FMEP Legislative Round-Up April 18, 2025

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

New:

NOTE: Congress is on Spring Break this week (and next).

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING UNRWA) S. XXXX (bill text): On 4/14/25, Sen. Crux (R-TX) issued a press release touting the introduction of the “Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism Act” aka, the “LIABLE Act.” Cotton explains in the press release that the bill “removes immunity from, and allows suits against, international organizations that provide material support to designated terror groups which commit terrorism against Americans.” The rest of the press release makes clear that the purpose of the bill is to enable Americans to sue UNRWA.

(FEDERAL ANTI-BOYCOTT-OF-ISRAEL-OR-SETTLEMENTS LAW) HR XXXX [bill text]:On 4/16/25, Tenney (R-NY) issued a press release touting the re-introduction by – along with her lead cosponsor Moskowitz (R-NY), of the “Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act,” which aims “to ban the federal government from entering into contracts with entities that support the radical, anti-Semitic BDS movement targeting Israel.” This same bill was introduced in the last Congress, by Tenney, as HR 4564 and garnered 23 cosponsors (including a grand total of 3 Democrats), The press release notes that cosponsors this time around (so far) include: Lawler (R-NY), Cline (R-VA), Steube (R-FL), and Stefanik (R-NY). Also see: Tenney, Moskowitz reintroduce federal anti-BDS legislation (Jewish Insider 4/15/25); Bipartisan group reintroduces House legislation countering boycotts of Israel (Jewish News Syndicate 4/16/25)

2. Letters

3. Hearings

May 7, 2025: The House Un-American Activities Committee — sorry, the House Education and Workforce Committee — will hold yet another kangaroo-court-style show trial  in which it will summon another group of unlucky university presidents (who based on past experience may not be long for their jobs following the event) for what–based on the experience in this committee in the last Congress–will be the modern day equivalent of putting them in stocks and gathering Committee members to publicly pillory them. All this, ostensibly in the name of combating antisemitism in higher education [for folks who want to get a sense of what these hearing are actually about, definitely take a look at some of the previous hearings in the vein from last session]. The event is entitled, “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses,” and the victims this time around are the presidents of California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), Haverford College, and DePaul University. Also see:

  • Hearing announcement, including: “’For the past few years, our Committee has played a critical role in both uncovering the rampant antisemitism on college campuses and holding administrators accountable,’ said Chairman Walberg. ‘This hearing is a continuation of this work so that we can ensure Jewish students across the nation don’t face threats or harassment in violation of Title VI. Numerous legislative options are under consideration to make certain that schools across the country are ensuring a safe learning environment for all students in compliance with federal law.’”
  • House Education Committee to hold another antisemitism hearing with college presidents (Jewish Insider 4/10/25)
  • NEW:  Anti-Defamation League praises hearing: “Thank you, @EdWorkforceCmte, for holding a hearing to address the campus antisemitism crisis. We’re pleased to see the focus is on schools that ADL’s Antisemitism Campus Report Card shows need improvement. This is a key step toward accountability & change.“

[POSTPONED – NO NEW DATE YET] April 9, 2025: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee was scheduled to hold an “Executive Session” to consider (and for sure pass) three bills, including S. 558, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S. 163, Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025.  The hearing was postponed with no reasons given and no new date announced as of this writing.

 

4. Selected Members on the Record

Re: The Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, Deliberate Famine, Israeli land grab, Etc Going on Now in Gaza

  • Torres (D-NY) 4/17/25: X-post – “The so-called Gaza Health Ministry—an arm of Hamas—has as much credibility as the health ministries of Nazi Germany or Imperial Japan: none whatsoever. The unquestioning acceptance of Hamas propaganda—as though it were the unquestionable truth—is journalistic malpractice.” Posted with a screen shot of the headline from an article published by Tablet more than a year ago, entitled “How the Gaza Ministry of Health Fakes Casualty Numbers.” Note: (1) that article was widely debunked – e.g.: The Science Is Clear. Over 30,000 People Have Died in Gaza (Time Magazine 3/15/24); X-thread systematically debunking it; comprehensive report by Airwars 7/24/24. (2) Now, more than a year after that debunked report in Tablet, it is widely accepted that Israel has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza — see: 50,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed in Gaza. This Is How It Happened, Day by Day. (Haaretz); (3) Israel is closing in on the final stage of totally annihilating and erasing Palestinian Gaza — and is literally telling the world this and advertising its intention to kill or compel to “voluntarily leave” every Palestinian man, woman, and child that remains there today — a taking point that is really popular in Israel but doesn’t play so well in the US. So yeah, makes total sense that Torres would decide that now is the time to resurrect and double down on the “LIARS!” “HAMAS” talking points.
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 4/16/25: X-post – “Cancel Culture, courtesy of the IDF” accompanied by Israeli hasbara pic of alleged terrorists killed it has killed in Gaza
  • Pocan (D-WI) 4/16/25: X-post – “Are you serious? Israel broke the original deal. Now they are bombing Gaza again. And taking land. Criminal. Netanyahu needs to follow the ICC court order and be tried for his crimes. No misdirection, @AIPAC. Disgusting what’s going on. Even you should care.” In response to AIPAC post – “It’s been two days since Hamas rejected the latest ceasefire proposal. Total silence from the ‘Ceasefire Now’ squad. Where’d you go, @AOC @IlhanMN @BernieSanders @MarkPocan  @RashidaTlaib @SummerForPA @AyannaPressley? Why don’t they condemn Hamas?“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/15/25: X-post – “For more than 550 days, Tenafly, NJ native Edan Alexander has been suffering at the hands of Hamas, a terrorist organization that shamelessly uses innocent people as human shields. We will not rest until Hamas is crushed and all of the hostages, including the five Americans, are safely reunited with their loved ones.”
  • Golden (D-ME) 4/15/25: X-post – “It was overwhelming to hear the stories of families who’ve had loved ones held hostage by Hamas for the last year and a half. They’ve endured the unbearable. It’s long past time for ALL the hostages to return home.”
  • Hudson (R-NC) 4/14/25: X-post – “Last week, I met with U.S. and Israeli hostages released by Hamas terrorists, along with family members of hostages still held captive.   Together with President Trump, we will not rest until all those held hostage by Hamas are released and reunited with their families.”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 4/14/25: X-post – “The only place anyone should stand on TERRORISTS like Hamas is on THEIR THROATS.” [in response to video of Palestine rights activists challenging Rep. Mast, R-FL over the situation in Gaza)
  • Welch (D-VT) 4/13/25: X-post – “These are chilling words from the UN Secretary General. A ceasefire agreement must be reached so immense humanitarian suffering can end and Israeli hostages can be released.” [Responding to UNSGY’s statement: “More than an entire month has passed without a drop of aid into Gaza. No food. No fuel. No medicine. No commercial supplies. As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened. Gaza is a killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop.“]
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 4/13/25: X-post – “I recently visited this site. Concertgoers killed, raped, tortured and abducted. Nova was an immersive and profound testament of Hamas’ barbarism. Imagine if the scope of that savagery occurred at Coachella.“

Re: Killing of an American Citizen by the IDF in the West Bank

  • Tran (D-CA) 4/11/25: X-post – “I urge the Trump Administration to immediately open an investigation into the killing of Amer Rabee, a U.S. citizen killed in the West Bank. This senseless bloodshed does nothing to bring about a peaceful future where both Palestinians and Israelis can live with dignity. I will be monitoring this situation closely and demand that the administration swiftly seeks answers.”
  • Takano (D-CA) 4/11/25: X-post – “14 years old. That’s how old Amir Rabee, an American citizen, was when he was killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank. The Trump administration must press the Israeli government for a full investigation. Nothing less than the truth will suffice.“

Re: Court Ruling Supporting Trump Effort to Deport Green Card-holder for Supporting Palestinian Lives/Rights

  • Mace (R-SC) 4/13/25: X-post – “One way ticket to whatever God-forsaken home he hails from. Out.” [NOTE: Mahmoud Khalil is a Palestinian refugee, so where he “hails from” is land that is now called Israel, where he is forbidden to go…]
  • Merkley (D-OR) 4/12/25: X-post – “This is SO WRONG. No one should be deported ever for voicing their opinion.   This is what authoritarian states do, not freedom loving republics.   I’ll fight for freedom. I’ll fight for Mahmoud Khalil’s release.“
  • Velazquez (D-NY) 4/11/25: X-post – “The Trump admin hasn’t accused Mahmoud Khalil of committing a crime. But they’ve labeled his speech a threat and targeted him for deportation. This is a clear 1st Amendment violation. I stand with Mahmoud, and anyone who cares about our constitutional rights should too.”
  • Casar (D-TX) 4/11/25: X-post – “Incarcerating and deporting someone based entirely on their political views is a major attack on the free speech rights of all Americans. All lawmakers should denounce this immediately. Right wing officials refusing to speak up shows how little they actually care about the Constitution.”
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/11/25: X-post – “I applaud the @WhiteHouse for their strong commitment to combatting antisemitism on college campuses! Thanks to President @realDonaldTrump’s leadership, it couldn’t be clearer: Violence and discrimination against Jewish students have no place in America.”
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/11/25: X-post – “Promises Made, Promises Kept!“
  • Welch (D-VT) 4/11/25: X-post – “The Trump Administration is setting a terrifying precedent. Someone could be in the U.S. legally, go to a peaceful protest Trump doesn’t like, and be deported for it. It goes against the very foundation of our freedom of speech.“
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 4/11/25: X-post – “Mahmoud’s case is a litmus test for the right to free speech in our country. This ruling jeopardizes dissent. Attacks on the First Amendment will not stop with student activists advocating for Palestinian rights.”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 4/11/25: X-post – “Shalom Mahmoud!”

Re: ICE Detaining Another Palestinian Green Card Holder student (as he was going in for an interview to become a US citizen), & News that State Dept Cleared Another Detained Student of Charges of Antisemitism/Support for Terror BEFORE She Was Detained

  • Tlaib (D-MN) 4/18/25: X-post – “A year ago, hundreds of brave students established an encampment on Columbia University’s campus to demand their school divest from Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Instead of doing what’s right, our country’s institutions chose brutal repression, leading to today’s ICE detentions.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 4/16/25: X-post – “Mohsen Mahdawi hasn’t been charged with a crime. He’s a legal resident and has been waiting years to become a citizen. He’s spoken out against antisemitism. And yet the Trump Administration arrested him for his beliefs. It’s a horrifying attack on the First Amendment.“
  • Balint (D-VT) 4/15/25: X-post – “Vermont is enraged that the Trump administration is sending masked men to snatch up legal residents to essentially disappear them with no evidence. Good people across this country are standing up and resisting. I don’t recognize America at this point. Release Mohsen Mahdawi NOW.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 4/14/25: X-post – “DHS has kidnapped another Palestinian legal permanent resident, solely for his noble activism against the genocide. They targeted him at his appointment to finally become a US citizen. This cruelty must end. Free Mohsen now!“
  • Markey (D-MA) 4/14/25: X-post – “Today alone: We confirmed ICE arrested Rumeysa Ozturk without any evidence. Trump committed to deporting American citizens to El Salvador. They refused to return a wrongly deported man. And another student was arrested by ICE at his own citizenship appointment. Shameful.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 4/14/25: X-post – “Secretary Rubio isn’t doing a lot of foreign policy these days, but what he IS doing is disappearing people for voicing their First Amendment rights. @SecRubio, why don’t you stop lying & picking on college students and come testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee?“
  • Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT) & Balint (D-VT) 4/14/25: Sanders, Welch, Balint Statement on Trump Detaining Mohsen Mahdawi [“Earlier today, Mohsen Mahdawi of White River Junction, Vermont, walked into an immigration office for what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he was arrested and removed in handcuffs by plainclothes, armed, individuals with their faces covered. These individuals refused to provide any information as to where he was being taken or what would happen to him. This is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. Mahdawi, a legal resident of the United States, must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention.”] Also see Sanders X-p0st.
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 4/14/25: X-post – “DHS has kidnapped another Palestinian legal permanent resident, solely for his noble activism against the genocide. They targeted him at his appointment to finally become a US citizen. This cruelty must end. Free Mohsen now!”
  • Welch (D-VT) 4/14/25: X-post – “Earlier today, Mohsen Mahdawi of White River Junction, Vermont, walked into an immigration office for what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he was arrested and removed in handcuffs by plainclothes, armed, individuals with their faces covered. These individuals refused to provide any information as to where he was being taken or what would happen to him. This is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. Mahdawi, a legal resident of the United States, must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention.“
  • Balint (D-VT) 4/14/5: X-post – “Earlier today, Mohsen Mahdawi, a legal resident of Vermont, walked into an immigration office to complete a final step toward citizenship. Instead, he was handcuffed and arrested by plain-clothed, armed, individuals with their faces covered. This is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. Mahdawi must receive due process and be immediately released.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 4/14/25: X-post – “To arrest someone under the guise of a citizenship interview that they have waited 10 years for is beyond cruel. This is a further attack on free speech — and it won’t stop on our college campuses.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 4/11/25: X-post – “We cannot allow the Trump Administration to end our constitutional rights. The right to free speech obviously includes the right to protest the Israeli government’s genocide of Palestinians. This fascism won’t end with Mahmoud Khalil. It’s a threat to all of us.“
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 4/11/25: X-post – “em>Mahmoud’s case is a litmus test for the right to free speech in our country. This ruling jeopardizes dissent. Attacks on the First Amendment will not stop with student activists advocating for Palestinian rights.”

Stefanik & Friends Public Meltdown Over Harvard Showing Some Spine (after it already complied with targeting pretty much everything Palestine-related on campus) — and demanding sanctions against even more schools

  • McClain (R-MI) 4/16/25: X-post – “.@POTUS gave Harvard a chance to address antisemitism, but this ‘elite’ university seems to think they’re above the law. NEWSFLASH: Receiving federal funding is a privilege, not a right.“
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 4/16/25: X-post – “Princeton University should have their federal funding cut until they can demonstrate that Jewish students are protected. The university has turned into a hotbed of antisemitism and pro-Hamas activity.“
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/16/25: X-post – “Today I went on CNBC to make my stance crystal clear: Schools failing to protect Jewish students’ civil rights don’t deserve a single dime of taxpayer money.“
  • Cotton (R-AR) 4/16/25: X-post – “Harvard is fighting the Trump administration harder than they fight antisemitism on campus. All that’s being asked is for them to follow the law—something any institution receiving billions in federal funding should be doing.”
  • House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 4/15/25: X-post – “Harvard—like so many schools—failed to keep Jewish students and faculty safe from discrimination as antisemitism rocked its campus. When the school’s former president testified before the Committee, she refused to condemn antisemitic mobs’ behavior on campus. Shameful.” [In response to Obama post praising Harvard for standing up to Trump]
  • Tenney (R-NY) 4/15/25: X-post – “Harvard has allowed anti-Semitism to run rampant on its campus, threatening the safety of Jewish students.  Yet, instead of taking steps to combat this vile form of hatred, they have sided with the pro-Hamas mob that is calling for the death of Jews & America.  Until Harvard takes strong action against this anti-Semitism, they should not receive a dime of federal funding.“
  • Harris (R-NC) 4/15/25: X-post – “Antisemitism has ZERO place on American college campuses. If Harvard doesn’t follow federal law, they can kiss federal funds goodbye.”
  • Hawley (R-MO) 4/15/25: X-post – “How about a 25% endowment tax. Or 50%“
  • Gil (R-TX) 4/15/25: X-post – “Time to defund. And tax that $50 billion endowment.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 4/15/25: X-post – “Harvard has allowed anti-Semitism to run rampant on its campus, threatening the safety of Jewish students.  Yet, instead of taking steps to combat this vile form of hatred, they have sided with the pro-Hamas mob that is calling for the death of Jews & America.  Until Harvard takes strong action against this anti-Semitism, they should not receive a dime of federal funding.”
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/15/25: Stefanik Joined Kudlow to Discuss President Trump Holding Harvard Accountable and House Republicans Passing His Agenda in Congress
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/15/25: X-post – “President @realDonaldTrump is absolutely right—Harvard’s tax-exempt status should be on the table. When a university abandons its duty to foster truth and safety, embracing divisive ideologies over public good, it forfeits that privilege. Time to hold them accountable!” – In response to Trump suggesting that Trump should lose its tax-exempt status for refusing to allow the Trump Admin to, i effect, take Harvard over.
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/14/25: X-post – “DEFUND Harvard.” [In response to: Harvard Will Fight Trump’s Demands]
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/14/25: X-post “Statement on Harvard’s Announcement Defying the Department of Education —— ‘Harvard University has rightfully earned its place as the epitome of the moral and academic rot in higher education. Fueled by the radical groupthink Far Left faculty, inept University leadership, donations by foreign adversaries, and proHamas terrorists, Harvard has fully embraced and tolerated the raging antisemitism threatening the lives and physical safety of Jewish students on campus. It is time to totally cut off U.S. taxpayer funding to this institution that has failed to live up to its founding motto Veritas. Defund Harvard.‘” [press release]
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/14/25: X-post – “WATCH my interview with @seanhannity on @FoxNews supporting President’s decision to DEFUND @Harvard o the tune of $2 billion for their refusal to protect Jewish students and stop antisemitism on their campus. Americans do not want to fund antisemitism! @whitehouse @potus @EDSecMcMahon”
  • Glain (R-MI) 4/14/25: X-post – “It’s simple: Keep antisemitism off your campus. I will continue to work with my @HouseGOP and @EdWorkforceCmte colleagues to hold institutions accountable. We must stand up for student safety.”
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/14/25: X-post -“‘This is absolutely the correct decision by the Trump Administration. It is the most effective way to hold these entitled higher education institutions accountable. Important statement from the Admin: “Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges – that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws,” said a department task force on combating antisemitism in a statement.‘” In response to a report that the Trump Admin is suspending billions in funding to Harvard.
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 4/14/25: X-post – “Princeton University should have their federal funding cut until they can demonstrate that Jewish students are protected. The university has turned into a hotbed of antisemitism and pro-Hamas activity.“

Defending Academia (albeit for the most part weakly & belatedly)

  • Balint (D-VT) 4/17/25: X-post – “Correct, people have been abducted and jailed for voicing their opinions….by YOUR government! I don’t know what your definition of free speech is, because it’s clearly not the freedom to protest, publish op-eds, or disagree with the government. We don’t buy this for a second.” In response to State Department through-the-looking-glass post 4/16/25: “Today, @SecRubio announced how we’re protecting and championing free speech at the State Department.“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 4/16/25: X-post – “Trump’s planned revocation of one of the world’s top institutions of higher learning’s nonprofit status without legitimate legal cause is bullshit. This deeply disturbing and blatantly unlawful action is Trump’s latest foray in his war to politicize higher education and degrade any institution that refuses to bend the knee. The nonprofit tax exemption being extended to all who fit the criteria—no matter who holds power—is part of what makes America great. We are a society where educational institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and religious groups of all stripes receive equal benefit regardless of ideology. We know this assault won’t end with Harvard, so I will be fighting back—and I encourage every single American to stand up against it and make their voices heard.”
  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 4/15/25: Did Harvard just grow the backbone we’ve been waiting for?
  • Nadler (D-NY) 4/15/25: X-post – “I warmly welcome this powerful statement from an important coalition of Jewish community organizations and strongly agree with their condemnation of the Trump administration’s weaponization of antisemitism to attack higher education and undermine our fragile democracy. Thank you to @theJCPA for leading this effort and to all of the organizations that signed on.”
  • Schumer (D-NY) 4/14/25: X-post – “The Trump administration is making unprecedented demands of universities aimed at undermining or even destroying these vital institutions. Universities must do more to fight antisemitism on campus, but the administration should not use it as an excuse for a broad and extra-legal attack on these institutions. Harvard is right to resist.”

Re: Iran

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 4/18/25: X-post – “The only purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is to create weapons. We can’t allow that or negotiate with this regime. Provide our comprehensive military support and whatever else Israel requires to destroy Iran’s capabilities.”
  • Ernst (R-IA) 4/16/25: X-post – “Last month, two criminals were convicted in a murder-for-hire scheme on behalf of Iran. My DETERRENCE Act strengthens criminal penalties for individuals committing crime on behalf of foreign adversaries on our soil and sends a clear message not to mess with Americans.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 4/15/25: X-post – “This is correct. Iran is a terrorist regime that has tried to assassinate American officials on American soil—including President Trump. As President Trump said, the only solution is Iran completely dismantling its program, or we should do it for them. Allowing this maniacal terrorist regime to threaten America and the world with a nuclear weapon is unacceptable. Those who minimize the risk of this regime are dead wrong. Just look at the hundreds of missiles Iran launched at Israel in the past year, aimed at massacring civilians (including many Americans living in Israel). Imagine how much worse it would be with a nuclear weapon.“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 4/15/25: X-post – “The great @marklevinshow is exactly right. Anyone urging Trump to enter into another Obama Iran deal is giving the President terrible advice. @realDonaldTrump is entirely correct when he says Iran will NEVER be allowed to have nukes. His team should be 100% unified behind that.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 4/15/25: X-post – “Completely agree with Special Envoy Witkoff’s statement that any deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program cannot include an enrichment capability because that is how you make a nuclear weapon.“
  • Cline (R-VA) 4/15/25: X-post – “The Biden Administration’s weak appeasement of Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, has only emboldened our adversaries. That’s why I co-sponsored the Maximum Pressure Act to lock in the Trump Administration’s tough, effective sanctions and hold Iran accountable.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 4/14/25: X-post – “Free Iraq from Iran”
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 4/14/25: X-post – “The threat of U.S. military intervention helped bring Iran back to the negotiating table. Its hobbled economy is likely to keep it there.“
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 4/14/25: X-post – “Iran has so far been the best of Trump’s second-term foreign-policy initiatives, but the Ayatollah will try to string him along on negotiations“
  • Davidson (R-OH) 4/13/25: X-post – “We’ve been asking Iran nicely… to stop funding terror through proxies (Hamas, Houthis), influence the release of all hostages held including by proxies, live at peace with neighbors, and verifiably cease its development of nuclear weapons. Direct talks are encouraging.”
  • Davidson (R-OH) 4/13/25: X-post – “Direct talks between the Trump Administration and Iran are a huge development. I joined Tony Perkins on Saturday to discuss what this means for the Middle East.“

Making Passover/Easter about Conflating Israel & Jews, Justifying Israel’s Gaza Genocide

  • Torres (D-NY) 4/13/25: X-post – “It has now been 555 days since Hamas abducted 251 hostages on October 7, 2023. We must uphold the legacy of Passover not with rhetoric alone, but through real action—by fighting for the liberation of the 59 hostages who remain in captivity. The enslavement of Jews is not merely a memory of the past; it is a brutal and barbaric reality unfolding in the terror tunnels of Gaza.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 4/12/25: X-post – “Happy Passover to my Jewish friends and constituents across the United States and around the world. Passover is a celebration of liberation from oppression — a timeless theme that resonates as powerfully as ever. The millennia-long Jewish struggle for freedom has taken on renewed urgency in the face of rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Even in the shadow of October 7th, I remain relentlessly hopeful that the long arc of history bends toward freedom and security for the Jewish people. Chag Pesach Sameach.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 4/12/25: X-post – “As we approach sundown, I want to wish our Jewish community throughout Florida and around the country a happy and meaningful Passover. Florida will always stand with our Jewish community and great ally, Israel!“
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 4/12/25: Díaz-Balart Commemorates Passover, Reaffirms Support for Jewish Communities [“…this year, Passover arrives during a time of deep pain for the Jewish community. The alarming rise in antisemitism and vitriol against Jewish people across the world and here in our country, especially on college campuses, is of serious concern and threatens the safety and wellbeing of Jewish Americans. This hatred is anti-American, despicable, dangerous, and contrary to the foundational values of our country. We must never allow the hatred and indifference that led to the atrocities of the past to be forgotten or ignored. On October 7, 2023, Israel suffered the deadliest terrorist attack in its 76-year history. The Israel-Hamas war began when Hamas, the evil, Iranian-backed terrorist group, launched an unprovoked and barbaric assault on Israel, resulting in the massacre of more than 1,200 innocent civilians, including 46 Americans. Hamas brutally kidnapped 254 hostages, including 12 Americans. Four of those Americans–Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Itay Chen, Judy Weinstein, and Gad Haggai–were murdered by Hamas. Today, 59 hostages remain in Hamas’ brutal captivity… As Israel defends itself against relentless terrorist attacks and works to bring its citizens home, Congress must remain united in unwavering support and solidarity with Israel. We must continue to demand the release of every hostage and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. This Passover, I pray for freedom–for those still in captivity, for the families grieving unimaginable loss, and for Jewish communities facing rising threats. But I also celebrate the unbreakable resilience, hope, and enduring legacy of a people who, through centuries of persecution, continue to grow stronger. May this season bring comfort, strength, unity, and renewed faith in a future of peace and safety for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for us all. Chag Sameach.”]
  • Smith (R-MO) 4/11/25: Easter Blessings [“…When I was elected to be your voice in Congress, I pledged that I would never let my faith waver. That I would not be afraid nor would I ever hesitate to stand up with conviction for the values and beliefs that we all hold dear. These are lessons I learned as a young boy as the son of a preacher, and that I haven’t forgotten to this day. One of those convictions is to stand up for God’s chosen people in Israel. These past few years have been so hard for people of the Jewish faith, who have been tested by virulent antisemitism and a culture on the radical Left that would prefer Israel to be wiped off the map. When I was first elected to Congress, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel and be re-baptized in the Jordan River. Sharing that experience made me feel even more closely connected with my faith, as I recalled the stories of Jesus being Baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist. It was one of the most spiritually meaningful moments of my life, and it instilled in me an even stronger will to continue standing up for Israel…”]

Re: the Trump Admin Convincing Bibi to Remove a Senior Official the Trump Admin Doesn’t Like

  • Cotton (R-AR) 4/10/25: X-post – “It’s not a ‘threat to democracy’ for an elected head of state to have the power to remove the chief of an intelligence service—it’s essential to democracy. And if Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost confidence in this intelligence chief, how can the U.S. government have confidence in him?” [responded to, in groveling terms, by Israeli “opposition” leader Yair Lapid: “My dear friend @SenTomCotton You are one of Israel’s greatest friends in the senate. A constant voice of moral clarity. As I’m sure you know, the head of Shin Bet is leading an investigation into Qatari payments to Netanyahu’s office and closest advisors including during the war. It is a devastating breach of our security and many of the details are not even being denied. As someone who cares deeply about national security, I’m sure you understand the severity. The Prime Minister has the right to fire him but only after the investigation is concluded.“

Re: US Collective Punishment Against Everyone in Yemen (pro & con)

  • Wilson (R-SC) 4/17/25: X-post – “MAJOR action by President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent today sanctioning the International Bank of Yemen & blocking Houthi money laundering & drying up their resources. Hope our partner Oman will do more to seal border & enforce sanctions against Houthi. I told you Trump will fix it!”
  • Garamendi (D-CA) 4/17/25: X-post – “From serving in the Peace Corps, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of hunger. You never forget the look in a child’s eyes when food is scarce. Now, a ship full of wheat is headed to Yemen—where 17 million people are food insecure. But thanks to Trump’s reckless cuts to USAID, no one will be there to distribute the wheat leaving it to rot. This is what happens when we slash humanitarian aid. This is the cost of Trump’s policies.”

Other stuff

  • Goldman (D-NY) 4/17/25: Statement from Congressmen Goldman and Smith, Co-Chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, on Antisemitic Attack on Governor Josh Shapiro
  • Norcross (D-NJ) 4/16/25: Overcoming antisemitism is a battle the Jewish People should not fight alone
  • Fitzpatrick (R-PA) 4/15/25: X-post – “Each of the 40+ committees, caucuses, and task forces I serve on stands for a real issue—and each week, I’m putting one in focus and the action we’re taking to solve it. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, I’m working every day to confront antisemitism head-on—supporting our Jewish communities, standing with Israel, and making sure hate has no place in our future...”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 4/16/25: X-post – “I am outraged—but unfortunately not surprised—that the domestic terrorist who tried to murder @GovernorShapiro and his family on the first night of Passover was motivated by hateful anti-Zionist beliefs. Since #Oct7, this ideology has fueled violent antisemitic attacks against Jews across the United States. We must all call out this hate for what it is.“
  • Moskowitz (D-FL) 4/15/25: Moskowitz, Baumgartner Bill to Sanction the Taking of American Hostages Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Smith (R-NJ) 4/14/25: Smith Welcomes Appointment of Rabbi Kaploun as U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/14/25: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Maritime Security With Key Allies Israel, Greece, and Cyprus

5. Selected Media

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

1. Bills & Resolutions

**UPDATE**:  On 4/6/25 the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions announced that it was postponing the hearing/vote, scheduled for 4/9/25, on S. 558, the “Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025“ (introduced 2/13/25 by Scott, R-SC, and having 40 bipartisan cosponsors).

(PEACE THROUGH THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS!) H. Res. 320: Introduced 4/9/25 by Schneider (D-IL) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “Encouraging the Department of State and civil society to further the Abraham Accords by encouraging peace and tolerance in education.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(EXEMPT ISRAEL & UKRAINE FROM US TARIFFS) S. 1364: Introduced 4/9/25 by Cortez Masto (D-NV), “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’.” Referred to the Committee on Finance. Also see: Cortez Masto press release – BREAKING: Republicans Block Cortez Masto’s Efforts to Exempt Our Allies Israel and Ukraine from Harmful Tariffs;

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) HR 2686 [bill text]: Introduced 4/7/25 by Malliotakis (R-NY), Stefanik (R-NY) and Tenney (R-NY), “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose penalties with respect to civil rights violations by certain tax-exempt educational institutions,” aka the “University Accountability Act“. This bill was introduced in the last Congress as HR 8914. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Also see: Malliotakis Reintroduces the University Accountability Act; Stefanik, Malliotakis Reintroduce Legislation to Impose Penalties on Antisemitic Universities; Bill would fine schools $100k or more for failing to protect religious students (Jewish News Syndicate 4/8/25)

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) S. 1317 [bill text]: Introduced 4/7/25 by Banks (R-IN) and having 3 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require additional disclosures relating to gifts and contracts from foreign sources,” aka the “Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Press release – Sen. Jim Banks Introduces Bill Requiring Universities to Disclose Gifts from Foreign Adversaries

(MIDEAST AMENDMENTS TO BUDGET RESOLUTION) This week the Senate took up H. Con. Res. 14, “Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.” Amendments offered on the resolution–listed below–include several related to Israel/Palestine and the Middle East. While none of these got voted on, they provide a useful guide to what some senators are pushing and what is likely to come up in other places.

  • (TARGETING THE ICC & UN) S. Amdt. 2221, offered by Cotton (R-AR): “(a) Point of Order.–It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report that provides funding for the International Criminal Court or the United Nations if any United Nations body has adopted a resolution to investigate Israel or any of employee of such a body participated in the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack against Israel. (b) Waiver and Appeal.–Subsection (a) may be waived or suspended in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under subsection (a).“
  • (TARGETING US DEPT OF STATE EMPLOYEES) S. Amdt. 1925, offered by Hagerty (R-TN): “The Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the Senate may revise the allocations of a committee or committees, aggregates, and other appropriate levels in this resolution, and make adjustments to the pay-as-you-go ledger, for one or more bills, joint resolutions, amendments, amendments between the Houses, motions, or conference reports relating to preventing mishandling of classified information at the Department of State, which may include legislation that would deny security clearances to any United States diplomats who have previously expressed sympathy or support for or otherwise praised Hamas, Hezbollah, or other Iran-backed United States-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), or who were involved with the Iranian regime’s malign influence network known as the Iran Experts Initiative, by the amounts provided in such legislation for those purposes, provided that such legislation would not increase the deficit over the period of the total of fiscal years 2025 through 2034.”
  • (TARGETING GAZA ETHNIC CLEANSING) S. Amdt. 1672, offered by Welch (D-VT): “(a) Point of Order.–It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report that would enable the use of the United States Armed Forces or United States Government personnel, or entities under the control of or supported by the United States Government, to undertake security operations in Gaza or for any activity or operations to assist in the displacement or removal of Palestinians from Gaza. (b) Waiver and Appeal.–Subsection (a) may be waived or suspended in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of three- fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under subsection (a).“
  • (TARGETING ETHNIC CLEANSING IN WEST BANK, GAZA, & EAST JERUSALEM) S. Amdt. 1677, offered by Welch (D-VT): “(a) Point of Order.–It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report that would authorize or appropriate funding to implement any activity, including negotiations or policy discussions, on the topic of removing Palestinians that are not citizens of the State of Israel from Gaza, the West Bank, or other geographic areas which came under the administration of the Government of Israel after June 5, 1967, given that– (1) seizing of enemy property and pillage is a war crime under section 2441 of title 18, United States Code (commonly known as the “War Crimes Act”); and (2) activities by United States officials or officers to facilitate acts of pillage or seizing of enemy property would engender liability risks under the War Crimes Act. (b) Waiver and Appeal.–Subsection (a) may be waived or suspended in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of three- fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under subsection (a).“

2. Letters

3. Hearings

April 9, 2025: The House Homeland Security Committee held a markup entitled, “Countering Threats of Terrorism and from the CCP (video).” Bills marked up/passed include HR 1327, the “Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act,” introduced by Luttrell (R-TX). From the hearing announcement: “In February, Representative Luttrell introduced the “Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act,” legislation enhancing DHS counterterrorism efforts by requiring an evaluation of the threat posed to the United States by individuals in Syria with ties to Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization (STGT). Cosponsors of the legislation include Chairman Pfluger and Rep. Ogles.”

April 9, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s held a markup to consider (and pass) a number of measures, including two related to Iran — HR 2619, “To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes“, aka the “No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act,”; and  HR 1422, “To impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in logistical transactions and sanctions evasion relating to oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and related petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for other purposes,” aka the “Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.” Also see press releases – Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Passes Iran Sanctions Bill in U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee; Chairman Lawler Celebrates Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act Passing House Foreign Affairs Committee; Baumgartner, Moskowitz bipartisan bill to Sanction Hostage-Takers clears Foreign Affairs Committee

May 7, 2025: The House Un-American Activities Committee — sorry, the House Education and Workforce Committee — will hold yet another kangaroo-court-style show trial  in which it will summon another group of unlucky university presidents (who based on past experience may not be long for their jobs following the event) for what–based on the experience in this committee in the last Congress–will be the modern day equivalent of putting them in stocks and gathering Committee members to publicly pillory them. All this, ostensibly in the name of combating antisemitism in higher education [for folks who want to get a sense of what these hearing are actually about, definitely take a look at some of the previous hearings in the vein from last session]. The event is entitled, “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses,” and the victims this time around are the presidents of California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), Haverford College, and DePaul University. Also see:

  • Hearing announcement, including: “’For the past few years, our Committee has played a critical role in both uncovering the rampant antisemitism on college campuses and holding administrators accountable,’ said Chairman Walberg. ‘This hearing is a continuation of this work so that we can ensure Jewish students across the nation don’t face threats or harassment in violation of Title VI. Numerous legislative options are under consideration to make certain that schools across the country are ensuring a safe learning environment for all students in compliance with federal law.’”
  • House Education Committee to hold another antisemitism hearing with college presidents (Jewish Insider 4/10/25)

[POSTPONED – NO NEW DATE YET] April 9, 2025: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee was scheduled to hold an “Executive Session” to consider (and for sure pass) three bills, including S. 558, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S. 163, Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025.  The hearing was postponed with no reasons given and no new date announced as of this writing.  Also see:  Senate committee postpones vote on Antisemitism Awareness Act (Jewish Insider 4/9/25)

As a reminder,

  • S. 558 seeks to codify into law, and enforce, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its “contemporary examples” that explicitly conflate criticism of Israel, Israeli policies/actions, and Zionism with antisemitism [with the targeting of such criticism the clear objective of the legislation].
  • S. 163 seeks to encourage and make it easier for students to file complaints regarding alleged antisemitism on campus — an initiative that, when coupled with S. 558, would quite literally encourage, enable, and arguably require the wholesale suppression and punishment of virtually all free speech/protest on campus related to Israel or Zionism.

4. Selected Members on the Record

NOTE: Pretty much every Senate Republican, and some House members, posted on social media to celebrate Mike Huckabee’s confirmation as the new US ambassador to [Greater] Israel. Check members’ social media accounts to see for yourself.

Bibi’s Latest Visit to DC

  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/8/25: X-post- “Under President Trump the U.S. will always stand strong with our precious ally Israel.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 4/8/25: X-post – “Any diplomatic solution regarding Iran’s nuclear program must recognize Iran’s decades of cheating, the regime’s barbaric nature and its open commitment to destroying the state of Israel.   I also completely agree with Prime Minister Netanyahu that it must include the total dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and include not only U.S. but worldwide supervision. I fear anything less could be a catastrophic mistake.“
  • Salazar (R-FL) 4/8/25: X-post – “Welcome, @netanyahu! As America’s closest ally in the Middle East, it’s an honor to have you here. The U.S. stands firmly and unwaveringly with Israel and the Jewish people.“
  • Gimenez (R-FL) 4/8/25: X-post – “I FULLY SUPPORT the democratic, Jewish State of Israel & its right to defend itself from barbaric Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Trump is the most Pro-Israel President we’ve ever had & I look forward to continuing working together to guarantee Israel’s security. AM YISRAEL CHAI!“
  • McClain (R-MI) 4/7/25: X-post – “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL ALWAYS STAND WITH OUR ALLY ISRAEL” [with pix of Netanyahu’s visit with Trump]
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 4/7/25: X-post – “Today Trump and Netanyahu talked about their plan to have Palestinians ‘voluntarily’ leave Gaza.   Let’s be clear: nothing about this is voluntary — it would mean the coerced deportation of 2 million people from Gaza and U.S. taxpayers should have NOTHING to do with it.“
  • Balint (D-VT) 4/7/25: X-post – “This is just vile. What he’s describing is ethnic cleansing. Trump truly thinks everything is for sale and sees everything in terms of real estate investments. No morality. He was always going to grab Gaza.” Responding to Trump – “Trump: If you take the Palestinians, and move them around to different countries and you have plenty of countries that will do that, and you have a freedom zone… I don’t understand why Israel ever gave it up. Israel owned it. They took ocean front property”

Targeting Free Speech / Protest / Academia

  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/9/25: X-post- “President @realDonaldTrump continues to deliver on his promise to hold these failed higher ed institutions accountable for allowing violent antisemitic mobs to terrorize Jewish students on campus. This is only the beginning of the consequences institutions like @Cornell and @NorthwesternU will face if they are not willing to put an end to vile antisemitism on their campuses.”
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/8/25: X-post – “THIS is what Americans voted for in November 2024. ACCOUNTABILITY for institutions like @BrownUniversity that continue to support vile antisemitism has arrived. I look forward to leading the charge in Congress to support President Trump’s historic efforts to defund these leftist institutions.”
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/8/25: X-post – “Thank you to the @WashU students on Capitol Hill today advocating against the scourge of antisemitism at colleges and universities. Appreciate your leadership and bravery through these extremely challenging times as higher education has failed. We are working to hold these schools accountable for their fundamental lack of moral leadership and failure to protect Jewish students on campus.”
  • office of Hunt (R-TX) 4/8/25: X-post – “Anti-Israel protestors once again caused chaos and shut down Grand Central Terminal in New York. This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House.“
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 4/7/25: X-post – “Stefanik, Malliotakis Reintroduce Legislation to Impose Penalties on Antisemitic Universities – ‘I will continue to lead efforts to rid our colleges and universities of antisemitism alongside President Trump who is delivering on his promise to hold these failed institutions accountable for their neglect and abandonment of our Jewish students. The University Accountability Act will impose penalties on universities who violate the civil rights of their own students and put their undeserved tax-exempt status on the chopping block.’” 

Challenging Israeli Policies & Actions (incl killing Amcit child in West Bank)

  • Welch (D-VT) 4/8/25: X-post – “Reports of IDF soldiers firing on Red Crescent ambulances, shooting first responders, and beating those unjustly detained are shocking for both their brutality and frequency. There must be accountability. We must apply the Leahy Law and end offensive weapon sales to Israel.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 4/8/25: X-post – “50,000 people in Gaza are dead. 114,000 wounded. Two-thirds of the casualties are women, children, or elderly people. The entire infrastructure has been destroyed. Much of that devastation has been done with U.S. bombs supplied to Netanyahu’s war machine. We are complicit.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 4/8/25: X-post – “No, Mr. President. Gaza isn’t ‘an incredible piece of real estate.’ The U.S. shouldn’t have troops ‘controlling and owning the Gaza Strip.’ We can’t take Palestinians and ‘move them around to different countries.’ We should be working to find a peaceful solution.”
  • Omar (D-MN) 4/8/25: X-post – “It is morally indefensible that our country continues to bankroll ethnic cleansing. Shame.”
  • Pou (D-NJ) 4/7/25: Congresswoman Pou Seeks Information on Death of American Citizen Teenager in West Bank
  • Sherrill (D-NJ) 4/8/25: Sherrill Statement on the Death of Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee
  • Sanders (I-VT) 4/7/25: X-post – “Republicans and some Democrats argue that criticizing Netanyahu‘s barbaric war against the Palestinian people in Gaza is ‘antisemitic.’ At a recent hearing I raised that issue with 5 witnesses, 3 of whom were chosen by the Republican chairman. Listen to their responses.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 4/7/25: Senator Andy Kim’s Statement on the News of Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee
  • Booker (D-NJ) 4/7/25: Booker Statement on Fatal Shooting of New Jersey Teen in the West Bank
  • Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 4/7/35: X-post – “This is an atrocity. Amer was 14-years-old. He was an American citizen, from Saddle Brook, NJ. How can the Israeli military possibly justify shooting and killing an American teenager in cold blood? The US must step in and stop this madness.“
  • Garcia (D-IL) 4/7/25: X-post – “Amer Mohammad Sa’adeh Rabee, a 14-year old American citizen, was shot by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. Reports say he was denied medical aid and left to die. This atrocity must be condemned and investigated. We cannot turn a blind eye.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 4/5/25: X-post – “I agree with @SenSanders: the United States is complicit in Israel’s violent and destructive war on Gaza, and I’m incredibly disappointed Congress didn’t pass our measure to block offensive weapons sales to the Israeli government.”
  • Pressley (D-MA) 4/4/25: X-post – “Limp bodies of babies and toddlers. The shrieks of fathers frantically holding their dead children. The suffering in Gaza is unconscionable, and the US is complicit. We must return to the January ceasefire agreement, halt all offensive weapons to the Israeli military, and use every diplomatic tool to save lives.“

Trump’s Nominee for New Antisemitism Envoy

  • Nadler (D-NY) 4/10/25: Long X-post – excerpt – “I urge my Democratic Senate colleagues not to provide the Trump Administration with a single vote to confirm Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism with the rank of Ambassador. The irony is not lost on me that the Trump Administration— that already contains antisemites in its ranks— is seeking to add a divisive figure like Rabbi Kaploun as its antisemitism czar…“
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 4/10/25: X-post – “Congratulations to Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun!   Rabbi Kaploun’s legacy of leadership and service has uplifted countless individuals in the Jewish community. His wise counsel is frequently sought out by prominent business and political leaders across both the United States and Israel, including President Trump.   At a time when rising antisemitism and attempts to malign and delegitimize Israel are spreading across our country – from college campuses and businesses and even here within the House – such leadership is more essential than ever.   Rabbi Kaploun will be a steadfast voice in defending the Jewish community, confronting antisemitism head-on, and holding accountable those who spread hatred and bigotry. It is a true honor and privilege to be his friend.“

Iran

Morocco

  • Wilson (R-SC) 4/11/25: X-post – “I agree with @SecRubio genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution for the Sahara. I will introduce legislation to designate the Polisario as terrorists. Iran & Putin gaining a foothold in Africa via Polisario. Connect the dots: axis of aggression.“
  • Wagner (R-MO) 4/9/25: Wagner, Schneider Host Morocco’s Foreign Minister for Congressional Roundtable on Regional Peace and Integration

Other stuff

  • Welch (D-VT) 4/9/25: X-post- “When judges are threatened with impeachment for their decisions… When politicians talk about defying court orders… When law firms are punished for who their clients are… When students are detained for expressing their opinions… We’re in a constitutional crisis.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 4/9/25: X-post – “There is no universe in which I would ever grant an audience to an extremist like Ben Gvir or any organization like yours that embraces his extremism. If you had done your homework, you would known that I have nothing but contempt for Gvir.”
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 4/8/25: Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Meets with Former Hostages and Families of Those Still in Captivity
  • Davis (D-NC) 4/8/25: X-post – “Effective leadership starts with listening! Our meeting with @aipac Political Student Leadership Summit students to discuss essential legislation strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship was insightful. We must bring an end to antisemitism and support Holocaust education“

5. Selected Media

Punishing Senators Who Voted Against More Weapons for Israel

She’s Baaaaaaaaaacccccckkkk

Huckabee Confirmation

Randy Fine, on-brand

Other Stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 4/3/25: Why are there so many child amputees in Gaza?, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor about child amputees in Gaza, now estimated to number 3,000-4,000, the highest number of child amputees per inhabitant in the world.
  • 4/1/25: Protect Students, Don’t Repress Them: The Hostile Environment for Human Rights on College Campuses, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Hilary Rantisi in conversation with Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, about the many human rights – including freedom of expression, assembly, association, and the right to education – that have been both invoked and repressed as part of the protests against Israel’s war in Gaza on college campuses in many countries and the reactions to them.
  • 4/1/25: Analyzing & Shifting U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Josh Paul, former State Department official who resigned in October 2023 in protest against the Biden Administration’s military support for Israel.

1. Bills & Resolutions

**HEADS UP**:  On 4/9/25 the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will hold a hearing (and advance to the full Senate for a vote) S. 558, the “Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025“ (introduced 2/13/25 by Scott, R-SC, and having 40 bipartisan cosponsors). As noted many times in the past, this legislation seeks to codify into U.S. law, and enforce, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its “contemporary examples” that explicitly conflate criticism of Israel, Israeli policies/actions, and Zionism with antisemitism [with the targeting of such criticism the clear objective of the legislation]. Further details on the hearing are covered in section 3, below.

Disapproval of More US Weapons Exports to Israel

(DISAPPROVAL OF US WEAPONS SALES TO ISRAEL): On 4/3/25, the Senate voted on motions to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 2 resolutions, previously introduced by Sanders (I-VT), disapproving of proposed foreign military sales to Israel of certain defense articles and services (votes that in effect were referendums on the measures themselves, which is why they are being reported as such). Both resolutions were rejected by the Senate: S. J. Res. 26 was defeated by a vote of 15-83, with 1 voting “present”;  S. J. Res.33 was defeated by a vote of 15-82 (with 1 voting “present”). Also see:

(DISAPPROVAL OF US WEAPONS SALES TO ISRAEL): Also see — Jayapal (D-WA) press release – Jayapal Introduces Legislation to Block Offensive Weapons Sales to Israel; Jayapal X-thread 3/31/25 – “NEW: @RepRashida and I are introducing bills in the House to block Trump from selling new offensive weapons to Israel, an effort @SenSanders is leading in the Senate.” Tlaib (D-MI) X-post 3/31/25: “Joining Rep. Jayapal to introduce House versions of Sen. Sanders’ JRDs to block the sale of new bombs and weapons to the Israeli government. With Netanyahu violating the ceasefire in Gaza and resuming the genocidal bombing campaign, we need to save lives and stop the killing.”

  • H. J. Res. 83: Introduced by 3/31/25 Jayapal (D-WA) 3/31/25 and 16 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • H. J. Res. 84: Introduced 3/31/25 by Jayapal (D-WA) 3/31/25 and 14 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • H. J. Res. 85: Introduced 3/31/25 by Tlaib (D-MI) and 14 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)
  • H. J. Res. 86: Introduced 3/31/25 by Tlaib (D-MI) and 14 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the report of enhancement or upgrade of sensitive foreign military related to a sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (All Actions)

Targeting Iran

NOTE: Congressional Republicans Prepare 10-Bill Sanctions Package To ‘Gut’ Iran and Punish Its Supreme Leader (Free Beacon 4/4/5)

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2505: Introduced 3/31/25 by Keating (D-MA) and Wilson (R-SC), “To require the development of strategies and options to prevent the export to Iran of certain technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2570 [bill text]: Introduced 4/1/25 by Nunn (R-IA) and 37 Republican cosponsors, “To impose additional sanctions with respect to Iran and modify other existing sanctions with respect to Iran, and for other purposes,” aka the “Maximum Pressure Act.”  Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select). Also see press release – Nunn Introduces Legislation to Impose Maximum Pressure on Iran; Nunn blogpost 4/1/25: Dial it up to 10; Jewish Insider 4/2/25: New bill aims to provide ‘maximum support’ for Iranian dissidents [“The wide-ranging bill would require the administration to formulate a strategy and specific policies to support Iranians seeking a change to the regime“]

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2574: Introduced 4/1/25 by Pfluger (R-TX) and 16 Republican cosponsors, “To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to the importation of natural gas from Iran by the Government of Iraq.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs,  Financial Services, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Judiciary.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2575: Introduced 4/1/25 by Plfuger (R-TX) and 16 Republican cosponsors, “To provide for the rescission of certain waivers and licenses relating to Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2581 [bill text]: Introduced 4/1/25 by Steube (R-FL) and 17 Republican cosponsors, “To designate certain organizations as foreign terrorist organizations,” aka the “Iranian Terror Prevention Act.”  Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary. Also see press release – Steube Reintroduces Iranian Terror Prevention Act to Designate IRGC-Linked Militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations; Steube X-post.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2614: Introduced 4/2/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and Panetta (D-CA), “To establish a program and strategy to support internet freedom and counter censorship efforts in Iran, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, Financial Services, and Intelligence (Permanent Select).

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2619: Introduced 4/3/25 by Baumgartner (R-WA) and 4 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: This appears to be the re-introduction of the “No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act“, last introduced 9/28/23 by Wilson (R-SC) as HR 5826, and passed by the House 4/16/24 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 391-34. As noted in the 10/5/23 edition of the Round-Up, that bill (and until text is available, we don’t know if this is exactly the same text) took a kitchen-sink approach to Iran and Iran sanctions, seeking to legislate a whole wish-list of Iran-related policies, including:

  • a report/certification every 6 months for the next 6 years on funds the Biden Administration returned to Iran as part of the recent prisoner exchange;
  • an annual review and report – for the next 6 years – on Iranian hostage-taking of Americans during the prior 10 years and foreign persons with responsibility for these actions, and a report on sanctions imposed for these actions;
  • barring the U.S. from granting visas to permit entry to the US of Iranian officials or their family members, including with respect to coming to the UN (in violation of the UN Headquarters agreement), and require an annual report for the next 6 years on compliance with this requirement;
  • a detailed annual report, for the next 6 years, on Iranian assets blocked by the U.S.;
  • a detailed annual report, for the next 6 years, on efforts to “freeze and seize” additional Iranian assets;
  • an annual report, for the next 6 years, on whether travel by American citizens to Iran “presents an imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of United States travelers” and whether “the Secretary of State is excercising his authority to declare United States passports invalid for travel to, in, or through Iran“;
  • submission of a detailed strategy to “deter and prevent wrongful detention and hostage-taking by United State adversaries, identifying clear United States Government policies barring the payment of ransom, an detailing plans to coorarnate with United States allies and partiers on such strategy.”.

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2658: Introduced 4/3/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and Panetta (D-CA), “To require an interagency strategy to free Iraq from Iran, and for other purposes. Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, and Intelligence (Permanent Select).

Promoting & Defending Israel & World Support for Israel

(DOUBLING DOWN ON THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS) HR 2609 [bill text]: Introduced 4/2/25 by Schneider (D-IL) and Hamadeh (R-AZ), “To promote education and training to United States diplomatic personnel relating to the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements with Israel, and for other purposes,” aka the “Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement (PEACE) Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – SCHNEIDER, HAMADEH INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN PEACE ACT TO STRENGTHEN US DIPLOMATIC CAPACITY ON THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS

(TARGETING SOUTH AFRICA) HR 2633 [bill text]: Introduced 4/3/25 by Jackson (R-TX) and James (R-MI), “To require a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa and identify South African government officials and ANC leaders eligible for the imposition of sanctions, and for other purposes,” aka the “‘U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025’’. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Hold South Africa Accountable for Supporting American Adversaries. NOTE: An entire section of the bill is focused on South Africa’s policies vis-a-vis Israel and the Palestinians.

(ISRAEL/GREECE/CYPRUS SECURITY INTEGRATION) HR 2510: Introduced 3/31/25 by Malliotakis (R-NY) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors, “To enhance counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation and training within the “3+1” structure between the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services.

(LIKELY TARGETING QATAR, CHINA, ETC) S. 1296: Introduced 4/3/25 by Tillis (R-NC) and 11 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

2. Letters

3. Hearings

April 1, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held entitled, “A Return to Maximum Pressure: Comprehensively Countering the Iranian Regime’s Malign Activities.” Witnesses were: Norman T. Roule, CSIS (statement); Claire Jungman, UANI (statement); and Dana Stroul, WINEP (statement). Also see:

April 1, 2025: The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing entitled, “To consider the nomination of: Lieutenant General John D. Caine, USAF (Retired) to be general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” The sole witness was Lieutenant General John D. Caine, USAF (Retired). Hearing video is here. Also see Caine’s answers to “Advance Policy Questions“, which includes section on Iran [“U.S. policy and our interest to deny Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, neutralize Iran’s campaign of regional aggression, and disrupt the IRGC’s destabilizing activities. The Joint Force will retain the ability to deny Iran a nuclear weapon; identify and support action against Iranian and Iranian-backed threats; and disrupt terrorist threats that endanger the U.S. Homeland and U.S. interests. The U.S. military will work with our regional Middle East partners to increase their ability to deter and defend against Iranian aggression and Israel.” and on Israel [“Israel is a model U.S. ally, and the U.S.-Israel alliance is of great importance to the United States. Enabling Israel’s security and ability to defend itself is thus a key U.S. national security objective. Achieving durable security for Israel and strengthening formal and informal security cooperation between Israel and its Arab neighbors will reduce the burden on the Joint Force and enable greater focus on threats elsewhere around the globe.“] Also see Caine’s exchange with Sen. Cotton (R-AR) over the potential for the US bombing Iran (starting at 44:54 in the hearing video), with Cotton pretty clearly making the case that he thinks it is a good idea and anyone who opposes the idea is hysterical.

April 1, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a business meeting to consider a number of nominations, including the nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey. Also see: Barrack’s written testimony; Chairman Risch (R-ID) opening statement; Hearing for Trump’s ambassador nominee to Turkey underscores chill to U.S.-Turkey relations [“Tom Barrack called Turkey a ‘valued NATO partner’ and largely steered clear of criticism“] (Jewish Insider 4/2/25)

April 2, 2025: The Appropriations Committee hosted a hearing entitled, National Security and Department of State – Outside Witness Day. Outside witnesses included: AIPAC CEO Elliot Brandt (statement, in which he lays out AIPAC’s 2025 key asks of Congress, including continued massive U.S. aid, opposition to any conditions on that aid, and more).
April 2, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a Business meeting at which, among other things, they voted (in a party-line vote, with all Republicans but one voting “yes”, and all Democrats voting “no”)to advance to the full Senate the nomination of Mike Huckabee to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel. Also see: Senate committee advances Huckabee nomination for envoy to Israel (Jewish News Syndicate 4/2/25); Senate committee advances Huckabee nomination on party-line vote (Jewish Insider 4/2/25)

April 9, 2025: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold an “Executive Session” to consider (and for sure pass) three bills, including S. 558, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S. 163, Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025. As a reminder,

  • S. 558 seeks to codify into law, and enforce, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its “contemporary examples” that explicitly conflate criticism of Israel, Israeli policies/actions, and Zionism with antisemitism [with the targeting of such criticism the clear objective of the legislation].
  • S. 163 seeks to encourage and make it easier for students to file complaints regarding alleged antisemitism on campus — an initiative that, when coupled with S. 558, would quite literally encourage, enable, and arguably require the wholesale suppression and punishment of virtually all free speech/protest on campus related to Israel or Zionism.

Also see: HELP committee press release issued 4/2/35 — the Committee “will vote on bipartisan legislation to address the continued antisemitic attacks and harassment against Jewish students on college campuses. Specifically, the HELP Committee will consider the Protecting Students on Campus Act and the Antisemitism Awareness Act.” [emphasis added]. Also see: Senate committee to consider, vote on Antisemitism Awareness Act (Jewish Insider 4/1/25)

4. Selected Members on the Record

Unhappy with Tariffs on Israel

[note: basically the complaint here is that Israel is being held to the same (arguably irrational) policy the Trump Admin is applying worldwide — thus, the ask is not that the Trump Admin should revisit this (arguably irrational) policy, but that it should hold Israel to a different policy than the rest of the world]

  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Democrats) 4/4/25: X-post – “Trump is slapping some of our closest allies and strongest economic partners with steeper tariffs than our adversaries. We’re hitting ISRAEL harder than IRAN. Trump’s fighting for his MAGA billionaires and dictators, not American workers.“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 4/3/25: X-post – “Trump placed a higher tariff on Israel, a democratic US ally, than on many of Israel’s autocratic neighbors. Under Trump’s tariffs, Israel will be tariffed at 17%, while autocratic neighbors like Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, and Morocco only receive a 10% tariff. Despite Republican assurances, the Trump-Netanyahu unholy alliance hasn’t led to the greatest flourishing of the U.S.- Israel partnership in its history nor greater Israeli integration in the region. Rather, it has been one that drastically singled Israel out on the world stage—the very act many fear most. Any policy disagreements between Democratic US administrations and right-wing Israeli government pale in comparison to this dramatic division. These tariffs endanger not only Israel’s economic prosperity, but its security and stability as well. Don’t let anyone claim Trump is good for Israel.”

Palestinian Lives & Welfare Matter!

  • Welch (D-VT) 4/3/25: X-post – “The bodies of more than a dozen aid workers in Gaza were recovered from a mass grave. Hundreds of international aid workers have been killed by reckless Israeli strikes. The U.S. can’t continue to fund human rights violations. We must stop funding Netanyahu’s war campaign.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 4/1/25: X-post – “They were killed by Israeli forces while trying to save lives. As long as our leaders continue to close their eyes and vote for more weapons, these war crimes will continue. Arms embargo now.” [linked to X-post from AP with headline/link to article: “Israeli troops killed 15 Palestinian medics and buried them in a mass grave, UN says“]
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 3/31/25: Congressman Jayapal Reintroduces Bill to Restore UNRWA Funding

Palestinian lives matter…but only when we can use attacks on them to attack Hamas

  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 4/3/25: X-post – “According to his family, 22-year-old Uday was murdered and tortured by Hamas terrorists for daring to criticize their ruthless rule over Gaza and their barbaric attack on Israel on October 7. We must stand with Israel in eradicating the scourge of terrorism.” [along with link to YouTube video published by the Free Press – EXCLUSIVE: Family of Murdered Gaza Protester Speaks Out]
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 3/31/25: X-post – “A 22-year-old Gazan was tortured and brutally murdered for protesting Hamas rule in Gaza. No outrage from the pro-Hamas radical left in the United States & no reporting from mainstream media because it doesn’t fit their narrative.”
  • Fetterman (D-NY) 3/29/25: X-post – “‘reportedly…to suppress anti-Hamas protests.’ Palestinians openly protesting Hamas: there’s truth to power. Hamas could end this by releasing all remaining hostages, but they never wanted peace—and they are a cancer that must be cut out.”

Targeting the UN & Criticism of Israel

  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Republicans) 4/3/25: X-post – “Anti-Semitic and anti-Israel voices have captured the @UN. The first step to beating them back is by rejecting Francesca Albanese. House Republicans stand with @POTUS in saying Francesca Albanese must go!” Linked to X-post by the US mission to the UN, “Today, the US sent SG @antonioguterres a letter opposing Francesca Albanese’s renewal as UN Special Rapporteur.  We condemn her virulent antisemitism, which demonizes Israel and supports Hamas. She has clearly violated the UN’s code of conduct and is unfit for her role. Her reappointment would show the @UN tolerates antisemitic hatred and support for terrorism.“

We Love The Israeli Govt & It Loves Us!

  • Tenney (R-NY) 4/2/25: X-post – “Thank you, @elicoh1, for meeting with me to discuss the ongoing need for our countries to work together in countering the IRGC & its growing influence in the Middle East. Under President Trump, America will always stand with Israel“. Responding to X-post by Israeli Minister Eli Cohen 4/1/25, “In Congresswoman @claudiatenney’s office, there is a rule: the term ‘West Bank’ is not to be used—only ‘Judea and Samaria.’ In our meeting, we discussed the need to present Iran with a credible military threat and to promote joint projects in the Middle East, as well as the mutual R&D opportunities through the BIRD foundation. Thank you for your support! We will continue working to strengthen the ties between Israel and the U.S.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/31/25: X-post – “While it is undeniably true that America has no better friend than Israel, the appointment of Eli Sharvit to be the new leader of the Shin Bet is beyond problematic. There has never been a better supporter for the State of Israel than President Trump. The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his polices will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is change course and do better vetting.” Also see Graham follow-up X-post. [Netanyahu subsequently canceled the appointment]

Higher Ed/Free Speech

  • Nadler (D-NY) 4/1/25: X-thread – “I strongly condemn former President Trump’s latest attacks on higher education cloaked under the guise of fighting antisemitism. Once again, the President is weaponizing the real pain American Jews face to advance his desire to wield control over the truth-seeking academic institutions that stand as a bulwark against authoritarianism. Withholding funding from Columbia and, potentially, Harvard will not make Jewish students safer. Cutting funding to programs that work to cure cancer and make other groundbreaking discoveries will not make Jewish students safer. Impounding congressionally appropriated funding will not make Jewish students safer. Trump’s ‘review’ is part of a larger effort to silence universities and intimidate those who challenge the MAGA agenda. It is a dangerous and politically motivated move that risks stifling free thought and academic inquiry. Make no mistake. Trump’s actions are not rooted in genuine concern for combatting hate. If Trump were truly committed to fighting antisemitism, he would not have crippled the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the only agency specifically tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws at our nation’s educational institutions. If Trump were truly committed to fighting antisemitism, he would start by rooting out the numerous antisemites that he has brought into some the highest echelons of power in the government of the United States. Let’s also not forget that Trump’s record is stained by praise for neo-Nazis, Holocaust deniers, and white nationalists—groups that openly express their disdain for the Jewish people. We cannot allow Trump’s authoritarian tactics to prevail—this is not the America we want to live in, nor is it the America we need. I call on our nation’s universities to reject President Trump’s demands and to fight back against these hostile acts. If necessary, these issues must be litigated in federal court to put an end to the illegal and unconstitutional actions taken by the Trump Administration.”
  • Britt (R-SC) 3/31/25: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Continues Efforts to Tackle Antisemitism on College Campuses
  • Lawler (R-NY) 3/31/25: Congressman Mike Lawler Demands Answers From the Jacob Burns Film Center After Refusal to Screen October 8th; also see Lawler X-post
  • Lawler (R-NY) 3/29/25: X-post- “This is a slap in the face to every Jewish student on your campus. Resign now.” Responding to New York Post X-post with headline/link to article: “Columbia’s new prez called Congress hearings on antisemitism ‘nonsense’”
  • Walberg (R-MI) 3/28/25: Chairman Walberg Statement on Columbia President Stepping Down

Torres fights to claim role of  Israel’s Staunchest Defender & Promoter

  • Torres (D-NY) 4/1/25: X-post – “Francesca Albanese, who is the poster child for the UN’s systemic antisemitism, insists that Israel is the only nation-state on earth that has no right to defend itself. Not even an invasion of Israel as barbaric as October 7th is a justification for Israeli self-defense. In Francesca’s morally inverted universe, Israel must volunteer to have its babies butchered in cold blood by the barbaric hands of terror and then lay down its arms so that more Jews can be slaughtered. Zionism is Francesca’s worst nightmare: it is the triumph of Jewish self-defense.“
  • Torres (D-NY) 3/31/25: X-post – “Anti-Israel extremists held a protest outside my office, demanding that I resign from office for the thought crime of supporting both the Jewish People and the Jewish State. After careful consideration, their request has been denied. These extremists are seen using a pole to simulate the act of beating me to death. Their chant is no less threatening: ‘Ritchie Torres go to hell. It is right to rebel.’ My enemies clearly want me dead.” [with video]
  • Torres (D-NY) 3/30/25: X-post – “Israel has been a responsible guardian of the Abrahamic tradition, transforming Jerusalem into a miraculous mosaic of religious pluralism among the most devout Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Under Israeli sovereignty, 80,000 Muslims freely prayed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the first day of Ramadan. By contrast, during Jordanian control over East Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967, Jews were strictly prohibited from even entering the Old City, let alone praying at the Western Wall. Israel’s unprecedented commitment to religious liberty and diversity in the world’s holiest city is among the unacknowledged virtues of the Jewish State.“
  • Torres (D-NY) 3/29/25: X-post – “In the span of a year, ‘The Economist’ went from declaring Israel too powerless (‘Israel Alone’) to declaring Israel too powerful (Israel’s hubris). Hubris has been the downfall not of Israel but of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Islamic Republic. The axis of terror has been built on a hubristic house of cards that has come crashing down.”

5. Selected Media

Congress & Israel

Iran

Targeting Rashida

Targeting the ICC

Targeting Free Speech/Academia

Targeting Qatar

Florida Special Election

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

1. Bills & Resolutions

Disapproving of Military Aid/Sales to Israel

S. J. Res. 40: Introduced 3/27/25 by Sanders (I-VT), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles to Israel.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S. J. Res. 41: Introduced 3/27/25 by Sanders (I-VT), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles to Israel.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S. J. Res. 42: Introduced 3/27/25 by Sanders (I-VT), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed export of certain defense articles to Israel.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Also see:

  • Press release: Sanders Announces Senate Votes to Block Arms Sales to Israel
  • Jewish Insider 3/27/25: Sanders to force two votes on blocking arms to Israel next week
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/27/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s illegal war has killed 50,000 Palestinians. Now, Trump wants to force out 2 million more to build a billionaire’s playground in Gaza. That is ethnic cleansing — and it’s a war crime. Next week, I will force votes to block $8.8 billion in new arms sales to Israel.”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/24/25: X-post – “Netanyahu has not allowed any aid into Gaza in 22 days. He broke the ceasefire, resuming a bombing campaign that has killed more than 50,000 people. Now he is threatening a long-term occupation of Gaza. NO MORE MILITARY AID TO NETANYAHU’S WAR MACHINE.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 3/24/25: X-post – “We’ve reached a grave milestone. More than 50,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza. Yet the Trump Administration continues to send more offensive weapons to Israel without congressional approval that they know will be used on civilians. Congress should vote to block more sales.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/27/25: X-post – “Donald Trump is moving ahead with more than $8 billion in weapon sales to Israel. At least 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza, more than 2% of the population. My office used to get a lot of calls about this, but unfortunately, it has fallen off the radar for too many of us. Speak out and make your voices heard!“

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Academia

HR 2446 // S. 1182 [bill text]: Introduced 3/27/25 in the House by Lawler (R-NY) and 13 cosponsors (11 Republicans plus Gottheimer, D-NJ, and Souzzi, D-NY), and in the Senate by Scott (R-SC) and 5 Republican cosponsors, “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education that authorize antisemitic events on campus from participating in the student loan and grant programs under title IV of such Act,” aka the “Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. This bill was introduced in the last Congress by Lawler and Scott: HR 3773 (drawing 29 cosponsors) and S. 3078 (drawing 9 cosponsors). This bill would legislate the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples, into law as the basis for stripping campuses of labeling criticism of Israel as antisemitism and punishing campuses for it. Also see:

HR 2272 [bill text]: Introduced 3/21/25 by Pfluger (R-TX) and having 3 Republican cosponsors, “To make certain individuals ineligible to receive any Federal financial aid under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965,” aka the “Freeze Aid for Student Assaulters (FAFSA) Act of 2025.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Also see: press release – Rep. Pfluger Introduces Bills to Strip Visas and Federal Student Aid from Individuals Convicted of Assaulting Police Officers or Rioting; Exclusive: GOP Rep. Pushes Bills That Would Strip Rioting Students Of Visas And Financial Aid (The Federalist 3/21/25)

HR 2273 [bill text]: Introduced 3/21/25 by Pfluger (R-TX) and having 5 Republican cosponsors, “To direct the Secretary of State to revoke the visa of any alien admitted to the United States under section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act who has been convicted of assault in a police officer or an offense related to rioting,” aka the “Uproot Rioting International Students Engaged in Radical Subversion (UPRISERS).”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: press release – Rep. Pfluger Introduces Bills to Strip Visas and Federal Student Aid from Individuals Convicted of Assaulting Police Officers or Rioting; Exclusive: GOP Rep. Pushes Bills That Would Strip Rioting Students Of Visas And Financial Aid (The Federalist 3/21/25)

HR 1048 (not previously covered in the Round-Up): Introduced 2/6/25 by Baumgartner (R-WA) and having 21 cosponsors [19 Republicans plus Davis (D-NC) and Perez (D-WA)], “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes,” aka the “DEFEND Act.” This bill, which is focused on funding from China and Qatar, but also has become framed in terms of stopping foreign funding that is allegedly fueling anti-Israel sentiment, was brought to the floor this week for debate and amendments, and ultimately passed 3/27/25 by a mostly party-line vote of 241-169 (31 Democrats voted “yes: and just 1 Republican voted “no”). Notable Middle East-related amendments offered on the bill include:

  • an amendment offered by Gillen (D-NY) and Ogles (R-TN), requiring a report “on Iran’s influence on anti-Israel campus protests since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023” [NOT IN ORDER];
  • an amendment offered by Gottheimer (D-NJ), requiring “universities to disclose any foreign gifts or contracts that support faculty or staff who have publicly endorsed a statement or petition in favor of an academic boycott of Israel” [NOT IN ORDER];
  • an amendment offered by Gottheimer (D-NJ), “Adds anywhere it says a ‘foreign country of concern’ to insert immediately thereafter any country where an Iranian-backed proxy plays a role in the government” [NOT  IN ORDER];
  • an amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN) to add Qatar to the definition of ‘foreign country of concern’ [NOT IN ORDER];
  • an amendment offered by Ogles (R-TN) “Adds the “Palestinian territories” to the definition of ‘foreign country of concern’.” [yes, for the sake of putting sanctions on Palestinians, Ogles apparently was prepared to classify the “Palestinian territories” as a country…].  [NOT IN ORDER];
  • an amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MN), “Amends the definition of “Investment of Concern” to include any entity that the Secretary of State determines consistently, knowingly, and directly facilitates and enables state violence and repression, war and occupation, or severe violations of international law and human rights.” [MADE IN ORDER – defeated by a vote of 4 – 404, with 1 voting “present”]
  • an amendment offered by Tlaib (D-MN), “Amends the definition of “Foreign Country Of Concern” to include any country that is defending a case before the International Court of Justice relating to an alleged violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 or their Additional Protocols or the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and to include any country the government of which includes officials that have outstanding arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.” [MADE IN ORDER – defeated by a vote of 3-410]

NOTE: The Rules Committee’s decision to make Tlaib’s two amendments “in order” [i.e., to allow them to be debated and voted on by the House — floor consideration of both amendments is here] sure feels like a Republican tactic to force Democrats into what Republicans assumed — correctly — would be a politically awkward vote, in which most Democrats would feel forced to betray the supposed principles and vote “no” on what should be uncontroversial measures, because to vote “yes” would be treated as anti-Israel and antisemitic]. Indeed, one might even wonder a key objective of giving these amendments a vote was to enable headlines like this one in the Jewish Insider: House overwhelmingly blocks anti-Israel Tlaib amendments to university funding bill.

Supporting Palestinian Humanitarian Needs

HR 2411: Introduced 3/27/25 by Carson (D-IN) and 55 Democratic cosponsors, “To restore funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Targeting Palestinians – Both Terror Orgs & All Palestinians, for Being Palestinian

S. 1159: Introduced 3/26/25 by Daines (R-MT), “A bill to make aliens who are holders of a passport issued by the Palestinian Authority ineligible for visas, admission, or parole into the United States.“ Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 1128 [bill text]: Introduced 3/25/25 by Scott (R-FL) and 5 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit any direct or indirect United States funding for the territory of Gaza unless certain conditions are met,” aka the “Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. This bill would bar any U.S. funding for Gaza (including humanitarian aid) unless the President can certify that such funds won’t benefit any FTO or anyone associated with an FTO.  It would also bar US funding to Gaza via any UN entity or office, unless the president certifies that “such entity or office is not encouraging or teaching anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas or propaganda.” Also see: 2025 press release – Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act. Note: this bicameral legislation has been introduced (with slight permutations) in multiple congresses, and dates back to before 10/7/23 — see: 2023 (HR 599 // S. 489); 2021: S. 1899. It has also been introduced as a (failed) amendment to the multiple pieces of legislation. 

HR 2346 // S. 1126 [bill text]: Introduced 3/25/25 in the House by Sherman (D-CA) and 5 bipartisan cosponsors, and in the Senate by Ricketts (R-NE) and Schiff (D-CA), “To require the imposition of sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees and other associated entities, and for other purposes,” aka the “Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary; and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. This bill was previously introduced in the 118th Congress as HR 7194. Also see:

(UPDATE) HR 176: Introduced 1/3/25 by McClintock (R-CA) and now having 19 cosponsor (all Republicans), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel”, aka the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act.” HR 176 was marked up in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/26/25, and reported out of Committee on 3/21/25, and placed on the Union Calendar (paving the way for a floor vote).

Other Stuff

(TARGETING THE ALLEGED SECRET DUAL NATIONALS IN ELECTED OFFICE) HR 2356 [bill text]: Introduced 3/26/25 by Massie (R-KY) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “To require that the statement required under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 for a candidate to designate a principal campaign committee include information with respect to whether the candidate is a citizen of any country other than the United States, and for other purposes,” aka the “Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act.” Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. NOTE: The bill does not mention Israel but yeah, sure feels like this is about conspiracy theories about Jewish elected officials secretly holding Israeli citizenship – the short title feels like a pretty clear/deliberate signal… Also see press release – Rep. Massie Introduces Legislation Requiring Political Candidates to Disclose Dual Citizenship; Massie X-post 3/27/25:  “Today I introduced HR 2356, the Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act. If we continue allowing dual citizens to run for federal office, candidates should disclose to voters ALL countries in which they hold citizenship. Thank you cosponsors @RepAndyBiggsAZ, @RepMTG, and @RepClayHiggins“. Media: Rep. Thomas Massie Introduces Bill Requiring Federal Candidates to Disclose Dual Citizenship (American Greatness 3/27/25); Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie Introduces ‘Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act’ (Information Liberation 3/27/25 – article makes pretty clear what this is about…)

(US-ISRAEL EXPANDED ENERGY COOPERATION) HR 2280 [bill text]: Introduced 3/21/25 by Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors, “To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to expand and reauthorize the United States-Israel Energy Cooperation program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Homeland Security Committee. Also see: press release – Bipartisan Legislation Reintroduced to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation; Bipartisan House members set to reintroduce U.S.-Israel energy cooperation legislation (Jewish Insider 3/21/25). Per the press release, “This legislation has been endorsed by AIPAC.”

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 2468: Introduced 3/27/25 by Steil (R-WI) and Moore (R-AL), “To prohibit the issuance of licenses or other waivers from sanctions imposed pursuant to certain authorities relating to the conduct of Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING IRAN) S. 1136 // HR 2394: Introduced 3/26/25 in the House by Wagner (R-MO) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), and in the Senate 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).” Referred to the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary. Also see Wagner press release – Wagner, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral DETERRENCE Act. NOTE: This legislation was introduced in the last Congress S. 5398 / HR 10256 [one-pager on the bill]. From that time around: Jewish Insider 11/25/24: Bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to crack down on Iranian criminal activity in the U.S.

(US-MOROCCO FRIENDSHIP) H. Res. 251: Introduced 3/25/25 by Schneider (D-IL) and Wilson (R-SC), “Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – SCHNEIDER, WILSON INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION HONORING HISTORIC US-MOROCCO PARTNERSHIP

(GIVE CONGRESS INFO ON SIGNAL CHAT/HOUTHI STRIKE SCANDAL) H. Res. 255: Introduced 3/26/25 by Meeks (D-NY) and 23 Democratic cosponsors, “Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of State to transmit to the House of Representatives any record created on or after January 20, 2025, under the control of the President or the Secretary, respectively, relating to strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and the disclosure of confidential information to a journalist on the Signal application.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

UPDATE (NO HEZBOLLAH IN LATIN AMERICA) S. 842: Introduced 3/4/25 by Curtis (R-UT) and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to counter efforts by Hezbollah to conduct terrorist activities in Latin America, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Hezbollah in Our Hemisphere Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Curtis, Rosen introduce legislation to combat Hezbollah activities in Latin America (Jewish Insider 3/7/25). Marked-up in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 3/11/25; reported out of the SFRC 3/27/25.

 

2. Letters

3. Hearings

March 27, 2025: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing entitled,Antisemitic Disruptions on Campus: Ensuring Safe Learning Environments for All Students. Witnesses were: Ms.Carly Gammill, StandWithUs (statement); Rabbi Levi Shemtov, American Friends of Lubavitch (statement); Dr.Charles Asher Small, ISGAP (statement) [Reminder re ISGAP: Think tank failed to disclose six-figure grant from Israeli government (The Forward 8/31/20] — reporting how Israeli government documents show that ISGAP “…received $445,000 from the Israeli government in 2018. That value equals nearly 80% of its reported revenue that year. A separate ministry document said the grant was for the institute’s annual seminar at Oxford University that trains professors to teach about antisemitism, as well as ‘conducting research in the field of antisemitism and delegitimization against Israel.’”]; Rabbi David Saperstein, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (statement); and Professor Kenneth S. Stern, Bard Center for the Study of Hate [and lead drafter of the IHRA definition of antisemitism] (statement). Also see:

March 26, 2025: The House Select Intelligence Committee held an open hearing entitled, Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment Hearing (Open). Witnesses were: ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel, NSA Director Timothy Haugh, and DIA Director Jeffrey Kruse. No written/prepared statements were made available. Also see:

March 25, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider the nominations of Mike Huckabee to be the US ambassador to Israel (along with two other nominees) – hearing video.  Also see:

4. Selected Members on the Record

Targeting Students/Free Speech/Protest (incl propagating insane conspiracy theory)

  • Fallon (R-TX) 3/27/25: X-post – “Evidence suggests anti-American, anti-Israel groups that spurred violent protests on college campuses last year may have even deeper ties to Hamas than is publicly known. We must get to the bottom of this and keep terrorist influences out of America.”
  • Van Duyne (R-TX) 3/27/25: X-post – “At places like my alma mater and at Columbia, disruptive student activists have purposefully created chaos on campus while supporting Hamas, advocating for violence against our ally Israel, and creating unsafe learning environments for Jewish students. I fully support the President’s efforts to remove those responsible for antisemitic, terror-sympathizing activity. Now, terror supporters like Momodou Taal are hiding from ICE despite no longer having an active student visa.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 3/25/25: X-post – “The families of the hostages are suing pro-Hamas organizations operating here in the US. The lawsuit contains a bombshell revelation: ‘three minutes before Hamas began its attack on October 7th, Columbia SJP posted on Instagram ‘We are back.’ Before the 10/7 posting, Columbia SJP’s account had been inactive for months, only to be suspiciously reactivated minutes before the 10/7 terror attacks. The timing seems too coincidental to be a coincidence. If there are organizations here in the US that had advance knowledge of the 10/7 attacks, which led to the murder of American citizens, the American people have a right to know the full truth.”

Defending Students/Free Speech/Protest

  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 3/26/25: X-post – “Massachusetts has been welcoming students and immigrants for four centuries. The footage I saw today of Tufts graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk being detained by masked officers is contrary to that tradition. Ms. Ozturk has no reported record of violence or harassment; she did co-write an op-ed about Israel, with which I disagree. I have written about my opposing view. That’s how America works. Revoking her visa because of her political viewpoint is not how America works.”
  • Pressley (D-MA) 3/26/25: X-post – “Rumeysa was kidnapped in plain sight & sent to Louisiana to be locked in the same detention center Mahmoud Khalil was sent to. She’s a peaceful protestor, grad student, & my constituent who has a right to free speech & due process. Now she’s a political prisoner. Free her now.“
  • Velazquez (D-NY) 3/26/25: X-post – “One by one, the Trump admin is going after people for speech they don’t like. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Fulbright Scholar, was ambushed on the street for criticizing U.S. foreign policy. This isn’t immigration enforcement. It’s political repression. She must be released immediately.“

Concern for Israeli Military Actions in Gaza

  • Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 3/25/25: Rep. Watson Coleman Hosts Press Conference After Israel Breaks Ceasefire, Resumes Bombing Gaza [“NJ-12 Constituent Has Lost 40 Family Members to Bombings in Gaza, Including Newborn“]. Also see X-post – “Last week, Prime Minister Netanyahu broke the ceasefire that the United States negotiated at the beginning of this year. Hundreds of Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes, including the cousin of one of my constituents, and their infant son. Today, I held a press conference to draw attention to this unspeakable tragedy, and renew calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and return of the hostages.”

Other Stuff

Barrasso (R-WY) 3/26/25: Barrasso: Republicans are Restoring Peace Through Strength [“U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about his recent visit to the Middle East…]

Torres (D-NY) 3/24/25: X-post- “Hamas murdered, maimed, mutilated, raped, tortured, and abducted thousands of innocent civilians. The Bibas children—an infant and a child—were murdered in cold blood by the bare hands of terror. Calling Hamas a terrorist organization is neither ‘racist’ nor ‘racially loaded,’ as Peter Beinart claims. The terrorism of Hamas is as glaringly obvious as the blueness of the sky.”

Fetterman (D-PA) 3/24/25: X-post – “Hamas’ leadership has the choice to free the hostages or face swift elimination. The Palestinian tragedy was designed and maintained exclusively by Hamas. This war is Hamas’ choice and my full support follows Israel.”

5. Selected Media

Israel Support & Elections

Other Stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING FOREIGN STUDENTS FOR FREE SPEECH CRITICAL OF ISRAEL) HR 2204: Introduced 3/18/25 by Langworthy (R-NY) and 6 Republican cosponsors, “To require an institution of higher education that becomes aware that a student having nonimmigrant status under subparagraph (F)(i) or (J) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) has endorsed or supported a foreign terrorist organization to notify the SEVIS, and for other purposes”, aka the “Veto Your Visas Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Press release — Congressman Langworthy Introduces Bill to Remove Visa and Begin Deportation Process for Any Students Supportive of Foreign Terrorist Organizations [Excerpt from press release – “’I commend the Trump Administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on taking swift action against Khalil. It is a privilege to come to the United States to study and learn—it is not a free pass to come here and spread hate and support terrorism. This legislation would ensure anyone here on a student visa who supports a Foreign Terrorist Organization will be deported, protecting our national security and making it clear we have zero tolerance for terrorism,’ Congressman Langworthy said in a statement on Tuesday.” Also see: US Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Deport Foreign Students Who Support Terror Groups (Algemeiner 3/20/25)

(REPEAL ALIEN REGISTRATION ACT) HR 2129: Introduced 3/14/25 by Jayapal (D-WA) and 25 Democratic cosponsors, “To repeal the Alien Registration Act of 1940.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Jayapal to Introduce Legislation to Stop Trump from Weaponizing WWII-Era Law Against Immigrants

(US-ISRAEL EXPANDED ENERGY COOPERATION) Jewish Insider 3/21/25: Bipartisan House members set to reintroduce U.S.-Israel energy cooperation legislation

2. Letters

  • [NEED ANSWERS RE ARREST/DETENTION OF MAHMOUD KHALIL] 2/21/25: Welch Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from State and DHS About Arrest and Detainment of Mahmoud Khalil [letter text, dated 3/20/25] – “On March 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States. All available evidence demonstrates that Mr. Khalil was targeted because of his involvement in political protests at Columbia University related to the war in Gaza. To be clear, there is no justification for antisemitism, whether from the left or the right side of the political spectrum, and hate-fueled violence and threats of violence should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But even a White House official acknowledged that ‘the allegation [in this case] was not that [Mr. Khalil] is breaking the law.’ The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to free speech of all people in the United States. In fact, the Supreme Court has unambiguously stated: ‘Freedom of speech and of press is accorded to aliens residing in this country.’ Attempts by the government to punish an individual simply for espousing political views it disagrees with are wrong and unconstitutional. Public statements by government officials leave little doubt as to the basis of Mr. Khalil’s arrest, and the circumstances of Mr. Khalil’s arrest and basis for his detention further amplifies these concerns. Initially, the ICE officials who arrested him apparently did not even know his current immigration status. Officials reportedly stated that they intended to revoke Mr. Khalil’s student visa. It was only after learning that Mr. Khalil was not a student visa holder, but had lawful permanent residence in the United States (i.e., a green card), that ICE agents told Mr. Khalil that his green card would be revoked.  Notably, State Department consular officials and ICE agents can and do access immigration status information in the normal course of implementing immigration laws, but it seems that no such due diligence occurred in Mr. Khalil’s case. Revoking a green card requires additional due process, but there is no evidence to suggest that the required process has even been initiated. It appears that Mr. Khalil has been placed in removal proceedings to occur in front of an immigration judge based on a personal determination by Secretary Rubio that there is a compelling foreign policy interest to deport him based on his “beliefs, statements, and associations,” rather than any violation of U.S. law.6 If such a determination exists, it appears to only have been developed after his arrest. Furthermore, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, such a determination by the Secretary of State requires the Secretary to provide timely notice to the Chairs of the Committees on the Judiciary in the House and Senate, as well as the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House and the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Senate, on the identity of the noncitizen and the reasons for the determination. So far, we understand that no such notice and justification has been provided to Congress. In addition, Mr. Khalil is eligible for release from ICE detention, but remains in ICE custody thousands of miles from his wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant. These widely reported facts suggest that immigration enforcement efforts against Mr. Khalil are designed to punish free speech and lawful political activity, rather than to enforce laws or preserve the public safety, national security, or foreign policy interests of the United States. This is precisely the type of retaliation our Constitution is designed to protect against. Troublingly, White House officials have reportedly stated that Mr. Khalil’s case is a ‘blueprint’ for more investigations into student protestors. One does not need to agree with Mr. Khalil’s political views or speech to understand that in our great nation, freedom of expression is paramount. Every person in this country has the right to express his or her views without fear of reprisal by the U.S. government. We urge you to abandon this pretextual abuse of our nation’s immigration laws against Mr. Khalil and others for expressing political views that you dislike. The failure to do so is a threat to the core freedoms that this nation was founded upon…”
  • [DO MORE TO FIGHT CRITICISM OF ISRAEL – SORRY, I MEAN FIGHT ANTISEMITISM!] 3/19/25: Meng Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Trump Administration to Nominate Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism [letter text] – “…The letter was led by Rep. Meng, a co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, with eight House Democrats and Republicans co-chairs including Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Randy Weber (R-TX) Marc Veasey (D-TX), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). In total, 62 members from both parties joined the letter. It is supported by the American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Orthodox Union, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Agudah Israel, B’nai B’rith International, National Council Supporting Eurasian Jewry, Union for Reform Judaism, and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.” Also see: Dozens of members of Congress urge Trump to select envoy on Jew-hatred (Jewish News Syndicate 3/19/25)
  • [INVESTIGATE TRUMP ADMIN CORRUPTION] 3/18/25: Warren, Raskin, Blumenthal, Lawmakers Push White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on Trump Administration Corruption [letter text] – “…Finally, unlike during his first term — when the Trump Organization vowed that ‘[n]o new foreign deals will be made whatsoever during the duration of President Trump’s presidency’ — this time, his organization is opening the door to new deals with foreign private actors while he is president. Indeed, President Trump recently expressed interest in ‘clean[ing] out’ the Gaza Strip and forcing out its people to make way for real estate developments that would capitalize on Gaza’s ‘phenomenal location, on the sea.‘”
  • [STILL NEED ANSWERS ON IDF KILLING OF AMCIT IN WEST BANK] letter dated 3/14/25: On 3/18/25, Zeteo’s Prem Thakker posted on X: “8 members of Congress are asking Marco Rubio for answers on the killing of American Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi. Blinken never responded to a similar letter. Now 194 days since Israeli forces killed her. Signed: Sens Welch, Murray, Sanders, Merkley, Van Hollen Reps Jayapal, Jacobs, Castro” [letter text page 1, page 2]

3. Hearings

March 27, 2025: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold a hearing entitled,Antisemitic Disruptions on Campus: Ensuring Safe Learning Environments for All Students. Witnesses have not yet been announced. Also see:

Jewish Insider 3/14/25: Huckabee set for confirmation hearing during week of March 24

4. Selected Members on the Record

We support — to varying degrees — Israel breaking the ceasefire (and blame Hamas for ending the ceasefire, actual facts notwithstanding), moving ahead with ethnic cleansing/genocide of every man/woman/child in Gaza!

  • Sherman (D-CA) 3/20/25: X-post – “Once again, a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth can put its socks on. The usual suspects are out in full force claiming that #Israel’s strikes this week targeted civilians – when in fact, even Hamas itself admits that the strikes successfully eliminated a number of their senior commanders, in addition to many more lower-level members of Hamas, PIJ, and the Popular Resistance Committees. Hamas could have extended the ceasefire by releasing additional hostages. Instead, they chose to continue the war they started on October 7th.“
  • Gonzalez (R-TX) 3/20/25: X-post – “For 531 days, Hamas has held 59 people, including five Americans, hostage. We must bring every one of them home. I condemn Hamas for once again rejecting American offers to extend the ceasefire by freeing more hostages. The terror group is responsible for this war and what’s happening now in Gaza. America must always stand with our ally Israel in this fight of good versus evil.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 3/20/25: X-post – “Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the missile battery part of Israel’s Iron Dome. The same defense system that intercepted these rockets. I will continue to support whatever Israel needs to confront this cowardly terrorism.“
  • Davis (D-NC) 3/20/25: X-post – “Hamas has rejected multiple ceasefire extensions and continues to hold innocent hostages—a direct threat not just to Israel’s security, but to regional stability. No nation can allow terrorists to dictate terms through violence. The U.S. and our allies must stand firm: Hamas must release the hostages and end its attacks.“
  • Kean (R-NJ) 3/20/25: X-post – “Hamas could have ended this war months ago, they could even end it today by releasing the hostages being held in Gaza for over 521 days. Israel will not rest and America will remain at our ally’s side until every hostage is returned and Israel is safe from the threat of terrorism. Let’s be clear: the only thing standing in the way of peace is Hamas.“
  • Soto (R-FL) 3/19/25: X-post – “Nearly 60 families have relatives still held hostage in Gaza. Hamas had agreed to release them and now refuses. Israel has a right to defend its people. Hamas must honor the peace agreement for peace to return to the region.“
  • Fischbach (R-MN) 3/19/25: X-post – “Hamas has rejected multiple offers to extend the ceasefire deal and FREE THE HOSTAGES. Israel is not going to stand by and let the terrorists win. I pray for the strength of the Israelis and for Hamas to free the hostages. #StandWithIsrael“
  • Hern (R-OK) 3/19/25: X-post – “Why is @AP pushing Hamas propaganda instead of demanding the release of innocent hostages, including Americans? This war in Gaza could end today—Hamas just has to release the innocent people they’ve held in brutal captivity for more than 520 days. I stand with Israel in their fight to defeat Hamas. The only thing standing in the way of a lasting peace is Hamas!“
  • Hamadeh (R-AZ) 3/19/25: X-post – “America First Doesn’t Mean America Alone. Congressman Hamadeh stands with our allies and against the terrorist scourge of Hamas.” Statement “Hamas could have ended the war in Gaza months ago by surrendering and free the hostages. It refuses to do so. America must always stand with our allies. American First doesn’t mean American alone.“
  • Moskowitz (D-FL) 3/19/25: X-post – “Hamas could end this war right now if it released the hostages held in Gaza. It could’ve done so months ago, but instead it’s brought devastation by prolonging this conflict. America must lead the world in pressuring Hamas to end this war and bring the hostages home.“
  • Barr (R-KY) 3/19/25: X-post – “Hamas could have ended the war in Gaza months ago by surrendering and releasing hostages—but it refuses. Over the past weeks, the U.S. helped broker ceasefire deals to free hostages. Israel accepted them. Hamas rejected them. The devastation in Gaza lies squarely on Hamas. Israel is taking strong action to protect its people and free the hostages. America must stand firmly with Israel—our ally in the fight against terror.”
  • Schneider (D-IL) 3/19/25: Schneider Statement on Renewed Fighting in Gaza [“The breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of deadly violence in Gaza is deeply concerning. The renewed fighting underscores once again the devastating cost of Hamas’s intransigence and its disregard for both Palestinian and Israeli lives. Hamas’s insistence on holding hostages as leverage is reprehensible. Their refusal to engage seriously in efforts toward a lasting ceasefire, despite sustained diplomatic conversations, has precipitated the tragic events unfolding now. The humanitarian toll of these renewed hostilities is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Israel has the right to defend itself and to act decisively to secure the release of hostages and to ensure the safety of its citizens. However, continued violence and instability cannot be the solution. It is imperative that diplomatic channels remain open and active. I strongly encourage all involved parties, with support from the United States and regional mediators, to urgently resume negotiations aimed at swiftly restoring a durable ceasefire so that the next phase of hostage releases can take place. It is critical to prioritize humanitarian considerations and the release of hostages as core components of any renewed dialogue.“]
  • Newhouse (R-WA) 3/19/25: X-post – “Hamas has passed on multiple opportunities to end the war in Gaza, yet Israel appears to be the only party interested in ending the violence. The U.S. has already brokered TWO deals to extend the ceasefire, but Hamas refuses to accept. The United States will continue to support Israel and their right to defend themselves and defeat their enemies.“
  • Grothman (R-WI) 3/19/25: X-post – “In the past few weeks, President Trump has brokered two peace agreements to end the war in Gaza. Israel has accepted both and Hamas has accepted neither. Hamas could have ended this war long ago but has chosen instead to prolong it. Remember, Hamas started this conflict on October 7, 2023. I stand with our ally Israel in defending themselves against terror and call on Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages and earnestly come to the table to end this war.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 3/18/25: X-post – “I support Israel’s return to fighting in Gaza to root out Hamas terrorists once and for all, especially after Hamas rejected the latest hostage proposal. Hamas will have no place in this world as a military or political entity. Full stop.“
  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 3/18/25: X-post – “Everyone wants a ceasefire to persist, but only one organization has the power to make that happen: Hamas. The terrorists must release all hostages, lay down their arms, and renounce any role in the governance of Gaza. The United States should continue to support Israel in pursuing these ends and defending itself.“
  • Rouzer (R-NC) 3/18/25: X-post – “Hamas had the opportunity to end the war months ago by surrendering and releasing the hostages, but chose not to. While Israel accepted two ceasefire agreements brokered by the United States, Hamas rejected them. The U.S. must ensure Israel has the support and resources necessary to defend their citizens.“
  • LaLota (R-NY) 3/18/25: X-post – “Every October 7th hostage must be brought home. Hamas’ brutality can’t go unanswered—they must be held accountable. The U.S. must stand with Israel and demand justice. We won’t stop fighting until the innocent are free.”
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 3/18/25: X-post – “Israel didn’t choose this war, but they will finish it. Hamas has earned every bit of what’s coming.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 3/18/25: X-post – “A: Hamas does not want peace. I unapologetically, 100% stand with Israel, and demand the release of all remaining hostages. Sending this from Israel.“
  • Kim (D-NJ) 3/18/25: X-post – “The resumption of conflict in Gaza is not the path to take. I urge Hamas to immediately agree to the ceasefire extension and release of the remaining hostages, and for the Israeli government to halt the escalation and reopen up access to humanitarian support.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 3/18/25: X-post – “Iran-backed Hamas terrorists had 529 days to release all the hostages. They didn’t. This is who Hamas is – terrorists who kill innocent babies and people in cold blood, rape young women, kidnap and destroy families, and lie. The United States stands strong with Israel. We must destroy Hamas and finally bring every last hostage home!”
  • Baumgartner (R-WA) 3/18/25: X-post – “Last month I had the opportunity to meet with survivors and family members of Hamas viscous attack on Israeli citizens. Their stories were heartbreaking. Hamas MUST IMMEDIATELY release the remaining 59 hostages, including 5 American citizens. They are not forgotten and they are a priority as America stands with Israel in the face on ongoing security threats in the region.“

We have issues — to varying degrees — with Israel breaking the ceasefire, moving ahead with ethnic cleansing/genocide of every man/woman/child in Gaza!

  • DeSaulnier (D-CA) 3/20/25: X-post – “Netanyahu has turned his back on the ceasefire by resuming bombing of Gaza and killing hundreds more Palestinian civilians. Israel should immediately heed the pleas of security experts and the international community, halt the large-scale bombing underway, and return to the negotiating table. My priority remains the release of Israeli hostages and the protection of innocent lives in Gaza, and Netanyahu’s current actions put both in harm’s way.“
  • McCollum (D-MN) 3/20/25: X-post – “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s unilateral decision to end the ceasefire and resume Israeli military activity in Gaza is outrageous. The civilian casualties from these new Israeli strikes have been appalling.“
  • Thompson (D-CA) 3/19/25: X-post- “Read my statement on the breakdown of the ceasefire in Israel and Gaza below. — Deeply concerned and heartbroken that the ceasefire in Israel and Gaza that the Trump Administration claimed credit for securing has been violated. The Trump Administration must work immediately to bring both parties back to the ceasefire negotiations, protect civilians, free the hostages, and establish a peaceful path forward.“
  • Nadler (D-NY) 3/19/25: X-post – “I am deeply disturbed by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to abandon the ceasefire agreement, return to war, and welcome Itamar Ben Gvir back into the government as Minister of National Security. This choice puts the safety of the remaining hostages, including American citizens, at grave risk, and will make an already desperate situation for Gazan civilians substantially worse. The return to war will not bring Israel greater security, nor is it likely to achieve Netanyahu’s stated goal of fully eradicating Hamas. It will bring a greater level of stability to Netanyahu’s government and allows him to continue to attempt to defer the day he faces final judgment in court. There are simply too many lives at stake. The United States must impress clearly to all parties the need for the immediate return of the hostages, a lasting ceasefire agreement, and a constant and consistent flow of humanitarian aid. Today’s actions are a step backward for all who seek an enduring peace in the region. I urge all parties and the international community to do everything in their power to bring calm and stability to the region as quickly as possible. These are necessary steps on the path to pursuing a better future for the region and, in the long-term, achieving a viable and negotiated two-state solution.”
  • Beyer (D-VA) 3/19/25: X-post – “Netanyahu’s decision to reignite the war in Gaza is a tragedy in the making. My full statement: ‘Netanyahu’s decision to reignite the war in Gaza as opposed to moving to phase 2 of the ceasefire is a tragedy in the making. Renewed fighting makes the safe return of Israeli hostages less likely, while increasing the suffering of civilians in Gaza who are already being denied basic humanitarian assistance. Poll after poll shows that the majority of Israelis oppose this course of action. It is a catastrophe that instead of working to maintain and expand upon the ceasefire they helped negotiate, the Trump Administration has engaged in ethnic cleansing fantasies and effectively given the a blank check to Netanyahu and his extremist coalition partners to restart the war. The United States must push for a next phase that puts end to the unconscionable civilian bloodshed, and sets the stage for a durable solution that allows Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security, and dignity without Hamas control of Gaza.'”
  • Velasquez (D-NY) 3/19/25: X-post – “Netanyahu is bombing Gaza again after starving Palestinians for weeks, killing hundreds & violating the ceasefire. The US can’t keep enabling this. Last month, I joined resolutions to block offensive weapons sales to Israel. We must act now to stop the bloodshed.”
  • Pressley (D-MA) 3/18/25: X-post – “After weeks of blocking food, water & fuel, the Israeli govt has resumed its bombing of Gaza—slaughtering over 400 Palestinians & putting the remaining hostages at risk. Unconscionable. The US must stop funding this genocide & use every diplomatic tool to restore the ceasefire.”
  • Castro (R-TX) 3/18/25: X-post – “I am extremely disturbed that hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been killed in just the last day. Reigniting this war does not make Israel safer or free the hostages. The ceasefire agreement that was reached in January is the best way to achieve lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. Prime Minister Netanyahu is prioritizing his own political survival while making long term peace much harder to achieve.“
  • Simon (D-CA) 3/18/25: X-post – “I am incredibly alarmed by the Israeli airstrikes launched on Gaza this morning. Humanitarian aid has been blocked for 2 weeks, and now innocent civilians and children are being killed. My heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones. These military actions endanger the lives of Palestinians in Gaza, the lives of any remaining hostages, and the ceasefire deal that is essential to ending this war.“
  • Casar (D-TX) 3/18/25: X-post – “The Israeli government has started bombing Gaza again, in violation of the negotiated ceasefire, after blocking food, water, and aid for weeks. We must stop sending offensive weapons to the Israeli government. We cannot continue to be complicit in Netanyahu’s assault on Palestinian families.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 3/18/25: X-post – “After illegally blocking emergency food to Gaza, the Israeli government launched an attack overnight that killed more than 400 Palestinians, including over 170 children. The deaths of civilians will only make it harder to reach a lasting peace and ensure the return of the hostages.”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 3/18/25: X-post – “My heart breaks for the already 400+ killed in just the last day from this senseless violence. Netanyahu reigniting this war risks the lives of the remaining hostages, innocent Gazan civilians, and any semblance of peace in the region. If Netanyahu stays, he hurts Israel. It’s time for him to go & it’s time to end this war once and for all.”
  • Jayapal (D-WI) 3/18/25: X-thread – “Unacceptable. New Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 & injured more than 500 people. Essential aid has not entered Gaza for more than 2 weeks and people are starving. Israel has violated the negotiated ceasefire. Last month, I introduced resolutions with @RepRashida to halt offensive weapons sales to Israel. We cannot allow American bombs to continue to fuel this violence. With each weapons sale, we are complicit in this war.“
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 3/18/25: X-post – “Netanyahu has blocked aid to Gaza for two weeks. Last night, he ordered strikes that killed over 400 Palestinians, endangered hostages, and broke a fragile ceasefire. Congress must uphold our laws and stop further weapons transfers to Israel.“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/18/25: X-post – “Netanyahu has not allowed any food, water, or fuel into Gaza in two weeks. Now he has resumed bombing, killing hundreds of people and breaking the ceasefire that had given Gaza a chance to live again. NO MORE MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.”
  • Lee (D-PA) 3/18/25: X-post – “Once again our timelines are flooded with horrific images of Palestinian babies massacred by the Israeli government. Israel has consistently violated the ceasefire and in the past two weeks, cut off all aid to Gaza. Just last night, they killed 400+ people. This US-backed genocide must end.”
  • Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 3/18/25: X-post – “Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has not allowed any humanitarian aid into Gaza in two weeks. Last night, Israel killed over 419 Palestinians using US weapons, paid for by our tax dollars. This cannot go on. If there is to be any chance of peace and the return of hostages, the US Congress must stop this escalation by blocking Trump’s billions in weapons giveaways to Israel.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 3/18/25: X-post – “The Israeli apartheid regime has resumed its genocide, carrying out airstrikes all across Gaza and killing hundreds of Palestinians. This comes after a complete blockade of food, electricity, and aid. They will never stop until there are sanctions and an arms embargo.“
  • Smith (D-WA) 3/18/25: Representative Smith Statement on Gaza Reconstruction Plan [“Last week, Arab leaders endorsed an Egyptian-led plan for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The $53 billion plan for reconstruction would take place over five years and covered issues including immediate crisis repair, the construction of permanent housing and infrastructure, and plans to stimulate future economic growth. There’s much more work that needs to be done before this plan could become a reality, as it fails to address details over the governance of Gaza and security arrangements for the region. However, despite its flaws, this proposal was a much-needed step forward for negotiations necessary to uphold the ceasefire and bring us closer to the ultimate goal of a two-state solution. It is critical that the Trump Administration and the Israeli government take this starting point seriously and offer constructive feedback to continue the dialogue. We must be clear-eyed that Trump’s A.I.-fever-dream of a ‘Gaza Riviera’ is an unacceptable option. Trump’s proposal would only result in the forcible displacement of over 2 million Palestinians and further destabilization of the region. We must have a path forward that can lead to both legitimate Palestinian self-governance and security for Israel. The Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction is a starting point for how we can build a sustainable peace and must be taken seriously by Israel and the Trump Administration.”]
  • Connolly (D-VA) 3/18/25: Connolly Statement on Resumption of Conflict in Gaza [“Israel and Hamas must recommit to the implementation of a ceasefire and secure an end to this brutal war. Hamas must release all hostages, Israel must stop the escalation and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, and both parties must work toward an extension of the ceasefire. The hostages deserve to be reunited with their families, Palestinians deserve to live safe and dignified lives, and the region deserves lasting peace.”]

Targeting Foreigners in the US for Political Opinions/Free Speech Critical of Israel

  • Mace (R-NC) 3/20/25: X-post – “Any green card holders present? Might need to pull an Mahmoud Khalil.” [responding to report on a protest in front of the White House against US bombing of Yemen]
  • Johnson (R-LA) 3/20/25: X-post – “As Chuck Schumer tries to sell his new book on antisemitism, remember that when my Republican colleagues and I faced the vicious protest mob at Columbia last year and called on the university president to resign if she refused to restore order and protect Jewish students—Schumer was nowhere to be seen. In fact, our House investigation found later he actually advised university officials to ‘keep their heads down’ and avoid meeting with Republicans.” [with link to video of Johnson and friends facing an self-evidently NOT “vicious protest mob” at Columbia]
  • Beyer (D-VA) 3/20/25: Beyer Statement On Badar Khan Suri [“Badar Khan Suri’s detention is a clear violation of his constitutional rights, and he must be released. Mr. Suri is here lawfully and is not accused of a crime, yet he was surrounded outside the Northern Virginia home where he lives with his wife – an American citizen – and their children, arrested by masked authorities without explanation, disappeared, imprisoned, denied access to legal counsel, and had his student visa revoked. The ‘justification’ given for these violations of Mr. Suri’s right to due process is another violation of the Constitution: a blatant attack on the First Amendment. Mr. Suri and his family are unfortunately the latest victim of President Trump’s assault on the freedom of speech. Trump has made no effort to disguise the fact that the arrests of academics like Suri and Mahmoud Khalil is intended to have a chilling effect and discourage the free expression of political views which Trump dislikes. In both cases, the administration has punished speech with frightening, extreme measures that, if it happened in another country, most of us would not hesitate to call ‘authoritarianism.’ It is authoritarianism, and while some will find false consolation in their own disagreements with the views expressed by those detained, the truth is that the horrifying precedent established by these cases may lead to the persecution of other individuals and groups with unforeseen consequences. The courts must consider Mr. Suri’s case with all possible speed, given the administration’s track record of attempting to deny constitutional rights in ways that are difficult to undo before judicial remedies can be provided. Above all, the administration must stop its assault on the Bill of Rights, and until it does all reasonable people who claim to defend the Constitution must oppose what is happening to Badar Khan Suri.”] Also see: Beyer’s X-thread
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/20/25: X-post – “DHS has arrested a foreign exchange student who had close ties to the terrorist group Hamas and spread their propaganda. Let it be known that visas are not a right, and associating yourself with enemies of the United States will result in a one way ticket home.”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 3/20/25: X-post – “Foreign nationals do not have a right to come to OUR country and try to destabilize it by doing the bidding of foreign terrorist organizations. Kick every single one out!“
  • Cammack (R-FL) 3/19/25: X-post – “‘I think we need to take a hammer to [reassess] the students that have abused the privileges that have been afforded to them to study in this country,’ said Rep. Cammack this morning on the @FaulknerFocus of the anti-Israel protests in NYC.”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 3/19/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil says he’s a political prisoner. We say to him: you can go home to Syria or Algeria anytime. You are free. You just can’t stay in OUR country.”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/18/25: If You Visit America and Support Terrorism, You Will Be Deported [“One thing should be clear: With President Trump back in the Oval Office and Republicans in the majority in Congress, pro-Hamas activists and colleges are going to face accountability. And if you are visiting our great nation and supporting terrorism, you will be deported.“]
  • Johnson (R-LA) 3/18/25: X-post – “This is very simple: If you attend the funeral of a terrorist leader who killed hundreds of Americans, support terrorist organizations, or terrorize members of your community, you are a security threat. A visa that gets you INTO America does NOT give you a right to STAY in America.”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/18/25: X-post – “The Trump administration just deported a Brown University professor who glorified known enemies to the United States, all while she was in our country on a visa. Good. Terrorist sympathizers have no right to be here.”

Targeting US NGOs & the United Nations

  • Torres (D-NY) 3/20/25: X-post – “Is the UN outraged by Hamas for starting a war that has brought immense suffering to both Israelis and Palestinians? Since October 7th, the UN’s outrage has been strikingly selective, adopting far more resolutions against Israel than Hamas, even though Hamas started the war on 10/7 and even though Hamas continues the war it started by holding 59 hostages in captivity for 530 days.”
  • Rosen (D-NV) 3/20/25: X-post – “Deeply concerned by reports of a UNHRC one-sided proposal that unfairly targets Israel and doesn’t acknowledge Hamas atrocities. The global community must push back on this anti-Israel effort.“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 3/19/25: X-post – “Just as President Trump withdrew federal funding from Columbia University for supporting anti-Semitic behavior, all tax-exempt benefits should be revoked from any group that supports terrorist organizations.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/18/25: X-post – “Let me be clear – if there is any effort by the UN Human Rights Council, which has become a joke, to create a mechanism to bring action against Israeli citizens through the UN, it will be met with fire and fury in Congress. The corrupt ICC has been marginalized and any effort to substitute a UN organization to go after Israel will jeopardize any and all funding, and any nation that aids and abets in the endeavor will face sanctions. I hope this is all bluster, time will tell.“

Israel Making Common Cause with Trump Admin in Targeting Independent Judiciary

  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 3.19/25: X-post – “This says it all. Trump, Netanyahu, and Musk — like right wing autocrats worldwide — detest the rule of law. They want to make up their own rules. We must fight back against this wave of lawlessness to protect democracy.“

Targeting the Houthis

Other stuff

  • Scott (R-FL) 3/20/25: X-post – “The United States will never forget the evil acts of Iran-backed Hamas terrorists on October 7th, 2023. Thank you, @AGPamBondi, for ensuring justice is served for the families of Americans kidnapped by these monsters and committing to fight against antisemitism on all fronts.” [responding to:Justice Department Announces Launch of Joint Task Force October 7]
  • Nadler (D-NY) 3/20/25: X-post – “The head of the DOJ’s antisemitism task force literally shared a post from a neo-Nazi involved in Charlottesville. I’ll say it as many times as it takes: if the Trump Administration was serious about combatting antisemitism, they should start by combatting the antisemitism in their own ranks.“
  • Fry (R-SC) 3/19/25: X-post – “A new task force has been created to provide justice to victims of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel. One thing is for sure, while President Trump sits in the Oval Office, there will be consequences for those who support terrorism.“
  • Frankel (D-FL) 3/18/25: X-post – “.@ADL’s new report raises serious concerns about antisemitic and anti-Israel bias on Wikipedia, a website millions around the world rely on for information. There must be clear standards, greater transparency, and safeguards to prevent bad-faith actors from distorting the truth.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 3/18/25: PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Discusses Rising Antisemitism and Provides Update on Israel-Hamas Conflict at Jewish Center of Teaneck
  • Bacon (R-NE) 3/18/25: X-post – “I’ve talked to several Israeli fighter pilots and they all told me the F-35 is EXCEEDING all expectations.“
  • Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 3/16/25: X-post – “A modern day Esther, Nita Lowey was a mentor and valiant fighter for the Jewish community, women and reproductive freedom. The first woman House Appropriations Committee chair, she was known globally for fighting for humanitarian aid and support for Israel.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 3/16/25: X-post – “Deeply saddened by the news of my friend Chairwoman Nita Lowey’s passing. A force to be reckoned with on so many issues, she was a lifelong champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship who created the MEPPA program to keep her hope for peace in the region alive and a passionate advocate for U.S. foreign assistance who worked across the aisle to save countless lives around the world. She will be missed dearly. May her memory be a blessing.”

5. Selected Media

Spotlight on Chuck Schumer

Fetterman in Israel

Other stuff

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

New:

1. Bills & Resolutions

TARGETING FREE SPEECH/PROTEST FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS

HR 2065: Introduced 3/11/25 by McDowell (R-NC) and 9 Republican cosponsors, “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide penalty enhancements for committing certain offenses while in disguise, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see press release, Rep. Addison McDowell Introduces the Unmasking Hamas Act to Strengthen Penalties for Criminals in Disguise; U.S. lawmakers look to add tougher penalties for those who commit crimes in masks (Fox News 3/11/25)

 S. 936 [bill text]: Introduced 3/11/25 by Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to apply a 6 percent excise tax on large endowments of certain private colleges and universities, and for other purposes,” aka the “Woke Endowment Security Tax Act.” Referred to the Committee on Finance.  Also see Cotton’s X-thread 3/11/25: “Today, I introduced two bills aimed at reforming the rotten culture on university campuses. First, any pro-Hamas protestor convicted of a crime should be ineligible for federal student loans, and federal student loan relief. The American people should not be on the hook for the tuition of Little Gaza inhabitants. Second, our elite universities need to know the cost of pushing anti-American and pro-terrorist agendas. The WEST Act would tax the largest university endowments to help pay down the national debt and secure our southern border.” Also see: press release – Cotton Reintroduces Woke Endowment Security Tax Act to Tax College Endowments; Exclusive — Sen. Tom Cotton Proposes Tax on ‘Woke’ Universities’ Endowments (Breitbart 3/11/25)

 S. 937 [bill text]:  Introduced 3/11/25 by Cotton (R-AR),”A bill to establish that an individual who is convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law related to the individual’s conduct at and during the course of a protest that occurs at an institution of higher education shall be ineligible to receive a Federal student loan or for forgiveness, cancellation, waiver, or modification of certain Federal student loans” aka the “No Student Loans for Campus Criminals Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Also see Cotton’s X-thread 3/11/25: “Today, I introduced two bills aimed at reforming the rotten culture on university campuses. First, any pro-Hamas protestor convicted of a crime should be ineligible for federal student loans, and federal student loan relief. The American people should not be on the hook for the tuition of Little Gaza inhabitants.Second, our elite universities need to know the cost of pushing anti-American and pro-terrorist agendas. The WEST Act would tax the largest university endowments to help pay down the national debt and secure our southern border.” Also see: press release – Cotton: Taxpayers Shouldn’t Pay for Campus Criminals

S. 982: Introduced 3/12/25 by Banks (R-IN) and Ricketts (R-NE), “A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose campus polices relating to responding to certain incidents of civil disturbance, and for other purposes” aka the “No Tax Dollars for College Encampments Act.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

ISRAEL & UAE ARMS SALES

(DISAPPROVING OF ARMS SALES TO ISRAEL) S. J. Res. 32, S. J. Res. 33, S. J. Res. 34, S. J. Res. 34: Introduced 3/10/25 by Sanders (I-VT) and no cosponsors, the first three are joint resolutions “providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.”  All four resolutions were referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The fourth is a joint resolution “providing for congressional disapproval of the report of enhancement or upgrade of sensitive foreign military related to a sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.” All four were referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Bernie Sanders introduces more resolutions opposing Israel aid, plans to seek votes (Jewish Insider)

(DISAPPROVING OF ARMS SALES TO UAE) HR 2059 and S. 935: Introduced 3/11/25 by Jacobs (D-CA) in the House, “To prohibit the issuance of licenses for the exportation of certain defense articles to the United Arab Emirates, and for other purposes“; and Van Hollen (D-MD) in the Senate, “to prohibit sales and the issuance of licenses for the export of certain defense articles to the United Arab Emirates, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.. Also see press releases: Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Chris Van Hollen Reintroduce Bill to Prohibit U.S. Arms Sales to UAE Until They Cease Support of RSF in Sudan; Van Hollen, Jacobs Reintroduce Bill to Prohibit U.S. Arms Sales to UAE Until They Cease Support of RSF in Sudan

IRAN & HOUTHIS

(PERMANENT IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 2012: Introduced 3/10/25 by Self (R-TX) and 7 cosponsors (6 Republicans plus Moskowitz, D-FL), “To provide for congressional review of actions to terminate or waive sanctions imposed with respect to Iran.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs; Financial Services; the Judiciary; Ways and Means; Oversight and Government Reform; and Rules.

(TARGETING THE HOUTHIS) HR 2052: Introduced 3/11/25 by Green R-TN) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “To impose sanctions on the Houthis for attacks on international shipping, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see press release: Rep. Green Reintroduces Bill to Crush Iran-backed Houthi Threat

ANTI-PALESTINIAN & ANTI-HAMAS GRANDSTANDING

(WORLD MUST SUPPORT TRUMP PLAN TO ETHNICALLY CLEANSE GAZA, OR ELSE) HR 1136: Introduced 2/7/25 by Ogles (R-TN), “To impose sanctions on foreign persons failing to cooperate with the United States.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on the Judiciary. NOTE: This bill was included in the 2/14/15 edition of the Round-Up as something to watch — but at that time the bill text was not yet public, so its inclusion was based on a guess. Now that bill text is public, we know that this guess was correct.  This purpose of this bill, the “Make Gaza Great Again Act,” is “to specifically ensure the cooperation of Middle Eastern states, excluding the State of Israel, in offering humanitarian entry to Palestinians from Gaza.” The bill would impose sanctions not merely on countries that fail to cooperate with a Trump-backed or Trump-led effort to ethnically cleanse Gaza, but would impose far-reaching sanctions (similar to sanctions on people associate with Foreign Terrorist organizations) on individuals representing such countries [i.e., diplomats, legislators, elected officials. Also see: Exclusive – Rep. Andy Ogles Intros ‘Make Gaza Great Again’ Act to Provide Legislative Heft to Trump’s Gaza Plan (Breitbart 2/7/25 – sorry, missed this when it came out!)

(NO FUTURE ROLE FOR HAMAS IN THE GAZA STRIP) S. Res. 72: Introduced 2/11/25 by Graham (R-SC) and 4 cosponsors (bipartisan), “A resolution affirming that Hamas cannot retain any political or military control in the Gaza Strip.” Resolution agreed to in Senate 3/13/25 without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.  Also see: Graham X-post – “Very pleased and proud that the U.S. Senate unanimously adopted my resolution stating that Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization, cannot be allowed to have political or military control of Gaza. Tonight, the Senate spoke with moral clarity on one of the most important issues of our time. Barbaric terrorist organizations like Hamas are not legitimate and should never wield political or military power.“

 

PROTECTING IMMIGRANTS/MIGRANTS IN THE US

(REPEAL ALIEN ENEMIES ACT) HR 630 and S. 193 (not covered previously in the Round-Up): Introduced 1/22/25 in the House by Omar (D-MN) and having 49 cospsonsors (all Democrats), and in the Senate 1/22/25 by Hirono (D-HI) and 7 cosponsors (6 Democrats and 1 Independent), “To repeal the Alien Enemies Act“, aka the “Neighbors Not Enemies Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

(NO ROUNDING PEOPLE UP AND PUTTING THEM IN INTERNMENT CAMPS) HR XXX: On 3/12/25, Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) announced plans to introduce “the No Round Up Act, legislation to repeal the long-dormant immigration law that allowed for Japanese internment during World War II (WWII) as the Trump administration prepares to use it as a means of mass deportation.”

 

2. Letters

3. Hearings

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

[NOTE: As has been true pretty much every week since 10/7/23, there were lots of posts from Members in support of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas; this week ended with additional tweets praising the Trump Administration after Hamas agreed to release the last of those hostages who has American citizenship]

We Support Deporting Legal Permanent Residents for Constitutionally-Protected Free Speech! (and are happy to pretend this is about Jewish safety/antisemitism)

  • Sullivan (R-AK) 3/14/25: X-post – “Senate Democrats are rallying around the terrorist-supporting, antisemitic campus protesters who harass Jewish students, celebrate Hamas, and call for the ‘total eradication of Western civilization.’ This is reprehensible.“
  • Smith (R-MS) 3/14/25: X-post – “President Biden failed to protect our nation’s Jewish students when they were being targeted and harassed by agitators spewing Hamas propaganda. President Trump is cracking down on this harassment and demanding action from university administrators.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/13/25: X-post – “Thank you to the crazy protestors for reminding us all how disgusting the pro-Hamas movement is. Sorry to all the people in Trump Tower who had to experience this garbage. May God bless Israel and may God bless President Trump. As to Mahmoud Khalil: Adios.“
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 3/13/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil is a former Columbia University student with known ties to Hamas. He has organized unauthorized protests and illegal occupation activity at Columbia since the invasion of Israel. Some Democrats’ continued support of him is extremely unsettling. Sadly, it is not shocking. Time after time, radical leftists choose to advocate for terrorist sympathizers. This should be plain and simple: every college student deserves to feel safe on their campus. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrumpfor taking action to root out antisemitic hate and violence.”
  • Green (R-TN) 3/13/25: X-post – “Exhibit A on the moral bankruptcy of Senate Democrats. This individual leads an organization with ties to Hamas that calls for the ‘eradication of Western Civilization.‘”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/12/25: floor statement attacking US universities and students [“…since Hamas’s barbaric attack on Israel on October 7 of last year, many of our Nation’s top universities have abandoned their Jewish students. Instead of providing a place to learn, they have become hotbeds of anti-Semitism, anti-American hatred, and open support for terrorism.“]
  • Cruz (R-TX) 3/12/25: X-post – “America has no obligation to let people in who hate this country.“
  • Crapo (R-ID) 3/12/25: X-post – “College campuses across the country have devolved into breeding grounds for antisemitic violence and harassment. Our focus should be on protecting Jewish students, not a pro-terrorist foreign national agitator.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 3/12/25: X-post – “Harassing Jewish-American students on college campuses because of anger towards Israel’s policies is anti-Semitism. It is racism. It is hate.“
  • Moody (R-FL) 3/12/25: X-post – “The difference is clear as day: Republicans are fighting to free the American hostages. Democrats are fighting for a terrorist-supporting, anti-American, student agitator with a green card.”
  • Lee (R-UT) 3/12/25: X-post – Gif with the statement on it: “Fight for Americans? The best I can do is the Palestinian guy who wants to destroy western civilization” [in response post by Senate Judiciary Democrats in support of Mahmoud Khalil]
  • Senate Judiciary Republicans 3/12/25: X-thread – “Reports overwhelmingly indicate Mahmoud Khalil is a Hamas sympathizer who espouses violent, anti-American views. Here’s the shocking reality of who Democrats are defending. THREAD Khalil is a senior activist for the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) student organization. He was CUAD’s ‘lead negotiator’ during the @Columbia protests, which caused multiple injuries, property damage and rampant harassment of Jewish students. Khalil’s CUAD group has called for the ‘total eradication of Western civilization.’ Khalil’s CUAD group publicly supported arsonist Casey Goonan. Goonan is accused of lighting a police car on fire at UC Berkely in protest of the U.S.’s support for Israel’s military operations. By all accounts, Khalil has stoked hatred for America and actively supported a group that foments violence and destruction on U.S. soil. Yet, Democrats continue to stand by him.”
  • Tillis (R-NC) 3/12/25: X-post – “Democrats openly embracing pro-Hamas protestors who want to destroy Western Civilization. Not gonna happen under Trump’s watch.”
  • Scott (R-SC) 3/12/25: X-post – “Yet again, Democrats choose to defend pro-terrorist, antisemitic foreign nationals over the safety and interests of the American people. Disgusting.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 3/12/25: X-post – “We don’t sympathize with terrorist supporters here in the land of the free.”
  • Barrasso (R-WY) 3/12/25: X-post – “President Trump is putting an end to the anti-Jewish protests that the previous administration allowed to infect college campuses.   These hateful protestors terrorized Jewish students and pushed pro-Hamas propaganda. They must be held accountable.“
  • Senate Republicans 3/11/25: X-post – “Sen. Durbin and @JudiciaryDems are more focused on supporting pro-Hamas foreigners than standing up for American citizens. It’s indefensible.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 3/11/25: X-post – “Democrats’ support of terrorist sympathizers is disgusting. If this guy hates America and proudly aligns himself with terrorists, why does he want to be in the United States in the first place?“
  • Scott (R-SC) 3/11/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest is a step towards combating the pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic agendas spreading on our college campuses.  @POTUS’s commitment to holding these extremists accountable demonstrates real leadership and true commitment in standing with Israel and protecting American values.“
  • Senate Republicans 3/11/25: X-post – “Translation: Senate Democrats are siding with pro-Hamas protestors.” [responding to Schumer, D-NY, X-post attacking Mahmoud Khalil’s political views but defending his rights under US rule of law and the Constitution]
  • Senate Republicans 3/11/25: X-post – “Yesterday, Senator Durbin said hate against Jewish Americans ‘must be condemned.’ And then @SenatorDurbin and @JudiciaryDems called for releasing a pro-Hamas campus protestor who has harassed Jews. Moral bankruptcy.”
  • Senate Republicans 3/11/25: X-post – “Sen. Durbin and @JudiciaryDems are more focused on supporting pro-Hamas foreigners than standing up for American citizens. It’s indefensible.“
  • Senate Republicans 3/11/25: X-post – “Democrats like @SenatorDurbin voted for an arms embargo against Israel. Now, they want to release the campus Hamas protestors who are causing chaos across the country. Senator Durbin is radically anti-Israel.”
  • Johnson (R-LA) 3/11/25: X-post – “If you are in America on a student visa, and you’re an aspiring young terrorist, who wants to prey upon your Jewish classmates, you’re going home. We will arrest you and send you back to where you belong.” [with video]
  • Owens (R-UT) 3/10/25: X-post – “This individual—who used to work for the Hamas wing of the UN—violated America’s laws and spat at American hospitality. Good riddance.“
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/10/25: X-post – “Federal law enforcement should investigate any student in the United States on a visa who has supported Hamas since October 7.”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 3/10/25: X-post – “Promises Made, Promises Kept. Antisemitism has no place anywhere in the United States. This would have never been possible without President Trump and AG Bondi’s leadership.” Linked to White House X-post, “‘We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again.’ –President Donald J. Trump “, with pic of Mahmoud with the words, “Shalom Mahmoud”
  • Self (R-TX) 3/10/25: X-post – “We finally have a President who doesn’t back down. Thank you President Trump and @SecRubio. SEND MAHMOUD home!”; re-posted by HFAC/GOP account with comment – “SEND MAHMOUD home!!!” [note that Mahmoud — besides being a legal permanent US resident married to a US citizen and about to become the father of a US citizen — is a Palestinian born in Syria – so not a Syrian citizen and cannot go home to Palestine because…]
  • Mast (R-FL) 3/10/25: Chairman Mast Issues Statement in Support of Trump Administration’s Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/10/25: X-post – “The left puts terrorists before citizens. Khalil’s activism propped up terrorist organizations who wish ill on our country. Is this who Democrats want freed?“
  • Cruz (R-TX) 3/11/25: X-post – “Serious Q: if you are a Jewish Democrat, are you happy that Senate Dems are ALL IN in support of pro-Hamas protestors?“
  • Harris (R-NC) 3/10/25: X-post – “Deport every Hamas sympathizer.“
  • Tuberville (R-AL) 3/10/25: X-post – “Federal law bans terrorists or terrorist sympathizers from entering the U.S. If foreign nationals support Hamas, then they should get out of our country and go to Gaza. Don’t let the door hit you.”
  • Van Duyne (R-TX) 3/10/25: X-post – “I fully support the Trump Administration’s crackdown on universities that allow antisemitism to fester. We’re working to deport Hamas supporters here on visas and use the power of the purse to force universities to protect all students’ civil rights“
  • Babin (R-TX) 3/10/25: X-post – “No more free passes for Hamas sympathizers. Stand with terrorists? Then say goodbye to your visa and hello to a one-way ticket to Gaza.”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 3/10/25: X-post – “Shalom Mahmoud” [with screenshot of Trump post welcoming/justifying the detention and planned deportation]
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/10/25: X-post – “Colleges and students on visas are on notice – we will revoke your funding and deport you to Gaza if you support terrorism.”
  • Mullin (R-OK) 3/9/25: X-post – “Obtaining a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. Friends of Hamas—don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 3/7/25: X-post – “A green card or student visa does not give individuals the right to break our laws, harass our students, and openly sympathize with terrorists. I commend Secretary Rubio for taking swift action and revoking the visas of those involved in criminal activity.“
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 3/7/25: X-post – “Thank you, @SecRubio, let’s keep it coming! I’ve long called for revoking visas of students who support terrorist groups like Hamas.”

We Oppose Deporting Green Card Holders for Constitutionally-Protected Free Speech is Not OK! (even as many of us feel compelled to distance ourselves from and denigrate this particular free speech)

  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/12/25: X-post – “No, Mr. President, you cannot illegally arrest and detain legal US residents because of their political views or opinions. In America, we have a little something called the First Amendment. Throwing protesters in jail is yet another step on the path to authoritarianism.“
  • Murphy (D-CT) 3/11/25: X-post – “There is a young man in jail today for protesting at his college. No charges. No criminal conduct. In dictatorships, they call this ‘a disappearance’. I want to tell you why this case should matter to you, even if you strongly disagree with what he said or did.” MUST WATCH VIDEO
  • House Judiciary Democrats/Ranking Member Raskin (D-MD) 3/11/25: X-post – ““The Constitution guarantees that everyone in our country enjoys the protection of the First Amendment, including the right to speak freely without fear of retribution by the government. We cannot allow this nation to slide into a system of presidential authoritarianism, where people are seized at their homes, arrested, and detained simply for expressing disfavored political viewpoints.  The detention of Mahmoud Khalil is ripped straight from the authoritarian playbook. His arrest sets an extremely dangerous and chilling precedent from an administration that is hellbent on wielding fear and intimidation as weapons to crush political dissent. All Americans, including those who strongly disagree with Khalil’s speech, should be outraged by this brazen attack on our fundamental freedoms.  Meanwhile, House Republicans—even those among them who so valiantly decry censorship and government infringement on free speech—have now turned silent as Trump tramples the First Amendment. In their silence they too are complicit in this shocking assault on our right to speak freely.  Trump is at war with the Constitution. His lawlessness is a threat to our freedom. I am closely monitoring the situation.”
  • Schumer (D-NY) 3/11/25: X-post – “I abhor many of the opinions and policies that Mahmoud Khalil holds and supports, and have made my criticism of the antisemitic actions at Columbia loudly known. Mr. Khalil is also legal permanent resident here, and his wife, who is 8-months pregnant, is an American citizen. While he may well be in violation of various campus rules regarding how the protests were conducted last year, that is a matter for the university to pursue, and I have encouraged them to be much more robust in how they combat antisemitism and maintain a harassment-free campus that protects the safety and security of Jewish and other students. The Trump administration’s DHS must articulate any criminal charges or facts that would justify his detention or the initiation of deportation proceedings against him. If the administration cannot prove he has violated any criminal law to justify taking this severe action and is doing it for the opinions he has expressed, then that is wrong, they are violating the First Amendment protections we all enjoy and should drop their wrongheaded action.”
  • Smith (D-WA) 3/11/25: X-post – “The detention of Mahmoud Khalil is a deeply troubling attack on free speech. I have expressed concerns about protests that cross the line into threats, intimidation and criminal acts and I stand by that. But Khalil committed no crime. He shouldn’t be locked up for expressing his political views.“
  • Senate Judiciary Committee (Democrats) 3/10/25: X-thread – “Just to recap… Mahmoud Khalil exercises his First Amendment rights. But, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio didn’t agree with what he said. A THREAD. So, ICE arrests Mahmoud, claiming his ‘visa’ was revoked. But, Mahmoud explains he’s *not* on a visa, but is a lawful permanent resident with a green card. ICE arrests and detains him anyway. Then, Marco Rubio announces that green card holders will be deported too. His pregnant wife—an American citizen—currently has no idea where he is. This should terrify everyone.”
  • Nadler (D-NY) 3/10/25: X-post – “I am monitoring the situation regarding the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and look forward to receiving additional information regarding the specifics of this case. But let’s be clear: The warrantless arrest of any legal permanent resident seemingly solely over their speech is a chilling, McCarthyesque action in response to the exercise of first amendment rights to free speech. Such action is a frightening violation of immigration law that will not make Jewish students safer on campus and will only feed the Trump Administration’s political war on education and hollow lip service on discrimination against minorities. If the Trump White House were serious about rooting out antisemitism in America, they should start with their own Administration.”
  • Durbin (D-IL) 3/10/25: X-post – “Detaining a recent grad student for exercising his right to free speech is something we’d expect from Russia—NOT AMERICA. Punishing speech by revoking legal immigration status is dangerous.“
  • Senate Judiciary Committee (Democrats) 3/10/25: X-post – “Free Mahmoud Khalil.“
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 3/10/25: X-post – “If the federal government can disappear a legal US permanent resident without reason or warrant, then they can disappear US citizens too. Anyone – left, right, or center – who has highlighted the importance of constitutional rights + free speech should be sounding the alarm now.”
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 3/10/25: “Mahmoud Khalil is a legal permanent resident whose wife, an American citizen, is eight months pregnant. To the extent his actions were inconsistent with Columbia University policy and created an unacceptable hostile academic environment for Jewish students and others, there is a serious university disciplinary process that can handle the matter. In the context of the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, DHS must produce facts and evidence of criminal activity. Absent evidence of a crime, such as providing material support for a terrorist organization, the actions undertaken by the Trump administration are wildly inconsistent with the United States Constitution. A judge has blocked this egregious removal pending further action and, along with Attorney General Letitia James, we will continue monitoring this developing situation closely.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 3/10/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil is a permanent legal resident who is entitled to First Amendment protections like everyone in this country. If Trump starts illegally revoking green cards from people because he doesn’t like their speech, we’re on the path to full-blown authoritarianism.“
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) 3/10/25: X-post – “Violating rule of law, actually. You are shredding the Constitution of the United States to go after political enemies. Seizing a person without reason or warrant and denying them access to their lawyer is un-American and tyrannical. Anyone celebrating this should be ashamed.” [responding to X-post by Katie Miller (wife of Trump Admin official Stephen Miller) posting that the arest of Mahmoud Khalil is “Law Enforcement enforcing the rule of law.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 3/10/25: X-post – “Free Mahmoud Khalil. This is straight out of the fascist playbook. Criminalizing dissent is an assault on our First Amendment and freedom of speech. Revoking someone’s green card for expressing their political opinion is illegal. Protesting genocide is not a crime.”
  • Lee (D-PA) 3/9/25: X-post – “Kidnapping an activist and jailing him in the middle of the night is a brazen act of authoritarianism. Punishing dissent by revoking legal status is a dangerous precedent to set.”
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 3/9/25: X-post – “The Trump admin is going after students who have used their first amendment, Constitutional rights. This is unacceptable. Deporting legal residents solely for expressing their political opinions is a violation of free speech rights. Who’s next? Citizens?“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 3/9/25: X-post – “Criminalizing dissent is part of the authoritarian playbook. And it is being followed step by step by the Trump Administration. We should all be alarmed and standing opposed, because authoritarianism thrives when we surrender our right to dissent.”

Targeting Universities (Ostensibly Over Antisemitism)

  • Owens (R-UT) 3/14/25: X-post – “Columbia expels ‘some’ students who occupied campus buildings on behalf of Hamas. A good start, but more expulsions need to follow.“
  • Green (R-TN) 3/10/25: X-post – “Far-left university boards when they figure out they can’t support Hamas and receive taxpayer dollars at the same time.” [with gif of crying man]
  • Scott (R-FL) 3/8/25: X-thread – “Thanks to President Trump, our higher education institutions are finally being held accountable for their disgusting toleration of violent antisemites and terrorist sympathizers. I was glad to hear he is canceling $400M to @Columbia. Here’s a thread of where he should look next – @UCBerkeley allowed literal turmoil, as Jewish students were scared to go to class, let alone step on campus. Jewish professors and students were targeted, and campus clubs banned and shut down any pro-Israel speakers. | @NorthwesternU allowed an encampment to take over campus, and as the violence erupted, the university negotiated instead of holding them accountable. When Congress questioned the president as to why he made this decision, he defended it. Disgusting. | .@GWtweets in Washington, D.C., was no better. I went myself and saw courageous Jewish students standing up to Hamas sympathizers as they took over the streets and disrupted campus for days before the university finally acted. These schools – and any others like them that allowed this hatred and targeting of Jewish students to take place – must be investigated and punished so this NEVER happens again.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 3/7/25: X-post – “Pres. Trump is right to cancel this federal funding for @Columbia and any higher ed institution that refuses to enforce the law on campus, allowing hate-filled, anti-Israel mobs to take over. Proud to lead the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act to make this law.”
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 3/7/25: X-post – “As a former U.S. Attorney, I know the Biden Administration should have prosecuted the violent, disruptive, and pro-terrorist agitators who have illegally occupied college campuses since the October 7 attack on Israel. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for standing up to woke, rogue college administrators who have enabled this chaos. Every student in America deserves a safe and secure campus.“
  • Self (R-TX) 3/7/25: X-post – “Joe Biden coddled Hamas sympathizers at Columbia. President Trump is cancelling $400 million of their school’s federal grants. BOOM.”
  • Nadler (D-NY) and Espaillat (D-NY) 3/7/25: NADLER AND ESPAILLAT JOINT STATEMENT ON TRUMP CUTS TO COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

How dare the Heritage Foundation Suggest Cutting Aid to Israel over the next 22 years????

Other Issues

  • McCormick (R-PA) 3/13/25: X-post – “As Chair of the @SenateForeign Middle East Subcommittee, I am reaching out to ambassadors in the region for the benefit of Pennsylvania, our country, and peace. Was honored to welcome Israeli Ambassador @yechielleiter to the Capitol. A Scranton, PA native who grew up 50 miles from my hometown before emigrating to Israel. Yechiel has a deep understanding of the special relationship between our countries and the region. We discussed defeating Hamas, deterring Iran, and expanding the Abraham Accords.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 3/12/25: X-post – “No one more cent. No one more bomb. No one more excuse.  I joined 12 of my colleagues to demand Congress block any current and future sales of arms and weapons to the Israeli government. Phase 2 of the ceasefire must proceed and the collective punishment of the Palestinian people must end.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 3/12/25: X-post – “It’s up to those Republicans who claim to support Israel to tell Trump: No! No friend of #Israel would put Daniel Davis in a position of power.“
  • Mann (R-KS) 3/12/25: X-post – “Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East. I met with @AIPAC to discuss ongoing threats to Israel and the life-saving role that U.S. security assistance plays in protecting our Israeli neighbors and friends. Audrey and I continue to pray for Israel, the recently released hostages, and the families whose loved ones never made it out of captivity. I am proud to stand with Israel and look forward to working with the Trump Administration to continue to strengthen the relationship between Israel and America.”
  • Risch (R-ID) 3/11/25: X-post – “The massacre of unarmed Christians and Alawites in northwest Syria is abhorrent – a reminder of why the U.S. should proceed with caution in Syria. The Syrian interim authorities must exercise control over the use of force – militias outside of government control are a threat to the region and Americans.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/11/25: X-post – “Congratulations to the Trump Team for negotiating high level discussions between Lebanon and Israel regarding border security. This is a major breakthrough and it is my hope that Lebanon — which is trending in a very positive direction — will continue to engage with Israel and be part of regional peace and stability rather than conflict. Lebanon following the path of peaceful coexistence and integration into the new Middle East would be a major accomplishment for the Trump Administration. It would also dramatically change the trajectory of Lebanon, which has so much to offer the world. Well done.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 3/11/25: X-post – “For decades, Iran has sown terrorism and regional instability. As I’ve said, I fully support destroying Iran’s nuclear program.”
  • Schneider (D-IL) 3/10/24: Schneider, Bilirakis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reclassify Turkey as a Middle Eastern country
  • Sanders (I-VT) 3/10/25: X-post – “Cutting off humanitarian aid to millions of civilians is a war crime. That is exactly what the extremist Netanyahu government is doing now to Palestinians in Gaza. I’ve introduced resolutions to block billions in offensive arms sales to Israel & will demand votes on these bills.”
  • Dean (D-PA) 3/10/25: X-thread – “There are some troubling headlines coming out about the Israel-Hamas war ceasefire. Let’s (briefly) talk about it.Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire. Innocent Palestinians must be allowed basic necessities — food, water, fuel, medical attention. Gazans have been living without steady access for more than a year. The first phase of the ceasefire is over, and negotiations are planned for what will hopefully become another agreement. I urge officials to faithfully participate in these negotiations – for the sake of 24 living hostages and 35 dead, including Americans — and for the thousands of innocents who will be in harms’ way should the war resume.“
  • Moody (R-FL) 3/10/25: X-post – “An anti-Israel bias plagues the UN. They not only failed to condemn Hamas following the October 7th attack, but have done nothing to protect Jewish communities around the world. I met with @EliseStefanik today. She is passionate and committed to rooting out antisemitism at the UN. I am confident that as our ambassador, she and @realDonaldTrump will champion the interests of our greatest ally in the Middle East.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 3/10/25: X-post – “First, Prime Minister Netanyahu blocked all humanitarian aid from reaching civilians in Gaza. Now, his government is cutting off electricity to the more than 2 million people there. These actions won’t make Israel safer. They will only result in more suffering and death.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 3/9/25: X-post – “We must push back against Turkey’s aggression under President Erdoğan. His goal is to destabilize the region while supporting terrorist groups like Hamas & aligning with dictators such as Putin. Any transgression against our allies—Cyprus, Greece, and Israel—will not be tolerated. Erdoğan’s embrace of Hamas & disregard for U.S. & NATO interests prove he cannot be trusted.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 3/7/25: X-post – “I’ve introduced legislation to restore funding to UNRWA. As Gaza recovers from the devastation of the war, reinstating this small amount of aid to the most effective organization in the region will save thousands of lives.“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 3/7/25: X-post – “President Trump made it clear to Hamas: release all hostages or you’ll be executed.“

 

5. Selected Media

On the Detention & Potential Deportation of Green Card-Holder for Palestine-Related Views & Protests

Other Stuff

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

New:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(RESTORE UNRWA FUNDING) S.898: Introduced 3/6/25 by Welch (D-VT) and 6 Democratic cosponsors, “A bill to restore funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

(TARGETING UNRWA & ANY OTHER UN BODIES THAT HELP PALESTINIANS OR OTHER REFUGEES) HR 1792: Introduced 3/3/25 by Gooden (R-TX) and 13 Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit United States contributions to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and for other purposes. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see press release – Congressman Lance Gooden Reintroduces the No Tax Dollars for the United Nation’s Immigration Invasion Act

(PERMANENT IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 1800: Introduced 3/3/25 by Mackenzie (R-PA) and no cosponsors, “To repeal the sunset provision of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Ways and Means, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform.

(NO HEZBOLLAH IN LATIN AMERICA) S. 842: Introduced 3/4/25 by Curtis (R-UT) and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to counter efforts by Hezbollah to conduct terrorist activities in Latin America, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Hezbollah in Our Hemisphere Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Curtis, Rosen introduce legislation to combat Hezbollah activities in Latin America (Jewish Insider 3/7/25). NOTE: this bill is scheduled to be marked-up in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 3/11/25.

(DISAPPROVING OF WEAPONS SALES TO ISRAEL) H. J. Res. 68, H. J. Res. 69: Introduced 3/3/25 by Jayapal (D-WA) and 13 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(DISAPPROVING OF WEAPONS SALES TO ISRAEL) H. J. Res. 70, H. J. Res. 71 : Introduced by Tlaib (D-MI) and 13 Democratic cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed license amendment for the export to Israel of certain defense articles and services.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING THE ICC & UN) HR 1839 & S. 833 [bill text]: Introduced 3/4/25 by in the House Roy (R-TX) and in the Senate by Lee (R-UT), “To prevent use of United Nations facilities located in the United States by the ICC, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see press release: Rep. Roy, Sen. Lee Introduce Legislation to Deport the International Criminal Court (ICC) Out of NYC; Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Chip Roy: Kick International Criminal Court Out of NYC!

(TARGETING FREE SPEECH/ACADEMIA) S. 826: Introduced 3/4/25 by Scott (R-FL), “A bill to amend title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance on the ground of religion, to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for rigorous enforcement of prohibitions against discrimination by institutions of higher education on the basis of antisemitism, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

(NO FUNDS FOR LEBANESE ARMED FORCES) HR 1844 [bill text]: Introduced 3/5/25 by Steube (R-FL), “To prohibit the availability of Federal funds to support the Armed Forces of Lebanon, and for other purposes,” aka the “Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Radicalism” Act, aka the “PAGER Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Steube Reintroduces PAGER Act to Protect U.S. Funding from Hezbollah; Steube X-post – “They killed our troops in Beirut. They attack Israel daily. Yet Washington still funnels money to Hezbollah. My PAGER Act ensures not a single cent helps these terrorists again.”

(SANCTIONS ON HOUTHIS) HR 1848:  Introduced 3/5/25 by Issa (R-CA) and 5 cosponsors (4 Republicans plus Sherman, D-CA), “To authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to the Houthis, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary.

(SENDING A MESSAGE TO TURKEY) HR 1890: Introduced 3/5/25 by Schneider (D-IL) and 5 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To administratively reassign responsibility for the Republic of Turkey within the Department of State and for other purposes,” aka the “Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: House members seek to redesignate Turkey as Middle Eastern country (Jewish Insider 3/7/25); Bilirakis (R-FL) press release – Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance (CHIA) Caucus to Erdogan: It’s Time to Choose

(NO FOREIGN FLAGS ON CAPITOL HILL, NO OFFICIAL FUNDS TO PURCHASE FOREIGN FLAGS) S. 849: Introduced 3/5/25 by Moreno (R-OH),  “A bill to prohibit displaying the flag of a country other than the United States on Capitol Hill and to prohibit Members of Congress from using official funds to purchase the flag of a country other than the United States.“Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [NOTE: Members of Congress often post/display Israel flags in and in front of their offices…]. Press release – New Moreno Bill to Ban Flags of Foreign Nations From Capitol

 

2. Letters

3. Hearings

March 5, 2025: The Senate Judiciary Committee held a shameful excuse of a hearing entitled, Never To Be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America (hearing video). Majority witnesses were: Adela Cojab, National Jewish Advocacy Center (Testimony); Alyza Lewin, The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law (Testimony); and Asra Nomani, The Pearl Project (Testimony). Minority witnesses were: Kevin Rachlin, The Nexus Project (Testimony); and Meirav Solomon, Student at Tufts University (Testimony). In terms of content, the hearing is exactly what one would have expected, given the zeitgeist in this Congress and given the 3 majority witnesses: virtually no interest in talking about ACTUAL antisemitism and instead focusing entirely on criticism and activism opposing Israel’s actions and policies, and on anti-Zionism; and focus instead on blanket defamation of anyone who is standing up for Palestinian lives/rights, blanket conflation of free speech/activism for Palestinian lives/rights with antisemitism,  repeated insistence on the alleged imperative for Congress to adopt/enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism, calls to arrest/punish/deport students, claims that US activists for Palestinian lives/rights are backed by or working in coordination with foreign states and terrorist groups, and more. To get a sense of the tenor of this sh*t-show of a hearing, see the opening statement from committee chair Grassley (R-IA) — Grassley Opening Statement on Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America. Also see:

March 5, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled, Bridging the Gap: Turkey Between East and West (hearing video). Witnesses were: Anna Borschevskaya, WINEP (statement); Jonathan Schanzer, FDD (statement); and Celeste Wallander, CNAS (statement). Also see:

March 4, 2025: The House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing entitled, “The Digital Battlefield: How Terrorists Use the Internet and Online Networks for Recruitment and Radicalization” (hearing video).  Witnesses were: Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (statement); Aaron Zelin, WINEP (statement); Daniel Flesch, Heritage Foundation (statement – whose focus was Hamas and alleged support for Hamas in the US, boiling down to a sales pitch for Project Esther, concluding); and Kurt Braddock, American University (statement). Also see:

  • MEDIA ADVISORY: Hearing on How Terrorists Use the Internet and Online Networks for Recruitment
  • from Flesch’s bio: “From 2018-2021, Flesch served as Senior Advisor to Israel’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. He was the Founder and Executive Director of Fuel for Truth—D.C., an Israel education and advocacy program. Flesch also served in the 202nd Paratrooper Battalion of the Israel Defense Forces, where he was twice recognized as Outstanding Platoon Soldier. He wrote about his experiences and why Americans serve in the IDF for Commentary Magazine…”]

Nominations in the news

4. Selected Members on the Record

We Support Starving Everyone in Gaza &/or Trump’s Threat to Kill All Palestinians in Gaza

  • Scott (R-FL) 3/6/25: X-post – “America stands with Israel! Thank you, President Trump. 517 days in the hands of Hamas terrorists is 517 days too long. BRING THEM ALL HOME!”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 3/5/25: X-post – “Free all the hostages or start killing Hamas members again. I fully agree with @POTUS.“
  • Fallon (R-TX) 3/5/25: X-post – “President Trump has made clear he is committed to lasting peace & security in the Middle East through his steadfast support for our ally, Israel, and max pressure campaign on Iran. A welcome change from the past 4yrs of WH appeasement towards terrorists and their sympathizers.“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 3/5/25: X-post – “Unlike the Biden Admin, which only put pressure on our ally Israel, @realDonaldTrump puts the pressure exclusively where it belongs…on Hamas.”
  • Feenstra (R-IA) 3/5/25: X-post – “Thank you to President Trump for standing strong with Israel and holding the vicious Hamas terrorists accountable for their crimes and barbarity. The United States stands with Israel.“
  • Harrigan (R-NC) 3/5/25: X-post – “President Trump is right. Hamas must release the hostages or face the consequences. This is a fight between good and evil. Peace comes through strength, and America stands unequivocally with our greatest ally, Israel.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 3/5/35: X-post – “President @realDonaldTrump, you have my complete and total support. This is why I believe President Trump is the right man at the right time to deal with the bad guys and bring peace to the world. This ultimatum should have been delivered to Hamas early on by the Biden Administration. Mr. President: You are right to say it and It’s imperative you do it if Hamas refuses.“
  • Grassley (R-IA) 3/4/25: Grassley Stands with Israel, Demands Hamas Release all Hostages (video of floor speech)
  • Scott (R-FL) 3/4/25: X-post – “Thank God for a President who stands with our nation’s Jewish community and our great ally, Israel!”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 3/2/25: X-post – “We didn’t provide aid to Nazi Germany during World War II. The idea is preposterous. Why should Israel be forced to provide aid to Hamas-run Gaza?” [see responses, many of which remind Cotton that the ask today isn’t for Israel to provide aid to the more than 2 million Palestinian civilians suffering in Gaza; it is for Israel to stop preventing other countries/organizations from doing so]
  • Tenney (R-NY) 3/2/25: X-post – “Despite Israel’s willingness to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, Hamas is refusing — which will lead to a restart of the conflict. Hamas is unequivocally responsible for any resumption of efforts to free the hostages and eradicate Hamas in Gaza. If Hamas truly wants to end the conflict, it simply needs to release all of the hostages!“

YAY! MORE WEAPON FOR ISRAEL!!!

  • Cotton (R-AR) 3/3/25: X-post – “I’m pleased that President Trump and Secretary Rubio are ending the Biden administration’s shameful arms embargo on Israel. Israel is in a war of survival against murderous terrorists and they shouldn’t be forced to fight with one hand tied behind their back. Today’s announcement will bring more well-paying jobs for American workers. And it is an important step towards securing peace in the region and bringing home the remaining hostages held by Hamas.“
  • Bean (R-FL) 3/3/25: X-post – “America FINALLY has a leader back in the White House who supports our dear ally, Israel!”
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 3/3/25: X-post – “The Biden Admin disgracefully folded to the pro-Hamas radical left by holding up security assistance Israel needs to defeat Hamas terrorists. Once again @realDonaldTrump>and his Administration take action to stand w/ our ally Israel and reverse the anti-Israel policies of the Biden Admin.”
  • Budd (R-NC) 3/3/25: X-post – “.@SecRubio’s decision to expedite arms to Israel is the right decision as Hamas refuses to release additional hostages.   The Biden Administration’s partial arms embargo was disgraceful and only prolonged the war in Gaza“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 3/2/25: X-post – “Under President Trump’s administration, America will continue to support Israel as it exercises its unequivocal right to defend itself. Justice will be served upon the terrorists who brutally kidnapped & killed American & Israeli citizens.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 3/1/25: X-post – “I applaud the @SecRubio and the Trump Administration for expediting $4B in military aid to Israel, ensuring they have what they need to dismantle Hamas. Shame on the Biden Administration for blocking support. Israelis can rest easier with a strong ally in the White House.“

We actually care (to varying degrees) about Palestinian Lives

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 3/6/25: X-post – “Party leaders are wildly out of touch with our voters. More and more Americans can see the Israeli government’s crimes of genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people and are calling for action from their representatives. We cannot ignore them. We need an arms embargo.“
  • Quigley (D-IL) 3/5/25: X-post – “October 7th was a day of unspeakable tragedy that left deep scars on the Israeli people. The war that ensued has devastated the Palestinian people in Gaza. The only way to ensure a lasting peace is to enter the second phase of the ceasefire deal, release all remaining hostages, deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a two-state solution. Anything less will be a disservice to the Israeli and Palestinian people.”
  • Casar (D-TX) 3/3/25: X-post – “The Israeli government’s decision to block food, medicine, and all other aid from entering Gaza is collective punishment. That’s horrific and unacceptable. Both Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January. That deal has saved lives — both parties should abide by it and ensure the agreement moves forward as intended.”
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 3/2/25: X-post – “Cutting off humanitarian aid to Gaza is not a responsible negotiating tactic—it is already resulting in more hunger, especially for children. Both Israel and Hamas need to return to the negotiating table alongside ongoing delivery of aid, or any path to peace is at risk.“
  • Simon (D-CA) 3/2/25: X-post – “Yesterday marked the start of Ramadan in the Muslim world, and Israel has chosen to block aid going to Gaza today. This breaks my heart. We must do everything to prolong the ceasefire by ending hostilities, returning all the hostages home, and ensuring aid reaches Gaza.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 3/2/25: X-post – “The ceasefire has already saved lives and it is critical that it continues. I’m appalled that Israel is illegally halting all forms of humanitarian aid into Gaza as leverage in these negotiations. This collective punishment is especially cruel as Ramadan starts.“

Weaponizing “Fighting Antisemitism” to Target Academia, Free Speech, & Protest

Israeli Hostages

Targeting the ICC

  • Crapo (R-ID) 3/7/25: X-post – “Last year, I joined my colleagues in the Senate in introducing the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act to sanction the International Criminal Court for its attempts to politicize retribution against the U.S. and our allies, particularly Israel. While this measure failed to pass the Senate, I will continue working with my colleagues to bring an end to the misconduct of the ICC. Fortunately, on February 6, 2025, President Trump imposed similar sanctions on the ICC. Israel has been and continues to be one of the most important allies for the U.S. in an increasingly unstable and dangerous region, and continued support of Israel is vital to our national security.“
  • Crapo (R-ID) 3/3/25: The International Criminal Court [“…Neither Israel nor the United States is a member of the ICC, which does not have the jurisdiction to conduct such an investigation.  The ICC applying for warrants for Hamas and Israeli officials at the same time indicates a false equivalency between their actions, and I oppose any efforts by the ICC to arrest Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or other Israeli officials…I will continue working with my colleagues to bring an end to the misconduct of the ICC.”]

Other stuff

5. Selected Media

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

New:

1. Bills & Resolutions

ISRAEL & PALESTINE

(TARGETING THE PLO/PA) HR 1710 [bill text]: Introduced 2/27/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To impose sanctions with respect to the system of compensation of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority that supports acts of terrorism.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,  the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary Committee. Also see: Reps. Lawler, Tenney, Gottheimer, and Moskowitz Reintroduce Bill to Sanction Palestinian Officials and Entities That Fund Terrorism; Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Legislation to End Payments for Terrorism Against Israel; Congresswoman Tenney Reintroduces the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act

(TARGETING HAMAS & ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH HAMAS) S. 762: Introduced 2/27/25 by Blackburn (R-TN) and Rosen (D-NV), “A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny immigration benefits to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the October 2023 attacks against Israel,” aka the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see:

(OPPOSING MORE WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL) On  2/25/25, Sen. Sanders (I-VT) introduced 3 resolutions disapproving of proposed foreign military sales to Israel of certain defense articles and services — S. J. Res. 25, S. J. Res. 26, and S. J. Res. 27. All were referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. These are in addition to the four resolutions disapproving of proposed foreign military sales to Israel of certain defense articles and services he introduced 2/20/25:S. J. Res. 20, S. J. Res. 21, S. J. Res. 22, and S. J. Res. 23. Also see:

IRAN

(SUPPORTING IRANIAN PEOPLE WHO OPPOSE IRANIAN GOVT) H. Res. 166: Introduced 2/26/25 by McClintock (R-CA) and 151 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Expressing support for the Iranian people’s desires for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran, and condemning the Iranian regime’s terrorism, regional proxy war, internal suppression, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(IRAN SANCTIONS/MAHAN AIR) HR 1489: Introduced 2/21/25 by Mills (R-FL) and 4 Republican cosponsors,  “To provide for the application of sanctions regarding Mahan Air.“  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING IRAN) S. Res. 101: Introduced 2/27/25 by Graham (R-SC), Fetterman (D-PA), and Britt (R-AL), “A resolution affirming the threats to world stability from a nuclear weapons-capable Islamic Republic of Iran.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (

OTHER STUFF

(US OUT OF UN) HR 1498: Introduced 2/21/25 by Roy (R-TX) and 8 Republican cosponsors. “To terminate membership by the United States in the United Nations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21] (Introduced 02/21/2025) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House – Foreign Affairs Latest Action: House – 02/21/2025 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: This is the House companion to S. 669 [bill text], introduced 2/20/25 by Lee (R-UT), Blackburn (R-TN), and Scott (R-FL).
(EXPANDING JASTA) HR 1530 // S. 706: Introduced 2/24/25 in the House by Lawler (R-NY) and 22 cosponsors (bipartisan), and in the Senate 2/25/25 by Cornyn (R-TX) and 4 cosponsors (bipartisan) “To amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to clarify and supplement the funding sources for United States victims of state-sponsored terrorism to ensure consistent and meaningful distributions from the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.  Also see: press releases – Blumenthal & Cornyn Introduce Bill to Ensure U.S. Victims of Terrorism Receive Compensation;

(REPEAL IRAQ AUMF) HR 1488: Introduced 2/21/25 by Meeks (D-NY) and 21 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq.”  Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Rep. Roy, Meeks Re-Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal the 1991, 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF)

2. Letters

3. Hearings

March 5, 2024: The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing entitled, Never To Be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America. No witnesses have been announced as of this writing. Also see: Senate Judiciary Committee to hold antisemitism hearing on March 5 (Jewish Insider 2/26/25 – “…Next week’s hearing will be the first specifically focused on antisemitism in the Senate since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. No Senate committee held hearings focused on the subject in the last Congress, with Democrats and then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) largely avoiding the issue while in control of the upper chamber.  The hearing’s singular concern with antisemitism marks a shift from how Democrats on the Judiciary Committee approached the issue when they held the majority. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who chaired the committee until Republicans retook the Senate, declined requests from his GOP colleagues to hold a hearing specifically on rising antisemitism...” — NOTE — Jewish Insider’s summary of that last hearing omits the fact that Republican members of the Senate hijacked the hearing to attack the one Muslim-American on the panel, as reported in real time in the Round-Up, and as covered widely in the media, including: GOP senator insults Arab American advocate at hearing on hate crimes (Washington Post); Racist questions are asked as Arab American rights leader testifies at hearing (NPR); Senator tells activist to hide her ‘head in a bag’ during hate crimes hearing (AP); Sen. John Kennedy used a Senate hearing on hate crimes to spew hate (MSNBC)

March 5, 2025: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a hearing entitled, Bridging the Gap: Turkey Between East and West. Scheduled witnesses are: Anna Borschevskaya (WINEP); Jonathan Schanzer (FDD); and Celeste Wallander (CNAS).

February 26, 2025: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) held a hearing entitled, America Last: How Foreign Aid Undermined U.S. Interests Around the World. This hearing was exactly what one would expect, given the hearing title and 3 out of 4 of the witnesses (including grandstanding attacks — by members and witnesses — on USAID for allegedly funding terrorism in the form of support for anything related to Palestinians; attacks on Palestinians, attacks on UNRWA, etc). Those witnesses were: Max Primorac, The Heritage Foundation (statement); Gregg Roman, Middle East Forum (statement); and Tyler O’Neil, The Daily Signal (statement); a late-added minority witness was Noam Unger , Director of the Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (statement). Also see:

February 25, 2025: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled, Emerging Global Threats: Putting America’s National Security First. This hearing was exactly what one would expect, given the hearing title and given the witnesses. Those witnesses were: Meaghan Mobbs, Director, Center for the American Safety and Security, Independent Women’s Forum (statement, which includes: “USAID poured money into projects that have ties to terrorist groups and have espoused anti-Israel commentary” and “reports surfaced that UN forces in Lebanon accepted bribes from Hezbollah, undermining their mission and endangering Israel“); Brent Sadler, The Heritage Foundation (statement); Jacob Olidort, Center for American Security, America First Policy Institute (statement); and late-add witness Minority Charles A. Kupchan, Professor of International Affairs, The School of Foreign Service and Government Department, Georgetown University (statement). The hearing including grandstanding aplenty using Hamas-related allegations as the hook.  Also see:

February 25, 2025: The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to consider nominations to a number of posts in the Trump Administration, including Harmeet Dhillon to be an Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (video). Among other things, the hearing included senator demanding that the Justice Department target protest for Palestinian lives/rights on campus in the name of fighting antisemitism, and Dhillon agreeing that this should and will happen. Also see:

February 25, 2025: The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense held a Member Day (a day for members to lobby in the Committee around their own priorities for the Defense Appropriations bill the Committee is getting set to consider/pass. Usually such lobbying is linked to equities in their district, like military bases or local industry). However, Rep. Gillen (D-NY) delivered a 3-page statement focused on grandstanding in support of…aid for Israel (support for which is already bipartisan), in various defense programs/categories, totaling $547.5 million (this is  in addition to the more than $3 billion in military aid for Israel that will be included in the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill).

4. Selected Members on the Record

Reversing Biden Memo Theoretically Applying US Law to Arms Sales

Re: Sanders’s Resolutions of Disapproval

  • Senate Republicans 2/24/25: X-post – “Last year, Joe Biden sided with Hamas and blocked weapon shipments to Israel. Radical Senators like Bernie Sanders and Jon Ossoff went even further, voting for a near arms embargo against our closest ally in the Middle East. Now, they’re trying to do it again” [linked to Jewish Insider article on Sanders’s resolutions of disapproval]
  • Senate Republicans [specifically targeting Sen. Ossoff, D-GA] 2/24/25: X-post – “Bernie Sanders is once again trying to block life-saving military aid to Israel. Will @SenateDems like @ossoff join him again?” [linked to Jewish Insider article on Sanders’s resolutions of disapproval]

Supporting Israel & Israeli Military Action Against Syria, Palestinians

  • Bacon (R-NE) 2/28/25: X-post – “This week, I had a productive meeting with MK Amit Halevi of the Israel Knesset and @aviabelow to discuss the importance of continuing our support for Israel. Israel is one of our closest allies, and it’s in our national interest to support them.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/27/25: X-post – “The Ayatollah & the Iranian regime openly threaten Israel and the Jewish people. I won’t turn a blind eye to Iran continuing its efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon. America must stand firm to stop any threat to our national security and our allies.“
  • Self (R-TX) 2/26/25: X-post – “Recently, I visited Israel with several of my House Republican colleagues. Walking through the kibbutzim in the south where Hamas slaughtered Israeli families was very sobering. We were also deeply moved by the incredible acts of courage and resilience that the Israeli people demonstrated. We stand with Israel now and always!”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 2/24/25: X-post – “Think of it as a PSA for what happens if you fire thousands of rockets at innocent Israeli civilians for months.” [commenting on Times of Israel headline: “On day of Nasrallah funeral, Israel publishes video of strike that killed him”]
  • Hamadeh (R-AZ) 2/23/25: X-post – “Gaza was under Israeli control up until 2005, and there was not a single missile fired into Israeli territory. But after Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza, they elected Hamas, and there’s been destruction, chaos, and misery for all sides. President Trump understands the game Hamas is playing, and that’s why he’s taking such an active part in negotiations. Whatever solution is found in that region is not going to involve Hamas.“

Abraham Accords

  • Schneider (D-IL) 2/21/25: SCHNEIDER, COLLEAGUES RELAUNCH BIPARTISAN ABRAHAM ACCORDS CAUCUS
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/24/25: X-post – “Working against peace is the new platform of the @_AfricanUnion and their diabolical attempts to sabotage the Abraham Accords, harming the achievements of President Trump! Israel’s African alliances remain, unbroken at the hands of failed dictator @CyrilRamaphosa“

Targeting Academia & Protest for Palestinian Lives/Rights

  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/28/25: X-post – “Violent anti-Israel protesters stormed a building and assaulted a staff member at Barnard College this week.    These disgusting acts of violence are completely unacceptable — full stop. We must pass my bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act into law to protect Jewish students.“
  • Owens (R-UT) 2/27/25: X-post – “As Israel and the world mourned Shiri Bibas and her two young sons—murdered & paraded through the streets by Hamas—Columbia students defended their killers. Absolutely disgusting.” [including long video of protesters who at no point defend the killers of Bibas and her sons]
  • Hudson (R-NC) 2/27/25: X-post – “Radical pro-Hamas mobs do NOT belong on college campuses or anywhere in America. There must be ZERO tolerance for antisemitism and anti-Israel hate. Barnard College and Columbia University — end this chaos NOW.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/21/25: Gottheimer Statement on Rutgers University Lecturer’s Participation in Hamas-Affiliated Webinar

Standing with US Jews = Support for Israel

  • LaLota (R-NY) 2/23/25: X-post – “With ongoing events in the Middle East, it’s vital to support our Jewish community. Met with Rabbi Berel Lerman of the Center For Jewish Life of NY to discuss how we can stand together. The U.S. must continue to support Israel.“
  • Sherman (D-CA) 2/21/25: X-post – “On this somber day of mourning in the Jewish community, it was comforting to spend time with friends at the annual Jewish National Fund @JNFUSA “Stand With #Israel” event.“

AIPAC conference

  • Many members posted about their appearances at or attendance at AIPAC’s conference in DC this week; many more posted about their meeting with AIPAC-led groups on the Hill. Check members’ social media accounts and websites to see who posted what.

5. Selected Media

119th Congress Stands with [Greater] Israel!

How Dare Anyone in Congress NOT Stand With Israel 110%?

Miscellaneous Other Stuff

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

New:

  • 2/21/25: New episode of Occupied Thoughts podcast, The Boomerang Effect: Power and Resistance in the U.S. and Palestine, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with human rights attorney Professor Noura Erakat about her relationship to Palestine, the movement for Palestinian freedom, and the how she sees the ties among different and overlapping movements for justice and liberation.
  • 2/17/25: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Dissent & Resigning from Harvard, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Jay Ulfelder, a political scientist and former Program Director of the Nonviolent Action Lab at Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation.
  • 2/17/25: Where Are Palestinian Children’s Human Rights? Essay by FMEP’s Lara Friedman in the newly published book, “For Gaza’s Children”

1. Bills & Resolutions

(OPPOSING MORE WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL) On 2/20/25, Sen. Sanders introduced 4 resolutions disapproving of proposed foreign military sales to Israel of certain defense articles and services. The four are: S. J. Res. 20, S. J. Res. 21, S. J. Res. 22, and S. J. Res. 23. All four were referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

(US OUT OF UN) S. 669 & HR XXXX [bill text]: Introduced 2/20/25 by Lee (R-UT), Blackburn (R-TN), and Scott (R-FL), “A bill to terminate membership by the United States in the United Nations, and for other purposes,” aka the “DEFUND Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Lee press release – Lee introduces DEFUND Act to Pull USA from UN; fact sheet about the bill. Note that the fact sheet states: “House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) are introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives.”

(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 1422: Introduced 2/18/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), “To impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in logistical transactions and sanctions evasion relating to oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and related petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Lawler, Cherfilus-McCormick introduce new Iran sanctions legislation (Jewish Insider 2/21/25)

(IRAN SANCTIONS) H. Res. 139: Introduced 2/14/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and 4 cosponsors (3 Republicans plus Gottheimer, D-NJ), “Calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(RELIGIOUS FREEDOM) S. 676: Introduced 2/20/25 by Paul (R-TX), “A bill to prohibit assistance to foreign governments that violate human rights with respect to religious freedom.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

2. Letters

None.

3. Hearings

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Many, many posting about Israeli hostages in Gaza — including on release of hostages last weekend, on planned release for more this weekend, on 500th day in captivity, on confirmation of the deaths and the release of the remains of the an Israeli mother and her children taken hostage on 10/7/23, etc… For details check members’ website and social media accounts.

Congress Stands with Israel, Against Hamas, & against all things Palestinian

  • Lankford (R-OK) 2/20/25: X-post – “The bus bombing in Israel reminds us that Hamas continues to target Jewish civilians.“
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 2/20/25: X-post – “I am deeply disturbed by reports of a suspected terror attack in Israel involving several buses that exploded near Tel Aviv. I am relieved to learn there were no injuries or casualties from the foiled plot & will continue to closely monitor the investigation into the situation.“
  • Senate GOP 2/20/25: X-post – “Remember, Senator Jon Ossoff voted to cut off military aid to Israel so these same Hamas terrorists could attack Israel with impunity.” – responding to Graham (R-SC) X-post – “Like most Americans I was disgusted at the way Palestinian crowds reacted to the release of four dead Israeli hostages, which included a mother and her four-year-old and nine-month-old sons. The Palestinians in Gaza are the most radicalized people on the planet and the solution to me is obvious. Phase II should go as follows: Hamas voluntarily leaves or Israel will reengage militarily with the goal of annihilating Hamas. This is what America did regarding Germany and Japan – the complete annihilation of despotic regimes with an effort over decades to rebuild the culture of Germany and Japan. I’m convinced the only viable solution is the military and political annihilation of Hamas. Without this outcome there is no hope for peace or coexistence.”
  • Randy Fine (state senator, R-FL, nearly 100% certain to be next Florida member of the House in special election) 2/20/25: X-post – “Gaza must be destroyed.“
  • Randy Fine (state senator, R-FL, nearly 100% certain to be next Florida member of the House in special election) 2/20/25: X-post – “Palestinian” = Hamas. #BombsAway“
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee 2/20/25: X-post – “USAID is funding antisemitic trash. Cut the cash. Fire everyone responsible.” With video of Lawler (R-NY) targeting the Lowey Fund and specifically funding to the Palestinian NGO Tomorrow’s Youth organization.

Quashing criticism of Israel, supporting Greater Israel

  • Tenney (R-NY) 2/20/25: X-post – “The Israeli people have an undeniable & indisputable historical & legal claim over Judea & Samaria. The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act would require all official US government documents to use the term “Judea and Samaria” rather than the ‘West Bank.'”
  • Boozman (R-AR) 2/20/25: X-post – “With increased antisemitic acts on college campuses after Hamas’ attack on Israel, schools must fulfill their responsibility to offer a safe learning environment. Our bipartisan bill would ensure proper tools are in place to investigate these incidents.“

New in the 119th Congress

Members on Travel in Israel/Middle East

  • Self (R-TX) 2/20/25: X-post – “I have traveled the length of Israel this week, from the kibbutzim in the south where Hamas slaughtered Israeli families to the Lebanon border where Israel destroyed Hezbollah. The savagery of Hamas is impossible to fathom. The spectacle of the release of four bodies today only emphasizes their commitment to the destruction of Israel. We stand with Israel!“
  • Edwards (R-NC) 2/20/25: X-post – “Our congressional delegation discussed the future of Israel and Gaza as well as U.S. relations and security in the Middle East. As vice chairman for the @HouseAppropsGOP National Security and Department of State Subcommittee and the sole appropriator on this trip, I relayed to @IsraeliPM Netanyahu the significance of America’s long-standing, shared values with our ally, Israel, and that we’ll continue to support their right to defend themselves from those who threaten Israel’s right to exist.”‘
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/20/25: X-post – “In meeting with @IsraeliPM I expressed my view that a democratic Syria is a net positive for all parties & a permanent Russian presence threatens Israeli security. I encouraged @IsraeliPM to welcome regional efforts to push for equal human rights, democratic elections and rule of law in Syria“
  • Issa (R-CA) 2/19/25: X-post – “Great to be in Israel and meet with my great friend of more than 20 years – @netanyahu continues to lead with strength, smarts, and vision.“
  • Van Order (R-WI) 2/18/25: X-post – “Rep. Van Orden joined @MorningsMaria live from Israel to make it explicitly clear: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. With President Trump as Commander in Chief, every option is on the table to apply maximum pressure on the Mullahs and ensure the safety of the U.S. and our allies.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/17/25: X-thread – “As my meetings in Israel, Jordan, & Lebanon make clear, we are on the cusp of an enormous opportunity. Iran & its proxies are recognized throughout the region as a common enemy. There is a real prospect of peace for the region. Increased US support for Lebanon’s armed forces & a continued push for the return of the remaining hostages, & a sustained ceasefire are absolutely crucial. Our Senate delegation remains hopeful for progress & stability in the region. Trump’s unhinged plan to take over Gaza is a non-starter. The plan the Arab states will be presenting to Trump provides a realistic prospect for normalizing relations, self-determination by the Palestinians, regional defense arrangements, & security for Israel.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/17/25: X-post – “Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar outlines tough choices & challenges—focusing on Iran as the ultimate enemy, & fighting its terrorist proxies. Short term, the hope is for the ceasefire to be extended, with release of more hostages.“
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/16/25: X-thread – “Breakthrough battle victories against Hezbollah by Israel & exclusion of this terrorist organization from Lebanon’s new government—combined with Assad’s overthrow in Syria—mean a huge historic opportunity for advancing peace & stability. Visiting Lebanon’s new President Auon & other leaders—friends of America—I’m more convinced than ever that we must strongly support the Lebanon Armed Forces (LAF) in its continuing battle against terrorists like Hezbollah. Lebanon’s successes militarily & politically—make it a shining star of hope for peace & stability in a fraught region. The ceasefire in Lebanon is holding—with America’s help. Israel & America must seize this moment—a critical moment in a key area. It’s an exciting time for the Lebanese people, who have suffered such heartache & harm at Hezbollah’s hands.

5. Selected Media

General

New in the 119th Congress

Members of Congress in Israel

Members of Congress Elsewhere in the Region

Members of Congress in Munich

Laying Groundwork for Pro-Israel Wins in the Next US Elex

Targeting Free Speech/Activism Critical of Israel

Targeting the ICRC

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 2/10/25: Sumūd: Poetry, Art, Steadfastness, and Joy, ft. , FMEP Fellow Hilary Rantisi speaking with Malu Halasa and Jordan Elgrably, editors of the new book Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader. They discuss the meaning of sumūd to different people — how it encompasses steadfastness, coping with ongoing oppression, as well as joy and celebration of Palestinian identity — and the variety of voices and media they platform in this new anthology.

1. Bills & Resolutions

TARGETING FREE SPEECH/RIGHT TO PROTEST ISRAEL/ZIONISM

(**UPDATE*** LEGISLATING THE IHRA CONFLATION OF CRITICISM OF ISRAEL & ANTISEMITISM) S. 558: Introduced 2/13/25 by Scott (R-SC) and 35 cosponsors (17 Republicans and 18 Democrats), “A bill to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Rembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes,” aka the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Also see:

TARGETING THE ICC, THE UN, UNRWA, & THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

(TARGETING THE ICC & THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY) S. 493: Introduced 2/10/25 by Sullivan (R-AK) and Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to prohibit United States cooperation with the International Criminal Court, the use of the Economic Support Fund to support the Palestinian Authority, and any Federal funding for the ICC.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Per Sullivan’s press release, this bill “prohibits funding for and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on its antisemitic efforts to prosecute top Israeli officials and create a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization. It also prohibits U.S. economic support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) based on its cooperation with the ICC’s investigations against Israeli officials. Specifically, it instructs the President to freeze property assets and deny visas to any foreigners who materially or financially contributed to the ICC’s efforts to ‘investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a protected person.’ Protected persons are defined as all current and former military and government officials of the U.S. and allies that have not consented to the court’s jurisdiction, such as Israel. The legislation covers the 32-member NATO and the 19 major non-NATO countries, which include Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Egypt. It would also rescind any funds the U.S. has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money for the court.”

(NO US AID TO COUNTRIES THAT DON’T STAND WITH THE US – & ISRAEL – AT THE UN)HR 1243: Introduced 2/12/25 by Davidson (R-OH) and 2 cosponsors (both Republican), —”To prohibit United States assistance to foreign countries that oppose the position of the United States in the United Nations.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

(TARGETING UNRWA) HR 1252 (text): Introduced 2/12/25 by Jackson (R-TX) and 5 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on funding provided by the United States to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and for other purposes,” aka, the “Uncovering UNRWA’s Terrorist Crimes Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see press release – Rep. Jackson Reintroduces Legislation to Expose the Biden-Harris Administration’s Funding of UNRWA’s Terrorist Crimes

MORE US-ISRAEL DEFENSE COOPERATION (BIPARTISAN)

(MORE US-ISRAEL DEFENSE COOPERATION) HR 1229: Introduced 2/12/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and Norcross (D-NJ),  “To enhance bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Affairs. Also see: Lawmakers push for expanded U.S.-Israel defense cooperation in new legislation (Jewish Insider 2/13/25)

(MORE US-ISRAEL DEFENSE COOPERATION) S. 554: Introduced 2/12/25 by Sullivan and 4 cosponsors (1 Republican, 3 Democrats), “A bill to enhance bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Per Sullivan’s press release, this bill, “strengthens the U.S.-Israel security partnership by extending and expanding existing bilateral security initiatives. It also establishes new cooperative programs, including a broader initiative on unmanned systems, establishing a Defense Innovation Unit in Israel, and advocating for consideration of Israel’s inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB). Finally, it calls for greater cooperation between Israel and regional countries in advancing work on Integrated Air and Missile Defense. Specifically, this bill takes several important measures: Establishes a program between the United States and Israel on Countering Unmanned Systems (C-UxS). This entails a program of cooperation to develop, test, and deploy advanced C-UxS technologies to address threats posed by UAS, funded at $150 million per year. Extension and expansion of the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS Cooperative Program. This would increase funding for the current initiative from $55 million to $75 million annually. Extension and expansion of the United States-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program. Extends the authorization of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program to Dec 31, 2028 and increases the authorization to $80 million per year. Authorizes cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging defense technologies for 5 years (United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act).  Provides $47.5 million a year to encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and biotechnology. Reauthorizes the War Reserves Stockpile Authority – Israel (WRSA-I); extends the authorization of WRSA-I, which expires at the end of 2026, through January 1, 2029. Establishes a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) office in Israel. A DIU office in Israel will work with the Israeli Minister of Defense and private sector to counter Iran’s development of dual-use defense technologies. Israel-National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB) Engagement. This requires the Secretary of Defense to engage with his or her Israeli counterpart to initiate a discussion on the process of Israeli ascension into NTIB. Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). This requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on strengthening IAMD in the Middle East.” [bold in the original]. Also see: Lawmakers push for expanded U.S.-Israel defense cooperation in new legislation (Jewish Insider 2/13/25)

THE US & THE GAZA STRIP

(NO US MILITARY ENGAGEMENT TO “TAKE OVER” GAZA) S. Res. 68 [resolution text]: Introduced 2/10/25 by Kaine (D-VA) and 10 cosponsors (9 Democrats plus Sanders, I-VT)), “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States shall not deploy United States military assets or personnel to Gaza for purposes of ‘taking over’ Gaza.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see Sanders press release – Kaine and Colleagues Unveil Resolution to Condemn the Use of US Military Assets or Personnel to Take Over Gaza

(NO FUTURE ROLE FOR HAMAS IN THE GAZA STRIP) S. Res. 72: Introduced 2/11/25 by Graham (R-SC) and 4 cosponsors (bipartisan), “A resolution affirming that Hamas cannot retain any political or military control in the Gaza Strip.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Graham, Blumenthal, Cotton, Rosen, Britt Introduce Resolution to Affirm Hamas Cannot Retain Control of Gaza; https://www.jns.org/with-bipartisan-support-graham-pushes-resolution-to-boot-hamas-from-gaza/

IRAN & THE HOUTHIS

(SANCTIONING IRAN) S. 556: Introduced 2/12/25 by Sullivan (R-AK) and 3 cosponsors (2 Democrats and 1 Republican), “A bill to impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in logistical transactions and sanctions evasion relating to oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and related petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Per Sullivan’s press release, this bill, “supports the return to a maximum pressure posture toward Iran by strengthening the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran by filling the gaps on existing sanctions legislation and mandating rigorous enforcement of sanctions. Specifically, the legislation expands the range of sanctions to encompass the full logistical chain of Iranian energy exports, it creates an interagency task force to constantly track Iranian illicit activities, and it sunsets the timeline to issue sanctions waivers. It also includes provisions to encourage a new multilateral contact group with like-minded nations to coordinate international sanctions enforcement efforts. Specifically, the bill takes several important measures:Imposes secondary sanctions on the entire logistical chain of foreign entities supporting Iran’s illicit oil sales, including Chinese banks, maritime insurance providers, and flagging registries, as well as the executive-level leadership in those corporations and their immediate family members. It also imposes sanctions on family members of individuals in Iran sanctioned for terrorism, ballistic missile production, or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities. Creates an interagency Iran sanctions working group tasked with constantly tracking illicit transfers of Iranian oil, gas, and related products, with a periodic reporting plan to outline efforts to keep abreast of the evolving sanctions-evasion efforts, and identify new sanctions designations packages. Creates a multilateral contact group for harmonizing and enforcing international sanctions on Iran. Directs the provision of a private sector reporting mechanism, which financially incentivizes private sector counterparts to share information about illicit Iranian transfer operations. Initiates a periodic (180-day) review by the President to justify maintaining existing waivers on eligible nations’ purchase of Iranian oil, accompanied by a detailed, credible plan to phase out the need for waivers for each applicable country. This would include sunset waiver authority on Iran sanctions, following a periodic congressional review. Sunsets the presidential sanctions waiver authority in February 1, 2029.”

(IRAN SANCTIONS SNAPBACK) S. Res. 81: Introduced 2/13/25 by Ricketts (R-NE) and 13 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A resolution calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Ricketts Leads Bicameral Legislation Pushing European Allies to Snapback U.N. Sanctions on Iran; Europe must invoke ‘snapback’ sanctions on Iran; Ricketts X-post – “.@POTUS has taken strong action to restore his successful maximum pressure policy against Iran. Our allies need to do their part, too. Yesterday, I announced I’m introducing legislation to push our E3 allies to initiate a snapback of U.N. sanctions.” NOTE: Apparently there is a House version of this resolution (not in Congressional Record yet) – see: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Legislation Pushing European Allies to Snapback UN Sanctions on Iran (Tenney, R-NY, 2/13/25); US lawmakers say, as Trump resumes ‘maximum pressure’ (Fox News 2/13/25); Tenney X-post 2/13/25: “Invoking snapback sanctions will reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran that the failed Obama-era nuclear deal lifted. I am leading a resolution with @SenRicketts to send a clear message to the E3: It’s time to step up and stop enabling Iran’s nuclear expansion. The time for snapback is now.”

(SANCTIONING THE HOUTHIS) HR 1250: Introduced 2/12/25 by Hamadeh (R-AZ) and 3 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To require the imposition of sanctions with respect to Ansarallah and its officials, agents, or affiliates for acts of international terrorism.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see press release – Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Resolution to Require Imposition of Sanctions on Iran-Backed Houthis

SYRIA

(TARGETING THE NEW SYRIAN GOVERNMENT) HR 1327: Introduced 2/13/25 by Luttrell (R-TX) and Ogles (R-TN), “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a threat assessment of terrorist threats to the United States posed by individuals in Syria with an affiliation with a Foreign Terrorist Organization or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Other Stuff

(NO TEXT YET – NOT CLEAR WHAT THIS IS ABOUT)  HR 1136: Introduced 2/7/25 by Ogles (R-TN), “To impose sanctions on foreign persons failing to cooperate with the United States.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on the Judiciary.

2. Letters

3. Hearings

February 13, 2025: The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a meeting to consider the nomination of Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education. Also see:

  • hearing video — includes discussion of alleged antisemitism on campus, including Scott (R-SC) using the hearing to promote the Antisemitism Awareness Act and referring to protests for Palestinian lives/rights on campus as “disgusting”, with McMahon responding that she supports the 1st Amendment but suggesting that she views Palestine protest as outside of free speech and that schools that tolerate it should be de-funded); and Banks (R-IN) suggesting protest of Israel on campus reflects foreign adversaries funding influencing campuses. Later, Sen. Marshall (R-XX) asked McMahon if she’d “be open to some kind of antisemitism commission to evaluate the progress of the universities” on this issue; McMahon said she would and that she would look forward to working with the Marshall and the Committee on such a commission.
  • Chair Cassidy Delivers Remarks During Confirmation Hearing on Nomination for Secretary of Education [“…We have also seen rampant antisemitism on college campuses, which is leading to attacks and harassment of Jewish students. I am pleased to see that the Trump administration has already launched investigations, and I look forward to working together with you presuming you are confirmed.”]
  • Jewish Insider 2/14/25: Linda McMahon vows to defund universities that do not address antisemitism on campus [“At her confirmation hearing to be secretary of education, the WWE co-founder said she would ‘not stand idly by’ as Jewish students face discrimination”]; Jewish Insider 2/14/25: Dems raise alarm that Education Department layoffs will hinder antisemitism enforcement; Jewish News Syndicate 2/14/25: Trump Ed Dept nominee calls for new panel to tackle campus Jew-hatred [“Schools should be defunded if they allow actions that endanger students, Linda McMahon told a Senate committee.“]

February 13, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing entitled, After Assad: Navigating Syria Policy. The hearing featured a huge spectrum of views on the issue, ranging from a witness from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy to… another witness from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (seriously) — Michael Singh (testimony) and Dana Stroul (testimony). Also see: hearing video; Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on Navigating Syria Policy; Ranking Member Shaheen Remarks at Hearing on Navigating Syria Policy; Jewish Insider 2/14/25: Senate Foreign Relations Committee finds common ground on Syria at hearing [“Members on both sides of the aisle agreed that the U.S. should engage with the fledgling Syrian government to ensure stability and protect against terrorism“]

February 13, 2025: The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing “To receive testimony on the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program.” Witnesses were: Admiral Alvin Holsey, USN, Commander, United States Southern Command (testimony) and General Gregory M. Guillot, USAF, Commander, United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (testimony). Also see: hearing video. NOTE: General Guillot’s testimony included: “…the conflict ignited by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel has expanded to encompass much of the Middle East and threatens to embroil the United States in a direct military conflict with Iran and its proxies” and “I remain highly concerned by threats presented by non-state actors. USNORTHCOM assesses the threat of a foreign terrorist attack in North America is at the highest level in at least five years, as the Israel-Hamas conflict has motivated foreign terrorist organizations to rejuvenate their attack planning against the United States. These groups have also redoubled their propaganda efforts in the last 18 months to inspire lone-wolf terrorists to pursue attacks within the Homeland, as seen with the deadly January 1st 2025 attack in New Orleans.”

February 12, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held Roundtable with Families of U.S. Hostages Held by Hamas. Also see: Kim (R-CA) 2/13/25: X-post – “I started off the morning at a @HouseForeignGOP roundtable with families of Hamas hostages as they deal with what no family should ever have to go through. I will do everything in my power to bring every hostage safely home & hold Hamas & the Iran regime accountable.”

February 11, 2025: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a meeting with the King and Crown Prince of Jordan.

 

4. Selected Members on the Record

Trump Ethnic Cleansing/Gaza Takeover Plan is NOT OK

  • Houlahan (D-PA) 2/12/25: X-post – “President Trump made the Israel-Hamas ceasefire even more tenuous Monday during an impromptu press conference where he threatened “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas doesn’t release the hostages by noon on Saturday. Not coincidentally, Israeli PM Netanyahu echoed similar language and the same deadline in comments yesterday. Trump appears to be trying to destabilize this fragile ceasefire and pave the way to recreating Gaza in his imagined ‘Riviera of the Middle East.’ I urge him to stop endangering the lives of both the hostages and the region’s residents and recommit to the agreement that was so carefully and thoughtfully negotiated with our allies and regional partners.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 2/12/25: X-post – “A return to war in Gaza could pose even greater risks to the hostages and kill countless more innocent Palestinians The U.S. and Israel should exhaust every diplomatic option to free the hostages and maintain the ceasefire.“
  • Duckworth (D-IL) 2/11/25: X-post – “As Trump keeps doubling down on his unhinged plan to send U.S. troops to “take over Gaza,” let’s be clear:   This would be a complete disaster for our country and the Palestinian people.   It would undermine our national security, waste taxpayer dollars and cause further chaos in the region.   Everyone’s time would be better spent working toward a two-state solution to help the Israeli and Palestinian people achieve lasting peace.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 2/11/25: X-post – “A reminder:  -Threats of Palestinian displacement are illegal and immoral.   -Gaza is not for sale.  -The US must honor Palestinian sovereignty.  -Israel must adhere to the cease-fire deal.  -Hamas must release the remaining hostages.  -We must act as though our collective safety and security -Palestinian, Israeli, and American- are interconnected.“‘
  • Watson Coleman (D-NJ) 2/10/25: X-post – “”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 2/10/25: X-post – “47,000+ Palestinians killed. 111,000 injured. Trump’s response? Forcibly expel Palestinians to make Gaza ‘a real estate development for the future. A beautiful piece of land.’  No. Gaza must be rebuilt for the Palestinian people, not billionaire tourists.”
  • Green (D-XX) 2/7/25: Rep. Al Green Condemns Trump & Netanyahu’s Ethnic Cleansing Remarks, Calls for Boycott & Impeachment
  • Welch (D-VT) 2/7/25: X-post – “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. President Trump saying the U.S. should ‘take over’ Gaza is dangerous. There won’t be lasting peace for Israel until Palestinians have equal measures of dignity, safety, and sovereignty, alongside Israel.“

Concern for Hostages & (in some cases) Cheering on Trump plan for ethnic cleansing of Gaza [NOTE: there has been ZERO concern from Congress over the terrible state of Palestinians detainees being released by Israel — ill, emaciated, covered in scabies sores, missing limbs, etc…]

  • Buchanan (R-FL) 2/14/25: X-post – “Very heartening to see. After over a year in captivity, Hamas will release three more hostages tomorrow, including Sagui Dekel-Chen, an American-Israeli whose mother is a Sarasota resident. Join me in praying for his safe return and all of those captured and missing.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 2/12/25: X-post – “Hamas terrorists are evil. Look at what they did to these three innocent men! It’s been 495 days, and still, Americans and Israelis remain in the hands of these monsters. President Trump put it best: every hostage must be released by noon Saturday or else.”
  • Cherfilus-McCormick (R-FL) 2/12/25: X-post – “All hostages need to be released immediately! The heart-wrenching stories from a former hostage about the physical and mental abuse she experienced were devastating. The demand for the release of hostages by Saturday is long overdue.”
  • Kelly (R-PA) 2/11/25: Rep. Mike Kelly Statement Following Release of Marc Fogel
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/11/25: X-post – “While I’m relieved that 3 more Israeli hostages were reunited with their families, I’m disgusted by how Hamas terrorists returned them: severely malnourished & unrecognizable.   We must free all the hostages, ensuring their health & safety.”
  • Emmer (R-MN) 2/11/25: X-post – “Utterly heartbreaking. This kind of evil is incompatible with civilized society. Hamas must release ALL hostages NOW.”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/11/25: X-post – “Once again, Hamas is preventing the peace deal by refusing to release hostages. Genocidal Hamas terrorists care more about waging war against Israel and causing chaos & destruction than they do for the lives of Gazans.”
  • Budd (R-NC) 2/11/25: X-post – “If Oct. 7th didn’t provide enough evidence of Hamas’ depravity, they’re now refusing to release hostages, as agreed. @POTUS is right to threaten consequences if Hamas does not comply. America must fully back Israel & see that all hostages are released, including six Americans.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/11/25: X-post- “>While I’m relieved that 3 more Israeli hostages were reunited with their families, I’m disgusted by how Hamas terrorists returned them: severely malnourished & unrecognizable.   We must free all the hostages, ensuring their health & safety.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 2/10/25: X-post – “Every face has a story, a family and a future that was stolen from them the day Hamas terrorists took them as hostages. 493 days in the hands of Iran-backed Hamas terrorists is 493 days too long. We cannot rest—bring them ALL home!“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/10/25: HFAC Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler Reacts to Hamas’ Indefinite Pause on Releasing Hostages
  • Cotton (R-AR) 2/10/25: X-post- “Hamas is a vicious terrorist organization that slaughtered and starved not just Israelis but also Americans. President Trump is right to demand Hamas release the hostages, and make clear that we will back Israel to the hilt if this deal fails.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/10/25: X-post – “The treacherous terrorist group Hamas is violating the ceasefire deal and refusing to release more Israeli hostages. President Trump was clear: release ALL hostages NOW“
  • Torres (D-NY) 2/10/25: X-post – “Even though Hamas systemically starved Israeli hostages to the point of leaving them emaciated, Mehdi Hasan nonetheless never misses an opportunity to make Israel the villain in the story. He is so blinded by an unbridled hatred for the Jewish State that he can scarcely see the victimhood of the Jews who were barbarically abducted for nearly 500 days. Hasan is a propagandist pretending to be a journalist.” — attacking journalist Mehdi Hassan for posting on X (entirely accurately) ; “We shouldn’t be under any illusion about how the pictures of the Israeli hostages at the weekend – which are bad, and inexcusable – are going to be used to manufacture consent for new violence against Gaza. No mention of course of Palestinians being released in horrible states.“
  • Wicker (R-MS) 2/10/25: X-post – “If anyone needs evidence how brutal Hamas is, look at the pictures of the recently released Israeli hostages. But brace yourself – unspeakable!“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/10/25: X-post – “One of the things I appreciate most about President @realDonaldTrump is his strength and clarity. I hope Hamas and the region are listening to @POTUS’ recent statement and demand regarding the release of the hostages in Gaza.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 2/8/25: X-post – “Hamas terrorists are putting innocent Americans and Israelis through the unimaginable. For some, it’s day 481 in the hands of these monsters. They can’t afford another day in captivity. We must bring them home now!“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 2/8/25: X-post – “Relieved that three more hostages are being reunited with their families and loved ones today. I won’t stop fighting until we free all the hostages, including the Americans.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 2/8/25: X-post – “Over a year ago, I repeatedly called on the @ICRC to perform well checks on Israeli hostages, as required by international law. The ICRC, the @UN and the world failed. Today, we saw the horror allowed by their failure. Israeli hostages were starved and tortured. Disgraceful.“
  • Hern (R-OK) 2/8/25: X-post – “The war in Gaza is a battle between good and evil. For 490 days, Hamas held innocent civilians hostage—more remain in the grip of barbaric terrorists. President Trump was clear: Hamas must release ALL the hostages now.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/8/25: X-post – “Horrified to see the state of Israeli hostages released from Hamas terrorist captivity. Hamas must be eliminated and have no future in Gaza.”
  • Budd (R-NC) 2/8/25: X-post – “There are still six Americans being held hostage by Hamas. They must be released immediately.“
  • Frankel (D-FL) 2/8/25: X-post – “Bittersweet relief that Or, Ohad, and Eli are finally free from Hamas captivity. While we celebrate their return, we remain mindful of their deteriorating health and the loved ones they’ve lost. The remaining hostages are running out of time—we must bring them home now.“

Bibi on the Hill

  • Johnson (R-LA) 2/7/25: Speaker Johnson Welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Back to the U.S. Capitol; also X-post – “I was honored to host my good friend, Prime Minister @Netanyahu, at the Capitol today. With President Trump back in the White House and Republicans leading the House and Senate, America will not turn its back on Israel. Our support for Israel is ironclad.“
  • Scalise (R-LA) 2/7/25: X-post – “Honored to welcome Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Capitol. We will always stand with our strong ally in the Middle East. “
  • McClain (R-MI) 2/7/25: X-post – “”
  • Cruz (R-TX) 2/7/25: X-post – “Great meeting with my friend and leader of Israel, @Netanyahu. With a unified Republican government, we will bolster the U.S.-Israel alliance and undo the very real damage caused by the Biden administration’s policies.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/7/25: X-post – “I was honored to join Speaker Johnson and Congressional leaders for today’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The U.S.-Israel alliance is unshakable, and we stand firmly with our greatest ally in the Middle East.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 2/7/25: X-post – “It was good to see @Netanyahu today in our nation’s capitol, right after President Trump moved to sanction the ICC for its shameless arrest warrants targeting the U.S. and Israel. I’ll never forget meeting with PM Netanyahu in Israel the wake of Hamas’ October 7 massacre. We must continue working toward lasting peace for Israel and the entire Middle East.”

Sanctioning the ICC

  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 2/7/25: X-post – “I applaud President Trump for standing up for America and its allies against the biased, antisemitic ICC. The ICC has lost all credibility, unfairly targeting Israel and its leaders, for simply defending themselves against the barbaric attacks launched by Iran and terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. As Chairman of the subcommittee that funds U.S. national security interests and foreign policy priorities, I’ve been warning about the ICC’s myopic obsession with Israel. That’s why my funding bill for fiscal year 2025 ensures accountability by strictly prohibiting any taxpayer money from supporting the ICC.“
  • Ernst (R-IA) 2/7/25: X-post – “I called out the ICC last year for losing credibility by becoming an anti-Israel propaganda machine. Glad to see President Trump holding the ICC accountable and standing with our ally!”
  • Barrasso (R-WY) 2/7/25: X-post – “Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials including Prime Minister Netanyahu. Their charges are bogus. Last week, the Senate had an opportunity to impose severe sanctions on the ICC. This would have sent a strong message that America stands with Israel. Instead, Democrats blocked the sanctions.”
  • Kennedy (R-LA) 2/7/25: X-post – “Pres. Trump is right—The International Criminal Court keeps the U.S. and Israel in its crosshairs while ignoring actual atrocities. Bring on the sanctions.”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 2/7/25: X-post – “President Trump is standing strong with Israel. He has sanctioned the International Criminal Court for targeting the United States and Israel.”
  • Moran (R-TX) 2/7/25: X-post – “.@POTUS ICC EO reaffirms America’s commitment to resisting the ICC’s attempts to undermine U.S. sovereignty and target our ally, Israel.”

More Weapons for Israel

Targeting the UN/UNRWA/Palestinian Authority

  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/13/25: X-post – “Ensuring that every last dollar of taxpayer money is being spent appropriately is a critical mission of Congress. As we examine USAID’s expenditures, transparency is key. The fact that USAID spent millions on a non-profit that pushed anti-Israel and antisemitic rap songs is abhorrent.”
  • Jackson (R-TX) 2/12/25: X-post – “President Trump took bold action by cutting off U.S. funding to UNRWA. To bolster the President’s decisive action, I reintroduced the Uncovering UNRWA’s Terrorist Crimes Act to permanently eliminate funds for this CORRUPT organization and expose how much taxpayer money the Biden administration sent to support terrorism.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/12/25: X-post – “The Palestinian Authority has a history of claiming to end pay-to-slay, only to find new ways to fund terrorism. I’ll believe they’ve ended it when we actually see it.” (with video)
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/10/25: X-post – “If we’re ever going to achieve peace in the Middle East, it starts with the Palestinian Authority actually ending the horrific practice of pay-to-slay terrorism and committing to de-radicalization of its population.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/10/25: HFAC Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Lawler Reacts to Palestinian Authority’s Cancellation of Pay-to-Slay; also X-post 2/10/25: “If we’re ever going to achieve peace in the Middle East, it starts with the Palestinian Authority actually ending the horrific practice of pay-to-slay terrorism and committing to de-radicalization of its population.“

Targeting USAID

Targeting Iran

  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/13/25: X-post – “President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign makes clear the US will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. Gone are the days of appeasement and lax sanctions enforcement towards the regime best known for being the leading state-sponsor of terrorism.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/13/25: X-post – “This is bizarre. This insulting censorship of those opposing the terrorist regime in Tehran will not stand. Iranian voices deserve to be heard. I call on @GermanyDiplo to change course again and allow @PahlaviReza to participate in the Munich Security Conference. Free Iran“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/13/25: X-post – “Grateful to meet with her excellency Ambassador @rbalsaud of Saudi Arabia! The U.S.-Saudi partnership is critical for the future of Free Syria and to counter War Criminal Putin and the Iranian regime. Saudi Arabia is a true friend and anchor of stability in the Middle East.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/13/25: X-post- “Iraqi Army Chief Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah said designated terrorist & Iraqi Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi Muhandis “is our brother, leader, supporter and backer. Abu Mahdi who gathered us together during battles.” Spotted here with Soleimani pic The Iraq Army = Iranian puppets“
  • Kennedy (R-LA) 2/13/25: X-post – “Xi, Putin, and the Ayatollah in Iran are working against America and Western values, including—but not limited to—freedom.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/10/25: X-post – “Connect the dots. The Iranian regime gives War Criminal Putin suicide drones and missiles. War Criminal Putin supplies Iranian puppets Hezbollah and the Houthis. The Chinese Communist Party bankrolls it all. Counter the Axis of Aggressors!“
  • Babin (R-TX) 2/10/25: X-post – “Iran’s assassination plot against President Trump was more extensive than we knew. Make no mistake: this will not be tolerated!“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/8/25: X-post – “The Iranian regime tried to assassinate President Trump and is insistent that it still will. Iran will be free and all its puppets will fall, including the Houthis, Qassim al-Araji, Kais Saied, and Bidzina Ivanishvili.”
  • Fischbach (R-MN) 2/8/25: X-post – “We need to do everything we can to keep Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Thank you, @POTUS for working to drive down Tehran’s exports and enforce greater sanctions.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/8/25: X-post – “Iraqi Kleptocracy starts with Rafidain Bank. Why is @UStreasury allowing Iraq’s largest bank to be a piggy bank for Iran’s militias?”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/7/25: X-post (incl video) – “The Biden Administration let Iran’s illicit oil trade thrive, which funded terrorism across the Middle East. I fought to crack down on it and am glad to see action finally being taken by President Trump on this front.“

Republicans STAND WITH ISRAEL!

  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/10/25: X-post – “I met with Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel, in New York today, and it was a valuable opportunity to discuss significant developments in the Middle East and build stronger ties with Israel. We also discussed ways to support our shared community here in New York. Looking forward to our continued collaboration!“
  • Jordan (R-OH) 2/7/25: X-post – “Israel couldn’t trust the Biden administration. But they can trust President Trump! We’ll always back our great ally.“
  • Ellzey (R-TX) 2/7/25: X-post – “Before heading home to Texas, I met with the IDF alongside my colleagues @RepPfluger and @RepJimmyPanetta for an update on the ongoing situation in Israel. As our strongest ally in the Middle East, America must always stand with Israel.“

 

5. Selected Media