guardian 6/17/25)
Lawmakers aim to stop U.S. from joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran [“Lawmakers try to assert war powers as Trump mulls joining strikes on Iran.“] (ABC News 6/17/25)
Lawmakers move to limit Trump’s war powers as Israel-Iran war escalates (CBS News 6/17/25)
The US Should Not Support Israel’s War on Iran, Say Democrats and Republicans (The Nation 6/17/25)
Lawmakers Seek to Limit Trump From Dragging U.S. Into Israel-Iran War (Time 6/17/25)
A left-right coalition seeks to limit Trump’s power to get involved in Israel-Iran conflict [“Conservative and progressive lawmakers want to force a vote on a resolution to require the administration to seek congressional approval before going to war in the Middle East.“] (NBC News 6/17/25)
Israel’s Strikes on Iran Spark Growing Dissent in Congress (Counterpunch 6/17/25)
House Republican, Democrat move to limit Trump from entering Iran war (Axios 6/26/25)

(STANDING WITH ISRAEL AGAINST IRAN) H. Res. 521: Introduced 6/17/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors (Democrats are Sherman, D-CA, and Gottheimer, D-NJ), “Standing with Israel as it works to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and defends itself against Iranian attacks on civilians.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Note that the final “resolved” clause of this resolution resolves that the House “stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support.” Also see:

Tenney press release: Congresswoman Tenney Leads Resolution Supporting Israel’s Strikes to End Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities
Bipartisan House resolution backs Israel’s strikes on Iran [“The resolution, with 16 co-sponsors, marks a bipartisan show of support for the Israeli operations as members of the far left and far right oppose Israel’s operation“] (Jewish Insider 6/17/25)

Targeting Other Countries Who Stand Up to Israel

(SANCTIONS ON SOUTH AFRICA & ITS OFFICIALS OVER ISRAEL) HR 4051 [bill text]: Introduced 6/17/25 by Steube (R-FL), “To address hostile and antisemitic conduct by the Republic of South Africa,” aka the “Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: This bill would be a template for imposing far-reaching sanctions on any country (and its officials) that fails to respect/uphold Israeli impunity for any accountability for its policies and actions that violate international law. Also see: pPress release — Rep. Steube: Hold South Africa Accountable for Antisemitism

Targeting Protest/Free Speech/Civil Society

(CRIMINALIZING PROTEST) HR 4015: Introduced 6/13/25 by Rouzer (R-NC) and Edwards (R-NC), “To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish a criminal penalty for interfering with commerce by blocking public roads.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Syria Sanctions

HR 3941 (bill text)//S. 2133 (bill text): Introduced in the House 6/12/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and 7 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate 6/18/25 by Shaheen (D-NH) Paul (R-KY), “To repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.” Referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, and Financial Services; and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

Defining Violence Related to Israel’s Genocide in Gaza as “Antisemitism”

S. Res. 288 (resolution text): Introduced 6/18/25 by McCormick (R-PA), Fetterman (D-PA), and 34 cosponsors, “A resolution condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Pennsylvania Senators Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Condemn Antisemitic Violence Across the United States; Bipartisan Senate resolution denounces rising Jew-hatred (Jewish News Syndicate 6/20/25)

2. Letters

(TRUMP ADMIN MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE TO CONGRESS RE WAR WITH IRAN) 6/19/25: Senators Coons, Schumer, Murray, Reed, Warner statement on President Trump’s actions in the Middle East — “Congress is an equal partner in preserving and defending U.S. national security around the world, and Congress has not provided authorization for military action against Iran – we will not rubberstamp military intervention that puts the United States at risk. Our foremost duty is to safeguard American citizens wherever they reside and to protect our troops serving on the front lines. The United States cannot sleepwalk into a third war in as many decades. Congress has a critical role to play in this moment.” [“We demand immediate, detailed answers on these and other urgent matters to determine the way forward, including: 1. What more needs to be done to resupply and bolster the defense of Israel and our interests in the region? What additional resources are required to maintain and supplement those defenses? 2. What is the Intelligence Community’s current assessment of Iran’s nuclear program, its leaders’ intent, and its capabilities? Following nearly a week of Israeli strikes, what remains of Iran’s conventional military capabilities and nuclear enrichment? 3. What would be the objective of U.S. military intervention against Iran? President Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” – what does that mean? 4. If there was a military intervention, what would be the estimated scope and duration of any such campaign? How many U.S. servicemembers would be involved? What resources and munitions would be required? What would such an operation cost? 5. What would be the risk to U.S. forces across our bases in the region, both today and in the long term, and what steps is the administration prepared to take to protect our servicemembers? 6. How many American citizens reside in Israel and surrounding countries, and what is the U.S. plan to facilitate evacuations? 7. What constitutional or statutory authority would underpin this intervention?”] Also see: Top Senate Democrats caution Trump against potential U.S. Iran strikes (Jewish Insider 6/19/25)
(STAY TOUGH ON IRAN, MR PRESIDENT, INCL US MILITARY ACTION IF NECESSARY!) 6/18/25 – Letter to POTUS led by Crenshaw (R-TX) plus 9 cosigners (all House Republicans). The letter opens with: “In light of the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, we support your firm position of rejecting any agreement that allows Iran to retain any component of its nuclear program. We commend your clear and resolute stance that the regime must abandon all uranium enrichment capabilities. We fully support future efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program and, if necessary, take decisive action to protect American lives and interests, as is within your powers as Commander-in-Chief..” Also see: Wagner (R-MO) press release
(NEXT UF PRESIDENT MUST BE 100% ON BOARD WITH SHUTTING DOWN FREE SPEECH/PROTEST CRITICAL OF ISRAEL ON CAMPUS) 6/18/25: Sen. Rick Scott, Reps. Donalds and Steube Urge UF Board of Trustees to Have Thorough, Transparent Presidential Search Process [letter text]; Legislators hope next U of Florida president will uphold efforts to combat campus Jew-hatred (Jewish News Syndicate 6/19/25)
(TRUMP ADMIN: HELP EVACUATE AMERICANS IN ISRAEL) 6/17/25: Gottheimer, Bell Lead Bipartisan Letter Calling On Trump Administration To Coordinate Evacuation Plans For Americans In Israel [letter text]. Also see: Lawmakers push for information on Israel evacuation efforts [“A bipartisan group of House members described the State Department’s response to Americans stuck in Israel as inadequate thus far“] (Jewish Insider 6/18/25) [Note: Members’ websites and social media accounts are, appropriately, full of expressions of concern for Americans in Israel. And reminder: Immediately after the 10/7/23 attacks by Hamas, Congress instantly mobilized to help Americans in Israel, but from then until today has shown little interest/concern for the safety/welfare/evacuation of American citizens in Gaza]
(NO IRANIAN ENRICHMENT, EVER) 6/13/25: Gottheimer, Bacon Lead Bipartisan Letter Demanding Zero Nuclear Enrichment for Iran Following Israeli Strikes [letter text]. Also see: No deal with Iran allowing regime to enrich uranium, House group tells Trump [“The United States must maintain a position of absolute clarity: zero enrichment, zero pathway to a nuclear weapon,” nine lawmakers wrote.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 6/16/25)

3. Hearings

June 18, 2025: The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing, To receive testimony on the Department of Defense budget request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program. Witnesses were Defense Secretary Hegseth (statement); Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense/Comptroller (no statement available); and General J. Daniel Caine, USAF, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (statement). Chairman Wicker (R-MS) opening statement is here. Also see:

Media: Associated Press 6/18/25: Hegseth faces more grilling from Congress as Iran-Israel conflict escalates [“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is returning to Capitol Hill for the last in a series of hearings before lawmakers“]; Hegseth defends Kingsley Wilson amid questioning about antisemitic record (Jewish Insider 6/18/25); Hegseth says the Pentagon has given Trump options for Israel-Iran conflict (Associated Press 6/18/25); Hegseth Demurs on Possible US Military Action Against Iran Amid Trump Saber-Rattling (Military.com 6/18/25)
Senators: Shaheen (D-NH) 6/18/25 X-post: “As President Trump weighs U.S. involvement in the current conflict between Israel and Iran, @SecDef did nothing to reassure me that he has plans to keep safe the Americans and more than 40,000 U.S. troops within striking distance.“; Cramer (R-ND) 6/28/25 press release – Secretary of Defense Hegseth Testifies Before Senate Committee on Base Defense, Importance of Air Superiority in Conflicts

June 24, 2024: The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight will hold a hearing entitled, Rising Threat: America’s Battle Against Antisemitic Terror. Witness announced (so far) are: Kenneth L. Marcus, Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law; Dan Schneider, Media Research Center; and Debra Cooper, End Jew Hatred and Jewish Advocacy Research and Writer Group.

4. Selected Members on the Record

There’s just too much this week regarding Israel/Iran — mostly with members of both parties competing for who can express the most fulsome, passionate, unconditional support of Israel, making the case in favor of the war Israel started against Iran (literally on the eve of US-Iran negotiations), and with many many making clear their support for an expanded U.S. role in that war — for folks old enough to remember the run-up to the Iraq War, this all feels very familiar… If you want to see what a particular member said/didn’t say regarding Iran, Gaza, or anything else related to the Middle East, check their website and social media accounts. To get a sense of some of the lobbying in support of such positions, see: American Jewish Committee: Congress: Support Israel in Ending Iran’s Nuclear Threat; AIPAC: Tell Congress: Stand With Israel As It Protects Its Families; ADL: Tell Your Elected Officials to Stand With the Jewish Community; CUFI: Urge Congress to Stand with Israel and Against Iran

There are, of course, voices in Congress taking different positions — for examples, see this useful resource from Dylan Williams at the Center for International Policy, collecting “what pro-diplomacy U.S. lawmakers have been saying about Israel’s initiation of military strikes on Iran.” For other prominent dissenting Republican voices, check out the X accounts of Greene (R-GA), Massie (R-KY), Davidson (R-OH)

Other stuff

Stutzman (R-IN) 6/19/25: X-post – “United States disbursement of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip has made an effective change in making sure victims of violence receive help. Others in the region should be looking towards Israel for guidance when it comes to removing Hamas and other authoritarian, evil regimes in the Middle East.“
Risch (R-ID) 6/19/25: Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on the IMF Mission to Syria and Lebanon (Shaheen press release)
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 6/18/25: X-post – “The move to shut down the Israeli pavilions at the Paris Air Show is completely outrageous. This clear act of government-sponsored discrimination toward Israel is unacceptable and must stop immediately.“

5. Selected Media

Rallying Support & Manufacturing Consent for Israel Starting a War with Iran &/or US Joining the War

eJewish Philanthropy (sister publication to Jewish Insider) 6/20/25: Jewish leaders to head to DC to push White House, Congress to fight antisemitism, support Israel [“Representatives from nearly 100 Jewish communities to meet lawmakers to push for greater protection for Jews, backing for Israel amid war with Iran”]
The Intercept 6/19/25: How Democratic Party Leaders Quietly Support Trump’s March to War With Iran [“Some Democrats are fighting to stop war with Iran, but party leaders are silently acquiescing or, worse, supporting an attack.“]
The American Prospect 6/18/25: AIPAC Demands Democrats ‘Stand With Israel’ [“The pro-Israel lobbying group has sent a flurry of communications to members of Congress, citing specific language for them to parrot in support of Israel’s strikes on Iran.”]
Jewish Insider 6/18/25: Sen. Josh Hawley dismisses isolationists’ concerns that Iran strike would prompt global war [“Hawley himself has previously advocated for a more restrained approach to U.S. foreign engagement and aligns with the national conservative movement”]
Washington Reporter 6/17/25: SCOOP: Republicans across Congress are united behind Israel following Iranian ballistic missile attacks
Fox News 6/17/25: Key Republican vows Israel has ‘bipartisan support’ in Congress amid worsening Iran conflict [“Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said Congress should ‘absolutely’ consider added aid if the conflict drags on“]
Jewish Insider 6/17/25: U.S. should help Israel destroy Fordow, some Senate Republicans say [“The comments come amid increasing speculation that the U.S. could get directly involved in the Israeli campaign“]
Fox News 6/16/25: Senate returns amid concerns about deeper US involvement in the Iran, Israel conflict
Free Beacon 6/16/25: Fetterman Urges Israel To Take Out the Ayatollah: ‘No Mercy’ [“Dem senator also tells Free Beacon he’d like the US to ‘join Israel to fully destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities’“]
ZOA Blog 6/16/25: Hours Before Israel’s Preemptive Strike on Iran, ZOA Leads Critical Lobbying Mission on Capitol Hill
Jewish Insider 6/14/25: Graham: U.S. support for Israeli strikes on Iran would ‘reset the position of America in the world’ [“‘If Iran rejects diplomacy, the only logical answer is to help Israel finish the job. If we don’t do that, it will be another example of Afghanistan where we blink,’ the South Carolina Republican told JI”]
Jewish Telegraphic Agency/Times of Israel 6/14/25: Most US lawmakers offer firm support for Israeli strikes on Iran, though some critical [“Isolationist GOP senator calls to oppose ‘the Neocons’ latest plan,’ while ranking Democrat on Foreign Relations Committee says Israel’s attack endangers negotiations and US personnel”]
Jewish Insider 6/13/25: Fetterman slams Democratic senators criticizing Israel’s attack against Iran [“‘It was just astonishing to see colleagues criticizing these things,’ Fetterman told JI”]
Jewish Insider 6/13/25: Schumer: U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and defense ‘must be ironclad’ [“‘I have long said that Israel has a right to defend itself and that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.’ Schumer added”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/13/25: ‘Extremely serious,’ Sen. Gillibrand says of Israel’s ongoing Iranian strike [“’I will always support Israel’s right to defend itself,’ the Democratic senator from New York stated.”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/13/25: ‘Ironclad’: Schumer talks US support for Israel after strikes against Iran [“’The Iranian regime’s stated policy has long been to destroy Israel and Jewish communities around the world,’ the Senate minority leader stated.”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/13/25: Sen. Cruz: ‘Israel is acting to defend itself’
The New Republic 6/13/25: “Game On”: Republicans in Congress Celebrate Israel’s Attack on Iran [“Republicans in Congress are salivating over Israel’s attack on Iran, even as the likelihood of a full-blown regional war escalates.“]
New York Post 6/13/25: GOP leaders, pro-Israel Dems affirm support for Israel after preemptive strikes on Iran
Jewish Insider 6/12/25: Senior Republican senators, pro-Israel Dems express support for Israel’s strike against Iran [“But a number of skeptical lawmakers — mainly congressional Democrats — expressed concern the attack could spark a wider war”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/12/25: ‘We back Israel to the hilt’: Support pours in from Congress [“The U.S. secretary of state said that ‘we are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.'”]

Opposition/Concern Over Israel Starting a War with Iran &/or US Joining that War (incl media spin manufacturing consent)

Mondoweiss 6/19/25: House Dems push to ‘Block the Bombs’ amid Israel’s widening war [“As Israel pushes for full U.S. intervention in its attacks on Iran, two dozen progressive House members are pushing a bill that would block the U.S. from sending Israel offensive weapons.”]
NPR 6/19/25: Top House Armed Services Democrat advises against U.S. military strike in Iran
Tucker Carlson v. Ted Cruz kerfuffle: FULL VIDEO OF INTERVIEW; CNN 6/19/25: What we learned from Ted Cruz vs. Tucker Carlson; MSNBC 6/18/25: Why Tucker Carlson was so effective in roasting Ted Cruz [“Even if it wasn’t for virtuous reasons, Carlson hammered Cruz on Iran in a way that was illuminating.”]; NBC News 6/18/25: Tucker Carlson clashes with Sen. Ted Cruz: ‘You don’t know anything about Iran’; Jewish Insider 6/18/25: The key moments from the testy Tucker Carlson-Ted Cruz showdown [“The Texas senator’s appearance on Carlson’s podcast went from civil to contentious as the two sparred over Israel, Iran, AIPAC“]; Tucker Carlson Berates Ted Cruz Over Bellicose Stance on Iran (New York Times 6/18/25); Tucker Carlson spars with Ted Cruz on Israel-Iran strikes: “You don’t know anything about Iran” (CBS News 6/18/25)
Jewish Insider 6/18/25: Signs of division among Senate Republicans over striking Iranian nuclear site [“Trump held a Situation Room meeting with his national security team on Tuesday after publicly suggesting that the U.S. might join Israel’s operations in Iran”]
The Forward 6/18/25: How far-right antisemitism is shaping the debate over U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war
Jewish Insider 6/17/25: Far left and far right converge in opposition to U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran war [“The two factions find themselves openly and publicly aligned in opposition to any form of U.S. intervention in Israel’s campaign and against Israel’s operations in general“]
Jewish Insider 6/16/25: MTG post against Israel’s operations in Iran unites far right, far left [“The post, which opposed Israeli strikes in Iran, was boosted by Code Pink and a strategist for Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)”]
Daily Beast 6/18/25: Fetterman Is Fueling Dem Fury With ‘Embarrassing’ Attacks on His Own Party [“The Pennsylvania senator is becoming more isolated amid his support for Israel and criticism over the response to the L.A. riots.”]
New York Times 6/13/25: Israel’s Strikes on Iran Divide Congress, Drawing Praise and Concern
Jewish Insider 6/13/25: Successful Israeli strikes on Iran elicit divided response from Senate Democrats [“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is the only one of the top four congressional leaders not to react so far“]

Other Stuff Related to Israel Starting a War with Iran &/or US Joining that War

Congressional Research Service 6/16/25: Israel’s Attack on Iran and Ongoing Conflict
Jewish Insider 6/13/25: Following Iran strikes, lawmakers head to Saudi Arabia for Abraham Accords delegation [“‘I think the timing just becomes all that much more important,’ Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), who is leading the trip, told JI”]

US Free Speech

Reason 6/17/25: Rand Paul (R-KY) op-ed – Fighting Antisemitism Should Not Come at the Expense of the First Amendment [“The Antisemitism Awareness Act threatens the First Amendment by empowering federal bureaucrats to police political and religious expression.“]

Other stuff

Jewish Insider 6/20/25: Rep. Randy Fine says he’s on Capitol Hill to be a leader against antisemitism [“‘I think I can play that role. I’m willing to do it. Certainly happy to share the spotlight with the other three [Jewish Republicans] if they wish to do it, but, but this is deeply personal to me,’ Fine told JI“]
Jewish Insider 6/20/25: Rep. Max Miller says he was run off the road, threatened by pro-Palestinian activist [“The Jewish Republican had previously expressed concerns about his personal safety in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel“]
Politico 6/19/25: GOP lawmaker says he was ‘run off the road’ by man with Palestinian flag
Jewish News Syndicate 6/16/25: House Speaker Mike Johnson postpones Knesset address [“’We look forward to rescheduling the address in the near future and send our prayers to the people of Israel and the Middle East,’ Johnson wrote.”]
Jewish Insider 6/16/25: Mike Johnson postpones plans to visit Israel, address the Knesset [“‘We look forward to rescheduling the address in the near future and send our prayers to the people of Israel and the Middle East,’ the House speaker said”]
Jewish Insider 6/13/25: Gottheimer’s bet on Jewish vote didn’t pay off [“Turnout in heavily Jewish communities didn’t meet the congressman’s expectations in the N.J. governor’s race“]
Foundation for the Defense of Democracies 6/13/25: Options for Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization
Jewish Link 6/12/25: A Moral Collapse in Real Time: How the Democratic Party Turned Against Israel
Jewish News Syndicate 6/12/25: Calls for more funding, resources at Congress hearing on anti-Israel extremism [“The hearing was short on ‘concrete recommendations, given the exigency of the threat we have,’ Kerry Sleeper, of Secure Community Network, told JNS.”]

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

Note: Due to time constraints, the Round-Up is out early this week.

New from FMEP:

6/9/25 – New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Daily Life while Committing Genocide: the Lexicon of Brutality in Israel, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaking with sociologist Assaf Bondy and human rights researcher and historian Adam Raz about what they call the “lexicon of brutality,” drawing from a recent book the pair published in Hebrew on the language that Israelis use to discuss Palestinians and, specifically, the Israeli war on Gaza. The trio also talk about whether Israel has ever been a democracy and what people in Israel who oppose the genocide can do to resist it.

1. Bills & Resolutions

Responding to & Exploiting Heinous Boulder Attack

(CONDEMNING ANTISEMITIC VIOLENCE) H. Res. 481: Introduced 6/5/25 by Van Drew (R-NJ) and 53 bipartisan cosponsors, “Condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the House of Representatives commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Passed 6/9/25 under suspension of the rules, by a roll call vote of 400-0, with 2 (Greene, R-GA and Tlaib, D-MI) voting “present.” House consideration is here and here.

(CONDEMNING ANTISEMITIC VIOLENCE) H. Res. 485: Introduced 6/6/25 by Evans (R-CO) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “Denouncing the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado.” Passed 6/9/25 under suspension of the rules, by a roll call vote of 230-113 (all “No” voting coming from Democrats), with 6 voting “present” (5 Democrats and 1 Republican). House consideration is here and here. NOTE: The original text of this resolution, which was posted by the House Majority Leader late on 6/6/25 (days before it showed up in the Congressional Record), included extremely contentious and inflammatory language, stating in one of the “whereas” clauses, asserting as fact that the phrase “Free Palestine” is “an antisemitic slogan that calls for the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people.” This immediately sparked backlash on social media, and subsequently, without any no public explanation, that language was removed from the bill (as in, if you look the bill up in the Congressional Record, the version of the bill that shows up as “introduced” does not contain this language) before the bill was voted on by the House.

Also see:

Tlaib (D-MI) 6/11/25: Tlaib Statement on H.Res. 488 and H.Res. 481 [“H.Res. 488 and H.Res. 481 are Republican-led attempts to cynically politicize tragic acts of violence—like the recent horrific attack in Boulder—to demonize immigrant communities, praise ICE, and pave the path for the further repression of our constitutional rights to free speech and protest in support of Palestinian lives and human rights. Violence has no place in our communities. My heart goes out to all of the victims and their loved ones. Exploiting these tragedies for political motivations is wrong. At the same time, Congress has failed to even once denounce the rise in anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hate crimes, particularly the murder of Wadea al-Fayoume and the shooting of Hisham Awartani, which has left him paralyzed from the chest down. I stand firmly against antisemitism. And I stand firmly in support of a Free Palestine. These values are not contradictory. Our fight against antisemitism is connected to our fight against Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, white nationalism, and oppression in all forms. We must continue to speak out for a world free from dehumanization and violence.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rashida Tlaib vote ‘present’ on item condemning antisemitism (Times of Israel 6/11/25)
House to vote on two resolutions condemning Boulder attack, antisemitism (Jewish Insider 6/8/25)

(CONDEMNING ANTISEMITIC VIOLENCE) H. Res. 498: Introduced 6/10/25 by Van Duyne (R-TX), “Condemning the surge in antisemitic violence in the United States and reaffirming support for the safety and civil rights of Jewish Americans.“ Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Education and Workforce. NOTE: This resolution massively up the ante in terms of delegitimizing and inciting against protesters for Palestinian lives and rights.

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest

(DENYING/REVOKING US PASSPORT OF ANYONE ACCUSED OF SUPPORT FOR AN FTO) HR 3860: Introduced 6/10/25 by Biggs (R-SC) and 8 Republican co-sponsors, “To authorize the revocation or denial of passports to individuals affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Passports for Terrorists and Traffickers Act.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. REMINDER: Many defenders of Israel/opponents of Palestine solidarity, including in the Trump Administration accuse pretty much anyone engaged in protest or other free speech in support of Palestinian lives/rights of support for Hamas… This argument is already being used as a basis to target non-citizens in the US for detention and deportation, and to ban visas for them to come to the US. This new legislation appears to be an effort to expand this targeting to US citizens.

(TARGETING THOSE WHO “ENDORSE OR ESPOUSE” TERRORISM) HR 3926: Introduced 6/11/25 by Pfluger (R-TX) and 2 Republican cosponsors, “To consider, for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act, that officers, officials, representatives, spokespersons, and members of Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, Palestine Islamic Jihad, and ISIS, and individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activities conducted by such organizations are engaged in terrorist activity.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Targeting the Muslim Brotherhood

(TO FORCE STATE TO DESIGNATE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD AS AN FTO) HR 3883: Introduced 6/10/25 by Mace (R-SC), “To require the Secretary of State to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release — Rep. Nancy Mace Targets Muslim Brotherhood With New Bill

Disapproval of Arms Sales — REJECTED

(TARGETING QATAR ARMS SALES) S. J. Res. 53: Introduced 5/15/25 by Murphy (D-CT) and having 6 cosponsors (5 Democrats + 1 Independent), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services.” Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 39 – 56.

(TARGETING UAE ARMS SALES) S. J. Res. 54: Introduced 5/15/25 by Murphy (D-CT) and 6 cosponsors (5 Democrats + 1 Independent), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.” Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 39 – 56.

Also see:

Jewish Insider 6/12/25: Bipartisan Senate group votes down resolutions to stop Qatar, UAE arms sales

Other Stuff

(TARGETING IRAN) S. 1136: Introduced 3/26/25 by Hassan (D-NH) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To authorize sentencing enhancements for certain criminal offenses directed by or coordinated with foreign governments,” aka the “Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act (DETERRENCE Act).” Passed by the Senate 6/11/25 by Unanimous Consent.

(TARGETING PROTEST) S. 2000 (text): Introduced 6/10/25 by Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to increase the penalty for rioting,” aka the “Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

(TARGETING PROTEST) S. 2001 (text): Introduced 6/10/25 by Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to subject aliens convicted of certain crimes to expedited removal from the United States,” aka the “No Visas for Violent Criminals Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Also see: Cotton Introduces Bills to Increase Penalties on Violent Rioters

2. Letters

(TARGETING UN/INTL LAW) 6/12/25: Jewish Insider – Lawmakers again demand U.N.’s Albanese be fired. Per Jewish Insider (there is not press release as of this writing), the letter was signed by an entirely predictable list of members consisting of Sherman (D-CA), Goldman (D-NY), Shreve (R-IN), Salazar (R-FL), Gillen (D-NY), Schneider (D-IL), Moskowitz (D-FL), Torres (D-NY), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Suozzi (D-NY). by Sherman (D-CA) and “Democratic Majority for Israel helped organize the letter.” Also see: Sherman (D-CA) X-post 6/11/25: “UN Special Rapporteur Albanese’s long history of antisemitism – she has regularly used antisemitic terms like the ‘Jewish lobby,’ taken money from pro-Hamas groups, and claims that Israel doesn’t have the right to defend itself or even to exist. Instead of demonstrating that the UN can address issues such as antisemitism from within and prevent continued efforts to undermine the UN’s credibility, Secretary General Guterres extended Ms. Albanese’s employment. I am proud to have drafted a statement signed by many of my Jewish colleagues about her outrageous antisemitic behavior.“

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) 6/11/25: @EdWorkforceCmte Deepens Sarah Lawrence Investigation Amid Reports of Hostile, Antisemitic Environment [letter text]

(ALLEGED IRAN TIES) 6/11/25: Stefanik Demands BNY Mellon Provide Transparency over Troubling Ties to Iranian-Linked Terrorist Organizations [letter text]

(CONCERN FOR GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLA) 6/6/25: Tlaib (D-MI) + 20 co-signers letter to Rubio – “…we urge you to address the issue at the root of this voyage: the brutal Israeli blockade and mass starvation of the Palestinian population of Gaza. We demand an immediate end to the blockade, an immediate resumption of unfettered humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, and an immediate and lasting ceasefire. While the Trump administration and the international community fail to use their immense leverage to end this blockade, the activists on board the Madleen are an example of humanitarianism and solidarity. They deserve safety, as does the besieged population of Gaza.” [letter text]. Also see Tlaib X-thread – “I’m leading a letter to the Trump Administration demanding safe passage for the @GazaFFlotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and food to Gaza. Any interception or attack on this crew is a violation of international law. The Israeli government must lift the blockade and end the forced starvation of 2 million Palestinians.“

(TARGETING SOCIAL MEDIA OVER CRITICISM OF ISRAEL) 6/6/25: Landsman Urges President Trump to Work with Social Media Companies to Combat Antisemitism [letter text].

3. Hearings

July 9, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold a hearing entitled, Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology. Witness will be: Dr. Robert M. Groves, Interim President, Georgetown University; Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor, The City University of New York; and Dr. Rich Lyons, Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley. Also see: Committee press release – College Presidents to Answer for Sources Inciting Antisemitism [ “We continue to see antisemitic hatred festering at schools across the country,” said Chairman Walberg. “While much of the discussion has focused on the devastating effects of antisemitism, this hearing will focus on the underlying factors instigating antisemitic upheaval and hatred on campus. Until these factors—such as foreign funding and antisemitic student and faculty groups—are addressed, antisemitism will persist on college campuses. Our Committee is building on its promise to protect Jewish students and faculty while many university leaders refuse to hold agitators of this bigotry, hatred, and discrimination accountable.”]; House committee calls Georgetown, Berkeley, CUNY presidents for antisemitism hearing [“The hearing is set to focus on issues including foreign funding and antisemitic student groups”] (Jewish Insider 6/9/25)

June 11, 2025: The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing entitled, The Rise of Anti-Israel Extremist Groups and Their Threat to U.S. National Security (hearing video). Witnesses were: Kerry Sleeper, Secure Community Network (statement); James Carafano, Heritage Foundation (statement); Oren Segal, Anti-Defamation League (statement); and Julie Fishman Rayman, American Jewish Committee (statement). Also see:

Pfluger (R-TX) 6/11/25: “These Incidents Are Not Isolated”: Chairman Pfluger Opens Hearing on Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Terror Threats on US Soil
Jewish Insider 6/11/25: House hearing to probe anti-Israel extremist groups as a national security threat
Antisemitic Violence ‘Threat Level’ Prompts Congress to Act, Lawmaker Says Ahead of Hearing (Daily Signal 6/10/25)

June 10, 2025: The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing entitled, U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa (hearing video). Witnesses were: General Michael Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command (statement); General Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (statement); and Katherine Thompson, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense (statement). Also see:

Rogers (R-AL) opening statement – Homeland Security Means Stopping Terrorists and Strategic Threats Before They Reach Us
Jewish Insider 6/11/25: CENTCOM head: U.S. administration has been presented plans to attack Iran’s nuclear program

June 10, 2025: The Senate Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled, Match Ready: Oversight of the Federal Government’s Border Management and Personnel Readiness Efforts for the Decade of Sports (hearing video). The testimony of one witness, Dr. Gina Ligon, University of Nebraska), dealt extensively with Israel-related matters.

June 10, 2025: The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a hearing entitled, Human Rights In Turkey Today (hearing video). Witnesses were: Enes Kanter Freedom, Human rights activist, former NBA basketball player; Alp Aslandogan, Executive Director, Alliance for Shared Values; and Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute.

4. Selected Members on the Record

[NOTE: Due to time constraints Members on the Record this week does not include anything from social media]

Ernst (R-IA) 6/11/25: Ernst Bill Protecting Americans from Foreign-Directed Crimes Passes Senate
Johnson (R-LA) 6/11/25: Speaker Johnson to Travel to Israel to Address the Knesset
Johnson (R-LA) 6/10/25: Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries Lead Memorial Vigil Honoring the Lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky
The New Democrat Coalition 6/10/25: ICYMI in Semafor: ‘Move fast and fix things’: New Democrats push to lead their party’s revamp (interview with Brad Schneider – “…Speaking of free speech, we’ve seen a lot of daylight in the party when it comes to the war between Israel and Hamas. How do you see the caucus moving forward on it? I don’t think there’s any debate that this war is horrible. And then within that, there’s a debate of how to get to the most expeditious end — I know, for me, that’s getting the hostages released, Hamas relinquishing control of Gaza, abandoning its threat to Israel, and then working within the Abraham Accords. The debate’s fine. But denying the legitimacy of Israel or calling for the destruction of the Palestinians, you’ve crossed the line on both sides.”
Group of Jewish House Democrats 6/9/25: Reps. Sherman, Gottheimer, Moskowitz, Schrier, Wasserman-Schultz, Landsman, Schneider, Frankel Call for Legislative Action Following Back-to-Back Antisemitic Terror Attacks
Smith (R-MO) 6/6/25: Fighting back against the Left-wing antisemitic terror movement
Senate Foreign Relations Committee 6/6/25: ICYMI: Risch Talks U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East at Hudson

5. Selected Media

Jewish Insider 6/12/25: GOP senators criticize France’s Macron for defying U.S. with Palestinian statehood push
The Forward 6/11/25: Outrage ensues after a Long Island high school study guide calls Zionism ‘extreme nationalism’ [“Rep. Elise Stefanik called the review sheet ‘a total amoral abomination’”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/11/25: Gottheimer’s pro-Israel stance may have had role in his NJ gubernatorial primary loss, expert says
The Hill 6/11/25: Speaker Johnson to address Israeli Knesset
Jewish Insider 6/11/25: Top U.S. defense officials demur over likelihood of Iran using nuclear weapon against Israel
Times of Israel 6/11/25: US CENTCOM chief postpones Senate testimony due to Mideast tensions, officials say
Jewish Insider 6/10/25: Graham to introduce resolution demanding full dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program [“Graham told JI he is working with the White House on the resolution’s language and intends to introduce it shortly”]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/10/25: ‘Dangerous time to be a Jewish American,’ House speaker says at vigil for Israeli embassy staffers
Jewish Insider 6/10/25: Mike Johnson: Anti-Israel movement ‘puts a bounty on the heads’ of Jewish Americans [“The House speaker joined Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others for a vigil honoring Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, killed in the Capital Jewish Museum shooting”]
Jewish Insider 6/10/25: Former senior FBI intel agent in Israel joins crowded Democratic field against Lawler
Jewish Insider 6/9/25: ‘The Jewish community needs real action, not just resolutions,’ Jewish Dems say [“Their statement, calling for progress on the Antisemitism Awareness Act and increased security grant funding, comes ahead of two antisemitism votes in the House”]
YNet 6/7/25: Is bipartisan backing for Israel still possible in today’s divided America?
Jewish News Syndicate 6/6/25: Antisemitism Awareness Act must pass before it’s too late
AL-dot-com (Alabama) 6/6/25: Why we must stand united in confronting escalating threat of antisemitism: op-ed by Sen. Katie Britt
Jewish Insider 6/6/25: U.N.’s Albanese has ‘blood on her hands,’ Rep. Sherman says
Foreign Policy 6/9/25: Democrats Should Welcome Trump’s Iran Diplomacy (by Matt Duss)

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

New from FMEP:

6/1/25 – New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, What an American Doctor Saw in Gaza, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, who recently returned from spending the month of March, 2025, in Gaza as a trauma and critical care surgeon.

1. Bills & Resolutions

Responding to & Exploiting Heinous Boulder Attack

(USING BOULDER ATTACK TO TARGET VISA OVERSTAYS) S. 1937 [bill text]: Introduced 6/3/25 by Banks (R-IN), “A bill to amend section 275 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand penalties for illegal entry and unlawful presence.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Senator Banks Introduces Bill to Make Visa Overstays a Crime, Increase Penalties [“The Boulder terrorist and 9/11 hijackers didn’t sneak in, they overstayed visas. That’s just as serious and just as dangerous. My bill cracks down on visa overstays with criminal penalties to stop threats before they happen.”]

(TARGETING THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD) S. XXXX: Introduced 6/X/XX by Cruz (R-TX) and X Republican cosponsors, “A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress on the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, and for other purposes” aka the “Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Cruz previously pursued this same effort in 2020 (S. 4939), 2017 (S. 68) and in 2015 (S. 2230). Also see:

Cruz (R-TX) X-post 6/3/25: “In the coming days, I will be circulating and re-introducing a modernized version of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act, which I have been pushing for my entire Senate career. As I told the Free Beacon, the Muslim Brotherhood used the Biden administration to consolidate and deepen their influence, but the Trump administration and Republican Congress can no longer afford to avoid the threat they pose to Americans and American national security.”
Media: Congress Nears Move To Designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization (Free Beacon 6/3/25); House GOP unveils resolution to condemn Boulder terror attack, call for mass deportation of overstayed visas – The resolution says there is an ‘alarming rise’ in antisemitism in the US (Fox News 6/4/25); Lawmakers push to designate Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group after Boulder attack — Sen. Ted Cruz is planning to reintroduce an updated version of legislation that he first sponsored nearly a decade ago (Jewish Insider 6/4/25); Cruz to reintroduce bill labeling Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group after Boulder attack (The Hill 6/4/25); US Congress Pushes to Designate Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization (Algemeiner 6/4/25); Pushes in both houses of Congress to designate Muslim Brotherhood as terror group [“The Hamas-linked group ‘used the Biden administration to consolidate and deepen their influence,’ wrote Sen. Ted Cruz.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 6/4/25)

(TARGETING ANTISEMITISM, PRETTY CLEARLY DEFINED TO INCLUDE PROTEST OF ISRAEL/ZIONISM) HR 3691: Introduced 6/3/25 by Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and 2 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To establish the Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release (with quotes conflating antisemitism with protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza) – Miller-Meeks, Colleagues Launch Bill to Fight Antisemitic Hate Across the U.S. [includes link to bill text but that link is broken]; EXCLUSIVE: Iowa Lawmaker Set to Offer Bill to Establish Antisemitism Study Commission (Daily Signal 6/2/25)

(CONDEMNING BOULDER ATTACK) S. Res. 263: Introduced 6/4/25 by Bennett (R-CO) and Hickenlooper (D-CO), “A resolution condemning the violent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, and expressing support for the survivors and their families.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – On Senate Floor, Bennet Condemns Antisemitic Attack in Boulder, Colorado [“…If there was any doubt that this was an antisemitic hate crime and an act of terror, the attacker has told investigators that–and let me quote–‘he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead…He did not have some intellectual point that he was trying to make about Israel’s policies. He was not trying to improve the lives of Palestinians. He simply wanted to kill Jews [note: this framing takes as a given that the term “Zionists” has nothing to do with the political ideology of Zionism and support for Israel, but rather can only mean “Jews”]…these antisemites use events in the Middle East as an excuse to express their latent antisemitism, their medieval hatred of Jews–who they blame for some swath of society’s ills.”

(HONOR LIFE OF SARAH MILGRIM) S. Res. xxx [resolution text]: Not in political record yet; also see press release 6/5/25 – Sens. Moran, Marshall Introduce Resolution to Honor the Life of Sarah Milgrim

Israel Exception to US Tariffs

(NO TARIFFS ON ISRAEL OR UKRAINE!) HR 3727 [bill text]: Introduced 6/4/35 by Moskowitz (D-FL) and 3 Democratic cosponsors, “To exempt articles imported from Israel or Ukraine from duties imposed under the Executive Order entitled ‘Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits’“, aka the “Supporting American Allies Act.”Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Also see: press release – New Moskowitz Legislation Protects U.S. Allies Israel and Ukraine from the Threat of Tariffs; Moskowitz X-post – “Our allies Israel & Ukraine are fighting against adversaries that want them erased from the map. Waging a trade war on them compounds their threats, alienates our allies, and risks our economic & national security. My bill exempts Israel & Ukraine from these harmful tariffs.“; Four House Dems aim to exempt Israel, Ukraine from tariffs – Republicans blocked a bid to pass similar legislation in the Senate (Jewish Insider 4/4/25)

Targeting Hamas & All Palestinians

(BARRING ENTRY OF PALESTINIANS INTO THE US) HR 3724: Introduced 6/4/25 by Mace (R-SC) and 2 Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit certain actions related to aliens who habitually resided in the Palestinian-administered territories, and for other purposes,” aka, the “No Amnesty for Hamas Sympathizers Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: Mace previously introduced this bill 9/10/24 (HR 9526). From that time around see: 9/10/24 press release; Republican lawmakers push to keep Palestinians, sympathisers out of US – Proposed bills such the “No Amnesty for Hamas Sympathizers Act” reflect a broader effort to silence pro-Palestine voices amid escalating tensions in Gaza (TRT World 9/13/24)

(CONDEMNING HAMAS, DEMANDING RELEASE OF HOSTAGES) S. Res. 227: Introduced 5/14/25 by Rosen (D-NV) and 9 bipartisan cosponsors, “Condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, against Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes.“ Marked up/reported out of Committee without amendment by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 6/5/25.

Gaza Ceasefire, Humanitarian Needs

(RESTRICTING US WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL) HR 3565: Introduced 5/21/25 by Ramirez (D-IL) and 21 Democratic cosponsors, “To provide for a limitation on the transfer of defense articles and defense services to Israel,” aka the “Block the Bombs Act.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:

press release 6/5/25 – Ramirez, Jacobs, Jayapal, Pocan, 18 Members of Congress Introduce Legislation to Condition Weapons to Israel, Save Lives
Supporters (X-posts, incl with pix/video clips): Ramirez (D-IL) 6/5/25 – “<>I’ve introduced the Block the Bombs Act with 21 of my colleagues to withhold certain offensive weapons that are supplied by the U.S. to Israel and demand Israel’s compliance with U.S. and international law. Block the Bombs is the first step toward real oversight and accountability for the consequences of a military campaign that has leveled Gaza, displaced millions, and killed a reported 54,000 Palestinians. Hear directly from me about the importance of this bill.“; Jayapal (D-WA) 6/5/25 – “For over a year and a half, the Israeli government has repeatedly used weapons supplied by America to break U.S. and international humanitarian law. 54,000 Gazans are dead. Half a million are on the brink of famine. We must pass the Block the Bombs Act and save lives.”; Lee (D-PA) 6/5/25 – “The Israeli government’s genocide and forced famine in Gaza is collective punishment funded by our tax dollars and carried out with American-made weapons. The U.S. must withhold weapons—from them and any entity violating international humanitarian law. Congress must pass the Block the Bombs Act and save lives.“; Casar (D-TX) 6/5/25 – “We must block the bombs we send to the Israeli government and end the massacring of people in Gaza.”; Simon (D-CA) 6/5/25 – “Today I joined Representatives @repdeliaramirez @RepSaraJacobs @RepJayapal @RepMarkPocan, and 17 of my Democratic colleagues on legislation to withhold the transfer of the most egregious offensive weapons to Israel that have caused significant civilian casualties and violated U.S. and international law.“
Critics: 22 House progressives push unprecedented new restrictions on U.S. aid to Israel [“The bill ‘is among some of the most concerning anti-Israel legislation we’ve seen in recent years,’ FDD’s Bradley Bowman said“] (Jewish Insider 5/30/25); Frankel (D-FL) X-thread 6/2/2025: “A new House bill would impose unprecedented restrictions on U.S. security assistance – but only for Israel. I’m opposing it. The bill would stall transfers of weapons that Israel needs to defend itself, even in emergencies. At a time when Israel faces constant threats, this proposal sends the wrong message and puts lives at risk.“

(HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA) H. Res. 473: Introduced 6/4/25 by Jayapal (D-WA) and 91 Democratic cosponsors, “Calling for the urgent delivery and disbursement of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Jayapal, Raskin, Keating, Foushee, Balint Introduce Resolution Urging the Immediate Delivery of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza; X-posts: Jayapal – “NEW: With @RepRaskin @USRepKeating, @ValerieFoushee, and @RepBeccaB, I’m leading 92 members in urging the administration to ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Innocent civilian lives can be saved.”; Raskin (D-MD) – “Each passing day brings dreadful new suffering to people in Gaza, who are experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe. Our Resolution recognizes that America must act now to save countless lives in the region. Just as the time is long overdue to bring all the remaining Israeli hostages home from captivity at the hands of Hamas, we must assure the delivery of desperately needed food and humanitarian aid into Gaza to end the prolonged humanitarian crisis of the Palestinians living there.”

Iran

(COOPERATION BETWEEN IRAN & OTHER US ADVERSARIES) S. 1883: Introduced 5/22/25 (not previously covered in the Round-Up) by Coons (D-DE) and McCormick (R-PA), “To require the executive branch to develop a whole-of-government strategy to disrupt growing cooperation among the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which are the foremost adversaries of the United States, and mitigate the risks posed to the United States” aka the “Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics Act” or “DISRUPT Act”. Marked up in/amended/ordered reported out by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 6/5/25. Also see: press release 5/27/25 — Senators Coons, McCormick introduce bill to address threats associated with increased cooperation between US adversaries

(TARGETING IRAN & OTHER US ADVERSARIES RE: BIOTHREATS) S. 1972 [bill text]: Introduced 6/5/25 by Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to prohibit Federal funding for research centers and laboratories in which nationals of countries of concern conduct agricultural research.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Also see: press release – Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban to Protect American Agriculture from Biothreats

2. Letters

(BLAMING TIKTOK, META & X FOR ANTISEMITISM/VIOLENCE) 6/6/25: Lawmakers press social media platforms on violent antisemitic content after attacks (Jewish Insider 6/6/25); [letter text]. NOTE: Citing JI here rather than a press release from the letter’s author(s) because JI appears to have gotten notice of the letter in advance of any member posting a press release. UPDATE: Bell (D-MO) press release that appears to have gone up late 5/6/25 – Bell, Bacon Lead Bipartisan Letter Denouncing Inflammatory Content on Social Media Following Antisemitic Attacks [letter text – broken link]

(NO IRAN DEAL WITH ANY ENRICHMENT ALLOWED) 6/6/25: Bipartisan House group insists on no enrichment for Iran (Jewish Insider 6/6/25); [letter text]. Note: Citing JI here rather than a press release from the letter’s author(s) because JI appears to have gotten notice of the letter in advance of any member posting a press release. UPDATE: Gillen press release [post-dated 6/3/25, which makes no sense since the letter is dated 6/6/25 — ah, the perils of post-dating…] – Gillen, Tenney Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging No Nuclear Enrichment for Iran; Call for Snapback Sanctions if Talks Fall Through [letter text]

(TARGETING TIKTOK & DEEP SEEK) 6/5/25: Gottheimer Leads Letter Demanding President Trump Crack Down on CCP-Linked Tech Companies TikTok and DeepSeek [letter text]. NOTE: The letter text does not mention antisemitism, but the press release notes: “...TikTok is the top news source for Americans under the age of 30, and regularly spews anti-American and antisemitic content.” Reminder: Rolling Stone 5/6/25: Lawmakers Admit They Want to Ban TikTok Over Pro-Palestinian Content [“As a potential ban looms over the platform, some are admitting that they hope the app’s demise will help kill pro-Palestinian sentiments online“]; Times of Israel/Eric Fingerhut (JFNA) 1/15/25: The Tik-Tok Bill is About Antisemitism Too; Anadolu Agency 2/17/25: TikTok ban fueled by Hamas attack on Israel: Former US congressman [‘People started to see a bunch of anti-Semitic content on the platform and our bill had legs again,’ says Mike Gallagher]; Middle East Eye 2/17/25: US TikTok ban linked to pro-Palestine content rather than China threat, insiders reveal [“US officials and lobbyists say the push to ban the Chinese-owned application gain momentum during the war on Gaza”]; Ken Klipperstein 2/16/25: TikTok Ban Fueled by Israel, Not China; Jewish News Syndicate 11/9/23: Congress targets TikTok to counter social-media propaganda against Israel

(USING BOULDER ATTACK TO BIDEN ADMIN & VISA/IMMIGRATION POLICIES) 6/4/25: Chairman Pfluger, Green Request DHS Documents on Suspect in Boulder Terror Attack [letter text]. Also see: House launches inquiry into immigration history of Boulder terrorism suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman (Washington Examiner 6/4/25)

(DESIGNATE THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD AS AN FTO!) Moskowitz (D-FL) X-post 6/3/25 – “I’m urging the President to conduct a comprehensive investigation to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Its history of promoting extremist ideologies and terrorist activities through affiliates like Hamas threatens our national & global security.” [letter text – page 1, page 2]

(TARGETING ACADEMIA – BOWDOIN COLLEGE) 6/2/25: Walberg, Owens Demand Bowdoin College Comply with Antisemitism Investigation [letter text]. Also see: House education committee threatens to subpoena Bowdoin College over antisemitism records [“Senior GOP officials on the committee allege that the Maine liberal arts school failed to comply with repeated requests for documentation regarding disciplinary action taken against those involved with a campus encampment“] (Jewish Insider 6/3/25)

(TRYING TO LINK BOULDER ATTACKER TO FTOS) 6/2/25: Moreno Calls For Investigation Into Potential Terrorist Ties To Boulder, CO Attack [letter text]

(EXPLOITING DC ATTACK TO TARGET PALESTINE ACTIVISM) 5/27/25: Alford Urges Trump Administration to Investigate Potential Ties Between Antisemitic Murderer and Foreign Terrorist Organizations [letter text]

3. Hearings

June 11, 2025: The House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing entitled, The Rise of Anti-Israel Extremist Groups and Their Threat to U.S. National Security. No witnesses have been announced as of this writing. The video will be live-streamed here. Also see:

Pfluger (R-TX) 6/4/25: X-post – “The heinous attack in Boulder this Sunday is part of a disturbing pattern, not an isolated incident. This is why I am leading a @HomelandGOP Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Hearing on growing antisemitic violence in the U.S.“
Rising antisemitic violence, terror attacks in US spur House Homeland Security Committee hearing (Fox News 6/4/25)

June 10, 2025: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing entitled, U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa. Witnesses will be: General Michael Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command; General Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command; and Katherine Thompson, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense.

June 10, 2025: The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will hold a hearing entitled, Human Rights In Turkey Today. Witnesses will be: Enes Kanter Freedom, Human rights activist, former NBA basketball player; Alp Aslandogan, Executive Director, Alliance for Shared Values; and Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute.

June 5, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled, After Assad: The Future of Syria. Witnesses were: David Schenker, WINEP (statement); Anna Borschevskaya, WINEP (statement); and Jon Alterman, CSIS (statement). Also see: hearing video; Lawler (R-NY) press release – Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Lawler Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Syria.

June 5, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.” The sole witness was Education Secretary Linda McMahon (statement). Also see:

Hearing video
Chairman Walberg (R-MI) statement; Committee press release – Hearing Recap: “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education”
Stefanik (R-NY) press release – ICYMI: Stefanik Asks Education Secretary Linda McMahon About Harvard University’s Crisis of Ideological Diversity and Artificial Intelligence

June 5, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a Business Meeting to markup a number of measures, including S. Res. 227, “A resolution condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, against Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes.” [no video]

June 5, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Foreign Arms Sales Task Force Hosted a Roundtable with Defense Industry Leaders to Hear Perspectives on Needed Reforms [“The roundtable provided a forum for candid, detailed discussions between industry insiders and Task Force members on the red-tape American companies face day-in and day-out because of outdated regulations and cumbersome approval processes across the interagency. The Task Force, which is being led by Chairman Zinke and Ranking Member Madeleine Dean (D-PA), will propose overdue reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that encumber the current foreign arms sales process. The legislation put forward by the Task Force will build upon executive actions announced by President Trump last month to reform and improve the foreign defense sales process.“]

June 5, 2025: The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) committee held a hearing to deal with a slate of nominations: Nominations of Penny Schwinn to be Deputy Secretary of Education, Department of Education, Kimberly Richey to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Daniel Aronowitz to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor and David Keeling to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Also see: hearing video — of particular interest were comments by OCR nominee Richey regarding OCR policy regarding antisemitism, starting around 01:09:00 in the video, including suggesting that the recent attacks in Colorado and Washington, DC are “emblematic” of what Jewish students are facing on campus (??!!?); further coverage — OCR nominee says Department of Education could issue new regulation on campus antisemitism [“Kim Richey said that Title VI regulations could be amended ‘to specially address antisemitism … in a post Oct. 7 world’“] (Jewish Insider 6/6/25).

June 4, 2025: The House Committee on Oversight & Reform/DOGE Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, Public Funds, Private Agendas: NGOs Gone Wild. Scheduled witnesses are: Mark Krikorian, Executive Director, Center for Immigration Studies (statement); Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director, Power the Future (statement); Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center (statement) and Diane Yentel (Minority Witness), President & Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Nonprofits (statement). Also see: hearing video

June 3, 2025: The Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing entitled, A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Education. The sole witness was Education Secretary Linda McMahon (testimony). Also see: hearing video; Capito (R-WV) press release – VIDEO: Capito Questions Secretary McMahon on Department of Education’s Budget Request; Murray (D-WA) press release – Pressed by Murray, McMahon Says “No” Analysis Was Conducted Before Firing Half of the Department of Education’s Staff; McMahon lays out Trump administration’s expectations for campus antisemitism policies [“The Education Secretary dodged a question from a GOP senator about how cuts to the Office for Civil Rights would impact the fight against antisemitism“] (Jewish Insider 6/4/25) ; McMahon lays out Trump administration’s expectations for campus antisemitism policies [“The Education Secretary dodged a question from a GOP senator about how cuts to the Office for Civil Rights would impact the fight against antisemitism“] (Jewish Insider 6/4/25)

4. Selected Members on the Record

[Note: Many, many, many members of the House and Senate weighed in with statements of condemnation, outrage, and condolences over the Molotov cocktail attack carried out 6/1/25 in Boulder, Colorado in a local park against a group demonstrating in support of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. To see what a specific member said, check their website/social media. A selections of statements are included below, chosen because these are the statements that explicitly use the attack to delegitimize critics of Israel and support for Palestinian lives/rights.]

Gaza

Durbin (D-IL) 6/5/25: Durbin: I Implore Our Israeli Allies To Purse A Renewed Ceasefire That Sees The Release Of All Remaining Hostagaes, Allows Sufficient Aid To Flow, And Advances A Serious Post-War Vision For Two States
Welch (D-VT) 6/4/25: X-post – “This morning, I met with Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. I reiterated my support for the Israeli people and emphasized my concern about the continued suffering in Gaza. We must keep working together to free the remaining hostages and surge humanitarian aid.“
Graham (R-SC) 6/1/25: X-post – “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” — Graham comment on article entitled, Greta Thunberg sets sail with Gaza flotilla that aims to break Israeli naval blockade, seeming egging on Israel to sink a ship full of non-violent protesters
Budd (R-NC) 5/30/25: X-post – “For too long, the @UN has allowed Hamas to seize aid to fund terrorism. I stand with Israel as they work to destroy Hamas, return the hostages, and alleviate humanitarian concerns for the people of Gaza.“

We Stand with Israel Against ICC & Entire World!

House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 6/6/25: X-post – “he ICC is a joke. It’s a rogue international bureaucracy controlled by anti-American and anti-Israel voices. Senate Democrats, led by @SenSchumer, bowed to Hamas in January and killed our bipartisan bill to sanction the ICC.“
Daines (R-MT) 6/3/25: X-post – “Chile, Ireland and other countries considering trade bans on Israel should remember U.S. antiboycott laws. The U.S. stands with its most cherished ally. Punishing Israel will affect diplomatic relations with the U.S.“
Green (R-TN) 6/3/25: X-post – “Hamas’ inconsistent negotiation tactics confirm what we already know: its sole interest is to eradicate the Jewish people, the state of Israel, and carry out the Iranian regime’s agenda of sowing destruction across the Middle East.”
Tlaib (D-MI) 6/3/25: X-post – “‘They told us to take food—then they fired from every direction.’ Israeli forces are shooting and killing starving Palestinians trying to get food at the new US-backed sites, with another massacre today. The UN says ‘aid distribution has become a death trap.’ This is genocide.“

Antisemitism (erasing the line betweem real & cynically weaponized)

Pfluger (R-TX) 6/5/25: X-post – “Grateful to speak at the Israel Allies Foundation’s Jerusalem Day event yesterday. The violent hatred that has been allowed to proliferate since the October 7 attacks is unacceptable. Standing with Israel and the entire Jewish community is more important now than ever.”
House Committee on Education and the Workforce 6/4/25: X-post – “The proof is undeniable. Antisemitism on our campuses is out of control—sometimes driven by outside agitators who want to ensure hatred festers and deliberately harm the United States. Schools have to do more to stop this kind of hateful antisemitism and protect Jews on campus.” Linked to New York Post X-post, “Today’s cover: Columbia protestor had direct link to Hamas’ deadly al-Qassam Brigades militant group” [you have to read to paragraph 4 of the article to learn the protester in question was NOT A COLUMBIA STUDENT].
Fine (R-FL) 6/3/25: X-post (with video clip) – “There’s a reason antisemitism is not a chronic issue in Florida. We DON’T discriminate when dealing with discrimination. We DON’T breed antisemitism on our college campuses. We DON’T appease Muslim terrorists. Make America Florida.“
Bacon (R-NE) 6/3/25: X-post – “I agree with NYTs today: ‘But attacks on Jews for the actions of an Israeli government a world away are collective punishment, and collective punishment is bigotry. This was not even a question when Muslims in America were attacked as retribution for the murderous actions of Al Qaeda on 9/11.’”
Cotton (R-AR) 6/2/25: X-post – “This horrific terrorist attack in Boulder is reminder of why Hamas supporters should be deported. They advocate for a terrorist group that massacres both Israelis and Americans–we don’t want them here.”
Steube (R-FL) 6/3/25: X-post – “Biden’s open borders handed a terrorist the keys to our country. The Free Palestine movement fuels antisemitism, normalizes violence, and has unleashed terror in our neighborhoods. The Democrats imported this threat. We must crush it with mass deportations IMMEDIATELY.”
Issa (R-CA) 6/3/25: X-post – “Now would be a good time for Democrats and the liberal media to start dealing with their antisemitism problem.”
Fine (R-FL) 6/2/25: X-post – “#BombsAway”
Scott (R-FL) 6/2/25: Sen. Rick Scott: The Next UF President Must Fully Commit to Protecting Jewish Students and Fighting Woke Policies
Stefanik (R-NY) 6/2/25: X-post – “The day after Jews were burned in the streets in America by a radical pro-Palestinian terrorist illegally in our country, @politico publishes a column about how former university President Liz Magill is the ‘first casualty’ in the war against elite universities. No. The casualty is not a disgraced former university president trying to rehabilitate her shredded reputation. The casualties are the Jews who were burned by a terrorist who threw Molotov cocktails yesterday. The beautiful young couple assassinated in Washington, DC. And the thousand+ burned alive, raped, killed, and taken hostage by Hamas. The Politico article is full of excuses and morally bankrupt technocrat-speak with little to no concern about the scourge of antisemitism on college campuses. They still don’t get it. The Left, the universities, the professors, the media, the *former* college presidents. History will judge this moment. Light vs darkness. Good vs evil. This is about saving Western civilization.”
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 6/2/25: RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Moriah School of Englewood, Discusses Combatting Antisemitism and Support For Israel
Sherman (D-CA) 6/2/25: X-post – “Following yesterday’s horrific antisemitic terror attack in Boulder, I joined @TMZ to discuss our shared obligation to fight antisemitism in all its forms. That includes antizionism, which just led to two deadly antisemitic terror attacks in less than two weeks. We need to pass a clean version of the Antisemitism Awareness Act and finally codify the IHRA definition of #antisemitism – now.“
Sherman (D-CA) 6/1/25: X-post – ““
McDowell (R-NC) 6/1/25: X-post – “Horrific. A pro-Hamas terrorist attacked a peaceful group in Boulder demanding the release of hostages. This isn’t isolated—it’s part of a growing wave of antisemitic violence sweeping across America. This is what happens when you normalize hate and coddle extremism. Enough.”
Fine (R-FL) 6/1/25: X-post – “It is time for all “Palestinian” organizations to be federally-designated terror organizations, including CAIR and ‘Students for Justice in Palestine.’ It is time to immediately round up and deport any non-citizens who subscribe to the ‘Hamastinian’ cause. And it is time to bring the hammer down on our nation’s universities who have coddled and facilitated Muslim terror. Enough is enough. It is time to call evil for what it is.“
Perry (R-PA) 6/1/25: X-post – “I’m outraged at yet another antisemtic attack – this time in Colorado, on attendees at a peaceful event for the Israeli hostages. @Netanyahu is right: ‘Free Palestine’ is the new ‘Heil Hitler.’ The coward who perpetrated this terror must be prosecuted to the fullest extend of our laws.“

Iran

Stefanik (R-NY) 6/5/25: ICYMI: Stefanik Joined Ben Shapiro Show on President Trump’s Executive Order to Ban Foreign Nationals from Studying at Harvard, Passage of Big Beautiful Bill, and Threat of Iran to American Interests

Syria

Wilson (R-SC) 6/3/25: X-post – “In order for the new Syrian government to fulfill its commitments to President Trump, the MOD must be able to operate in all of Syria. Syrian officials have clearly stated that Syria will not pose a threat to Israel. Restriction of access to security forces in certain areas will be exploited.“

Recess travel

Lankford (R-OK) 6/3/25: X-post – “It was a full and productive day in Israel. The United States stands firmly with Israel, and I’m grateful for our enduring partnership. In 24 hours: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation led the effort to deliver hundreds of thousands of food boxes in Gaza. Foreign Minister Sa’ar hosted a successful conference on combatting antisemitism, and I was honored to speak about the work being done in the US by the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Antisemitism. I met with Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat to discuss our shared interests in a prosperous Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I discussed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel. I also thanked him for his leadership in bringing the hostages home and demilitarizing Hamas.“
Lankford (R-OK) 6/2/25: X-post – “Thank you, Major General Leeney and US personnel, for your leadership of the Mechanism in coordinating security efforts between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country!”
Rosen (D-NV) 6/2/25: Rosen Returns from Visit to Israel, West Bank, Jordan, Iraq focused on Strengthening Regional Stability
Lankford (R-OK) 6/2/25: X-post – “hile in Israel, I got a chance to spend time with @USAmbIsrael. Israel has no better friend than the United States and Ambassador Huckabee.“
Rosen (D-NV) 6/2/25: X-post – “Last week, I had productive meetings with heads of state and government officials in Israel, Jordan, and Iraq where we discussed ways to strengthen regional stability & cooperation. With Iran at its weakest point in decades, we need to work with our partners and allies in the region to ensure Iran does not continue its malign activities.“
Stutzman (R-IN) 5/31/25: X-post – “While in Israel I talked with Israeli soldiers who are actively fighting Hamas in Gaza who told me they are appalled to see how Hamas treats the people of Gaza by using their own civilians as human shields. The people of Gaza should not be forced to stay in a war zone and should be free to leave if they choose. The generous heart of the Israelis is on full display for the entire world as they only seek to bring their hostages home and give closure to the grieving families, while seeking peace and a better life for Israel and the Middle East.“
McCaul (R-TX) 5/30/25: McCaul Returns from Middle East with Bipartisan Delegation

5. Selected Media

Gaza

Jewish News Synicate 6/3/25: Sen. Graham: ‘I hope Greta can swim’ — The U.S. lawmaker was responding to the climate activist’s attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Tulsa World 5/31/25: Sen. Lankford says rebuilding Gaza a daunting task
Zeteo 5/30/25: Republican Lawmakers Tried to Shut Down a Screening of ‘No Other Land’ on Capitol Hill

Recess Travel to the Middle East

Jewish Insider 6/6/25: Sen. Lankford says he’s very ‘optimistic’ about Lebanon’s future after visit [“The Oklahoma senator also relayed a message from his trip to Iraq that Iran is not budging on its insistence on maintaining nuclear enrichment capacity“]
The Hill 6/5/25: op-ed by Reps. Mills (R-FL) & Stutzman (R-IN) – After years of war, Syria glances westward — toward Trump [also see Stutzman’s lengthy X-thread on the subject]
Jewish News Syndicate 6/5/25: Indiana congressman: Al-Sharaa is open to peace with Israel [“U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, who recently met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, stressed that the burden of proof lies with the Syrian leader.“]

Weaponizing Allegations of Antisemitism (incl related to Boulder attack)

Jewish Insider 6/5/25: Sen. Rick Scott blames search firm for Santa Ono’s failed UF presidency nomination
Jewish Insider 6/3/25: Rep. Randy Fine: To stop antisemitic attacks, declare CAIR a terrorist group [“Fine also called for deporting all undocumented immigrants and taking aggressive actions against college campuses with antisemitism problems“]
New York Post 5/31/25: Rep. Ritchie Torres demands investigation of socialist-leaning Park Slope Food Co-op over alleged anti-Israel hate

Politics/Elex

Jewish Insider 6/5/25: Edan Alexander, family endorse Josh Gottheimer for New Jersey governor

Jewish Link 6/5/25: The Strength of New Jersey’s Jewish Community – By Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Democratic Candidate For Governor

Normalization

Jewish Insider 6/4/25: Lawmakers from 30 countries discuss Abraham Accords, regional energy security issues [“Participants included Abraham Accords Caucus co-chairs Sens. James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)…]

Iran

Jewish Insider 6/4/25: Sen. Risch: ‘I’m not particularly optimistic’ about a deal with Iran – The top Republican lawmaker said that, if a deal cannot be reached, ‘Israel is going to do something about that’

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

1. Bills & Resolutions

(CONDEMNING MURDER OF ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFF & ANTISEMITISM) H. Res. 447: Introduced 5/23/25 by McDowell (R-NC) and 51 Republican cosponsors, “Condemning antisemitism and remembering Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Congressman Addison McDowell Leads Resolution Honoring Israeli Embassy Victims and Condemning Antisemitism [McDowell: ” “They had their whole lives ahead of them and were murdered by a far-left radical because they were Jewish. When a movement sympathizes with terrorists, we shouldn’t be surprised when that same movement produces actual terrorists. The media and some in Congress have downplayed the underlying disease – no more.”]; House Republicans Condemn ‘Evil’ Murder Of Israeli Embassy Staffers: ‘Antisemitic Terrorism’ (Daily Wire 5/23/25);

(IRAN – missed it last week) S. 1883: Introduced 5/22/25 by Coons (D-DE) and McCormick (R-PA), “A bill to require the executive branch to develop a whole-of-government strategy to disrupt growing cooperation among the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which are the foremost adversaries of the United States, and mitigate the risks posed to the United States.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

2. Letters

(FREE THE HOSTAGES) 5/29/25: 600 Days After October 7, Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Push Urging President Trump to Help Free Remaining Hostages — Including Four Remaining Americans [letter text]. Also see: Bipartisan House letter urges use of ‘all available diplomatic efforts’ to free hostages (Jewish Insider 5/29/25)
(TARGETING IRAQ) 5/29/25: US Congress members call to sanction Iranian-backed militias in Iraq – analysis [“US congress members called to sanction several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, including the Popular Mobilization Forces, in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.“] (Jerusalem Post 5/29/25) Also see Steube (R-FL) X-post 5/28/25 – “The Ayatollah has a convenient puppet at his disposal when it comes to the government of Iraq. Prime Minister Al Sudani has allowed his country to be turned into a staging ground for Iranian-sponsored terrorism and smuggling across the Middle East. Until Iraq steps up and frees itself from the Ayatollah’s grasp, peace and security will remain elusive. That is why @RepJoeWilson and I are calling on @SecRubio to place sanctions on the Iraqi government to compel their leaders to act.“
(ANTISEMITISM IN AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION) 5/29/25: Torres warns American Psychological Association to address ‘persistent and pernicious’ antisemitism in its ranks (Jewish Insider); [letter text, dated 5/28/25]. Also see Torres X-post 5/29/25: “I am partnering with Psychologists Against Antisemitism to expose a persistent and pernicious pattern of antisemitism within the American Psychological Association (APA). From branding Jews as a “privileged class” to amplifying hateful slogans like “Go Hamas” and “Intifada, Intifada,” the APA has made a mockery of its mission. Antisemitism has no place in a profession dedicated to healing the mind.“
(TARGETING TRUMAN FOUNDATION) 5/28/25: Stefanik Calls for Review of Truman Foundation to Address Political Imbalance in Scholarship Selections & Rescind 2025 Pro-Hamas Scholarship Recipient [letter text]. Also see: Stefanik Urges Review of ‘Bias’ at Truman Foundation, Rescission of Pro-Hamas Student’s Scholarship (Breitbart 5/29/25); Stefanik demands Truman Foundation address partisan bias (Jewish News Syndicate 5/29/25)

3. Hearings

June 5, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a hearing entitled, After Assad: The Future of Syria. Scheduled witnesses are: David Schenker, WINEP; Anna Borschevskaya, WINEP; and Jon Alterman, CSIS.

June 5, 2025: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold a hearing entitled, “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.” The sole witness will be Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Also see: hearing notice.

June 5, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a Business Meeting to markup a number of measures, including S. Res. 227, “A resolution condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, against Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes.”

June 4, 2025: The House Committee on Oversight & Reform/DOGE Subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled, Public Funds, Private Agendas: NGOs Gone Wild. Scheduled witnesses are: Mark Krikorian, Executive Director, Center for Immigration Studies; Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director, Power the Future; and Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Standing with Israel – Members’ Recess Travel (with lots of pix in posts)

Stutzman (R-IN) 5/29/25: X-post – “It’s great to be in Israel. Between the Biblical history with Jonathan and David, and the history of the Israeli people here. I want to see peace throughout the whole Middle East. That starts with respecting, honoring, and realizing that the Israeli people have a right to Judea & Samaria.” With link to Arutz Sheva article, US Congressmen express support for Israel’s right to sovereignty in Judea & Samaria
Lankford (R-SC) 5/29/25: X-post – “America continues to stand with Israel“; re-posting X-post by Israeli Prime Minister’s office, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met this evening, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, with US Senator James Lankford (R-OK).“
Daines (R-MT) 5/29/25: X-post – “It was a pleasure meeting you @GeorgeDeek! The United States must continue to stand with Israel.” [while on recess travel to Baku]
Stutzman (R-IN) 5/28/25: X-post – “Pleasure to meet with @IsraeliPM to discuss U.S.-Israeli relations, trade, and how America can assist in the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip. Israel is not only our strongest ally in the Middle East but in the world. Happy to have the opportunity to continue strengthening the bond between our two nations and how we can work together towards eradicating Hamas from the region.” Re-posting X-post by Israeli Prime Minister’s office, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met this evening with a US Congressional delegation sponsored by the Yes! Israel Project. Participating in the meeting were US Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) and his wife Jennifer, and US Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) and his wife Christy.“
McCormick (R-PA) 5/29/25: X-post – “Before returning home from Israel, I traveled by helicopter from Jerusalem to the Golan Heights. Grateful to the IDF briefers who took me to the border with Syria and gave me a security update on the situation there, and the opportunities and challenges in both Syria and Lebanon. Also, seeing Israel from the air was both enlightening in terms of the security challenges and inspiring when we flew over holy sites in Jerusalem and the Galilee.”
McCormick (R-PA) 5/29/25: X-post – “My first official trip to Israel coincides with the 600th day since the hostages were taken on October 7th. Dina and I just met with hostage families again while here in Jerusalem. Hamas must be destroyed and we must bring them home.“
Rosen (D-NV) 5/28/25: X-post – “While in Israel, I met with my very good friend @yairlapid and discussed how we can maintain a strong relationship between the U.S. and Israel, promote stability in the Middle East, and counter antisemitism around the world.”
Cherfilus-McCormick (R-FL) 5/27/25: X-post – “Had a constructive conversation with PM Netanyahu about the importance of ensuring food access in Gaza. It’s crucial that every person deserves a good quality of life. He responded by sending food within 24 hours. While there’s more to do, this is a positive start.”
McCaul (R-TX) 5/27/25: X-post – “Enjoyed getting a briefing on the U.S.’ work with Israel to strengthen regional security at the @usembassyjlm, which @POTUS established during his first term. I remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the war in Gaza and an increasingly stable and prosperous Middle East.“
McCormick (R-PA) 5/27/25: X-post – “Dina and I arrived in Israel and our first meeting was with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mrs. Sara Netanyahu. This is our first time back since we visited right after October 7. We expressed our deepest condolences on the tragic murder of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington. We also had an honest discussion about deterring Iran, defeating Hamas, saving the hostages, ramping up humanitarian efforts in Gaza, expanding the Abraham Accords, and the future of Syria. I reaffirmed that the alliance between our two countries is unbreakable.“
McCormick (R-PA) 5/27/25: X-post – “Dina and I have gotten a good sense of the vibrancy of Israeli democracy on our trip and have enjoyed hearing different perspectives. We met with Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, Economic Minister Nir Barkat, and Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid. There are lot of challenges in this region, but I leave hopeful and confident in the strength and future of Israel.”
McCormick (R-PA) 5/27/25: X-post – “It was an honor to be invited to lunch at the residence of the President of Israel. Dina and I had a wonderful conversation with President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog. It was great to learn more about the President’s rich family history. He and Michal are not only good friends but also excellent representatives of the Jewish State.”
McCaul (R-TX) 5/27/25: X-post – “Amidst @POTUS’ efforts to end the war in Gaza & work toward normalization, I’m honored to join @RepMikeLawler in the Middle East. Today we met with PM @Netanyahu to discuss the U.S.’ longstanding partnership with Israel, regional security, & our hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war in Gaza.” Re-posting X-post by Israeli Prime Minister’s office“
Lawler (R-NY) 5/26/25: X-post – “It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister @netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss regional security and our ironclad alliance. The U.S. remains committed to Israel’s defense as we look towards diplomatic solutions for a lasting peace.” Re-posting X-post by Israeli Prime Minister’s office“
Cherfilus-McCormick (R-FL) 5/26/25: X-thread – “Today, I had the pleasure to be part of a very productive and hopeful conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu on behalf of our bipartisan Congressional delegation. We remain committed and relentless in the pursuit bring every hostage home, ensure aid reaches Gaza and protect the security of all.“
Israeli Prime Minister’s office: X-thread – 5/26/25 “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara met today with US Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) and his wife Dina Habib Powell. The Prime Minister and his wife thanked the Senator and his wife for their deep support for the State of Israel. The Prime Minister and his wife thanked the Senator and his wife for their deep support for the State of Israel. Senator McCormick noted that he has learned much from the Prime Minister thanks to the economic reforms he has led while in office. His wife Dina told Sara Netanyahu that their meeting at the signing of the Abraham Accords was a historic moment, and that she greatly appreciates her personal activity for the release of the hostages.”; 5/26/25: “Later, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with a bipartisan Congressional delegation led by US Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), and which included US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and US Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). US Rep. Lawler said that the Prime Minister’s vigorous and determined policy during the war has changed the Middle East and turned it into a safer place. The Prime Minister said that he appreciates their steadfast and unwavering support for the State of Israel and its just war.”

Gaza

Senate Republicans 5/30/25: X-post – “Last year alone, Hamas terrorists stole $500 million worth of humanitarian aid meant for civilians in Gaza. Why does the UN trust Hamas terrorists to distribute aid?“
Fetterman (D-PA) 5/30/25: X-post – “The world and the left media should have ‘had it with’ Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, and the rampant antisemitism—not Israel, the region’s only democracy with true progressive values.” [in response to Vox headline – “Has the World Had it with Israel?”]
Tlaib (D-MI) 5/30/25: X-post – “Palestinians deserve to live.“
Titus (D-NV) 5/29/25: X-post – “It is a relief to see that aid is starting to enter Gaza again. To that end, I have joined @RepDanGoldman in expressing the critical need to ensure that humanitarian assistance gets to the Palestinian people and not Hamas. We are also urging the release of the remaining 58 hostages.”
Senate Republicans 5/29/25: X-post – “Hamas profits off of UN aid and uses it to control civilians in Gaza. Humanitarian aid should go to Gazans—not terrorists.”
Kelly (D-AZ) 5/29/25: X-post – “This is a tragic crisis and kids are dying. President Trump and @SecRubio must take action to provide more humanitarian relief and ensure aid is reaching civilians in Gaza.”
Sherill (D-NJ) 5/29/25: X-post – “I’m deeply concerned by the violence earlier this week at the aid distribution center in southern Gaza, which resulted in one death and dozens of injuries. Aid must be delivered swiftly and safely to civilians across Gaza. The unchecked humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and the U.S. has not done enough to address it. During my last visit to the Rafah Border Crossing, I witnessed first hand the miles of aid trucks being held at the border and raised my concerns to both President Biden and P.M. Netanyahu. I urge the Trump administration to collaborate with the Israeli government and humanitarian organizations working in Gaza to establish a safer and more effective approach to delivering aid, while doing everything possible to ensure Hamas does not steal these resources from civilians. Failing to adequately address the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza is a failure to uphold U.S. values, increases Hamas’s support, and prolongs the war. It is vital that both parties reach an agreement leading to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages — including four Americans — who have been held for over 600 days, and an end to this brutal war.“
Bennet (D-CO) 5/29/25: Bennet Statement on Disruptions at University of Denver Town Hall [“…My position on the war in Gaza has always been clear. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust. I believe – and have always believed – Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas started this war and could end it tomorrow if they released the hostages. I stand with the people of Israel, but have long been concerned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s prosecution of this war, including the destruction of wide swaths of Gaza and limiting aid delivery. The loss of life in Gaza weighs heavily on our collective conscience. I will continue pushing Israel, the White House, and our partners across the Middle East to do everything we can to mitigate the suffering in Gaza, bring all hostages home, and, ultimately, secure a mutual ceasefire that sets the stage for a two-state solution. For the sake of Palestinian and Israeli children alike, and U.S. national security, we must fight for a better future in the Middle East.”]
Warnock (D-GA) 5/29/25: X-post – “The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza is unconscionable. While I’m heartened to finally see some aid flowing again, we must do more. I have been pushing both the admin and the Israeli government to allow more aid. Israel must ensure that food, medicine, water, and other supplies are reaching those in need with the fierce urgency that the situation demands. I continue to call for the release of all remaining hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We must redouble our efforts to achieve a sustainable peace and work towards a future where all of God’s children can awaken to a world where they are finally safe.“
Mace (R-SC) 5/29/25: X-post- “You either stand with Israel and the Jewish people, or you’re siding with terrorists like Hamas. There’s no middle ground. Antisemitism is vile, and defending it is indefensible.” Linked to pro-Israel influencer’s X-post quoting SecState Rubio (with video) – “‘Adolf Hitler dreamed of a world without Jews, an idea he shares with Hamas. There can be no compromise with antisemitism.’ – Secretary of State Marco Rubio“
Senate Republicans 5/29/25: X-post – “The UN has failed to keep its humanitarian aid out of the hands of Hamas, which uses it to fund attacks on Israel. Senate Republicans support @POTUS’s efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gazans—not Hamas terrorists.“
Doggett (D-TX) 5/29/25: X-post – “Netanyahu govt’s assault on children of Gaza, aided & abetted by the Trump admin, is reprehensible. As correctly described by an Israeli Zionist, deliberately starving infants not yet old enough to walk forces the innocent to pay the price for the evil.“
Massie (R-KY) 5/29/25: X-post – “Nothing can justify the number of civilian casualties (tens of thousands of women and children) inflicted by Israel in Gaza in the last two years. We should end all U.S. military aid to Israel now.”
Quigley (D-IL) 5/28/25: X-post- “Palestinians are in desperate need of widespread humanitarian aid. I pressed Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio on how we’re getting aid to Gaza and if there are benchmarks for Israel if they don’t allow it. @AppropsDems” [with video clip]
Graham (R-SC) 5/28/25: X-post – “If Israel laid down their arms, do you think Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Islamic Jihad and Iran would stop? If you believe that they would, you have become a danger to yourself and others.“
Green (R-TN) 5/28/25: X-post – “The death of Mohammed Sinwar is a critical step towards ending the war in Gaza and weakening the Iranian regime’s grip on the Middle East.“
Graham (R-SC) 5/28/25: X-post – “The elimination of Mohammed Sinwar is another major blow to Hamas. For those like me who want the war in Gaza to end, here is the quickest and best way: Hamas fighters lay down their arms, guaranteed safe passage and, new governance, minus Hamas, for Gaza and the Palestinian people. This would end the fighting.“
Velasquez (D-NY) 5/27/25: X-post – “The Trump-backed aid plan in Gaza is woefully insufficient. Families walk miles only to face chaos instead of food. This crisis is the result of Netanyahu’s blockade. Gaza is on the brink of famine. The blockade must end, and there must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire.”
Tlaib (D-MI) 5/26/25: X-post – “There is a special place in hell for those who stay silent about bombing a school and allowing children to be burned alive.“
Tlaib (D-MI) 5/26/25: X-post – “‘One day, when it’s safe, when there’s no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it’s too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this.’ — Omar El Akkad“
Sanders (I-VT) 5/26/25: X-post – “This is what a former Israeli Prime Minister said about Gaza.” Linked to excerpt from op-ed by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert concluding that Israel is committing war crimes.
Warren (D-MA) 5/24/25: X-post – “In Gaza, hospitals have collapsed. Babies have run out of formula. Clean drinking water is gone. Meanwhile, trucks filled with aid are waiting idle by the border. Instead of trying to do a Gaza real estate deal, Trump should press the Netanyahu government to open up aid routes and stop starving Palestinians.“

Pro-Israel Orgs/Lobbying

Sherman (D-CA) 5/29/25: X-post – “I was glad to keynote last night’s event with the student activists at @UCLA BIPAC, who are advocating for campus safety and a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.“
Massie (R-KY) 5/28/25: X-post – “AIPAC takes candidates for U.S. Congress to Israel for wine-and-dine vacations… sometimes before they even file to run for office. Here’s a recent example in Kentucky. I’m also attaching an article about cybertools and reminding @AmandaMBledsoe U.S. laws don’t apply in Israel.“
Sherman (D-CA) 5/28/25: X-post – “I spoke about my work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship at last night’s ‘Celebrating Israel at 77’ event with @JFedLA @RabbiNoah @StandWithUs @IsraelinLA, and @israeliamerican.“
Kean (R-NJ) 5/29/25: X-post – “I met with members of the American Jewish Committee at my district office in Lebanon yesterday. We discussed the disturbing rise of antisemitism across the country and on many of our college campuses, especially since the October 7 attacks on Israel. That’s why I am a co-sponsor of the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which provides officials with a clear framework to identify and respond to antisemitic incidents on campus and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.“

Weaponization of Charges of “antisemtism”; Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest

House Committee on Education & the Workforce 5/30/25: X-post – “University leaders should condemn antisemitism—unfortunately, @MIT’s president failed to respond to antisemitic, anti-Zionist talking points. Why are so many leaders complicit in antisemitic rhetoric on campus?”
Landsmen (D-OH) 5/30/25: X-post (with video clip from CNN appearance in which he agrees with Jake Tapper that antisemitism “is too tolerated by the Left, it’s too tolerated by Democrats“) – “The conversation around antisemitism, Israel, and Middle East peace have to become nonpartisan again.“
Scott (R-FL) 5/29/25: X-post – “Wise words from @SecRubio. The United States will not tolerate antisemitism and hatred of any kind against our Jewish community and great friend Israel. We stand with Israel and against Iran-backed Hamas, who has held innocent hostages for 601 days now. We must bring them all home!“
Meeks (D-NY) 5/28/25: X-post – “Trump is a bully and just wants to be king. @Harvard is an institution that has prioritized diversity and academic freedom. This is about retribution, not antisemitism.” [with video clip]
Britt (R-AL) 5/28/25: X-post – “Antisemitism has no place in America. Grateful to @POTUS and @EDSecMcMahon for taking strong action to protect Jewish students on campuses from coast to coast.“
Landsman (D-OH) 5/28/25: Long, long X-thread on the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, DC, concluding that everything happening in Gaza is the fault of Hamas and that accusing Israel of genocide is “a blood libel, and it’s been spreading like wildfire for 18 months. I believe it’s why Yaron and Sarah were executed” and calling (a) for the passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act as a means of shutting down criticism of Israel on campuses, and (b) for protesters to follow advice from the American Jewish Committee on how to “be intentional not to slip into blood libels and violent rhetoric. That requires some learning as to what would be considered a blood libel and violent.”
Jayapal (D-WA) 5/27/25: X-post – “Rümeysa Öztürk did not do anything violent. She does not pose any sort of national security threat to America’s interests. She wrote an op-ed — that’s literally it.” [with video clip]
Nadler (D-NY) 5/27/25: X-post – “Last week, I participated in a Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing, where I highlighted Kingsley Wilson’s history of antisemitism. I told the Commission what I’ve said many times: if President Trump were truly serious about combating antisemitism, he would start with his own administration—including firing Kingsley Wilson, Ed Martin, and Sebastian Gorka. Instead, Trump has promoted Wilson to serve as the Pentagon’s press secretary. As antisemitism rises across the country, the Trump Administration’s actions continue to serve as a catalyst, not a deterrent.”
Doggett (D-TX) 5/27/25: X-post – “Trump’s attacks on Harvard are attacks on democracy and our economy. This is not about ‘wokeness’ or antisemitism—it’s about silencing dissent and intimidating other institutions into silence. All who care about democracy should join in defending Harvard.“
Blackburn (R-TN) 5/27/25: X-post – “Universities who refuse to protect Jewish students should not be receiving tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. President Trump is sending a clear message to Harvard: DEI and antisemitism have no place on college campuses or anywhere in this country.”
Mace (R-SC) 5/27/25: X-post – “If Harvard wants to coddle antisemitism, let them do it without a dime of taxpayer money. Redirect those funds to trade schools who train real workers and respect this country. We don’t fund hate masquerading as ‘education.’”
Murphy (D-CT) 5/25/25: X-thread – “Trump uses antisemitism as a false pretext to suppress dissent. It’s disgusting, because as as this investigation outlines, Trump gives hiring preferences to people with strong ties to antisemites. 1/ A short summary of what they found. It’s important. 2/ White House official Paul Ingrassia is a vocal follower of white supremacist and antisemite Nick Fuentes. At a Fuentes rally Ingrassia attended, Fuentes exclaimed ‘calling Donald Trump a racist only makes me like him more!’, and the crowd chanted ‘Down With Israel!’ 3/ Before coming to the White House, Trump official Rachel Cauley was a key defender of Jan 6 rioter Tim Hale Cusanelli, an avowed antisemite. In an one video rant, he called Orthodox Jews ‘a plague of locusts’. Cauley attended his trial for support, and sat with his followers. 4/ FBI Director Kash Patel was a key ally of Holocaust denier Stew Peters, boosting Peters’ right wing podcast by acting as one of Peters’ most loyal MAGA guests. Most recently, Peters called the Barstool Sports CEO, who sometimes criticizing Trump, ‘a filthy Jew’. 5/ Antisemitism is a problem in America. But Trump is making it worse. First, by politicizing the fight against antisemitism by viewing it as a political tool to destroy civil society. Second, by rewarding the members of his coalition that trade in vicious antisemitism.”

Other stuff

Norman (R-SC) 5/29/25: Freeze the Funds, Restore the Standards: Holding Harvard Accountable
Green (R-TN) 5/29/25: X-post – “The Biden administration stiff armed Saudi Arabia and Qatar while making friends with Iran, the big destabilizer. This caused an imbalance of power in the Middle East, resulting in Hamas invading Israel and the Houthis disrupting shipping in the Red Sea. Yet under President Trump, we now have a leader who is respected on the world stage. More from my interview with @AliciaNievesTV on @NewsNation”
Rosen (D-NV) 5/28/25: Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Solidify Sanctions on Iran, Target Regime’s Terror Financing [this is S. 1889, covered in last week’s Round-Up]
Gottheimer (D-NJ) 5/26/25: X-post – “The attempted firebombing of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv was a vile act of terror. Grateful to U.S. and Israeli law enforcement for their swift action in stopping this terrorist attack.“
Shaheen (D-NH) 5/23/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on the Trump Administration’s Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

5. Selected Media

Pining for an Era of Greater Love for Israel in Washington

Jewish Insider 5/30/25: How Congress became impotent on foreign policy [“As the Oval Office dominates foreign policy, pro-Israel advocates rethink their Congress-focused playbook“]
Jerusalem Post 5/29/25: The importance of bipartisanship – opinion [“Israel should return to its traditional fostering of bipartisan support in its relationship with America.”]

Elections

Algemeiner 5/28/25: Anti-Israel Michigan Senate Candidate Trails in Early Polling
Jewish Insider 5/28/25: Gottheimer’s path to the governor’s mansion runs through New Jersey’s Jewish community
Jewish Insider 5/28/25: Bruce Pearl rumored for potential Senate run [“The Auburn University basketball coach has become a vocal advocate for Israel and against antisemitism, speaking at a Capitol Hill event last week”]
Jewish Insider 5/28/25: Latest Lawler challenger says antisemitism helped motivate his congressional bid, accuses Republicans of weaponization [“‘I’m running for my community, my congregation and my country,’ former journalist Mike Sacks, running in New York’s 17th Congressional District, said in an interview with JI“]
New York Post 5/25/25: AOC would trounce Chuck Schumer in primary as party leader ‘bleeding support’ from Dems, Jewish voters: poll

Travel to Israel/Region

Jewish Insider 5/30/25: Lawler: Regional leaders ‘cautiously optimistic’ about nuclear talks, but ‘realistic’ about Iranian bad faith [“The GOP congressman told JI that, should nuclear negotiations fail, Israel should not have to act against Iran without U.S. assistance”]
Arutz Sheva 5/28/25: US Congressmen [Reps. Stutzman (R-IN) and Clyde (R-GA)] express support for Israel’s right to sovereignty in Judea & Samaria [“Two senior U.S. Congressmen visited Binyamin and expressed firm support for the historic right of the Jewish people to sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.“]
The Intercept 5/28/25: Fetterman Went to Israel on NYC Mental Health Nonprofit’s Dime [“The Pennsylvania senator has come under fire for skipping votes and town halls — but he had time for a first-class trip to Israel in March.”]
Jewish Insider 5/27/25: Sen. Dave McCormick, in Israel, talks about Trump’s Iran diplomacy, Gaza aid [“McCormick said his trip to Israel is a ‘show of solidarity’ during a ‘very tough time’ after killing of embassy staff“]

Israeli Actions in Gaza & West Bank

IndyBay 5/20/25: Senators Schiff and Padilla Go AWOL as Code Pink Tries to Deliver Petitions
Discourse Blog 5/29/25: Call It a Genocide, Bernie [“Sanders refuses to say what we all know to be true about Gaza. That’s unacceptable.”]
Jewish Insider 5/28/25: Pro-Israel Dems say resumption of Gaza aid will refocus attention on hostages
New York Times 5/27/25: Israeli Forces Said They Killed a ‘Terrorist.’ He Was 14 Years Old. [“Amer’s death has also raised questions about the American response to helping its own citizens. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker of New Jersey have called for an American-led investigation into Amer’s death, but the Trump administration has remained largely noncommittal.“]

Targeting Free Speech/Protest

Jewish Insider 5/30/25: Rep. Landsman: Murder of Israeli Embassy staffers was the culmination of a ‘trajectory’ toward antisemitic violence [“The Ohio Democratic congressman warns that anti-Israel agitators are becoming more threatening“]
The Chronicle of Philanthropy 5/27/25: The ‘Nonprofit Killer Bill’ Could Rise Again [“A Middle East peace expert argues the legislation will likely reappear because some in the GOP see it as a means to silence free speech.”]
Jewish Insider 5/25/25: Sherrill calls for more federal action on antisemitism following D.C. murders
Jewish Journal 5/24/25: Open Letter to AOC and Bernie – Stop legitimizing chants that call for Jewish death or expulsion. And stop torpedoing legislation meant to keep your Jewish constituents safe.

Other Stuff

New York Post 5/27/25: Ritchie Torres urges Capitol Police to probe baby-faced, anti-Israel social media star who urged support for terror suspect