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

New from FMEP:

• New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, What Harvard’s Antisemitism and Islamophobia Reports Get Wrong, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Dr. Lara Jirmanus and Professor Atalia Omer about the Harvard University’s two new reports, one on Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias and the other on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Free Speech/Protest/Civil Society

• (THE RETURN OF THE “NON-PROFIT KILLER” LEGISLATION – UPDATE): As covered in last week’s Round-Up, on the House Ways & Means Committee passed Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (1BBB) with the text of the “Non-Profit Killer” legislation included at the very end of the 389 bill. This week, on 5/19/25, the House Rules Committee released the version of the 1BBB that would be going to the House floor. That version did not include the the text of the “Non-Profit Killer” legislation, reportedly because House leadership believed it would inevitably be removed by the Senate parliamentarian in compliance with the Byrd Rule. For more see: Measure targeting pro-Palestine NGOs disappears from US tax bill (Al Jazeera 5/19/25 — see: “Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, said it would be ‘interesting’ to see how Republican leaders would deal with staunchly pro-Israel measures like the ‘nonprofit killer’ going forward. ‘They on the one hand likely see this as a fun opportunity to embarrass Democrats – whose opposition will be framed as anti-Israel or enabling terror and antisemitism – and on the other hand they have to worry about principled opposition from within their own ranks,’ Friedman told Al Jazeera in a statement.“); ‘Nonprofit Killer’ Pulled From GOP Tax Bill—For Now (Common Dreams 5/19/25); Nonprofit Killer Provision Quietly Disappears From Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” (The Intercept 5/19/25)

Gaza

• (HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA – NOW!) S. Res. 224: Introduced 5/13/25 by Welch (D-VT) and 27 cosponsors (25 Democrats plus 2 Independents), “A resolution calling for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. UPDATE: On 5/20/25, Welch took to the Senate floor to speak in support of S. Res. 224 and request Unanimous Consent for a vote on the measure. Van Hollen (D-MD) spoke in support. The UC request was blocked by Republicans, with Risch (R-ID) speaking on the floor in opposition. See: 5/20/25 Senate floor action; Welch press release 5/21/25: 45 Senators Join Welch’s Senate Resolution Calling for End to Siege on Gaza – Republicans Block Passage; Resolution calling for ‘urgent delivery’ of Gaza aid co-sponsored by nearly all Senate Democrats (Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/20/25 — “Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont, who introduced the resolution, spoke next to a large image of a Gazan infant who died.”]

Trump & the Gulf

• (QATAR’S JET PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) S. 1804: Introduced 5/19/25 by Schumer (D-NY) and 2 Democratic cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit the use of funds to procure or modify foreign aircraft for presidential airlift.” Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Also see: Scoop: Schumer to seek vote on blocking Qatar’s gift to Trump (Axios 5/19/25)
• (TRUMP CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCL W/ KSA, QATAR & UAE) S. Res. 242: Introduced 5/21/25 by Blumethal (D-CT), “A resolution condemning the private business agreements of President Donald J. Trump with foreign governments for posing unacceptable conflicts of interest, affirming such agreements violate the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution of the United States, and demanding the transfer of any proceeds from such agreements to the United States Government.“ Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.  Also see: press release – Video: Ahead of Trump Crypto Dinner, Blumenthal Takes to the Senate Floor to Condemn Trump Corruption
• (TRUMP CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCL W/ DUBAI) S. Res. 243: Introduced 5/21/25 by Blumethal (D-CT), “A resolution condemning the financial entanglements of World Liberty Financial, Inc. with President Donald J. Trump, the Trump family, and the Trump Administration.“ Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press release – Video: Ahead of Trump Crypto Dinner, Blumenthal Takes to the Senate Floor to Condemn Trump Corruption
  
• (TRUMP CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, INCL W/ QATAR) S. Res. 244: Introduced 5/21/25 by Blumethal (D-CT), “A resolution affirming that the underlying purpose of the Foreign Emoluments Clause renders the acceptance and transfer of a plane from the government of Qatar, without the explicit consent of Congress, an illegal emolument, withholding the consent of the Senate to the acceptance and transfer of plane from the government of Qatar, and demanding the transfer of any plane received by President Donald J. Trump or entities under his control from the government of Qatar to the permanent control of the United States Government.“ Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press release – Video: Ahead of Trump Crypto Dinner, Blumenthal Takes to the Senate Floor to Condemn Trump Corruption

Iran

• (IRAN SANCTIONS) S. 1889: Introduced 5/22/25 by Scott (R-SC), “A bill to repeal the sunset provision of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.“  Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Other stuff

• (TURKEY) S. Res. 257: Introduced 5/22/25 by Schiff (D-CA) and Durbin (D-IL), “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the arrest and continued detention of Ekrem Imamoglu and urging the Government of Turkiye to uphold democratic values.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
• (ONE TO WATCH) HR 3550:  Introduced 5/21/25 by Mace (R-SC), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to refugee admission and resettlement.”  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: No text is available yet, nor has Mace issued a press release, so it is not yet clear what this is about.

 2. Letters

3. Hearings

(With one exception, this section does NOT include the many, many, many statements and social media posts condemning the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members outside an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a shooter who, according to his own words shouted on the scene and written in manifesto, acted to protest Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza — including the many, many statements using the killing as a hook to attack all free speech/activism in support of Palestinian lives/rights. It’s just to much to cover. Check social media and members’ websites for yourself.)

Randy Fine on the Killing of 2 Israeli Embassy Staff members

• Fine (R-FL) 5/21/25: X-post – “Muslim terror has come to our Nation’s Capital tonight. Two Jews were assassinated by a gunman sporting a terror rag and yelling ‘Free Palestine.’ It is high time for us to acknowledge there is nothing peaceful about this movement and that these demons must be put down by any means necessary.” NOTE: The attacker was not Muslim. Also, this appears to be open incitement to lethal violance against any and every person who dares to engage in First Amendment-protected free speech in support of Palestinian lives/rights.
• Also see: US congressman suggests nuclear strike on Gaza after DC attack on Israeli diplomats [“Rep. Randy Fine compares Gaza to WWII Japan, calls for unconditional surrender following killing of two Israeli embassy staffers“] (YNet 5/22/25); GOP Lawmaker Makes Chilling Threat After Israeli Embassy Staff Killed [“Republicans are already using the killing of two Israeli Embassy aides to ‘nuke’ Gaza.“] (The New Republic 5/22/25)

Concern for Palestinians

• Doggett (D-TX) 5/21/25: X-post – “Not even one baby should be allowed to starve, but by Netanyahu blocking aid to Gaza, 14,000 babies risk death soon unless the blockade is fully lifted. These innocents are guilty of nothing. Permitting so few trucks to enter after over 70 days has been rightly described as a ‘drop in the ocean’ of what’s needed.“
• Murphy (D-CT) 5/21/25: X-post – “500,000 people are facing starvation and the small amount of aid Israel has allowed into Gaza is not nearly enough. Now Netanyahu is pursuing a plan to re-occupy Gaza. He should end the war, bring the hostages home, and stave off starvation. A new invasion does the opposite.“
• Heinrich (D-NM) 5/21/25: Heinrich, Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution Denouncing Two-Month Blockade on Food and Medicine in Gaza (S. Res. 224, introduced 5/13/25)
• Ocasio-Cortex (D-NY) 5/21/25: Ocasio-Cortez Statement on Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza [“Israel’s blockade of food and humanitarian assistance to Gaza is in violation of international law. Another 14,000 babies face severe malnutrition if the Israeli government does not reverse course. The United States can prevent this atrocity. We must pressure the Israeli government to open up more routes for humanitarian aid and finally uphold the law by stopping further weapons transfers to Israel.“]
• Romman (D-GA) 5/20/25: X-post – “Babies can only have milk. They can’t even have water. Since Israel is banning all aid including baby formula, these babies will die. And since Israel is also starving everyone in Gaza, moms can’t nurse their babies either. They’re just watching their babies die as they die to.“
• Jayapal (D-WA) 5/20/25: X-post – “Last night, @SenPeterWelch and I hosted a viewing of No Other Land — an Oscar-winning film about violence and destruction in the occupied West Bank. Thank you to Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor for letting us share this important story at the Capitol.“
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/19/25: X-post – “Israeli forces have begun a full-scale invasion to ethnically cleanse all Palestinians from Gaza. War Criminal Netanyahu announced plans to forcibly expel the entire population and permanently occupy the land. This is the final stage of their genocide. World leaders must impose sanctions and a full arms embargo.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/19/25: X-post – “Israeli forces have begun a full-scale invasion to ethnically cleanse all Palestinians from Gaza. War Criminal Netanyahu announced plans to forcibly expel the entire population and permanently occupy the land. This is the final stage of their genocide. World leaders must impose sanctions and a full arms embargo.“
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/19/25: X-post – “18 pages of babies who didn’t live to see their first birthday.“
• Warner (D-VA) 5/19/25: X-post – “Trump’s back in the U.S. today after a Middle East trip full of open self-dealing and a foolish move to cede American AI leadership to other countries. This administration really only seems interested in enriching itself while doing absolutely nothing to lower Americans’ costs.“
• Green (D-TX) 5/18/25: X-post – “ICYMI URGENT: Rep. Al Green Opposes Collective Punishment and Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza and Stands for Peace with a Two-State Solution“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 5/17/25: X-post – “Let food into Gaza NOW! Netanyahu & his govt are starving 2M civilians. This is day 76 of the blockade. Trucks with food are waiting to get in but are blocked. Children have already died from withholding food. The U.S. is complicit in this gross violation of international law.”
• McCollum (D-MN) 5/16/25; X-post – “The use of bunker-busting bombs by Israeli Defense Forces to target civilian hospitals must stop immediately. Strikes on civilians are completely unacceptable. The people of Gaza are on the brink of starvation, and Israeli actions to bomb hospitals are driving the region further from peace. The United States and the international community must focus on delivering humanitarian aid to those in need as quickly as possible.”
• Warner (D-VA) 5/16/25: X-post – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is devastating and must end. Israeli authorities must allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians, and we must continue working towards a lasting ceasefire that includes the safe return of all remaining hostages.”

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL!

• Scott (R-FL) 5/22/25: X-post – “Everyone who wants peace in the Middle East knows Hamas must be destroyed, yet the governments of France, the UK, and Canada threaten Israel for doing exactly what is needed. This is hypocrisy and rank politics at the expense of Israelis’ security. It bears repeating: what happened 594 days ago on Oct. 7th changed everything. Israeli lives are just as precious as than any other lives.“
• Torres (D-NY) 5/21/25: X-post – “There is no genocide in South Africa. There is no genocide in Gaza. Stop debasing the term ‘genocide’—a word reserved for the gravest crime against humanity—by deploying it as a weapon of ideological warfare.“
• Issa (R-CA) 5/20/25: X-post – “Hamas launched its evil Oct. 7 2023 terror attack with the goal of stopping Israel and Saudi Arabia from normalizing relations.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/20/25: X-post – “The same demands for a ceasefire last year were wrong then and are wrong now. Israel should resist this. If Hamas remains armed, there will never be Peace. They must be disarmed and the hostages released.“
• Nadler (D-NY) 5/19/25: X-post – “Proud to march in this year’s Israel Day Parade alongside former hostages, their families, and tens of thousands calling to bring them all home now. As a lifelong Zionist, I continue to fight for the Israel envisaged in the Declaration of Independence: ‘The State of Israel will be based on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets; will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed or sex; will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture.'”
• Meeks (D-NY) 5/19/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Met with Israeli Amb. Leiter last week, where I reaffirmed Congress’s bipartisan support for the US-Israel relationship, and reiterated urgency in working to bring home the remaining hostages, surge humanitarian aid and bring the war in Gaza to a lasting end.“
• Schumer (D-NY) 5/19/25: Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Calling On Hamas To Release The Remaining Hostages And Imploring All Sides To Come To The Table To Move Toward A Durable Peace
• Lawler (R-NY) 5/18/25: X-post – “I’m proud to stand with Israel and it was a pleasure to march in the Israel Day Parade today in New York City.“

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Protest/Civil Society

• Torres (D-NY) 5/20/25: X-post – “Just a few hours ago, I reviewed a classroom presentation that objects to labeling Hamas as a “terrorist organization” even as it vilifies Israel as a ‘settler-colonial state.’ Any professor who expresses more empathy for the murderers of Hamas than for the victims in Israel is utterly unfit to educate the next generation of Americans.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/20/25: X-post – “This is the way forward: colleges must understand that enabling antisemitism and pushing radical DEI agendas puts their federal funding at risk. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for taking a stand against antisemitism and woke extremism in higher education. It is long overdue that our Jewish students feel safe studying in university classrooms and I will continue working in Congress to ensure that the scourge of Jew hatred and DEI ends.” Linked to article in the Hill, DOJ targeting DEI campus initiatives under fraud law

Trump Rakes in the Gifts from the Gulf

• House Judiciary Dems 5/19/25: X-post – “While Trump’s been shaking down Qatar for his $400 million Bribe Force One, they’ve also been pressuring African nations to grant Elon Musk licenses for his satellite company, Starlink. In this Gangster State, government is an instrument for private self-enrichment—not the common good.”
• Budzinski (D-IL) 5/19/25: X-post – “President Trump is trying to accept a $400 million luxury plane from Qatar. I won’t stand for blatant corruption or foreign interference, so I’ve signed on to legislation to investigate further.”
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 5/19/25: X-post – “Donald Trump planning to accept a $400M plane from Qatar? Ridiculous to say the least. We must ask ourselves, what does Qatar expect in return? This isn’t a gift — it’s an attempt to buy influence.“
• Schumer (D-NY) 5/19/25: X-post – “I’m standing with @SenWarren and other Senate Democrats to demand Secretary Lutnick and Secretary Rubio hit pause on Trump’s chips deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Without clear and enforceable protections to stop the Chinese Communist Party from getting their hands on these incredibly advanced AI-related semiconductor chips, this has national security threat written all over it.“
• Stansbury (D-NM) 5/17/25: X-post – “President Trump’s plan to accept a luxury jet from Qatar is another huge cause for concern. But in his words, only a “stupid person” would say no to a $400 million gift. Trump has been bought and paid for time and time again—and today is no different. Public service is about serving the people, not personal gain. We will hold him to account.”

Iran

• Britt (R-AL) 5/19/25: X-post – “I agree with @POTUS – Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. I support total dismantlement and destruction of Iran’s entire nuclear program, including no uranium enrichment.”
• Bacon (R-NE) 5/18/25: X-post – “I’m proud of the USAF for their role in shooting down dozens of Iranian drones targeting Israel last year. Iran fired 330 missiles, drones and cruise missiles and a coalition of countries to include Israel shot down 99% of them.”

Syria

• Hamadeh (R-AZ) 5/17/25: X-post – “.@Potus is offering Sharaa a fresh start, a chance to join the Abraham Accords & forge ties with regional partners, instead of Russia & Iran So far, Sharaa has been saying & doing the right things If he wants to Make Syria Great Again, now’s his chance“
• Stutzman (R-IN) 5/17/25: X-post – “When Syria is contemplating its future under new leadership, we should want a seat at the table. Not only to help Syria prosper, but also to weaken the influence of Russia and China while creating another ally and trade partner in the region.“
• Wilson (R-SC) 5/16/25: X-post – “I was grateful to ask FM Shibani in February to reverse the Assad regime’s wrongful decision and have Syria recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia as the sovereign territory of the country of Georgia. This simple step would show deep strength and commitment to Syria’s new path.“

5. Selected Media

(Not including here the many, many, many articles about Congressional statements/reactions re: the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members outside an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a shooter who, according to his own words shouted on the scene and written in manifesto, acted to protest Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza).

Israel

• Commentary – June 2025 issue: The Sanity of John Fetterman [“…Fetterman’s own political journey on Israel has become part and parcel of a new chapter in American Jewish history…”]
• Irish Times 5/23/25: Bernie Sanders: Senator has ‘no apologies’ for his position on Israel’s attack on Gaza [“Veteran US senator, who is visiting Ireland this week, has been criticised by Palestinian supporters“]
• NPR 5/22/25: Vermont senator wants Trump pressure on Israel to end ‘catastrophic’ Gaza blockade
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/21/25: ‘Not Israel’s fault,’ says GOP senator of humanitarian crisis in Gaza [“’It is totally in the hands of Hamas,’ said Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho.”]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/21/25: Most Senate Democrats sponsor resolution calling for ‘urgent delivery’ of Gaza aid
• Jewish Insider 5/20/25: Fetterman: Israel ‘deserves much better from my party’
• The Hill 5/20/25: Democrats bash Netanyahu’s escalation in Gaza
• Arutz Sheva 5/19/25: Congressman Lawler: World doesn’t understand the horror of Hamas captivity [“Speaking at the Jerusalem Conference in NYC, Rep. Michael Lawler condemns Hamas for holding 58 hostages and calls it ‘barbaric.’ He urges Qatar to exert more pressure and stresses that peace depends on Arab normalization with Israel.”]
• Rolling Stone 5/18/25: Van Hollen: The U.S. Is ‘Complicit’ in Starving the People of Gaza [“‘Two million Palestinians are starving. This is collective punishment that is clearly illegal under international law,’ the senator said”]

Elections

• The Intercept 5/22/25: Is AIPAC Coming After Ilhan Omar? [“A poll sent to Omar’s district tested the waters on a Democratic candidate backed by ‘a right-wing, pro-Israel group that is funded by Trump-supporting billionaires.'”]
• Jewish Insider 5/21/25: Illinois Senate primary likely a toss-up, experts say, after Underwood declines to run [“One Jewish Democratic strategist said that none of the three major candidates have deep ties to the Jewish community, leaving Jewish voters up for grabs”]
• Jewish Insider 5/19/25: NJ congressional candidate Michael Roth says he wants to be a strong pro-Israel voice for a new generation [“In an interview with JI, Roth, who is running as a Democrat against Rep. Tom Kean Jr., says he seeks to correct concerning narratives around Israel and supporting the Jewish state”]

Lobbying for Israel

• The Forward 5/19/25: Kathy Manning to lead Democratic Majority for Israel board of directors [“‘I am thrilled to chair DMFI’s board at this very important time for the U.S.-Israel relationship and for the Democratic Party,’ Manning said“]
• Jewish Insider 5/19/25: DMFI announces new president and board chair following leadership shake-up [“Brian Romick, a longtime senior aide to Rep. Steny Hoyer, will succeed Mark Mellman as the group’s president and CEO”]
• NORPAC’s annual mission to Washington is bringing 1,000 allies to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Fetterman (D-PA) will be speaking to attendees as part of the morning session. (Jewish Insider)

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest

• Jewish Insider 5/23/25: Pro-Israel leaders link anti-Israel radicalism to fatal shooting [“Sen. John Fetterman asked members of the left, ‘Why can’t you just call it [antisemitism] what it is?’”]
• Jewish Insider 5/23/25: Following shooting, Gottheimer urges New Jersey governor candidates to support IHRA bill
• Jewish Insider 5/22/25: Sen. Cornyn calls for investigation of organizations affiliated with alleged shooter [“Elias Rodriguez, the suspected gunman of the deadly shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers, has ties organizations including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, People’s Congress of Resistance and ANSWER Chicago“]
• Shabbos Kestenbaum (student who testified on the Hill repeatedly against Harvard, alleging antisemitism) on X 5/21/25: “After a chaotic two years, I am excited to announce I will be taking a job with PragerU. American ideals and western civilization are things worth fighting for. Bittersweet to be trading Boston for Los Angeles, but I look forward to the next chapter of this fight.“
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/21/25: No ‘HELP’ needed [“Contrary to the assertions by some, including members of the Senate, Title VI’s use of the IHRA definition doesn’t violate the First Amendment.“] [NOTE: this op-ed asserts, erroneously, that the House has passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act in this Congress. It has not.]
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/19/25: Democrats have abandoned the fight against campus antisemitism
• Yeshiva University 5/19/25: Yeshiva University to Celebrate 94th Annual Commencement on May 22 [“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to Receive Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership in Recognition of Her Dedication to Strengthening the United States, Supporting Israel and Defending the Jewish People”]; also see: Yeshiva University faculty members sign letter decrying Elise Stefanik graduation honor (Times of Israel 5/22/25); Yeshiva University faculty protest commencement honor for Republican star Elise Stefanik (The Forward 5/21/25); Stefanik Receives Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership Award from Yeshiva University & Delivers Commencement Address (Stefanik press release 5/22/25)

Iran

• Jewish Insider 5/22/25: Some Senate Republicans skeptical of excluding terrorism, missiles from Iran talks
• Jewish Insider 5/20/25: Rubio: Iranian proxy terrorism hasn’t been part of negotiations with Iran
• Jewish Insider 5/20/25: Ted Cruz expresses concern about influence of some Trump officials on Iran policy
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/20/25: Like two peas in a pod [“Radical progressive Democrats and far-right isolationist Republicans are obsessed with the notion that the U.S. approach to Iran is driven by the Jews.”]

 

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

New from FMEP:

• 5/13/25: A new episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, What’s happening between the U.S. and Iran? Featuring FMEP non-resident fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute.

1. Bills & Resolutions

The Return of the “Non-Profit Killer” Legislation

• On 5/13/25 the House Ways & Means held a nearly 18-hour mark-up Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” — in the form of a 389-page amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS) to a 28-page piece of baseline legislation entitled, “Providing for reconciliation pursuant to H.Con.Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025,” aka ‘‘The One Big, Beautiful Bill,” aka “the BBB.”  In the end, the ANS passed by a Voice Vote (by all appearances party-line); the motion to adopt the bill, as amended, passed by a party-line vote of 26-19; and the motion to report the bill out of committee passed by a party-line vote of 26-19.
• Notably, at the very very end of that ANS – starting on page 380, House Republicans attached a section entitled, “Termination of Tax-Exempt Status of Terrorist Supporting Organizations.”  This legislation is a slightly tweaked version of legislation introduced in the last Congress — HR 9495 / HR 6408 / S. 1436 — that has come to be known as the “Non-Profit Killer Bill.” For a deep dive into this legislation and its path in the last Congress, see the 11/22/24 edition of the Round-Up. Importantly, the tweaks that have been made to the legislation in its latest form in no way mitigate the immediate and devastating threat this bill poses to the non-profit sector.
• Given the scope of the BBB and the huge number of massively controversial elements it includes, it was arguably unsurprising that the “Non-Profit Killer” provision did not come during the markup, and no amendments were offered to challenge its inclusion in the bill, despite the existence of serious opposition to it (as seen around the vote on HR 9495 and its aftermath).
• That said, it has been suggested by Hill observers that the decision by opponents of the Non-Profit Killer bill to not spend political capital fighting its inclusion in the BBB reflected, at least in part, the belief that this provision is likely to be stripped out of the bill by the Senate Parliamentarian — based not on any substantive objections but rather on the Byrd Rule, which bans the inclusion of extraneous matters on reconciliation bills. And if that doesn’t happen, there is still a chance the provision could be blocked/stripped out by an amendment in the Senate.

Also see:

• (TARGETING MILITARY SALES TO QATAR AS CONSEQUENCE FOR BRIBE)  S. J. Res. 53: Introduced 5/15/25 by Murphy (D-CT) and 3 cosponsors (Van Hollen, D-MD, Kaine, D-VA,  Sanders, I-VT, and Schatz, D-HI), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Murphy, Sanders, Kaine, Van Hollen, Schatz File Joint Resolution Of Disapproval On $1.9B Arms Sale As Qatar Seeks To Gift Luxury Jumbo Jet To Trump; Murphy press release 5/12/25 – Murphy To Block Arms Sales To Nations Engaging In Bribery Of The Trump Administration; Murphy X-post 5/12/25 – “I will block any arms sale to a nation that is doing direct personal business with Trump. We should have a full Senate debate and vote. UAE’s investment in Trump crypto and Qatar’s gifting of a plane is nuclear grade graft. An unacceptable corruption of our foreign policy.” Also see: Sen. Murphy to force votes on halting weapons sales to Qatar and UAE (Jewish Insider 5/16/25); Dems move to block Middle East arms sales over Qatar plane deal (Politico 5/15/25)
• (REPORT ON QATAR GIFT OF PLANE TO TRUMP) HR 3405 [bill text]: Introduced 5/14/25 by Meeks (D-NY) and 18 Democratic cosponsors, “To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report regarding the transfer of an aircraft from Qatar, and for other purposes,” aka the “Suspending Transfer of Property for Improper Trump Use Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and  the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Also see: press release – Meeks Introduces Bill to Block Foreign-Gifted Luxury Jet to President Trump
• (CONDEMNING TRUMP ACCEPTANCE OF QATAR PLANE) S. Res. 218: Introduced 5/13/25 by Schatz (D-HI) and 27 cosponsors, “A resolution condemning any acceptance of Presidential aircraft, or any other substantial gift, from a foreign government.“  Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press releases – Sr;  Schatz: No President Should Take $400 Million Gift From A Foreign Country‘;  Schatz (D-HI) 5/12/25: X-thread – “This week @ChrisCoons, @ChrisMurphyCT, @CoryBooker and I will put the Senate on the record to affirm a basic principle: no President should accept an item worth 400 million dollars from a foreign government. This should be a 100-0 vote. 1/3 You don’t need a law degree to know that Trump accepting a $400 million luxury plane from a foreign government is wildly corrupt. 2/3 We have laws for this very reason, and the Constitution clearly requires Congress to weigh in on accepting large foreign gifts of this kind. 3/3“; Schatz press release 5/14/25: Senate Republicans Block Schatz Resolution Condemning Qatar’s $400 Million Gift To Trump
• (TRUMP MUST COMPLY WITH EMOLUMENTS CLAUSE) H.Res.410: Introduced 5/14/25 by Raskin (D-MD) and 18 Democratic cosponsors, “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that President Trump must comply with the Foreign Emoluments Clause, by submitting all plans for his jumbo jet gift from Qatar immediately to Congress.“ Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• Coming soon – Blumenthal (D-CT) 5/13/25: Blumenthal Announces Resolution Authorizing Senate Legal Action to Force Trump to Comply with Anti-Corruption Foreign Emoluments Clause

Disapproving of Military Sales to UAE

• H. J. Res. 96 (text): Introduced 5/15/25 by Meeks (D-NY) and Jacobs (D-CA), “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services” &  H. J. Res. 97 (text),”Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.“ Both referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release — Meeks, Jacobs Introduce Joint Resolutions of Disapproval for Trump Administration’s Rushed Arms Sales to United Arab Emirates; Meeks (D-NY) 5/13/25: Meeks Blasts Trump Administration for Bypassing Congress on UAE Arms Sale, Announces Joint Resolutions of Disapproval
• S. J. Res. 51: Introduced 5/15/25 by Murphy (D-CT) and 3 cosponsors (Van Hollen, D-MD, Kaine, D-VA, and Sanders, I-VT), “A joint resolution for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services” &  S. J. Res. 54, “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services” introduced by the same group plus Schatz (D-HI).  Both referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.  Also see: press release – Murphy, Van Hollen, Sanders, Kaine, Schatz File Joint Resolutions Of Disapproval On $1.6B In Arms Sales To United Arab Emirates; Murphy press release 5/12/25 – Murphy To Block Arms Sales To Nations Engaging In Bribery Of The Trump Administration; Murphy X-post 5/12/25 – “I will block any arms sale to a nation that is doing direct personal business with Trump. We should have a full Senate debate and vote. UAE’s investment in Trump crypto and Qatar’s gifting of a plane is nuclear grade graft. An unacceptable corruption of our foreign policy.” Also see: Sen. Murphy to force votes on halting weapons sales to Qatar and UAE (Jewish Insider 5/16/25), Dems move to block Middle East arms sales over Qatar plane deal (Politico 5/15/25)

Other stuff

• (STOPPING THE RE-NAMING INSANITY) HR 3326: Introduced 5/13/25 by Ansari (D-AZ), “To prohibit the use of Federal funds to rename the Persian Gulf, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: press release – Ansari Introduces Persian Gulf Act to Stop Trump’s Politically-Motivated Attacks on Historic Name [“From renaming the Gulf to accepting a Qatari plane, ‘It’s all related,’ says Ansari.”]

 2. Letters

• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) 5/15/25: Judiciary Democrats Open Investigation into Trump’s Qatari Plane Deal, Seek Answers from Trump DOJ and White House Counsel [letter text]. Also see: House Dems open investigation into Trump’s acceptance of $400 million jet from Qatar (Fox News 5/15/25)
• (LIMITS ON ANY IRAN DEAL) 5/14/25: Risch, Ricketts Send Letter Backing President Trump’s Call for Full Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program [letter text]. Also see: Most congressional Republicans insist on no enrichment for Iran [“Two letters signed by the majority of House and Senate Republicans urge Trump to reject any nuclear deal without complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program”] (Jewish Insider 5/14/2
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP)  5/14/25: Durbin Investigates $400 Million Private Jet Gift From Qatar To President Trump [“In letter to Attorney General Bondi, Durbin requests copy of her memorandum deeming this gift as ‘legally permissible’ despite its blatant unconstitutionality and Bondi’s clear conflict of interest with Qatar from past lobbying work“] [letter text]
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) 5/14/25: Wyden Demands Senate Vote on Trump’s Compliance with Anti-Corruption Foreign Emoluments Clause [letter text]
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) 5/13/25: Warren, Van Hollen Call on Trump and Trump Family to Divest from World Liberty Financial; Sound Alarm on Foreign Governments Using Trump Crypto to Curry Presidential Favors [letter text]. Excerpt – “Your stopover in the United Arab Emirates, where you will reportedly seal a deal relaxing export controls on sensitive U.S. technology, is poised to showcase a new level of grifting – and it will come directly at the expense of U.S. national security…”
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) 5/13/25: Following The Largest Foreign Bribe To A President In Modern History, Leader Schumer Announces Hold On All Department Of Justice’s Political Nominees; Demands Immediate Disclosure Of Qatari’s Brazen Influence Over Trump Administration, Plans For Extensive Security Modifications & Correlated Costs To Retrofit Almost Half A Billion Dollar Plane, And Testimony Of Bondi On Ethics [text of letter to Bondi]
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) 5/13/25: Reed, Senators Request Independent DoD Inquiry Into Trump’s Plan to Accept ‘Palace in the Sky’ Plane from Qatar [letter text]
• (TRUMP: SAUDI NORMALIZATION WITH ISRAEL MUST REMAIN A PRIORITY!) On 5/13/25, Jewish Insider published: House Dems express ‘grave concern’ about de-linking Saudi nuclear deal, normalization; the article includes the text of the letter, dated 5/12/25 (which as of this writing has not been posted on any of the signers’ websites). Also see: Don’t ‘delink’ Saudi nuclear agreement from it joining Abraham Accords, Jewish Dems tell Trump (Jewish News Syndicate 5/13/25)
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) 5/12/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Blasts Qatari Airplane Gift to Trump, Raises Corruption and Constitutional Concerns [letter text]
• (QATAR PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP) On 5/11/25, Rep. Torres (D-NY) wrote to the US Government Accountability Office, the acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Office of Government Ethics asking for an investigation into Trump’s announced intention to accept a luxury jet to be gifted to him by Qatar. Torres has not posted his letter on his website, but Axios had it the day Torres sent it, see: here.  Also see: House Democrat demands ethics review of Qatari jet gift to Trump (The Hill 5/11/25); Scoop: Dem seeks probe into reports Qatar plans to gift plane to Trump (Axios 5/11/25)
• (RESUME AID TO GAZA NOW) 5/9/25: Senator Coons, colleagues urge Trump to press for immediate resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza and return to Israel-Gaza hostage and ceasefire negotiations [letter text]. Also see: Over half of Senate Democrats blast Israel’s Gaza operations plan [“The lawmakers also described a new proposal for aid distribution in Gaza as a nonstarter”] (Jewish Insider 5/10/25)
• (TRUMP – BRING AMCIT HOSTAGES HOME FROM GAZA) 5/10/25: Reps. Lawler, Wasserman Schultz, Hill, Gottheimer, and Suozzi Urge Trump to Bring Home American Hostages Held in Gaza [letter text]. Also see: 50 House members urge Trump to prioritize freeing U.S. hostages (Jewish Insider 5/11/25); Gottheimer Urges President Trump to Prioritize Freeing Edan Alexander Ahead of Middle East Trip ( press release 5/11/25)

3. Hearings

4. Selected Members on the Record

(Not including here the many, many, many statements and social media posts celebrating the release of the American-Israeli IDF soldier taken prisoner by Hamas on 10/7/23)

The Bombing/Starving/Annihilation of Gaza + West Bank-related stuff

• • Cherfilus-McCormick (R-FL) 5/16/25: X-post – “Thank you @IsraelinUSA Ambassador Leiter for speaking with me about how we can strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, the need to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza, and broader challenges facing the region.“
  • McCollum (D-MN) 5/16/25: X-post – “The use of bunker-busting bombs by Israeli Defense Forces to target civilian hospitals must stop immediately. Strikes on civilians are completely unacceptable. The people of Gaza are on the brink of starvation, and Israeli actions to bomb hospitals are driving the region further from peace. The United States and the international community must focus on delivering humanitarian aid to those in need as quickly as possible.“
  • Warner (D-VA) 5/16/25: X-post – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is devastating and must end. Israeli authorities must allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians, and we must continue working towards a lasting ceasefire that includes the safe return of all remaining hostages.“
  • Calvert (R-CA) 5/15/25: X-post – “Tzeela Gez was on her way to give birth to her fourth child when she was shot and killed by a Palestinian gunman. Hamas is praising this evil and horrific murder. These tragedies will inevitably continue unless Hamas is eliminated. The US must help Israel achieve that end.“

• • Fetterman (D-PA) 5/15/25: X-post – “The depravity to target and celebrate killing a pregnant woman as a ‘heroic operation.’ Call that what it is and pick a side in this existential war.“

• Welch (D-VT) 5/15/25: X-post (with video clip) – “Last week, Jinan Iskafi died of starvation in Gaza. She was four months old. The formula she needed to survive was just across the border. But because of the month’s-long blockage of aid into Gaza, her parents couldn’t get it in time.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/15/25: Floor speech – The Nakba Never Ended (also talking about the Non-Profit Killer bill)
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/15/25: (with video clip) – “My sity’s only crime in the eyes of the Israeli government is that she was born Palestinian. Today, to honor her and Palestinians all over the world, I introduced a resolution to recognize 77 years of the ongoing Nakba. It continues to this day with the genocide in Gaza.“
• McCormick (R-PA) 5/15/25: X-post – “As Chair of the @SenateForeign Subcommittee that deals with matters regarding the Middle East, I hear the deep concerns about the region. In one of my recent tele-town halls, I made it clear: Israel is one of our closest allies, Iran must be deterred, & Hamas must be eliminated.“
• McGovern (D-MA) 5/15/25: X-post – “Tons of food, medicine, water, shelter and other urgent humanitarian aid remains blocked from entering Gaza by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The world must speak out and demand the rapid, unimpeded, impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of humanitarian aid. Now!“
• Schneider (D-IL) 5/14/25: X-post – “Good sign that Israel is resuming aid into Gaza. Efforts to end the war, return all 58 hostages, remove Hamas, & begin the process of recovery & renewal for the people of Gaza must continue. The ultimate goal remains to build on the Abraham Accords to achieve security & peace.”
• LaLota (R-NY) 5/14/25: X-post – “The United States must continue holding Hamas accountable while working closely with Israel to locate and rescue the fewer than two dozen hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/13/25: X-post – “This stain on humanity was part of the 10/7 massacre. I fully back Israel on whatever’s necessary to hold this coward accountable.” [commenting on Israel’s 5/13/25 bombing of yet another Gaza hospital, killed and wounding dozens of Palestinians]
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 5/11/25: X-post – “Today marks 3 years since Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot and killed while reporting in the West Bank—and we’ve yet to see accountability for her death. As I told her brother Tony, her niece Lina & her nephew Victor last week, I won’t rest until we do.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/11/25: X-post – “The ICC equated the Hamas leader and architect of 10/7, to the democratically elected leader of our ally. Sanctioning the ICC was justified and necessary. I voted AYE for that bill and was incredibly disappointed it did not pass.“
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/10/25: X-post – “Disarming Hamas is non-negotiable, as their organizing principle is to destroy Israel. Israel deserves security. Gaza must be rebuilt. Palestinians deserve relief. These noble goals are wholly incompatible with an armed Hamas.“

Defending Fetterman

• Cotton (R-AR) 5/9/25: X-post – “John Fetterman and I have our differences, but he’s a decent and genuine guy. The radical left is smearing him with dishonest, vicious attacks because he’s pro-Israel and they only want reliable anti-Israel politicians. Disgraceful.”

On Qatar’s mega-bribe (sorry,  I mean gift of love & respect) to Trump & Trump’s Mideast Trip in General

• Connolly (D-VA) 5/15/25: America is Not for Sale: Ranking Member Connolly Urges White House to Immediately Decline a $400 Million Plane, an Illegal “Gift” from Qatar
• Graham (R-SC) 5/14/25: X-post – “This is great news for South Carolina and Boeing. The operative phrase is ‘largest ever.’ Today’s announcement marks Boeing’s largest ever widebody order, its largest 787 order and Qatar Airways’ largest order ever. Qatar Airways’ purchase will ensure the Charleston plant has work for many years to come and it is a validation of the work product coming from the Charleston Boeing facility. The Boeing workforce in South Carolina has a lot to be proud of – they consistently work hard and provide great airplanes. I appreciate our allies in Qatar for making this investment in Boeing aircraft and I appreciate everything the Trump Administration has done to make this possible. This is truly a gamechanger for Boeing and South Carolina.”
• Murphy (D-CT) 5/13/25: Murphy On Trump’s Middle East Trip: This Isn’t America First. This Is Trump First. It’s A National Security Disaster And A Moral Abomination.
• Murphy (D-CT) 5/12/25: Murphy To Block Arms Sales To Nations Engaging In Bribery Of The Trump Administration
• Reed (D-RI) 5/12/25: Reed Statement on Qatar Gifting Luxury Plane to President Trump
• Schumer (D-NY) 5/12/25: Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Condemning Donald Trump’s Shameless Self Enrichment After Accepting A Private Jet From Qatar And The Lack Of Response From Republicans
• Booker (D-NJ) 5/12/25: Booker, Schatz, Coons, Murphy Joint Statement on Qatar Luxury Jet Gift to Trump
• Courtney (D-CT) 5/12/25: Ranking Member Courtney Statement on Reported Trump Plan to Use Qatari-Gifted Luxury Jet as Air Force One
• Torres (D-NY) 5/11/25: X-post – “Air Force One will have something in common with Hamas. Paid for by Qatar.” [Inconvenient fact check  — ‘Buying Quiet’: Inside the Israeli Plan That Propped Up Hamas (New York Times 12/10/23; excerpt – “Just weeks before Hamas launched the deadly Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, the head of Mossad arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a meeting with Qatari officials. For years, the Qatari government had been sending millions of dollars a month into the Gaza Strip — money that helped prop up the Hamas government there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel not only tolerated those payments, he had encouraged them.“]
• Garcia (D-CA) 5/11/25: X-post – “Trump cannot accept a $400 million plane from a foreign government. It’s illegal under the Constitution. And Jared Kushner should have never received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia months after leaving the White House. The Oversight Committee must agressively investigate now.“

Targeting Academia/free speech/right to protest

• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/14/25: X-post – “Haverford’s president made it clear during the committee hearing—she still doesn’t get it. I’m proud to once again stand against antisemitism and the anti-American indoctrination festering in higher education…“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/13/25: X-post – “SHAMEFUL – Columbia University quietly reinstated the administrator who resigned in disgrace after failing to recall a single antisemitic incident on campus, despite the university’s own report detailing them. More evidence that these ‘elite’ colleges are failing to address their own antisemitic rot. I will continue to hold these universities accountable.” Linked to Free Beacon article – Columbia’s Armstrong to Return From Sabbatical as CEO of Medical Center
• Torres (D-NY) 5/12/25: X-post – “Anti-Israel extremists are pressuring a venue to cancel the performance of an Israeli singer—not because of anything he has said or done, but simply because he is an Israeli Jew. Targeting someone on the basis of national or ethnic identity is blatant bigotry. There must be zero tolerance for invidious discrimination in New York City—or anywhere in America.” [reminder from last week – Ritchie Torres calls on NYC to cancel Central Park performance by anti-Israel artist Kehlani (Jewish Insider 5/5/25)]
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/10/25: X-post – “Part one: I joined Mark Levin on his show Life, Liberty and Levin to discuss my continued fight against antisemitism in higher education nationwide and what it’s going to take to prevent the next generation of Marxists from dominating our classrooms with foreign dollars.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/10/25) X-post – “Part two: I joined Mark Levin on his show Life, Liberty and Levin to discuss how the Far Left Democrat leaders in Congress are refusing to hold university presidents accountable for allowing vile antisemitism to flourish on campus.“
• Fine (R-FL) 5/8/25: X-post – “Every one of these Muslim Terror Raggies needs to be expelled and — if not a citizen — deported.” [in response to media report of protest at Columbia]

Defending Academia/free speech/right to protest

• Welch (D-VT) 5/10/25: X-post – “Mohsen’s case isn’t about whether you agree with his political beliefs or not. It’s about whether free speech is still a fundamental right in America.“

Iran & Houthis

• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 5/14/25: X-post – “The Houthis — a U.S.-designated terrorist group — continue to fire missiles at Israel, despite President Trump’s agreement with them. I’ve been demanding answers from President Trump on how his deal ensures the safety of our key democratic ally, Israel.”
• Graham (R-SC) 5/14/25: X-post – “I am very sad and disappointed to hear that after all the efforts to deal with the Houthis, they are still shooting ballistic missiles at our friends in Israel. I expect Israel will respond and I will not be surprised if they hold Iran accountable — not just the Houthis. It also appears that Russia is firing ballistic missiles at Ukraine. As Ukraine agrees to a ceasefire and direct talks between leaders, Putin’s Russia plays games and shoots missiles. I appreciate President Trump trying to pursue peace on multiple fronts, however we must hold bad actors accountable when they defy these efforts.“

Syria Sanctions

• Senate Foreign Relations Committee (minority) 5/14/25: Shaheen, Risch Statement on Syria Sanctions
• Warren (D-MA) 5/13/25: Warren Statement on Sanctions Relief for Syria

Other Stuff

• Sherman (D-CA) 5/14/25: ADL Report: Congressman Brad Sherman Named Top Target of Antisemitic Hate in the House of Representatives
• Graham (R-SC) 5/14/25: X-post with video message – “Turkey and Israel are important allies as we try to bring peace and stability to the region.”
• Graham (R-SC) 5/13/25: Graham Arrives in Turkey
• Shaheen (D-NH) 5/13/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on Trump Administration’s Lifting of Syria Sanctions

5. Selected Media

On Qatar’s mega-bribe (sorry,  I mean gift of love & respect) to Trump

[note: there are many, many, many articles this week on this topic; included here are just a few – barely scratching the surface]

• Politico 5/15/25: Republicans want Congress involved in Trump’s Qatar jet push
• Jewish Insider 5/14/25: More Republicans voice concern about Qatari jet, as Dems pursue blocking efforts [“‘There are lots of lots of issues around that that I think will attract very serious questions if and when it happens,’ Senate Majority Leader John Thune said”]
• NPR 5/14/25: Republicans voice concern over Trump’s support for a new Air Force One from Qatar
• Jewish Insider 5/14/25: Sen. Kennedy: ‘I trust Qatar like I trust a rest stop bathroom’ [“A growing number of Republicans are speaking up to express concerns about the Qatari offer of a multimillion-dollar jet“]
• New York Times 5/13/25: As Trump Courts Gifts and Dangles Access, Congress Sits on the Sidelines [“Republicans on Capitol Hill seem unlikely to challenge President Trump as he pushes ethics guardrails around profiting from the presidency to the breaking point.“]
• Time 5/13/25: Democrats Seize on Trump’s Qatar Plane Deal to Galvanize Voters
• Jewish Insider 5/13/25: Most Republicans fall in line behind Trump’s defense of accepting Qatari plane [“Meanwhile, many Democrats are hesitant to strongly condemn Qatar directly despite criticisms of gift”]
• The Hill 5/12/25: Jeffries targets Trump over Qatari jet gift, citing ‘Wannabe Kings’ [also see X-post with video clip from Ken Klipperstein – “Hakeem Jeffries calls Qatar – which hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East – ‘a close ally of Iran and Hamas.'”
• Jewish Insider 5/12/25: Trump defends Qatari jet acquisition, calls it a ‘very nice gesture’
• Jewish Insider 5/11/25: Congressional Democrats outraged by reports of Qatari Air Force One gift

Iran & Houthis

• Wall Street Journal 5/14/25: Republicans Unite to Thwart Iran — No nuclear enrichment for the ayatollahs, not even in a ‘joint venture.’
• Axios 5/14/25: Inside Tom Cotton’s pressure campaign on an Iran nuclear deal
• Jewish Insider 5/14/25: Graham highlights concerns about Houthi strikes on Israel amid U.S. ceasefire
• Free Beacon 5/13/25: GOP Senators Demand ‘Full Dismantlement and Destruction of Iran’s Nuclear Program’ as Trump Admin Negotiates With Tehran
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/9/25: Republican senators say dismantling nuclear program only acceptable outcome of Iran talks
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/9/25: More info needed on US deal with Houthis, five congressmen tell Trump [letter covered in last week’s Round-Up)

Free Speech/Right to Protest/Academia

• Jewish News Syndicate 5/13/25: A bill aimed at international groups seeking to boycott Israel [“Boycotters are not entitled to make up and execute their own contrived foreign policy or otherwise discriminate against a U.S. citizen in Israel.“]
• Philadelphia Citizen 5/13/25: Stop Using Antisemitism as a Weapon Against Higher Education
• Drop Site News 5/11/25: Dana Nessel Pins Blame for Failed Prosecutions on Rep. Debbie Dingell [“The Michigan attorney general provided no evidence for her claim, which Dingell rejected”]
• Religion News 5/9/25: At Jewish Voice for Peace conference, a balance of popularity and risk under Trump
• Mustang News 5/9/25: OPINION: House hearing was really about free speech and education, not antisemitism

Other stuff

• New York Times 5/15/25: Ben of Ben & Jerry’s Is Arrested at Senate Hearing After Protesting War in Gaza [“Ben Cohen, a co-founder of the ice cream brand, was among a group that interrupted a Senate hearing on Wednesday, protesting Congress’s funding of Israel’s military.“]
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/15/25: Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s is arrested for disrupting RFK Jr. Senate testimony with Gaza war protest [“Congress pays for bombs that kill children in Gaza,” Cohen yelled before being removed by police.]
• Jewish Insider 5/14/25: Sen. Katie Britt slams Democrats for not defending Fetterman [“The Alabama Republican argued their silence is out of fear of the party’s progressive base, discomfort over his outspoken support for Israel“]
• Jewish Insider 5/13/25: Syrian group’s Capitol Hill conference abruptly canceled amid anti-Israel, Assad regime concerns [“The event’s congressional sponsor withdrew their support after it had begun“]

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

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

(THE RETURN OF THE ISRAEL ANTI-BOYCOTT ACT) HR 867: Introduced 1/31/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and currently having 19 cosponsors (15 Republicans and 4 Democrats), “To amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to apply the provisions of that Act to international governmental organizations,” aka, the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. On 5/2/25, the GOP House leader published a list of bills to be considered by the House on 5/5/25 under suspension of the rules. That list included HR 867. This announcement sparked backlash on social media, including from some House Republicans and some major Republican influencers. Subsequently, on 5/4/25 the GOP House leader published a new notice listing bills to be considered 5/5/25 under suspension of the Rules – HR 867 was not on that new list. More details of this mini-drama are below:

• My viral 5/2/25 X-thread (posted minutes after House leadership sent out notice that the bill would be on Monday’s suspension calendar): “Love it or hate it – on Monday the House will vote on HR 1867 [yes, this is a typo – the correct bill number is HR 867, as reflected in the analysis and bill link included in the rest of the thread, and as reflected in the correction I posted moments after the thread went up, and then posted multiple times again over the weekend as the thread went viral], ‘The IGO Boycott Act’, the current iteration of the ‘Israel Anti-Boycott Act’ – to impose harsh penalties, incl fines/jail on Americans who, in line with their values/political views, boycott Israel or settlements. 1/ As covered in the 2/27/25 edition of the Round-Up: HR 1867, like its predecessors, seeks to amend/expand current US anti-boycott law. That law is based on the idea of preventing US citizens from being **compelled or coerced** into boycotting Israel… 2/…as a condition for doing business abroad under the Arab League Boycott of Israel (which included coercive secondary sanctions). 3/ this bill, like its predecessors, seeks to extend this law to ‘cover US citizens who boycott Israel &/or settlements NOT because they are being compelled/coerced, but because it reflects their own values/political views, including support for intl law… 4/ …with the hook being the EU’s policy urging companies to differentiate between Israel and settlements, and the UN’s database of companies working in settlements. As a reminder, the EU policy nor the UN database are entirely informational/advisory… 5/ …neither one includes any enforcement or accountability mechanism of any kind.’ [ie, they are entirely non-coercive, at most advisory measures] 6/ Yet under this bill, ‘anyone who violates or ‘abets’ what would be a ban on VOLUNTARY, VALUES-BASED decisions to boycott Israel or settlements, grounded in Americans’ personal & political views &/or informed by respect for intl law— could face massive CRIMINAL/CIVIL PENALTIES. 7/ What do I mean by ‘massive CRIMINAL/CIVIL PENALTIES’? I mean up to $1 MILLION in fines or up to 20 YEARS IN PRISON. Think I’m exaggerating? Read the legislation that it would amend.8/ The bill (on Monday’s suspension calendar) 9/ Deeper coverage in the 2/7/25 edition of the Round-Up: 10/ Announcement of Monday’s suspension calendar 11/ ACLU letter opposing this same legislation in the last Congress  12/ For further background/analysis on this legislation see this collection of resources: (link)“
• Viral thread from DropSite 5/2/25 (linking to my thread); follow-up viral thread from DropSite 5/3/25
• Members who came out in opposition to the IGO Boycott Act: Green (R-GA) 5/3/25: X-post – “I will be voting NO. It is my job to defend American’s rights to buy or boycott whomever they choose without the government harshly fining them or imprisoning them. But what I don’t understand is why we are voting on a bill on behalf of other countries and not the President’s executive orders that are FOR OUR COUNTRY???“; Massie (R-KY) 5/3/25: X-post – “I agree with @RepMTG. I’ll be voting No on this bill as well.“; Luna (R-FL) 5/4/25: X-post – “H.R. 867, up for a vote tomorrow, aims to curb antisemitism but threatens First Amendment rights. Americans have the right to boycott, and penalizing this risks free speech. I reject and vehemently condemn antisemitism but I cannot violate the first amendment.” Massie (R-KY) 5/4/25: X-post – “Apparently HR 867 has been pulled from the schedule for this week. Thank you for your vocal opposition on this platform. It was a ridiculous bill that our leadership should have never scheduled for a vote.” Responding to a comment that the GOP would now try to sneak the bill through some other way, Massie stated: “Correct. They buried the original smaller version of this bill inside the 2018 NDAA. Look for them to do something similar in the near future for this legislation to expand the 2018 version.” Luna (R-FL) 5/5/25: X-post – “H.R. 867, a blatant violation of our first amendment, has been pulled from the vote schedule. I’m grateful to everyone who stood with the few of us fighting it. Grifter X accounts claim that I sponsored the bill. That is a lie, and you can see online for yourself. Regardless: The bill HAS been pulled”; Davidson (R-OH) 5/4/25: X-post – “I oppose this foolish, unconstitutional bill, and will vote NO. Think of the logic: – Protest America – free speech – Protest Israel – jail & bankruptcy Insane.”
• Members who came out in defense of the IGO Boycott Act: Lawler (R-NY) 5/5/25: X-post- “This bill amends existing law and focuses on institutional pressures, not personal choices, ensuring that Americans are not forced to participate in unsanctioned boycotts promoted by IGOs, like the UN. I look forward to leadership bringing this critical legislation to a vote.”
• MAGA/right-wing forces weighing in against the IGO Boycott Act: Charlie Kirk 5/3/25: X-post – “Tomorrow the House will vote on HR 867, a bill that will criminalize private boycotts of Israel. Fines up to $1,000,000 and prison time up to 20 years. Bills like this only create more antisemitism, and play into growing narratives that Israel is running the US government. In America you are allowed to hold differing views. You are allowed to disagree and protest. We’ve allowed far too many people who hate America move here from abroad, but the right to speak freely is the birthright of all Americans. This bill should not pass. Any Republican that votes for this bill will expose themselves. We will be watching very closely.” Matt Gaetz 5/3/25: X-post – “Antisemitism is bad and should be categorically rejected. Not every idea cooked up to respond to Antisemitism is a good one. There’s a real danger in passing bills like this. Somewhere Democrats are writing a bill to imprison the rest of us for 20 years if we boycott countries who sign the Paris Climate Accords…or join the UN…or bribe the WTO/WHO. And they may get power again. Which is why we shouldn’t use ours to punish dissent or ‘thought crimes’ with prison. Antisemitism is a real problem. It deserves a response far more serious and thoughtful than this dangerous and unconstitutional Lawler virtue signal.”
• Best Media Coverage: Should Sharing Information About Israeli Businesses Get You 20 Years in Prison? [“The IGO Anti-Boycott Act would dramatically expand U.S. anti-boycott laws. The House quietly postponed a vote after running into unexpected Republican opposition.”] (Reason 5/5/25)
• Other Media: House Pulls Bill Prohibiting Anti-Israel Boycotts After Conservative Backlash (Daily Caller 5/7/25); MAGA Republicans Kill Pro-Israel Bill (Jewish Press 5/7/25); Why MAGA Republicans helped kill a bill that sought to punish critics of Israel (MSNBC 5/6/25); House leadership yanks Israel anti-boycott bill from consideration due to ‘issues’ (Washington Examiner 5/5/25);  AIPAC’s Anti-BDS Bill Is Derailed, at Least for Now (Sludge 5/5/25); House cancels vote on IGO Anti-Boycott Act following right-wing objections (Jewish Insider 5/5/25); House leadership nixes vote on Israel boycott bill (Jewish News Syndicate 5/5/25); MAGA Leaders Defend Americans’ Right to Boycott Israel (Newsweek 5/4/25); Rare Right-Wing Revolt Sinks Bill Punishing Boycotts of Israel With Prison (MintPress News 5/5/25); Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie oppose bill to penalize some anti-Israel boycotts (KTUL 5/5/25)

(TARGETING FREE SPEECH/ACADEMIA) HR 3282: Introduced 5/8/25 by Fine (R-FL), “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 the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce. NOTE: This is the House version of S. 826, introduced 3/4/25 by Scott (R-FL). Also see: Fine’s 5/8/25 X-post – “Today, I introduced my first bill as a US Representative, the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on College Campuses Act. I’m proud to carry @SenRickScott’s legislation to the House. For too long, Democrats protected antisemitism on campus. Republicans are stepping in to stop it.” Also see: Randy Fine proposes first legislation as member of Congress to combat campus antisemitism (FL News Voice 5/9/25)

Targeting the UN

(CUT OFF US FINDING TO UN IF UNGA GIVES PALESTINIANS *ANY* NEW PRIVILEGES/STATUS) HR 3208 /S. 1612: Introduced 5/6/25 in the House by Baird (R-IN) and 8 Republican cosponsors, and in the Senate by Risch (R-ID) and 19 Republican co-sponsors, “To limit funds to the United Nations and other organizations that provide any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status to the Palestine Liberation Organization, and for other purposes,” aka the “No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Also see: Baird press release – Congressman Baird, Senator Risch Introduce the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act. NOTE: This same legislation was introduced in the last Congress (HR 8345 / S. 4311). Also see: press release –  McCaul, Baird Introduce the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act; Risch Introduces Bill to Fight Antisemitism at the UN. Also see: Republican lawmakers seek to block Palestinian upgrades at UN (Jerusalem Post 5/7/25)

Targeting Iran

(PERMANENT IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 1800: Introduced 3/3/25 by Mackenzie (R-PA) and now having 2 cosponsors (both Democrats), “To repeal the sunset provision of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, and for other purposes.” Passed by the House 5/5/25 under suspension of the rules by Voice Vote.  Also see: Feenstra (R-IA) 5/5/25: X-post – “Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to make sanctions on Iran permanent. The world cannot have a nuclear Iran, and restricting its oil sales and cutting off its financial pipelines will limit Iran’s ability to fund terrorism and violence.”

(RED LINES FOR ANY TRUMP IRAN DEAL) S. XXX (bill text): On 5/8/25, Sen. Graham (R-SC) issued a press release – Graham, Cotton, Britt Introduce Resolution Outlining Acceptable Outcome of U.S. Negotiations with Iran on its Nuclear Program (also see: Britt, R-AL) press release). Also see video of press conference announcing the bill. NOTE: As of 12pm 5/9/25 the bill does not show up in the Congressional Record as having been introduced.

(BAD IRAN FOR NOT MEETING INTL NUCLEAR OBLIGATIONS) H. Res. 398: Introduced 5/8/25 by Baumgartner (R-WA), “Condemning Iran’s failure to comply with its international nuclear obligations.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Normalization

(EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN COOPERATION) HR 3307: Introduced 5/8/25 by Schneider (D-IL) and four bipartisan cosponsors, “To increase cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region in order to strengthen energy security and defense capabilities, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: No text is available yet, but this appears likely to be the 2025 version of HR 2913/S. 1102, introduced in 2019.

Targeting Hezbollah

(NO HEZBOLLAH IN LATIN AMERICA) HR 3315: Introduced 5/8/25 by Wilson (R-SC) and Panetta (D-CA), “To counter efforts by Hezbollah to conduct terrorist activities in Latin America, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: This is the House version of S. 842: Introduced 3/4/25 by Curtis (R-UT) and Rosen (D-NV).

 2. Letters

Humanitarian Aid for Gaza

• (URGE BIBI TO ADDRESS HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA – pandering to Trump/Bibi version) 5/9/25: 28 Democrats Urge President Trump to Call on Netanyahu to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza (letter text in press release). Also see: Schneider leads House Dems to call for resumption of aid to Gaza [“The new letter is less strident toward Israel than a previous one and also includes significant praise of Trump’s own comments and work on the subject“] (Jewish Insider 5/9/25)
• (TRANSPARENCY RE AID TO GAZA – super duper pandering to Bibi version) 5/8/25: Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Call for Transparency in Humanitarian Aid to Gaza [letter text] – excerpt – “…We are requesting a briefing for our Offices by your government regarding the reported plans for humanitarian aid delivery. We fully understand the need for additional vetting and security around aid. Hamas has seized aid both to directly sustain their fighting and to resell to civilians to fund their continued operations: both monstrous displays of abuse of the people of Gaza. For all of these reasons, the need for humanitarian aid among the people of Gaza has increased markedly through the conflict. Given these challenges, we want to further understand your approach to managing humanitarian aid into Gaza.“
• (RESUME HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA – less pandering to Trump/Bibi version) 5/7/25: Carbajal, Bera Lead House Democrats [96 signers total] in Demanding Immediate Resumption of Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza [letter text]. Also see: 96 House Democrats say Israel must end ‘morally wrong’ Gaza aid cutoff  (Jewish Insider 5/8/25); Democrats urge Israel to resume Gaza humanitarian aid (The Hill 5/8/25)

Iran & Houthis

• (NEED ANSWERS RE: TRUMP DEAL WITH HOUTHIS) 5/9/25:  Gottheimer, Bacon Demand Answers from the Administration on U.S.-Houthi Agreement, Ongoing Threat to Israel [letter text] – excerpt: “We urge the Administration to engage closely with our Israeli partners to ensure that any diplomatic or military arrangements fully protect Israel’s security interests and do not embolden Iranian proxies. As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that the use of American military force is both properly authorized and strategically effective. We expect a timely briefing rooted in a strategy that defends our allies, restores deterrence, and reaffirms our global leadership.” Also see: Bipartisan House group expresses ‘serious concern’ about U.S.-Houthi deal (Jewish Insider 5/9/25)
• (DISMANTLE IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM) 5/7/25: Jewish Insider published: Senate, House Republicans circulate letters calling for full dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program [“The letters argue that Iran’s nuclear program has advanced to such a degree that reliable monitoring and verification is no longer a viable option”]

Criticism of Israeli Policy/Actions

• (GAO: INVESTIGATE LEAHY LAW VIOLATION!) 5/6/25: Van Hollen, Colleagues Call on GAO to Investigate U.S. Compliance with Laws Requiring the U.S. to Ensure Government Recipients of Foreign Aid Respect Human Rights, Facilitate Humanitarian Aid [letter text]. Also see: Senators seek probe of whether Israel follows US laws on humanitarian aid (Jewish News Syndicate 5/9/25)
• (ATTACKING TEXAS TOWN FOR NOT WANTING TAXES TO GO TO ISRAEL) 5/6/25: Rep. Roy Sends a Letter to the Mayor of San Marcos, Texas Condemning Anti-Israel Resolution [letter text] [ excerpt: “The resolution is filled with egregious falsehoods and promotes dangerous narratives. These include, but are not limited to, accusing the United States of ‘bankrolling’ genocide, and multiple references to Israeli ‘apartheid’ and ‘occupation’…“]
• (CONCERN FOR DETAINED SCHOLAR) 5/5/25: Beyer Urges ICE To Improve Treatment Of Detained Scholar Badar Khan Suri [letter text]. Also see Beyer’s 5/7/25 press release – Judge Giles Rejects Trump Administration Forum Shopping In Badar Khan Suri Case

3. Hearings

• Lawler (R-NY) X-post 5/6/25: “Terror threats are evolving, and our strategy must too. This week, I led a hearing on strengthening U.S. counterterrorism efforts and holding state sponsors like Iran accountable.”
• Lawler (R-NY) X-post 5/6/25: “Iran exported nearly 600M barrels of oil last year. That revenue fuels their terror proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. In today’s hearing, I’ll press officials on how we’re disrupting the financial networks behind terrorism.“
• Kean (R-NJ) X-post 5/6/25 – “At today’s @HouseForeignGOP Middle East & North Africa Subcommittee hearing, I questioned witnesses on how the State Department’s counterterrorism programs are addressing the escalating threats to Israel from Iranian-backed proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. We discussed how the Trump administration is leveraging sanctions, diplomacy, and foreign assistance to combat these terrorist groups—and how these tools can be used more strategically and effectively. We owe it to our allies, and to the American people, to ensure our counterterrorism efforts are focused, effective, and prepared to meet today’s growing threats.“

4. Selected Members on the Record

The Starvation & Annihilation of Gaza

• Coons (D-DE) 5/9/25: X-post – “When Trump took office, there was a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hostages were being released, and aid was getting into Gaza. Now, none of that is true. The blockage of aid is causing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel is readying a long-term occupation of the Strip.“
• DeSaulnier (D-CA) 5/8/25: X-post – “Since early March, the Netanyahu government has been blocking all humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has exacerbated the already horrific conditions faced by Palestinian children and civilians. I joined my colleagues in urging the Israeli Ambassador to facilitate the Israeli government immediately allowing humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza strip.”
• Castro (D-TX) 5/8/25: X-thread about letter covered in Section 2, above — “I joined nearly 100 colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to demand that the Israeli Government stop its months-long blockade of food and aid to Gaza. Many, including thousands of children, are starving. Intentional mass starvation is a war crime. We have repeatedly denounced Hamas’ brutality on October 7th, met with hostage families and demanded the release of all hostages, and supported Israel’s self-defense over the years. But this goes well beyond self-defense. Hamas leadership is mostly in bunkers or overseas with their own food supplies while civilians with little power to affect the course of the conflict suffer the consequences.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 5/8/25: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders Confronts Congress’ Silence on Gaza (floor statement – also see video) – Also see: ‘Civilized People Do Not Starve Children to Death’: Sanders Rips US-Backed Israel’s 68-Day Gaza Aid Blockade (Common Dreams 5/8/25)
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 5/7/25: X-post – “For 66 days the Netanyahu govt has blocked ALL food & aid from going into Gaza. Now we’re told it plans to seize & reoccupy huge parts of Gaza, as it pushes for Trump’s plan to force 2M Palestinians to leave. That would be ethnic cleansing by another name. We can’t stand for it.“
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/7/25: X-thread – “There is no denying that the Israeli apartheid regime is using starvation as a weapon of war. They proudly admit to these war crimes. Our country is an accomplice in this genocide, and the world is letting it happen. Don’t stop demanding accountability. Arms embargo now.”
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/5/25: X-thread – “War Criminal Netanyahu has announced a plan to forcibly expel and ethnically cleanse the entire Palestinian population, flatten, and annex Gaza. This comes after 64 days of blocking food and aid. This was always their plan. The U.S. is an accomplice in this genocide. My colleagues always find the time to condemn students protesting genocide, but seem to lose their voices when the apartheid regime they support proudly brags about its war crimes for the world to see. Everyone who has unconditionally supported Israel bears responsibility.”
• Escobar (D-TX) 5/5/25: X-thread – “Netanyahu’s execution of the war in Gaza continues to disregard every moral red line and international humanitarian law. Amidst horrific suffering and starvation in Gaza, the Israeli government has approved of plans to seize and destroy it, which would result in the forced displacement of nearly 2 million Palestinians. This plan is one of brutal escalation, influenced by far-right extremists seeking the reoccupation of Gaza. It is the Trump administration’s obligation to use any and all leverage to immediately work to bring the hostages home, resume distribution of humanitarian aid and support, and prioritize a peace plan that does not involve Israel’s complete takeover of Gaza or the West Bank.”
• Omar (D-MN) 5/5/25: X-post – “No food, aid, or fuel have entered Gaza since March 2. Community kitchens have closed. Children are sick, thirsty, and starving. Now Netanyahu’s government wants to occupy Gaza and shut down the existing aid distribution system run by the UN and its humanitarian partners. Arms embargo now.“
• DeLauro (D-CT) 5/5/25: DeLauro Statement on Israeli Plan to Reoccupy Gaza
• Doggett (D-TX) 5/5/25: X-thread – “Netanyahu undermines Palestinian and Israeli futures, including his far-right government abandoning hostages. Focused on starving Palestinians with blockade of food, water and medicine, he continues bombing schools, hospitals and refugee camps. (1/2) Hamas’ evil cannot justify these horrible wrongs, as most of the world stays silent. (2/2)“
• Smith (D-WA) 5/2/25: X-post – “Since the limited ceasefire ended in March, Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must restart the flow of humanitarian aid into the region. The current humanitarian crisis demands that aid get turned back on now – not weeks from now.“

Defending Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

• Nadler (D-NY) 5/8/25: Nadler Statement On Columbia University Protests [“Vandalism is unacceptable. Occupying university buildings is unacceptable. Interfering with the rights of other students to study in the library is a violation of their rights. Columbia had to act to remove the protesters who occupied Butler Library. Those who interfere with the rights of other students must be penalized. Those who vandalize buildings must be prosecuted. Antisemitism on campus is a real concern, and Columbia is rightly taking it seriously. My Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration seek to stifle academic freedom and free speech, defund vital medical and scientific research, and attack institutions of higher learning under the false pretext of fighting antisemitism. Their real goal is control and authoritarianism. My grandstanding Republican colleagues and Trump Administration officials are not trying to protect students; they are weaponizing antisemitism to undermine academic institutions that stand as a bulwark against Trump’s backsliding into fascism.”]
• Tlaib (D-MI) 5/8/25: X-post – “University of Michigan students and faculty who are speaking out against genocide have faced threats, firings, and felony charges. But they’re not backing down. Free speech doesn’t end on campus and we won’t stay silent about selective repression.“

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

• Sanders (I-VT) 5/9/25: X-post – “Judge Sessions is right. Neither Rumeysa Ozturk or anyone else in America should be in jail for authoring an op-ed critical of Israel, or on any subject. Trump and colleagues should read the Constitution and, especially, the First Amendment. Ozturk must be released immediately.“
• Scott (R-SC) 5/8/25: X-post – “Bold and unflinching leadership is the only way to deal with antisemitic aggression and violence on our college campuses. It’s time to pass my Antisemitism Awareness Act to give administrators a clear standard of intolerable behavior at their institutions.”
• Emmer (R-MN) 5/8/25: X-post – “Pro-Hamas, antisemitic agitators have no place in America. If you come to the United States—based on our good will—only to pose a national security and public safety threat, you WILL be sent home.“
• Onder (R-MO) 5/8/25: X-post – “Antisemitic actions against Jewish students must have consequences. Haverford President Wendy Raymond’s refusal to address such consequences is troubling considering the number of federal $$$ they receive. Hear my thoughts on this American manufacturing and more with @NTDNews“
• Moreno (R-OH) 5/8/25: X-post – “It is outrageous that some members of the United States Senate parrot Hamas propaganda, refuse to acknowledge Hamas is holding an American, and blame our ally Israel for defending herself. Israel is our greatest ally and Hamas started the war and can end it – period.“
• Fine (R-FL) 5/8/25: X-post – “Every one of these Muslim Terror Raggies needs to be expelled and — if not a citizen — deported.”
• Johnson (R-LA) 5/8/25: X-post – “Attention pro-Hamas rioters on college campuses across the country: you are on notice. America will no longer tolerate your antisemitic violence, destruction, harassment, and intimidation. Thank you @POTUS and @SecRubio.”
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/8/25: X-post — “Police arrested about 40 radical, antisemitic agitators at Columbia. I hope they will face serious consequences for their unlawful actions. I applaud law enforcement for restoring law and order. No student should feel unsafe on campus, and universities must hold these extremists accountable. I will continue fighting to protect Jewish students and uphold the rule of law…“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/8/25: X-post (with video clip) – “WATCH: The Columbia riots were not protests. These are criminal acts. This is violence. This is rioting. This is disruption, destruction of property, and we’ve seen many of these individuals are on foreign visas. I fully support revoking those foreign visas and deporting them.”
• Baumgartner (R-WA) 5/8/25: X-post – “While it is welcome and notable that UW has taken this action to suspend these anti-Semitic imbeciles , it is also notable that it took Republican leadership threatening federal grant funding to force UW to take deeply rooted anti-semitism on their campus seriously.” Linked to University of Washington’s 5/7/25 Statement on federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism review
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 5/8/25: X-post – “Violent anti-Israel protesters stormed Columbia’s library yesterday — pushing security guards to the ground and trapping students studying for finals. Acts of violence on our college campuses — especially those motivated by hate — are beyond unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest of terms.“
• Foxx (R-NC) 5/7/25: X-post – “Expel every last one of them.” [in response to news of more Columbia students protesting for Palestine]
• Tenney (R-NY) 5/7/25: X-post – “Harvard is not above the law.  By ending federal funding, the Trump administration is setting a strong precedent that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated on any college campus.”
• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/7/25: X-post – “While Columbia students try to study for finals, they’re being bombarded with chants for a ‘global intifada.’ President @realDonaldTrump is right: not a single taxpayer dollar should go to a university that allows chaos, antisemitism, and civil rights violations on its campus. Columbia must act—enough is enough.“
• McClain (R-MI) op-ed Breitbart 5/6/25: Exclusive—Rep. Lisa McClain: Confronting Campus Antisemitism Requires Moral Leadership
• Ernst (R-IA) 5/6/25: X-post – “Harvard does not have a right to receive billions in taxpayer funding, but it does have a responsibility to comply with federal civil rights law.   Great work by the Trump admin to fight back against antisemitism on college campuses.”
• Torres (D-NY) 5/5/25: X-post – “The Central Park concert featuring Kehlani—an artist who has repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state—has been cancelled. Antisemitism becomes unacceptable only when we, as a society, have the courage to reject it—clearly, consistently, and without compromise.“

Rep. Fine (R-FL) on starving Gaza, attacking Tlaib

• Last week Rep. Tlaib (D-MI) posted on X “The government of Israel is starving Gaza to death. It’s a war crime to use starvation as a weapon. The only way to end this genocide is with an arms embargo. Time for my colleagues to end their silence.” In response, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) posted a series of comments appearing to accuse Tlaib of being a terrorist or in league with terrorists, and cheering on/celebrating the deliberate starvation of 2 million people in Gaza: “Tell your fellow Muslim terrorists to release the hostages and surrender. Until then, #StarveAway”; and “Hey Muslim terrorists, cry harder. #StarveAway” and “I love blocking Muslim terrorists. They clearly aren’t too hungry. #KeepOnStarving” and “So much #ReligionOfPeace!” As noted by Dylan Williams of the Center for International Policy, “It’s remarkable that, having been in Congress for a single month, this guy managed to say something that is censurable incitement against a fellow lawmaker and did it in a way that is not protected by the Speech or Debate Clause, exposing him to suit and liability for defamation.”

Celebrating SecState Rubio’s Closure of the Office of Palestinian Affairs

• Blackburn (R-TN) 5/6/25: X-post – “Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel, and the Biden administration’s reversal only fueled acts of terror. I applaud this decision.“
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 5/6/25: X-post – “I commend President @realDonaldTrump and @SecRubio for standing firm with our ally, Israel. The Palestinian Affairs Office and its anti-Israel obsession ran counter to President Trump’s vision of a unified, America First diplomatic policy.“
• Daines (R-MT) 5/6/25: X-post – “I applaud @POTUS and @SecRubio for reversing the Biden attempt to create a de facto U.S. consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem. Today’s actions reaffirm Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of Israel.“
• McCormick (R-PA) 5/6/25: X-post – “The Biden State Deparment [sic] violated federal law to open the OPA and it only served to sabotage Israel at every turn in the wake of Hamas’s terror attacks. This is the correct move by President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Ambassador Huckabee to support our great ally and reverse the previous administration’s undermining of Israel.“
• Hagerty (R-TN) 5/6/25: X-post – “‘I welcome Secretary Rubio’s efforts in the second Trump administration to reinforce President Trump’s historic first-term decision to fully implement the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel’s eternal and indivisible capital of Jerusalem,’ Hagerty told the Free Beacon.“
• Tenney (R-NY) 5/6/25: X-post – “The Biden administration’s Office of Palestinian Affairs undermined Israel & emboldened Hamas. Thank you, @SecRubio & @USAmbIsrael, for dissolving this entity & reaffirming the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem as the sole diplomatic mission in Jerusalem as required by law.“
• Cotton (R-AR) 5/6/25: X-post – “The U.S.-Israeli relationship should be handled exclusively by the appointed representatives at our Embassy in Jerusalem, not by anti-Israel activists working with the terrorist-supporting Palestinian Authority. Great decision by @SecRubio.“

Iran

• Graham (R-SC) 5/8/25: X-post – “‘If Iran ever acquired a nuclear weapon capability … you’d have a nuclear arms race in the Mideast,’ said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. ‘But more importantly to me, I think they would use it.'”
• Senate GOP 5/8/25: X-post – “The terrorist Iranian regime has repeatedly lied about their nuclear program.   They are enriching uranium for one purpose: to obtain a nuclear weapon.   The only acceptable outcome is a complete and verifiable dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program.“
• Cotton (R-AR) 5/8/25: X-post (with video clip) – “A nuclear Iran is an imminent threat not just to the United States but to the entire world. A full dismantlement of their nuclear weapons program needs to happen immediately.“
• Cotton (R-AR) 5/8/25: X-post (with video clip) – “7 years ago today, President Trump announced one of the best and most important decisions of his first term: Withdrawing the United States from Obama’s disastrous Iran nuclear deal.“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 5/8/25: X-post – “Satellite images reveal alleged secret Iranian nuclear weapons facility“
• Fallon (R-TX) 5/8/25: X-post – “President Trump’s strategy to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions hinges on slashing its oil exports. China’s complicity, importing 1.6M barrels daily, undermines sanctions. Targeting executives of major companies will disrupt Iran’s cash flow and deter China’s involvement.“
• Wagner (R-MO) 5/8/25: X-post (with video clip) – “Under the Biden Administration, Congress required Treasury to determine whether any Chinese entities have engaged in oil purchases from Iran, which the Ayatollah uses to fund terrorist proxies around the world. The Biden Treasury Department never gave Congress that information, hindering our ability to enact secondary sanctions. Just last week, President Trump endorsed these secondary sanctions for any purchaser of Iranian oil. During our Financial Services Hearing, I asked Treasury Secretary Bessent when we can expect these determinations. The US must employ all measures to cripple Iran’s terrorist network and deter Chinese support for the Iranian regime.“
• Self (R-TX) 5/7/25: X-post – “TRUST BUT VERIFY! The current situation with Iran is extremely dynamic—the U.S. must stay vigilant. REP. KEITH SELF: ‘We need to make sure that we continue to monitor what Iran is doing. Actions speak louder than words when it comes to Iran.’“
• Senate GOP 5/7/25: X-post – “A nuclear Iran is a threat to America and our allies across the world. Total dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program is the only path to peace and stability.“
• Green (R-TN) 5/7/25: X-post – “The Iranian regime is the greatest threat to the security of our servicemembers and partners in the Middle East. Unless its nuclear program is completely dismantled, that threat will persist.“
• Cornyn (R-TX) 5/6/25: X-post – “President Trump repudiates the views of those in his Administration who want to water down U.S. policy on Iran.” Linked to Wall Street Journal article, Read Trump’s Lips on Iran — He wants the nuclear program dismantled and sanctions pressure restored.
• Senate GOP 5/6/25: X-post – “For years, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Senate Democrats appeased Iran and gave the regime billions in sanctions relief. What was the result? More terrorism and Iran being weeks away from a nuclear weapon. President Trump has brought back strength and deterrence—making America and our allies safer.”
• Senate GOP 5/6/25: X-post – “Obama and Biden policies allowed Iran to come closer than ever to a nuclear weapon. Senate Republicans are working with @POTUS to completely dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.”
• Cotton (R-AR) 5/6/25: X-post (with audio clip) – “Any deal that lets Iran enrich uranium, keep centrifuges, or build missiles isn’t a deal—it’s a delay. Real peace requires real dismantlement.“
• Cotton (R-AR) 5/6/25: X-post (with audio clip) – “Iran equips the Houthi rebels with advanced weapons, drones, and missiles. When the Houthis strike, it’s Iran pulling the strings.”
• Green (R-GA) 5/6/25: X-post – “All the narratives are wearing off. Vietnam was a pointless war and we lost. There were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Afghanistan was a waste. And we gained nothing from any of those wars. Saudi Arabia has nuclear weapons [in fact it doesn’t] and the 19 terrorists from 9/11 were all Saudis. Did we go to war with them? Nope. North Korea has nukes. Little rocket man hasn’t blown us all up yet but we were told he was going to. Pakistan and China have nukes as well. And big bad Russia has nuclear weapons. We were told Putin was going to sweep across Europe, just like Hitler and that hasn’t happened yet either. And he couldn’t take Ukraine in 3 years. We’ve been told Iran is on the verge of having nuclear weapons at any moment for as long as I can remember. People just don’t care anymore because none of these things actually affected our lives unless they were in the military and shipped over to these foreign countries and blown up. But what has directly affected Americans and people that I know is the cartels constant flow of drugs into every single city in America and cartel crime and murder. I’ve never seen a Houthi. Nor has anyone else I know. But what everyone knows is that for some reason we don’t attack the real enemy that kills Americans every single day. No we have to runoff and bomb some country somewhere else in the world because we’re told they’re the bad guys even though they never did anything directly to Americans like the cartels have.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/4/25: X-post – “We cannot negotiate with Iran. It’s time to destroy their nuclear program and neutralize the remaining capabilities of its proxies. I remain steadfast with Israel. Provide whatever is necessary to carry this out.”

The Houthis

• Graham (R-SC) 5/8/25: X-post – “To the Houthi leadership: If you are seeking a greater and wider conflict with America, be careful what you wish for. Your days of terrorizing the region, interfering with commercial shipping and trying to cripple Israel are going to come to an end one way or another.“
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 5/7/25: X-post – “The Houthis continue to launch missiles at Israel — striking Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday and injuring six civilians. Yet, President Trump announced the U.S. is ending our campaign against the Houthis without Israel’s awareness. Abandoning our key ally isn’t just reckless, it’s dangerous.”
• Nunn (R-IA) 5/6/25: X-post – “The Houthi attack on Israel’s airport raises an important question: how did a JV terrorist group gain the capacity to launch a ballistic missile 2,000+ miles through one of the most sophisticated air defense systems in the world?“
• Green (R-TN) 5/6/25: X-post – “Despite being severely weakened by counter attacks from the United States and Israel, the Houthis are still an Iranian-backed terrorist organization. For that reason Congress should pass my Combating Houthi Threats and Aggression Act. This bill imposes sanctions on those complicit in or who materially support Houthi attacks, past or present.”
• Graham (R-SC) 5/6/25: X-post – “I am very pleased to hear that the Houthis have agreed to stop attacking American vessels. This has come about because of the decisive action @POTUS has taken against the Houthis – a terrorist group in Yemen. Peace through strength does work. As to the Houthis continuing to attack Israel – they do so at Iran’s own peril. Without Iran, the Houthis do not possess the capability to attack America, international shipping or Israel. To my friends in Israel, do what you have to do to protect your airspace and your people. It is long past time to consider hitting Iran hard. It wouldn’t take much to put Iran out of the oil business.“
• Green (R-TN) 5/5/25: X-post – “Just two months after President Trump designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, the United States has crippled the Iranian terror proxy and forced its surrender. This is a great victory for President Trump, the American people, and our ally Israel. The message is loud and clear: we will not tolerate attacks on our servicemembers.”
• Stevens (D-MI) 5/5/25: X-post – “There is still a major Iran backed terrorism problem facing the people of Israel. This is why I continue to stand by this sovereign state and her people. My office is standing by to assist any constituents whose travel has been affected by this attack.“
• Miller-Meeks (R-IA) 5/4/25: X-post – “The Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport is a stark reminder of the threats Israel faces from Iran and its proxies. The U.S. must stand firmly with our ally and support Israel’s right to defend itself.“

Pro-Israel Lobbying on the Hill

• [also see: Congressional Israel Allies Caucus celebrates Independence Day on Capitol Hill – Over 300 rabbis and pastors gather in Washington, D.C. for Israel Advocacy Day and Independence Day reception. (Arutz Sheva 5/7/25 – excerpt: “The event included keynote remarks by Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, together with Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Brad Schneider, and included Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Virginia Foxx, Rep. Andy Ogles, and others.”) & Rabbis, pastors attend Israel advocacy, Independence Day in Washington (Jerusalem Post 5/8/25 – excerpt: “Members of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus headlined the event, which was also attended by representatives from the Israel Allies Foundation, Eagles’ Wings, the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, American Christian Leaders for Israel, the Combat Antisemitism Movement, and more than 100 members of Congress. The event emphasized US support for Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war and against the Iranian nuclear threat.”)
• Thune (R-SD) 5/8/25: X-post – “Met with @AIPAC today to discuss ways we can continue to work with @POTUS, @SecRubio, @SecScottBessent, @SecDef, and their teams to achieve our shared goal of ensuring Iran never has a nuclear weapon.“
• Lawler (R-NY) 5/8/25: X-post – “Earlier this week, I attended the AIPAC New Leadership Network Summit. Thank you, Oren Adaki, for the opportunity to speak and answer some of your questions.“
• Cramer (R-ND) 5/8/25: X-post – “Grateful to meet with Yehuda Neuberger of @AIPAC to discuss the importance of the bilateral U.S.-Israel defense partnership and the need to tighten existing sanctions on Iran.“
• Malliotakis (R-NY) 5/7/25: “It was great to welcome Rabbi & Rebbetzin Sussman to Washington as they joined religious leaders to call on Congress to take more action against antisemitism on campuses, in cities and across America!” [Accompanied by a photo of the congresswoman standing with four visting activists holding signs that don’t mention antisemitism, but do say: RABBIS & PASTORS UNITED FOR ISRAEL”]
• Britt (R-AL) 5/7/25: X-post – “Honored to address @OrthodoxUnion today. Together, we stand against antisemitism, while strengthening US-Israel bonds, and protecting religious freedom. Our shared values unite us, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure Jewish Americans can live and worship in peace.“
• Hawley (R-MO) 5/7/25: X-post – “Senator Hawley had the privilege of speaking with the @OrthodoxUnion today! “If you know the history of this country, you know that this country is built on the spiritual and moral foundations of Israel. . . . “It is vital we stand up to this wave of antisemitism.”
• Fitzpatrick (R-PA) 5/7/25: X-post – “Great running into my friend Pastor George Matthew Clash of The Crossing Church in Washington Crossing—here in D.C. with over 300 faith leaders from diverse backgrounds, all united in purpose and speaking with one voice: standing with Israel and confronting antisemitism isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s an American imperative. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, I’m proud to have such an incredible young leader like Pastor Clash representing our Bucks County community on this critical initiative. Hatred, in any form it takes, has no place in our community or our country—and the only way we defeat it is by standing together, speaking out, and staying united in this fight.”
• Yakym (R-IN) 5/5/25: X-post – “Great to show our friends @AIPAC around the Capitol tonight!“

Normalization

• Rosen (D-NV) 5/8/25: X-post – “I’m deeply troubled by reports that the Trump Administration is dropping their request for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel as part of a deal for access to nuclear energy capabilities. Normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel has been a bipartisan effort for years. It would transform the Middle East and dramatically increase stability in the region. As a leading champion of the Abraham Accords, I urge the Admin to reconsider this misguided decision before losing the biggest leverage we have at this critical moment.“
• Graham (R-SC) 5/8/25: X-post – “I have been working on and supportive of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel for years. This historic agreement would effectively end the Arab-Israeli conflict and allow the region to march toward the light and away from darkness, building on the historic Abraham Accords. However, I would like to make it crystal clear that I will never support a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia or other elements of a proposed deal that does not include normalizing the relationship with Israel as a part of the package. Normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is an essential element.” [in response to Jerusalem Post article, US official: If Israel doesn’t wake up, US will advance Saudi deal without it – report — The official said that Trump is growing frustrated with Israel’s approach and that he intends to push on with a deal, regardless of Israel’s position.]
• Wilson (R-SC) 5/7/25: X-post – “I welcome the talks between our friends Türkiye & Israel in Azerbaijan on Syria. I support President Trump’s efforts to negotiate between Türkiye & Israel on an agreement to help facilitate Syria’s security stability and sovereignty. The entire region benefits from a stable Syria”

Other stuff

• Torres (D-NY) 5/9/25: X-post – “I know a hit piece when I see one. The only reason for the coordinated campaign against Senator John Fetterman is his unapologetic pro-Israel politics. Let’s call it what it is. As someone who has struggled with depression my whole adult life, I can tell you that if you truly care about someone’s mental health, leaking hit pieces against them is a strange way of showing it.”
• Fetterman (D-PA) 5/7/25: X-post – “These eliminations are important and necessary steps toward peace. Israel remains at war with a scourge committed to destroy their nation. We must support our ally until there’s true peace in Gaza and the region.” [accompanied by screenshot of a headline from Times of Israel: “Hamas, Hezbollah commanders killed in IDF strikes in Lebanon”]
• Sanders (I-VT) 5/6/25: X-post – “THE most important political issue facing us now is our corrupt campaign finance system & Citizens United. As long as Musk, AIPAC & crypto money can buy politicians, we’re not living in a democracy. We must end billionaire control of our politics and publicly fund elections.”
• Casar (D-TX) 5/6/25: X-post – “NEW: Trump’s sons are raking in billions while crossing the globe: A luxury hotel in Dubai. A tower in Saudi Arabia. A new golf course in Qatar. A new private club in Washington. Trump and his family get richer. Working families get screwed.“
• Welch (D-VT) 5/3/25: X-post – “Dylan Collins is a Vermonter and a journalist who was wounded by Israeli Defense Forces while reporting in Southern Lebanon. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m continuing to demand that the U.S. government investigate this terrible attack on an American journalist.”

5. Selected Media

Iran & Houthis

• Fox News 5/8/25: GOP senators: Congress should vote on Trump’s potential Iran nuclear deal
• Jewish Insider 5/8/25: Cruz: Iran doesn’t need a civilian nuclear energy program [“Cruz and House Speaker Mike Johnson both took firm stances against Iran maintaining any enrichment capabilities in a potential nuclear deal“]
• Algemeiner 5/8/25: US Sens. Tom Cotton, Lindsey Graham Unveil New Resolution Demanding Iran ‘Dismantle’ Nuclear Program
• Jewish Insider 5/8/25: Graham, Cotton warn Iran nuclear deal without ‘complete dismantlement’ won’t pass Senate
• Washington Examiner 5/7/25: Congressional Republicans to urge full dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program
• Jewish Insider 5/7/25: Hawley insists on Iranian nuclear dismantlement, vows to push to revive AAA [“Hawley on Iran: ‘We need to strip them of their nuclear capacity, we need to isolate them, we need to put them in a box so firm, in a cage with bars so strong, that they cannot get out’”]
• Jewish Insider 5/7/25: Sen. Graham: ‘It’s long past time to hit Iran hard’
• Jewish Insider 5/6/25: GOP senators say U.S., Israel must escalate response to Houthis after Ben Gurion airport hit

Targeting (and defending) Criticism/Critics of Israel, Right to Protest

• Democracy Now 5/8/25: Jewish Students Lobby Congress Against Weaponizing Antisemitism to Silence Critics of Israel
• Haaretz 5/9/25: GOP’s ‘Woke Right’ Scuttles Antisemitism and Israel-boycott Bills [“Republicans foiled the Antisemitism Awareness Act and an anti-boycott bill, bringing into question the GOP’s strategy and pro-Israel groups’ ability to influence the party’s fringe“]
• Rolling Stone 5/6/25: Lawmakers Admit They Want to Ban TikTok Over Pro-Palestinian Content [“As a potential ban looms over the platform, some are admitting that they hope the app’s demise will help kill pro-Palestinian sentiments online“]
• Jewish Insider 5/5/25: Ritchie Torres calls on NYC to cancel Central Park performance by anti-Israel artist Kehlani

Elections/Politics

• Jewish Insider 5/8/25: Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss launches House campaign [“Moss said he wants to be a strong progressive voice against antisemitism and for Israel, rallying support from fellow progressives and speaking up for Jewish and pro-Israel constituents”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/6/25: Tlaib fundraises for campaign of anti-Israel NYC mayoral candidate
• Jewish Insider 5/6/25: Schakowsky retirement sets up Illinois Democratic primary battle over Mideast policy [“State Sen. Laura Fine is emerging as a pro-Israel front runner, among other Jewish candidates“]
• Jewish Insider 5/5/25: Kemp’s decision to pass on Senate race leaves Jewish voters up for grabs [“Many of the leading Republican alternatives would be a tough sell for moderate-minded Jewish voters in the state“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 5/5/25: Jewish representative with anti-Israel record to retire after 25 years [“The Jewish Democratic Council of America stated that Jan Schakowsky is a ‘staunch advocate for our Jewish and Democratic values.’“]

The Antisemitism Awareness Act

• Jewish Insider 5/7/25: Hawley insists on Iranian nuclear dismantlement, vows to push to revive AAA [“Hawley on Iran: ‘We need to strip them of their nuclear capacity, we need to isolate them, we need to put them in a box so firm, in a cage with bars so strong, that they cannot get out’”]
• Jewish Journal 5/7/25: Will Antisemitism Bill Survive? Party loyalties apparently come first, even before the fight against prejudice, intolerance and hate.
• Common Dreams 5/6/25: Pro-Israel Senators Show Their Hand By Opposing Free Speech Protections in Now-Delayed Antisemitism Bill
• Moment Magazine 5/5/25: What’s Holding Up the Antisemitism Awareness Act?
• Peter Beinart/Substack 5/5/25: Is the Antisemitism Awareness Act Antisemitic? [“In the Name of Protecting Jews, Politicians are Pushing a Definition of Antisemitism that Denies Jewish Humanity”]

YOU KIDS GET OFF MY LAWN

• The Hill 5/8/25: Carville: People like Omar ‘more trouble than they’re worth’

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

New:

• 4/30/25: How Pro-Israel Policy is Impacting Free Expression in the US (FMEP president Lara Friedman interviewed by Lee Fang for Glenn Greenwald’s System Update)

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Campus Free Speech via Conflating Criticism of Israel w/ Antisemitism

(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 Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes,” aka the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” As a reminder, this bill 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]. Marked up in the Senate HELP Committee on 4/30/25, amended, and then DEAD IN THE WATER. For hearing details (and it was a doozy of a hearing) see Section 3, below.

(WEAPONIZING THE IHRA DEFINITION ON US CAMPUSES) S. 3580: Introduced 1/11/24 by Cassidy (R-LA) and Fetterman (D-CA), the “Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024.” As a reminder, this bill 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 (above), 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. Marked up in the Senate HELP Committee on 4/30/25, and then seemingly DEAD IN THE WATER along with S. 558. For hearing details (and it was a doozy of a hearing) see Section 3, below.

Targeting Right to Boycott Israel/Settlements

(NO FEDERAL CONTRACTS WITH ENTITIES THAT BOYCOTT ISRAEL) HR 3050: Introduced 4/28/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and 4 Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit Federal agencies from contracting with companies engaged in a boycott of Israel, and for other purposes,” aka the “Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors (CHAI) Act.” Referred to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. 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 current bill has a Senate counterpart – S. 4770, introduced 7/25/25 by Risch (R-ID and currently having 13 Republican cosponsors. Also see: Tenney’s press release; CUFI leader: ‘No government contracts for Israel-haters’ [“The CHAI Act would finally codify into federal law that entities doing business with the U.S. government must not engage in or support BDS for the duration of their contract,” said Sandra Hagee Parker.] (Jewish News Syndicate 4/29/25); 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).

Targeting the UN & UNRWA

(TARGETING UNRWA) S. 1487 (bill text): Introduced 4/10/25 (not previously reported in the Round-Up) by Cruz (R-TX) and 8 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify that international organizations are not immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States in certain cases related to terrorism,” aka the ““Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism Act” aka, the “LIABLE Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see Cruz’s 4/14/25 press release touting the introduction of the bill and explaining 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. Also see: Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Lead Legislation Targeting Organizations Enabling and Funding Terrorists; Scott (R-FL) 4/28/25: X-post – “For years, the UNRWA has been aiding Iran-backed Hamas in their spread of hateful antisemitism. Proud to join @SenTedCruz, to intro the LIABLE Act and ensure the victims and their families can finally bring UNRWA to justice.”

(TARGETING THE UN IN GENERAL) S. 1521 (text): Introduced 4/30/25 by Risch (R-ID) and 23 cosponsors (all Republicans, “To amend the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to provide for a prohibition on contributions to the United Nations related to discrimination against Israel,” aka the “Stand with Israel Act.” As summarized in Risch’s press release, the bill would “cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.” Also see:

• Media: Senate Republicans aim to defund U.N. agencies that penalize Israel (Jewish Insider 4/30/25); Nearly half of Senate Republicans sponsor ‘Stand with Israel Act’ (Jewish News Syndicate 4/30/25)
• Social media & press releases: Ernst (R-IA) 4/30/25 X-post – “Not only has the UN become a breeding ground for antisemitism, but its OWN STAFFERS helped plan and execute Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack on Israel that killed Americans. Our tax dollars should not be used to fund terrorism.” Fischer (R-NE) 4/30/25  X-post – “Despite receiving billions of dollars from the U.S., the UN has allowed antisemitism to spread unchecked within its ranks Pleased to join @SenatorRisch in introducing the Stand with Israel Act to hold the UN accountable.” Press releases: Fischer (R-NE), Boozman (R-AR) and Cotton (R-AR), Crapo (R-ID), Budd (R-NC), Scott (R-FL), Britt (R-AL),

Targeting Israeli/Settler Violence in West Bank & Ben Gvir

(TARGETING SETTLER VIOLENCE) HR 3045 (text): Introduced 4/28/25 by Nadler (D-NY) and two Democratic cosponsors, “To prevent violence in the West Bank and authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to any foreign person endangering United States national security and undermining prospects for a two-state solution by committing illegal violent acts,” aka the “the West Bank Violence Prevention Act.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. As summarized in Nadler’s press release, the bill “codifies and enshrines into law the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14115, which sought to prevent acts of violence in the West Bank and to punish those who commit such acts. The legislation, like the Executive Order, applies to those committing acts of violence in the West Bank, regardless of their nationality.” Also see:

• Rep. Nadler (D-NY) 4/24/25 X-post: “Today I spoke at a rally in New York protesting Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit and making clear that Ben-Gvir is not welcome here. We must be crystal clear about who Ben-Gvir is: he is a racist, terrorist, Jewish supremacist, bent on enacting Meir Kahane’s vision. He has prevented the hostages from coming home and pushed for an unending war in Gaza. Ben-Gvir is the inciter-in-chief of settler violence in the West Bank, and I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting new legislation I will introduce next week to combat all violence in the West Bank in response to Ben-Gvir’s visit.“
• Nadler 4/28/25 X-post: “I am proud to have led my colleagues @RepAdamSmith and @jahimes in introducing the West Bank Violence Prevention Act in response to the visit to the United States of Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Leader of the Jewish Power Party. Violence in the West Bank has reached a fever pitch, and Itamar Ben-Gvir serves as inciter-in-chief of some of the deadliest settler violence. We must be crystal clear about who Itamar Ben-Gvir is: he is a racist, terrorist, Jewish supremacist. This legislation sends a message: Ben-Gvir’s incitement is not welcome in our communities and in the United States.”

2. Letters

• (TARGETING WIKIPEDIA & ACTUAL FACTS) 4/30/25: Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Wikimedia Reign in Antisemitism [alleged by the ADL], Uphold Neutrality [letter text]. Also see: Lawmakers press Wikipedia to clarify and enforce editorial oversight to prevent anti-Israel bias [“The group of 23 bipartisan members of Congress told the Wikimedia Foundation: ‘It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure Wikipedia remains free of bias, antisemitism and pro-terrorist content’”] (Jewish Insider 5/1/25); U.S. Congress Members Call for Increased Oversight of Wikipedia Over Anti-Israel Bias (YNet – [Israeli media] 5/1/25); Members of Congress call on Wikipedia to curb its antisemitism (Arutz Sheva [Israeli media] 5/1/25)
• (TARGETING ACADEMIA) 4/28/25: Chair Walberg Calls in Northwestern President for Transcribed Interview [letter text]. Also see: House Committee calls Northwestern president for transcribed interview (Jewish Insider 4/28/25); House Ed Committee Demands Interview With Northwestern President Over Campus Anti-Semitism (Free Beacon 4/28/25)

3. Hearings

4. Selected Members on the Record

[not included here: the many, many posts standing with Israel in its back-to-back observances, April 29 & 30, of its memorial day and independence day]

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

• Stefanik (R-NY) 5/1/25: X-thread — “@Harvard released a damning report on Antisemitism raging within its institution. What it found underscores longtime, deep-rooted, dangerous, & rampant antisemitism embedded in coursework, campus life, and faculty hiring.  Here are some highlights: (1/10)…“
• Gottheimer (D-NY) 4/30/25: PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Speaks with Students at Rutgers Hillel and Rutgers University Chabad to Discuss Combatting Antisemitism on Campus
• Walberg (R-MI) 4/29/25: Chair Walberg Reacts to Scathing Report on Harvard’s Antisemitism [“This report shows what Committee Republicans have highlighted for years: antisemitism is running rampant on Harvard’s campus. Harvard’s president said the school will not abide bigotry, yet that’s exactly what the school’s feckless leadership did. I’m delighted we finally have an ally in the White House who is willing to hold schools accountable for their abject failure to protect students, as required by law.”]
• Gimenez (R-FL) 4/29/25: X-post – “Across our nation and around the world — from college campuses to city streets — antisemitism is on the rise. Let me be clear: there is no place for antisemitism. I am proud to stand with the Jewish community and with Israel. On this #EndJewHatred Day, let us condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears.“
• Scott (R-FL) 4/29/25: X-post – “Proud to recognize April 29th as #EndJewHatred Day. Today and every day, Florida stands with our great ally, Israel and our state’s incredible Jewish community. Antisemitism and hatred of any kind have no place in our state or our country.”
• Stefanik (R-NY) 4/29/25: X-post – “Harvard’s own task force reveals longtime, deep-rooted, dangerous, & rampant antisemitism embedded in coursework, campus life, and faculty hiring. This is further confirmation of the significant moral crisis facing higher education that I have sounded the alarm on in Congress. There must be accountability and real reform to save American higher education — not just reports.“
• Stefanik (R-NY) 4/29/25: X-post – “Antisemitism must not be tolerated at American colleges and universities. Berklee College of Music correctly fired this professor due to his vile antisemitism following great investigative reporting by the @FreeBeacon’s @LevineJonathan. I will continue to lead with President @realdonaldtrump on holding these failing institutions accountable. Read more: Berklee College of Music Fires Professor Who Called Jews ‘Vile Predators’” includes link to: Berklee College of Music Fires Professor Who Called Jews ‘Vile Predators’ (Free Beacon 4/28/25)
• LaLota (R-NY) 4/29/25: X-post – “Democrats are defending an MS-13 gang member with a violent past while staying silent on Americans held hostage by Hamas. Their priorities are backwards. It’s time to stand up for American citizens — not criminals who should’ve never been here.”
• Sherman (D-CA) 4/25/25: Congressman Sherman Statement on Recent Arrests of Anti-Israel Protesters by the Trump Administration

Ben Gvir’s US Tour

• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 4/28/25: X-post – “Chairman @RepBrianMast met with @itamarbengvir today to discuss America’s shared national security interests with Israel.” [with photo of Mast and Ben Gvir, in which Ben Gvir is gifting Mast a menorah with a plaque saying “On behalf of the State of Israel | with complements [sic], | Itamar Ben Givr | Minister of National Security“]
• Nadler (D-NY) 4/28/25: X-post – “I condemn all of the violence that took place in Brooklyn outside of Ben-Gvir’s visit to Chabad World Headquarters. Violence is never the answer— whether by counter protesters in Brooklyn or by settlers in the West Bank. Attacking a lone female bystander and spewing antisemitic hatred are both cowardly and unacceptable acts. The bill I introduced earlier today aims to prevent violence in the West Bank, but it is up to all of us to keep such violence off our streets here at home. Ben-Gvir, Israel’s inciter-in-chief, spent his trip provoking violence wherever he went. I pray that all level headed leaders can come together to reject this violence and make clear that Ben-Gvir is not welcome here.“
• Nadler (D-NY) 4/24/25: Remarks of Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12) “Say No to Ben-Gvir” Rally, New York, NY, April 24, 2025, As Prepared for Delivery; video

US-Israel-Gaza

• Merkley (D-OR) 4/30/25: X-post – “The specter of famine looms over more than 2 million people in Gaza, including countless children. Israel’s blockade is starving communities, and as a key economic and security partner, the U.S. must use its leverage to DEMAND CHANGE NOW.”
• Omar (D-MN) 4/28/25: X-post – “We all knew they weren’t working tirelessly on a ceasefire and it was all a lie.” [In response to DropSite post 4/28/25: “REPORT: Biden Officials Admit They Never Pressured Israel for Ceasefire, as Israeli Leaders Boast of Playing Washington“
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (Dems) 4/28/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Held important meetings with PM Netanyahu, FM Gideon Sa’ar and Leader Yair Lapid in Israel to discuss the US-Israel strategic partnership, Congress’s support for Israel’s defense, ending the conflict in Gaza, and our shared vision for a peaceful Middle East.”
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (Dems) 4/28/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Securing a durable ceasefire & returning all those still being held captive by Hamas remains a top priority for the US. I’m always humbled by the courage & strength demonstrated by the families of the hostages & I reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to bringing them home.”
• Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 4/28/25: X-post – “It is crucial Congress remain united in support and solidarity with our ally, Israel, and continue our efforts urging for the remaining hostages to be freed. We will not stop working for the safe release of all hostages, and for their captors to be held accountable.”

Targeting UNRWA

• Stefanik (R-NY) 4/28/25: X-post – “President @realDonaldTrump’s action of stripping UNRWA of immunity is an important act of moral clarity. I strongly advocated for this decision to allow victims’ families to pursue justice and expose UNRWA’s shameful complicity in terrorism. America must never protect organizations tied to Hamas and the October 7th terrorist attacks.“
• Hern (R-OK) 4/25/25: X-post – “Great move from the Trump Admin! UNRWA was involved in the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The survivors and the families of those murdered on October 7th deserve justice.“
• Bacon (R-NE) 4/25/25: X-post – “UNRWA doesn’t deserve a penny from American taxpayers. Too many of their employees helped Hamas perpetrate the massacre of 1,200 innocents on 7 Oct.“

Other stuff

• Wagner (R-MO) 5/1/25: Wagner Advances American National Security Interests During Visit to Europe and Middle East
• Pressley (D-MA) 4/30/25: Pressley Applauds Release of Mohsen Mahdawi, Renews Call for Release of Rümeysa Öztürk, Mahmoud Khalil, and Others
• Blackburn (R-TN) 4/29/25: X-post – “Unlike Joe Biden, the Trump administration is standing with Israel and taking strong action against the Houthis and the Iranian regime. We will not back down to terrorists that want to murder Americans.” With link to article: US Treasury targets Houthi-linked vessels to disrupt efforts to fund ‘dangerous and destabilizing attacks’ (F0x News 4/28/25)
• Murphy (D-CT) 4/28/25: X-post – “Another win for this super competent national security team. I thought our strikes in Yemen were ‘restoring deterrence’.” Responding to news: US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier
• Jayapal (D-WA) 4/25/25: X-post – “After Israel’s illegal blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza, the World Food Programme has run out of food to feed people who have no alternatives. This blockade must be lifted and aid must resume.“

5. Selected Media

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

• Yahoo News 5/2/25: Democratic rep fears party turning antisemitic protesters into ‘martyrs’ in battle against Trump deportations
• Jewish Insider 5/1/25: Dan Goldman: Democrats shouldn’t make antisemitic visa holders into ‘martyrs’
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/30/25: Nadler goes after rabbi for exposing Democrat’s antisemitism
• Jewish Insider 4/30/25: Bill Cassidy leans in to fight antisemitism as chair of key Senate committee
• Jewish Chronicle (UK) 4/29/25: Meet the Jewish Democrats opposing Trump’s war on antisemitism

Iran

• Jewish Insider 4/29/25: Rep. Greg Landsman: Ending Iran’s nuclear program, terrorism would transform the Middle East [“The Democratic lawmaker also said he’s working on legislation to create a bipartisan select committee focused on Middle East peace“]
• Jewish Insider 4/28/25: Wasserman Schultz: Arab, Israeli leaders say Iran deal must cover proxy activity

Ben Gvir in the US

• Jewish News Syndicate 4/29/25: Ben-Gvir concludes US visit with meetings on Capitol Hill [“The Israeli national security minister discussed mutual defense priorities with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast in Washington, D.C.”]
• The Forward/Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/29/25: Ben-Gvir says he met with 4 members of Congress, rebuffed protesters at US Capitol
• Jewish Insider 4/28/25: Far-right Israeli minister scores first meetings on Capitol Hill, none with Trump administration [“In an interview with JI, Itamar Ben-Gvir said he’s in the U.S. to push Trump’s plan for Gaza and expects to receive a meeting with the administration eventually“]

Israel, Gaza, Syria

• Jewish Insider 5/1/25: Ossoff highlights hostages and antisemitism, but says Trump is exploiting Jewish fears
• Jewish Insider 5/1/25: Sen. Jim Banks lays out his vision for the future of Republican foreign policy [“…The first-term Indiana senator argued that the U.S. has critical interests in the Middle East, in countering the threat from Iran and supporting Israel, even as he leaned into elements of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy that are controversial among Republican traditionalists. He framed that policy as a return to a Reaganite peace through strength approach. Banks said that the U.S. ‘cannot accept another bad deal with Iran,’ adding that he does not believe Trump would be interested in returning to a deal similar to the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Iran, Banks argued, is its weakest position in decades and ‘the president knows that he holds all the cards, and he knows how to play them. He is also the most pro-Israel president that we’ve ever had, so I fully expect him to put America and Israel’s interests first when it comes to dealing with Iran.’ Responding to a question about media figures who argue the U.S. should not be focused on the Middle East, the threats from Iran or supporting Israel, Banks described Israel as ‘our most important ally in the world.‘”]
• Jewish Insider 4/29/25: Sen. Andy Kim seeks answers on Edan Alexander amid uncertainty over his condition in Gaza [“The New Jersey Democrat has asked diplomatic and intelligence officials for an update on the status of his constituent after Hamas claimed it had lost touch with his captors“]
• Jewish Insider 4/28/28: Ritchie Torres at AJC Global Forum: ‘A durable peace is possible’ in the Middle East [“Receiving the group’s inaugural Nita M. Lowey Congressional Leadership Award, the congressman said the ‘future of the Middle East belongs to Israel and the Abraham Accords’“]
• Jewish Insider 4/28/25: Syria’s al-Sharaa discussed prospects for normalization with Israel with GOP lawmaker [“Rep. Marlin Stutzman visited Syria last week as one of the first members of Congress to visit the country following the fall of the Assad regime“]

Elections

• Jewish Insider 5/2/25: Ken Martin: Democratic Party needs to stand with Jewish community, Israel
• The Intercept 4/28/25: Down Two Squad Members, Progressives Come for an AIPAC Democrat [“Justice Democrats, the group that helped elect the Squad, is backing a primary against AIPAC-backed incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar.”]

Other stuff

• The National Herald 5/2/25: Reps. Malliotakis & Lawler on the 3+1 Framework- Greece, Cyprus, Israel-U.S.

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

New:

• 4/24/25: Arab Center Washington DC convened a webinar entitled, Washington Targets Dissent: Repression from the Academy to the Streets, ft., Asli Bali (Yale Law School); Tariq Habbash (A New Policy); Lara Friedman (FMEP) & Abed Ayoub (Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee), with Yousef Munayyer (Arab Center) moderating.

NOTE: Congress is on Spring Break this week.

1. Bills & Resolutions

S. 558, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S. 163, Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025 are back on the Senate HELP Committee schedule for markup on 4/30/25. See Section 3, below, for details.

(TARGETING SETTLER TERRORISM?) HR XXXX: On 4/24/25, Rep. Nadler (D-NY) posted on X: “Today I spoke at a rally in New York protesting Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit and making clear that Ben-Gvir is not welcome here. We must be crystal clear about who Ben-Gvir is: he is a racist, terrorist, Jewish supremacist, bent on enacting Meir Kahane’s vision. He has prevented the hostages from coming home and pushed for an unending war in Gaza. Ben-Gvir is the inciter-in-chief of settler violence in the West Bank, and I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting new legislation I will introduce next week to combat all violence in the West Bank in response to Ben-Gvir’s visit.” [emphasis added]

2. Letters

• (CONCERN ABOUT ASSAULT ON ACADEMIA USING ANTISEMITISM AS THE EXCUSE) 4/24/25: With American Education Institutions Under Attack, Schumer, Blumenthal, Schatz, Rosen, And Schiff Demand President Trump Finally End Weaponization Of Antisemitism And Protect Students On Campuses Across The Country [letter text]. Also see: Jewish Senate Dems accuse Trump of weaponizing antisemitism to attack universities (Jewish Insider 4/25/25); Schumer tells Trump to stop weaponizing antisemitism against universities (Jerusalem Post 4/25/25); Jewish senators accuse Trump of exploiting antisemitism to target universities (The Guardian 4/24/25)
• (CONCERN ABOUT US KILLING CIVILIANS IN YEMEN) 4/24/25: Van Hollen, Warren, Kaine Press Hegseth on High Civilian Casualties in Yemen Strikes and Trump Administration’s Dismantling of Safeguards Against Civilian Harm [letter text]. Also see: Senators challenge Hegseth on civilian deaths in Yemen strikes (Washington Post 4/24/25)
• (BUILD RELATIONS WITH NEW SYRIAN GOVT!) 4/22/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Urges Administration to Remove Barriers to Engagement with Syrian Interim Government [text of Shaheen-Risch letter]
• (DEMANDING DOCS FROM 3 UNIVERSITIES BEFORE MAY KANGAROO COURT “HEARING”) 4/21/25: Walberg, Owens Request Information Ahead of Antisemitism Hearing with College Presidents [letters: California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), DePaul University, Haverford College]. Also see: House leaders address schools ahead of hearing on Jew-hatred (Jewish News Syndicate 4/21/25); Risch, Shaheen urge admin to consider additional Syria sanctions relief (Jewish Insider 4/23/25)

3. Hearings

4. Selected Members on the Record

Re: Israeli-imposed Humanitarian Catastrophe + Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza

• Fetterman (D-PA) 4/23/25: X-post – “What’s truly intolerable? Innocent civilians held in tunnels for 565 days and counting. European allies should demand the elimination of Hamas and for the release of all remaining hostages. These actions would quickly end the suffering in Gaza.“
• Welch (D-VT) 4/22/25: X-post – “This is wrong. I’ve spoken to Israeli families who described the agony they wake up to every day not knowing if their loved ones will come home safe. Reaching a ceasefire agreement so we can get hostages safely out and humanitarian aid to civilians in must be the top priority.” Responding to Washington Post X-post, “Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, drew outrage Monday when he said returning Israeli hostages still held by Hamas is not the war’s ‘most important goal.’”
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 4/22/25: X-post – “It’s been 50+ days since the start of a complete blockade on food & humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza. Jose Andres is right: End the blockade & suffering. Release all the hostages. End the war. No more Oct 7ths. Security, dignity, human rights & self-determination for all.”
• Emmer (R-MN) 4/22/25: X-post – “Hamas still holds 59 hostages, including 5 Americans, in Gaza—God only knows under what conditions. America’s support for Israel’s efforts to confront Iranian aggression, destroy Hamas, and return the hostages will not waver. Not now, not ever.“
• Massie (R-KY) 4/21/25: X-post – “If you’re trying to make the case that Israel should continue bombing Gaza and America should pay for it, saying I support communism (or that I’m antisemitic) for not sharing your world view is ridiculous and will only hurt your case.“
• Sanders (I-VT) 4/21/25: X-post – “It’s been 51 days since ANY humanitarian aid has entered Gaza. Israeli Minister of Defense Katz has said: ‘Israel’s policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza.’  This is a war crime.   We must end our complicity. NO more military aid for Netanyahu’s war machine.” Also see lengthy response to Sanders on X from Israeli Defense Minister Katz — not denying that Israel is preventing entry of aid into Gaza, but insisting that it is all totally legal and that aid is not needed right now anyway.
• Tlaib (D-MI) 4/21/25: X-post – “Thank you for using your voice to recognize the human dignity of the Palestinian people, even in your final days. Your dedication to always lifting up immigrants, vulnerable, and oppressed people everywhere is an inspiration to us all.”
• Cruz (R-TX) 4/18/25: X-post – “Hamas are barbaric terrorists who gleefully use human shields as an instrument of war. In 2018 I authored and passed into law mandatory sanctions to hold them accountable for this practice. The Biden admin wouldn’t enforce those sanctions, because they wanted to falsely blame Israel for the deaths of Palestinian civilians. Thankfully, President Trump and Trump officials will change course.”

Members Visit Students Detained for Palestine Protest

• Pressley (D-MA) 4/23/25: WATCH: Pressley, Markey, McGovern Recount Harrowing Visit with Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil at ICE Facilities in Louisiana
• Pressley (D-MA) 4/22/25: X-post – “I spent the day at the ICE Detention centers where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unjustly detained. They’ve been taken thousands of miles away from home, and denied the dignity, medical care, and due process they deserve. This is not normal. No part of this is legal or just. My constituents deserve to live free from fear. Our freedoms and our destinies are tied.”
• McGovern (D-MA) 4/22/25: X-post – “Rümeysa Öztürk & Mahmoud Khalil broke no laws, yet have been denied due process & locked away for exercising their First Amendment rights. Make no mistake: they are political prisoners, detained not for what they’ve done, but for what they dared to say. We went to Louisiana to hear their stories & demand their release.”
• Markey (D-MA) 4/22/25: X-post – “After meeting with Khalil today, his story reminds us that this betrayal and injustice should have never happened. We have a moral obligation to stand with and unequivocally call out the injustices Mahmoud Khalil and too many others are suffering from at the hand of this administration. We demand justice.”
• Markey (D-MA) 4/22/25: X-post – “I filmed this yesterday on my way to Lousiana where my constituent Rümeysa Öztürk is being wrongfully held by ICE. I’m there now demanding her release. More to come.”
• Welch (D-VT) 4/21/25: X-post – “When I met with Mohsen Mahdawi today, we spoke about how appreciative he is to have the support of so many people in Vermont. He said one of the reasons he wanted to become a citizen was because of his belief in American democracy. He hopes that justice will prevail in his case.”
• Welch (D-VT) 4/21/25: X-post – “I just met with Mohsen Mahdawi where he’s being held in Vermont. He was detained when he showed up for his citizenship interview. He should be released so he can become a citizen.”
• Welch (D-VT) 4/21/25: X-post – “I just met with Mohsen Mahdawi where he’s being held in Vermont. He was detained when he showed up for his citizenship interview. He should be released so he can become a citizen.“

Targeting Anyone Who Dares to Protest for Palestinian Lives/Rights

• Stefanik (R-NY) 4/25/25: X-post – “DISGUSTING: Rutgers faculty defended Hamas terrorists after the Oct 7 massacre. They pushed vile anti-Israel propaganda & ‘contextualized’ the slaughter of Jews. Rutgers is now under federal investigation — and rightfully so. There is NEVER justification for terrorism.” Linked to article, Radical Rutgers University Faculty Defended Hamas Days After October 7 Attack (National Review 4/25/25)
• Lankford (R-OK) 4/24/25: X-post – “Thank you to the Trump administration for standing up for Jewish students and combating antisemitism on college campuses. No student should be afraid to go to school or face discrimination or harassment because of their faith or heritage.” Responding/re-posting X-post by the Department of Education touting “100 Days Strong: @POTUS and @EDSecMcMahon have made it clear: Antisemitism has no place in our classrooms or on our campuses.” (including a table laying of the Trump Admin’s accomplishments with respect to cracking down on academia in the name of fighting antisemitism)
• Lawler (R-NY) 4/25/25: X-post – “Antisemitism has no place in our schools, on our campuses, or anywhere in our society. AAA is a straightforward, bipartisan effort to codify an executive order to ensure that federal civil rights protections can be enforced.” Linked to image with headline, “The Antisemitism Awareness Act Is Back” with quote from Lawler.
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 4/24/25: X-post – “If you are a foreign guest in OUR country trying to force Jewish students off their campus & rooting for terrorists, we are going to revoke your visa and force you out of our country.” [responding to post alleging that protesters at Yale were blocking Jewish students from moving around on campus; in reality what the video shows is a student demanding to walk through the middle of a circle of protesters, rather than walk around them, like other people are doing]
• House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 4/23/25: X-post – “When will schools wake up to the fact this is harassment of Jewish students? Blatant antisemitism? Schools like @Yale need to follow the law and protect all students—including Jewish students.” [with video alleging showing protesters at Yale blocking a Jewish student from moving around on campus; in reality what the video shows is a student demanding to walk through the middle of a circle of protesters, rather than walk around them like other people are doing]
• Malliotakis (R-NY) 4/23/25: X-post – “Unfortunately, this is not surprising. When New York colleges have allowed antisemitism to run rampant, people march in the streets waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags without accountability & hate crimes are reduced or dropped entirely, it allows antisemitism to fester. New York must do better.” With image reading: “New York leads the nation in reported antisemitic incidents in 2024: ADL“
• Scott (R-FL) 4/23/25: X-post – “This is the right move. Hamas terrorists have been holding Americans and Israelis hostage for 565 days. No one who sympathizes with these terrorists should be handed a platform to spread their hate and antisemitism.” In response to post: “#BREAKING @Cornell’s president has rescinded the invitation for antisemitic singer Kehlani to perform at the school’s annual Slope Day concert.” [her crime: opposition to Gaza genocide]
• Bost (R-IL) 4/22/25: X-post – “According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism is on the rise in Illinois, with over 335 incidents reported in 2024 – a 59% increase. That includes 79 incidents on college campuses, ranking our state 5th nationally for antisemitic confrontations at institutions of learning. Antisemitism has no place in our state, and I will continue to do all I can to stop it.“
• House Committee on Education & the Workforce (GOP) 4/22/25: X-post – “Make no mistake: antisemitism skyrocketed on college campuses around the U.S.—not just at the Ivy Leagues. The Committee looks forward to bringing in these university leaders to testify about what they’re doing to address antisemitism and protect students—as the law requires.”
• Gottheimer (D-NJ) 4/22/25: Gottheimer Statement on the Anti-Defamation League’s 2024 Audit Showing Worst Year Ever for Antisemitic Incidents [“We cannot sit idly by while individuals in politics, pop culture, or sports openly spew antisemitic tropes and hatred — the magnitude of this crisis demands real action. That’s why I’m continuing fighting to pass my bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act to ensure our children can attend schools and universities without fear of intimidation, threats, and violence.“]
• Harris (R-MD) 4/21/25: X-post – “The US government should not use taxpayer dollars to subsidize the student loan debt of universities that preach, teach, and tolerate antisemitism.“
• McClain (R-MI) 4/21/25: X-post – “Eradicating antisemitism should not be a controversy. Instead of making their campus safe for ALL students, Harvard wants to let the problem continue. Our tax dollars shouldn’t go to universities that support antisemitism.”

Recess Travel to Israel/Middle East

• Moreno (R-OH) 4/23/25: X-post – “While some of my colleagues are trying to jailbreak a criminal illegal in El Salvador, I traveled to Israel to remind the world Hamas has held an American citizen hostage for 564 days. We cannot rest until Hamas is eradicated and EVERY hostage is home safe. #BringThemHome”
• Jeffries (D-NY) 4/22/25: JEFFRIES LEADS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, DENMARK, ISRAEL AND JORDAN
• Landsman (D-OH) 4/22/25: Landsman Joins Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to the United Kingdom, Denmark, Israel, and Jordan

Conflating the Holocaust with October 7. 2023

• Lankford (R-SC) 4/24/25: X-post – “Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Israel, time stands still for a moment of silence. After October 7, old wounds have reopened. We stand with Israel today and every day as we combat antisemitism. As we say, Never Again, and remember all those lost to the Holocaust, we also remember those still being held hostage and pray for their safe release.”
• Mills (R-FL) 4/24/25: X-post – “On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the 6 million Jewish lives lost and vow ‘ever Again.’ I stand steadfastly with Israel, our ally, against hatred and terror. After the October 7, 2023 attacks, I was privileged to help evacuate over 250 Americans from Israel. I urge all to pray for the hostages still held by Hamas. I will continue to fight for aid to strengthen Israel’s security and pursue lasting peace. Today, let’s honor the victims of the Holocaust and the resilience of its survivors.“

Iran

• Weber (R-TX) 4/22/25: X-post – “The Obama & Biden Administration played games with Iran—and it’s time to put that to bed. Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terror. They chant ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel’—and they mean it. Letting them enrich uranium is like handing a match to an arsonist. Under President Trump, I hope to see that threat shut down for good.“

Other stuff

• Rosen (D-NV) 4/22/25: Rosen Sounds Alarm on Disturbing Findings from ADL Antisemitism Report, Urges Congress to Take Action to Combat Rise of Antisemitism
• Ciscomani (R-AZ) 4/22/25: X-post – “I am disgusted by this antisemitic act against the Chabad Tucson-Young Israel Synagogue. Jewish residents in Tucson deserve to feel safe in their own communities and places of worship. I strongly and unequivocally condemn this despicable act.“

5. Selected Media

Genocide & the Annihilation of Gaza

• Al Jazeera 4/23/25: Ben-Gvir: US Republicans support bombing Gaza ‘food and aid depots’
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/22/25: Katz rebukes Sanders for calling Israel’s Gaza policy a ‘war crime’

Recess travel

• Israel – Office of the Prime Minister 4/25/25: PM Netanyahu Meets with Bipartisan US Congressional Delegation led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries [“…The delegation, which attended Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day events this morning, expressed unequivocal bipartisan support for the State of Israel and its actions against the terrorist organizations and the Iranian axis. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s relentless efforts to advance a framework for the release of the hostages, the importance of the dialogue with the American administration in order to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program is completely dismantled, and the IDF’s determined campaign to destroy Hamas’s military and governing capabilities in the Gaza Strip. Participating in the meeting were US Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Laura Friedman (D-CA), and US Deputy Chief-of-Mission Stephanie Hallett.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/22/25: Jeffries leading bipartisan House trip to Israel, Jordan

Targeting Protests/Protesters for Palestinian Lives/Rights

• Free Beacon 4/22/25: Dem Senator Visits Detained Columbia Activist Who Said He ‘Can Empathize’ With Hamas’s Decision To Massacre Jews
• CNN 4/22/25: Congressional delegation visits Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk in Louisiana detention centers
• Campus Reform 4/22/25: Anti-Israel nonprofit attempts to block Congress receiving Columbia protester docs

Iran

• Philadelphia Inquirer 4/25/25: Sen. John Fetterman says nuclear ‘negotiations’ with Iran should come in the form of bombs and the Israeli military
• Free Beacon 4/23/25: ‘Waste That S—t’: In Interview With Free Beacon, Fetterman Tells Trump To Dump Iran Talks and Destroy Tehran’s Nuclear Facilities

Elections

• Jewish Insider 4/24/25: Jewish Georgia leaders say Ossoff is making amends, but still has more work to do
• Washington Examiner 4/23/25: Michigan Senate primary set to reopen Democratic wounds over Israel 
• Jewish Insider 4/23/25: Clash over Israel possible in Dem primary showdown for Haley Stevens’ House seat [“Former Rep. Andy Levin, an anti-Israel Democrat, is discussing a bid to reclaim his old seat“]
• Jewish Insider 4/22/25: Haley Stevens declares candidacy for Michigan Senate seat [“Stevens is a favorite within the state’s Jewish community for her outspoken support for Israel and condemnation of high-profile antisemitic incidents at a time when many Michigan Democrats have pandered to anti-Israel activists.“]
• New York Times 4/22/25 Rep. Haley Stevens Joins an Increasingly Crowded Michigan Senate Race [“In Congress, Ms. Stevens has been a vocal supporter of Israel, and she has received considerable backing from major pro-Israel groups including AIPAC’s political arm, which has spent heavily in Democratic primaries. Support from that group, a lightning rod in some Democratic circles, helped Ms. Stevens defeat former Representative Andy Levin, the more liberal candidate, in a primary in 2022. Debates over Israel and the war in Gaza tore apart the Democratic Party over the last year and a half, and some Democrats worry that such issues will be particularly divisive in the party’s primary for Senate in Michigan. The Middle East is an especially sensitive subject in the state, which is home to significant Arab American, Muslim and Jewish communities.“]
• Jewish Insider 4/21/25: Cait Conley brings deep knowledge of Middle East, counterterrorism to NY-17 primary
• NBC News 4/21/25: Rep. Byron Donalds’ town hall turns contentious over questions about DEI and Gaza

Other stuff

• Associated Press 4/18/25: Congress members pay an unofficial visit to Damascus as US mulls sanctions relief
• Congressional Research Service Report 4/17/25: Yemen: Conflict, Red Sea Attacks, and U.S. Policy

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

New:

• 4/14/25: FMEP President Lara Friedman and Carnegie Fellow Zaha Hassan, in conversation with Erik Fleming on the podcast, A Moment with Erik Fleming, in an episode entitled, Volatile Times.
• 4/11/25: The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism and the Threat to Free Speech – FMEP President Lara Friedman featured on the “Understanding Israel Palestine” radio show/podcast, with Margot Patterson.
• 4/11/25: New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, Memory Culture, Israel and Genocide: Criminalizing Speech in Germany, featuring FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaking with German journalist Hanno Hauenstein.
• 4/11/25 (recorded 4/3/25): New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, “One hour after an attack, we prepare to be attacked again”: Survival in Masafer Yatta, featuring FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaking with writer and activist Ali Awad about life in Masafer Yatta.

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

• (NEED ANSWERS RE: STUDENT ARRESTED FOR PALESTINE OP-ED) 4/18/25: Pressley, Warren, Markey Demand State Department Release Memo, Documents Related to Öztürk Arrest [letter text]
• (BRING NUCLEAR INSPECTORS BACK TO IRAN) 4/17/25: Jewish Insider 4/18/25 – Pro-Israel Dems warn Witkoff that Iran must restore inspectors’ access to nuclear sites [letter text, signed by Schneider, D-IL, Goldman, D-NY, and Landsman, D-OH). Also see: Stefanik, Comer launch Harvard bias probe (Jewish News Syndicate 4/17/25)
• (TARGETING HARVARD) 4/17/25: Comer & Stefanik Launch Investigation into Harvard’s Flagrant Disregard for Civil Rights Laws Despite Receiving Enormous Amounts of Federal Funds [letter text]
• (INVESTIGATE ATTACK ON GOV SHAPIRO AS HATE CRIME) 4/17/25: Leader Schumer Calls On DOJ To Investigate Arson Attack On Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro As Possible Antisemitic Hate Crime [letter text]. Also see: Schumer calls for federal hate crime investigation of Shapiro arson; Shapiro calls it unhelpful (Jewish Insider 4/17/25)
• (NO NEGOTIATING OVER IRAN NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT) 4/16/25: Chairman Lawler Urges Trump Administration to Redline Iranian Nuclear Enrichment [letter text]. Also see: Lawler (R-NY) 4/16/25: X-post – “Earlier today, I sent a letter to U.S. Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, urging him to reject a nuclear agreement with Iran that does not completely dismantle their nuclear and missile programs, and eases sanctions on Iran or its enablers.” Also see: Lawler calls out Witkoff’s comments on Iranian nuclear enrichment (Jewish Insider 4/16/25)
• (TRUMP ADMIN MISHANDLING OF CLASSIFIED DEFENSE INFO) 4/16/25: Ranking Member Coons leads Senior Democrats in demanding additional information from White House after Trump disregards mishandling classified information by defense officials [letter text]
• (SYRIA SANCTIONS) 4/16/25: Senator Warren and Representative Wilson Send Bipartisan Letter Pressing State Department for Details and Timeline on Updating Syria Sanctions [letter text]
• (TARGETING CODE PINK WITH FARA INVESTIGATION) 4/16/25: Grassley letter to DOJ – “…regarding The People’s Forum and Code Pink’s potential obligation to register under FARA based on reported connections with Neville Roy Singham, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”
• (NEED ANSWERS RE ARREST OF PALESTINIAN STUDENT) 4/16/25: Rep. Becca Balint Leads 67 House Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Mohsen Mahdawi’s Arrest [letter text]. Also see statements/X-posts from: Velazquez (D-NY), Balint (D-VT),
• (INVESTIGATE KILLING OF AMCIT TEEN IN WEST BANK BY IDF) 4/11/25: Booker, Kim Urge Trump Administration to Investigate Fatal Shooting of New Jersey Teen in the West Bank [letter text]. Also see: Kim press release
• (SAUDI INFLUENCE) 4/11/25: Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Releases Final Minority Staff Report in Foreign Influence Probe [Blumenthal letter to AG Bondi; report text]. Excerpt from press release: “PSI began its probe in June 2023 to better understand the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s (the PIF) attempts to control the game of golf in the United States via the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger. Since then, the Subcommittee’s inquiry expanded to shine a light on the Saudi Arabian government’s attempts to gain power and influence in the United States through the PIF’s rapidly increasing U.S. commercial investments.“
• (MAGA REPUBLICANS SUPPORT TRUMP’S IRAN DIPLOMACY) 4/11/25: Congresswoman Tenney Leads Letter Praising President Trump’s Commitment to Countering Iran’s Nuclear Proliferation [letter text]; also see Tenney (R-NY) X-post.

3. Hearings

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

• Sludge 4/18/25: Fossil Fuel and Finance Donors Pour Millions Into House GOP War Chest [X-post by the author: “It’s very early, but just in Q1, Speaker Mike Johnson was the top recipient of AIPAC’s earmarked PAC donations, totaling $263,000. Right behind him was Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, with $250,000.“]
•  Jewish Insider 4/18/25: First American lawmakers travel to post-Assad Syria to meet with new president
• New York Post 4/17/25: Elise Stefanik, James Comer target Harvard University for civil rights probe as Ivy League school rejects antisemitism demands
• Jewish Insider 4/17/25: Brad Sherman’s primary challenger Jake Rakov stays in step with him on Israel policy
• The Free Beacon 4/16/25: Ilhan Omar’s Daughter Fundraises For Columbia Activist in ICE Custody Who Endorsed Oct. 7 Attack
• Jewish Insider 4/16/25: Lawler calls out Witkoff’s comments on Iranian nuclear enrichment [“The Middle East subcommittee chair said Witkoff’s Fox News comments on allowing Iran to maintain 3.67% enrichment echoes the ‘disaster’ of the original Iran deal”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/16/25: Netanyahu meets with Ernst, Wasserman Schultz in Jerusalem
• Jewish Insider 4/16/25: Gottheimer, Sherrill respond to Hamas claims it lost contact with Edan Alexander’s captors
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/15/25: New House bill aims to strengthen ties between US, Israel, Greece, Cyprus
• Israel 365 4/14/25: The Stefanik Doctrine: A Stronger Stand Against Jew-Hatred
• US News 4/14/25: Capitol Q&A: Lawler on Addressing Antisemitism in Higher Ed [“Republican Rep. Mike Lawler says Congress is in a better position than last year to pass the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act he just reintroduced.”]
• Arutz Sheva 4/14/25: Congress to call DePaul U. Pres. to testify on campus antisemitism [“House Committee on Education and the Workforce will call the President of DePaul University, Robert L. Manuel, to testify before Congress on Wednesday, May 7, after 2 Jewish students were attacked at the school.“]
• Mustang News 4/14/25: Cal Poly President to testify before Congress for ‘failures to address antisemitism on campus’
• American Enterprise Institute 4/11/25: Congress needs to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge against Turkey

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

• (ESCALATING WEST BANK VIOLENCE/ATTACK ON PALESTINIAN FILMMAKER) 4/10/25: Welch Leads Bicameral Letter Raising Alarm Over Escalating Violence in West Bank, Assault of Hamdan Ballal [letter text – bicameral, 31 signers]. Also see: Jayapal, Welch Raise Alarm Over Escalating Violence in West Bank, Assault of Hamdan Ballal
• (UNAUTHORIZED YEMEN STRIKES) 4/9/25: Jayapal, Khanna, Hoyle Demand Answers Over Unauthorized Military Strikes in Yemen by Trump Administration [letter text]. Also see: Progressives Push to Assert Congress Power Over Yemen War (The Intercept 4/9/25)
• (US LIABILITY FOR GAZA GENOCIDE?) 4/7/25: Senators [Welch, D-VT, and Van Hollen, D-MD] Question Trump Administration on U.S. Liability for Aiding and Abetting Netanyahu’s Potential War Crimes [letter text]. Also see Welch X-post 4/9/25: “When Netanyahu says he wants to just ‘bomb everything,’ we should believe him. Enough is enough. I’m asking the Trump Administration with @ChrisVanHollen why the U.S. is giving even more bombs to Israel when they are being used illegally.“
• (CONFERENCE CRITICIZING ISRAEL = SUPPORT FOR TERRORISM) 4/6/25: Gottheimer Calls for Investigation into Conference Supporting Hamas Terrorists and the Destruction of Israel [letter text]; also see – Gottheimer asks DOJ to investigate group, which hosted Tlaib, for terror support (Jewish Insider 4/7/25); Gottheimer urges federal probe of NJ center after it invites PFLP member to speak at conference (Jewish News Syndicate 4/7/25)
• (YEMEN STRIKES ARE BAD FOR US) 4/1/25 (not previously reported in the Round-Up) 4/1/25: Merkley, Paul: U.S. Strikes on Yemen Undermine American Law [letter text]. Also see:Dr. Paul, Sen. Merkley Seek Information on Yemen Strikes
  

3. Hearings

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

• See: many X-post from Wilson (R-SC)
• Hoyer (D-MD) 4/11/25: Hoyer Statement Ahead of U.S. Talks with Iran
• House Foreign Affairs Committee  – GOP (4/10/25) X-post – “The committee voted this week to give President Trump the tools needed to crush Iran’s oil market.”
• Husted (R-OH) 4/7/25: Husted supports bill to bolster U.S. sanctions against Iran [also see Husted’s X-post]

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

• Jewish Insider 4/9/25: AIPAC launches ad blitz against senators who voted to block arms sales to Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/9/25: NJ senator faces backlash from local Jewish leaders after voting to block arms to Israel
• Jewish Insider 4/8/25: New Jersey Jewish leaders say Kim ‘failed’ Jewish community with Israel arms vote
• The Hill 4/8/25: AIPAC targets Senate Democrats who backed Sanders on Israel aid
• The Forward 4/8/25: AIPAC attacks Democrats who voted to stop arms sales to Israel
• New Jersey Globe 4/7/25: Opinion: 168 Rabbis call out Andy Kim for failing Jewish community

She’s Baaaaaaaaaacccccckkkk

• The Hill 4/9/25: Stefanik returns to House GOP leadership and committees after UN nomination withdrawal
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/8/25: ‘The Stefanik Doctrine’: A stronger stand against antisemitism [“One would be greatly mistaken to think that she will pause in her efforts to combat Jew-haters and anti-Israel terrorists.”]
• The Atlantic 4/8/25: Will Elise Stefanik Get the Last Laugh?

Huckabee Confirmation

• Jewish Insider 4/9/25: Huckabee confirmed with support from Republicans, Fetterman
• The Forward 4/9/25: Senate confirms Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/9/25: Senate confirms Huckabee as Israel envoy, Fetterman lone Dem backer

Randy Fine, on-brand

• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/9/25: GOP Rep. Randy Fine, the newest Jewish congressman, calls Rashida Tlaib a ‘terrorist’ [“‘I think some of these people should not be in Congress. I think they’re a disgrace. I think some of them shouldn’t be Americans,’ the Florida representative said.”]
• The Floridian 4/8/25: Fine Suggests DeSantis Targeting him and Rep. Cassel Because they are Jewish?

Other Stuff

• Jewish Insider 4/11/25: Lawmakers remain wary of Turkey’s readmission into F-35 program
• The Nation 4/10/25: Student Deportations Spark a Rift Between Ritchie Torres and Former Backers
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/10/25: Kennedy, Torres take to task antisemitic school newsletter in New York City
• Free Beacon 4/10/25: CAIR Seeks To Block Columbia University From Submitting SJP-Related Protest Records to Congress
• Jewish Insider 4/10/25: Lawmakers, national security experts skeptical of Trump’s Iran diplomacy
• Haaretz 4/9/25: NJ Governor, Senator Demand Answers From Israel After Palestinian-American Killed by IDF in West Bank
• Zeteo 4/8/25: ‘Dr Evil’: Dem Congressman Slams Billionaire ‘Villains’ Like Musk For ‘Decimating the Government’ — Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin also discusses AIPAC, Trump’s stock market crash, and the Supreme Court victory in his state.
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/8/25: Democrats and college administrators fail Jewish and pro-Israel communities
• Jewish Insider 4/8/25: Trump, Hegseth, Senate Republicans stand behind Houthi strikes
• Jewish Insider 4/7/25: Daniel Hernandez pitches himself to Tucson voters — and pro-Israel backers
• Times of Israel 4/5/25: Charity run by wife of pro-Israel US senator defaced with ‘genocide’ slogan
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/4/25: AOC and the diminishing prospects for Jewish Democrats
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/4/25: ‘Victory for credible oversight,’ House panel chair says of judge’s denial of Khalil motion
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/4/25: House panel chairs probe whether US taxpayer funds were used to back anti-Netanyahu protests
• Times of Israel 4/4/25: Anti-Israel UN investigator keeps her job despite push for removal by US, EU lawmakers

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

• Press release – PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders Speech on Senate Vote to Block $8.8 Billion Sale of Heavy Bombs to Israel [also see Sanders X-post which includes video of action on the Senate floor]
• On the Senate Floor: See consideration of the two resolutions on the Senate floor in the Congressional Record, with Sanders and Van Hollen (D-MD) speaking in favor and Risch (R-ID) speaking against.
• Senators voting in support of the resolutions (with hyperlinks to press releases they issued about the vote) were: Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), Kim (D-NJ), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Sanders (I-VT – floor consideration), Schatz (D-HI), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD – see floor consideration), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT) (also see X-post with video statement). Voting “present” on both resolutions was Baldwin (D-WI).
• Senators’ statements/press releases/social media posts opposing the resolutions (and for the GOP, dunking on Democrats): King (I-ME), Shaheen (D-NH), Coons (D-DE), Schiff (D-CA), Budd (R-NC), Cotton (R-AR),  Senate Republicans [targeting Ossoff (D-GA)], Rosen (D-NV), and Risch (R-ID – floor consideration)
• Selected Media: 15 Democrats vote for Bernie Sanders-backed resolutions blocking U.S. aid to Israel [“Sens. Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, Jeanne Shaheen and Angus King flipped against Sanders’ anti-Israel measures, while Andy Kim was the only freshman to support them”] (Jewish Insider 4/3/25); Senate votes down Sanders resolutions to block $9b in Israel arms sales [“‘No one in the world is coming to the support of Hamas,’ Sen. Jim Risch said. ‘No one with the exception of some misguided people in this organization.’”] (Jewish News Syndicate 4/3/25); Senate rejects Sanders effort to block Israeli weapons sale as war on Gaza widens (Mondoweiss 4/3/25); Senate Overwhelmingly Rejects Sanders’s Resolutions to Halt Trump Administration’s Israel Aid (National Review 4/3/25); 15 Senate Dems vote to cancel billions in Israeli military aid (Axios 4/3/25); Bernie Sanders Condemns ‘Deeply Complicit’ Congress Before Vote On Weapons Sales To Israel (Huffington Post 4/3/25); Senate—Again—Rejects Sanders’ Effort to Block US Arms to Israel [“‘Senators had the opportunity to vote against U.S. complicity in this suffering,’ said one expert. ‘Instead, they made a choice to continue U.S. support for a bombing campaign that has made Gaza unlivable.’“] (Common Dreams 4/3/25); Trying to Block Arms to Israel, Bernie Sanders Denounces AIPAC’s Massive Election Spending [“Republicans need to worry about getting bullied by Elon Musk, and Democrats need to worry about AIPAC, Sanders said.“] (The Intercept 4/3/25); Anti-Israel Bloc in Senate Declines from 19 to 15 as Sanders Arms Embargo Fails (Breitbart 4/3/25)

(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

• (TARGETING FRANCESCA ALBANESE/THE VERY FACT OF REPORTING FACTS THAT MAKE ISRAEL LOOK BAD) 3/31/25: Chairman Mast Leads GOP in Demanding UN Reject Francesca Albanese’s Reappointment [letter text]
• (UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL MUST NOT INVESTIGATE ISRAEL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, OR ELSE) 3/31/25: Risch, Mast Threaten Sanctions if UN Human Rights Council Creates Special Powers to Target Israel [letter text]. Also see: Risch, Mast threaten to sanction U.N. Human Rights Council over possible Israel probe (Jewish Insider 4/1/25); Risch, Mast threaten to sanction UN, member states if council creates open-ended Israel probe (Jewish News Syndicate 4/1/25); ‘Insidious Anti-Israel Trend’: U.S. Congress Warns UN Human Rights Council of Sanctions (FDD 4/2/25); Paid to protect? AIPAC-funded ‘Israel First’ US politicians warn UN against investigating Tel Aviv (Middle East Monitor 4/4/25)
• (TARGETING AMP/SUPPORT FOR PROTEST FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) 3/28/25: Chair Cassidy Launches HELP Investigation into Organization with Alleged Ties to Hamas, Antisemitic Violence on College Campuses [letter text]
• (NORMALIZING INSANE CONSPIRACY THEORY THAT HAMAS TOLD COLUMBIA STUDENTS ABOUT 10/7 ATTACKS IN ADVANCE) 3/27/25 (not covered in last week’s Round-Up): Rep. Fallon Leads Letter Calling for Probe Into Pro-Hamas University Organizations [letter text]. Also see: Trump admin urged to probe allegations pro-Hamas college groups had ‘prior knowledge’ of Oct 7 attack (Fox News 3/27/25)

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:

• hearing video
• Lawler (R-NY) opening statement; Mast (R-FL) statement
• Media: House hearing suggests bipartisan support for strikes on Iran if Tehran won’t end nuclear program [“Witnesses also urged members to start considering what a congressional authorization of the use of force against Iran might entail“] (Jewish Insider 4/3/25);

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)

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

• Jewish Insider 4/4/25: Senate Republicans hopeful Trump will drop 17% tariff on Israel
• Jewish Insider 4/4/25: Hostage families warn senators that time is running out for their loved ones
• Al Arabiyya News 4/3/25: Top US senators warn Lebanese army is moving too slowly on Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire
• Counterpunch 4/3/25: Why “Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace” Advocates Cling to Genocide Denial
• Jewish Insider 4/2/25: In embracing deported pro-Palestinian activists, Democrats struggle to acknowledge antisemitism [“Jewish Democrats are worried about the Trump administration’s dismissal of due process, but also don’t want to turn anti-Israel activists into icons“]
• Arms Control Association 4/1/25: Rubio Bypasses Congress on Israel Arms Sale
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/31/25: Lindsey Graham slams new pick for Shin Bet head, who criticized Trump
• Jewish Insider 3/31/25: McCormick emerges as vocal advocate for Jewish voters in the Senate [“The newly-elected Pennsylvania GOP senator is planning his first trip to Israel as a lawmaker in May after visiting as a candidate last January“]

Iran

• Jewish Insider 4/3/25: Republican senators divided over report that Trump admin open to Iranian offer for nuclear negotiations

Targeting Rashida

• Free Beacon 4/1/25: Rashida Tlaib To Speak at ‘Palestinian Diaspora’ Conference Alongside Avowed Terrorist Operative
• Algemeiner 4/1/25: Tlaib Set to Headline Terrorist-Connected Palestinian Event in New Jersey

Targeting the ICC

• Free Beacon 3/31/25: GOP Lawmakers Eye Expansion of ICC Sanctions as Court’s Top Officials Turn to Europe for Relief

Targeting Free Speech/Academia

• Algemeiner 4/2/25: Anti-Israel Agitators Mass Outside Ritchie Torres’ Office, Demand He Resign for ‘Collaboration’ in ‘Gaza Genocide’
• Bloomberg 3/31/25: Ivy League Tormentor Stefanik Returns, Lashes Out at Columbia (re-posted on Stefanik’s website)
• The Baffler 3/31/25: Schumer’s Warning — The Senate minority leader addresses antisemitism [book review]

Targeting Qatar

• Jewish Insider 3/31/25: Inside Sen. Roger Marshall’s curious 180 on Qatar 

Florida Special Election

• TRT Global 4/3/25: Who is Randy Fine, the self-styled ‘Hebrew Hammer’ in Congress seeking Palestinian blood
• Algemeiner 4/2/25: Jewish Republican Randy Fine Wins Florida Special Election, Defeats Anti-Israel Democratic Challenger
• Jewish News Syndicate 4/1/25: Jewish Republican beats anti-Israel Dem in closely watched Florida special election
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/1/25: Randy Fine prevails in Florida special election, bringing tally of Jewish Republicans in Congress to 4
• Algemeiner 3/31/25: Democratic Candidate in Florida Special Election Has History of Anti-Israel Comments

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:

• Press release: Sen. Scott, Rep. Lawler Move to Tackle Antisemitism on College Campuses and Universities
• Media: Lawmakers re-introduce bill to pull federal funding from college campuses over antisemitism  (Jewish Insider 3/27/25)
• More: Detailed coverage of the bill (from last time it was introduced) in the 6/2/23 edition of the Round-Up.

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.

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

• [CONCERN OVER TARGETING OF STUDENT] 3/28/25: Warren, Pressley, Markey, Congressional Democrats Demand Explanation for “Disturbing Arrest and Detention” of Tufts University Student [letter text]
• [TARGETING ACADEMIA] 3/27/25: Walberg, Owens Demand Answers from Five Colleges Following Their Lackluster Response to Antisemitism [letters to Barnard College, Bowdoin College, Northwestern University, Pomona College, and Sarah Lawrence College]
• [TARGETING US JEWISH FUNDING FOR ISRAELI DEMOCRACY] House committees investigating connections between federal NGO funding and 2023 Israel judicial protests [“The Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees sent letters to six organizations that received grants during the Biden administration and were involved in anti-judicial reform protest“] (Jewish Insider 3/27/25) [Text of letters: Jewish Communal Fund, Middle East Dialogue Network, Movement for Quality Government in Israel, PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Blue and White Future]. Also see X-thread from Abraham Center’s Joel Braunold: “Nearly all of these are pass through fiscal agents | Wonder how the jewish community will now react to major parts of the communal giving infrastructure being targeted by GOP lead Congress at urging of Bibi new FP advisor on giving resources to the protest movement. | hese groups do pass thoughts for US donors and are not themselves operative – so clearly either in Israel/WBG or somewhere else in the world they were fiscal agents for USG grants and saying therefore misused | It’s like saying two people bank in same place so the bank is responsible for how the two clients use their monies – as long as they are legal – not really Bank job outside of checking it’s inside the philanthropic legality of the fiscal sponsorship | Either way it’s allies of the PM going after Jewish giving to Israel from the U.S. – judicial protest consequence just hit US“; Braunold’s summary of this own thread: “Geeky thread but basically using info from a now advisor to PM the USG is going after the giving infrastructure of US Jewry that has been funding part of the protest movement claiming that it’s all secretly Biden USAID – aim is to scare these giving portals away from the protest movement and/or any group who ever has done business with USG“. 
• [NOBEL PRIZE FOR ISRAELI HOSTAGE FAMILIES] Lawmakers nominate Hostages and Missing Families Forum for Nobel Peace Prize (Jewish Insider 3/27/25) [letter text]
• [TARGETING AMERICAN MUSLIMS FOR PALESTINE] Senate HELP Committee launches probe of American Muslims for Palestine (Jewish Insider 3/26/25) [letters to: AMP Chair Hatem Bazian, Attorney General Pam Bondi & FBI Director Kash Patel]. Also see coverage in: Free Beacon, Washington Examiner, New York Post
• [FUND SECURITY FOR JEWISH COMMUNITIES!] 3/26/25: Amidst Threats to Faith-Based Community Protection Grants, Moskowitz Co-Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Admin Against Funding Cuts That Florida Houses of Worship Rely On [letter text]
• [APPOINT SPECIAL COUNSEL RE: SIGNAL/HOUTHI STRIKE FIASCO] Congressman Dan Goldman Leads Demand for Pam Bondi to Appoint a Special Counsel to Investigate Signal Breach Involving Senior Trump Appointees [letter text]
• [NEED INFO ON SIGNAL/HOUTHI STRIKE FIASCO] 3/26/25: In Letter to Witkoff, Gabbard, Sen. Schiff Demands Accountability for Use of Commercial App to Discuss Sensitive National Security Information Abroad [letter text]
• [SAVE TIKTOK!] 3/24/25: Markey, Van Hollen, Booker Urge Trump to Work with Congress to Keep TikTok Online [letter text]
• [WORK TO FREE ELIZABETH TSURKOV!] 3/24/25: Excerpt from press release: “Today, the two New Jersey Senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, sent a letter to President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East, requesting an update on the Administration’s efforts seeking Ms. Tsurkov’s safe release.” [letter text]

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:

• Hearing video
• 3/27/25: Chair Cassidy Delivers Remarks During Hearing to Address Antisemitism on College Campuses
  
• Media: Senate ed panel hearing to address ‘antisemitic disruptions on campus’ (Jewish News Syndicate 3/26/25); Antisemitism experts, Jewish officials set to testify at Senate campus antisemitism hearing (Jewish Insider 3/25/25); Senate education committee holds first campus antisemitism hearing since Oct. 7 attacks [“In his opening statement obtained by JI, committee chairman Cassidy will say that universities ‘have been put on notice’ and if they fail to address antisemitism ‘they should not expect the support of the federal taxpayer’”] (Jewish Insider 3/27/25); Campus antisemitism takes center stage at Senate hearing (The Forward 3/27/25); Jewish Leaders Discuss Campus Antisemitism, Trump Deportation Policy at US Senate (Algemeiner 3/27/25); HELP Committee lawmakers, hearing witnesses disagree on Trump admin higher ed policy (Jewish Insider 5/27/25); Hawley blasts ‘insane’ liberal attorney during Senate hearing on campus antisemitism (F0x News 3/27/25)
• Press releases: Senator Scott’s Antisemitism Awareness Act Praised During Committee Hearing on Antisemitic Disruptions on College Campuses (Scott, R-SC); At Hearing on Antisemitism on Campuses, Senator Murray Details How Trump and Musk Gutting Office for Civil Rights Worsens the Problem (Murray, D-WA); Hawley Blasts Radical Leftists for Supporting Domestic Terrorists Over the Safety of Jewish Students: ‘Lying on a visa is not speech’ (Hawley, R-MO)

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:

• hearing video
• Opening statements: Cotton (R-AR),
• Media: Intelligence community probing foreign backing of pro-Hamas protests [“DNI Tulsi Gabbard said there are ‘some assessments’ that implicate foreign backing for student protest groups“] (Jewish Insider 3/26/25); Gabbard: Iran is not currently developing nuclear weapons [“The director of national intelligence said, however, that open discussion of nuclearization has increased inside the regime“] (Jewish Insider 3/25/25)

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:

• Huckabee’s written testimony
• Senators’ statements: Curtis (R-UT) – Curtis Highlights Utah’s Ties to Israel, Raises National Security Concerns in Panama; Risch (R-ID) – Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing for Reed Rubinstein to be State’s legal advisor, Mike Huckabee to Israel, and Kevin Cabrera to Panama; Shaheen (D-NH) – Ranking Member Shaheen Remarks at Hearing for Nominees for State Department Legal Adviser, Ambassadorships to Israel and Panama; Daines (R-MT) – Daines Commends Ambassador to Israel Nominee Mike Huckabee for Vowing to Continue U.S. Support for Israel; Boozman (R-AR): Boozman Introduces Former Governor Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Nominee, at Senate Hearing [check GOP members’ social media accounts for lots more statement of support]
• Media: Huckabee says it is ‘better to bankrupt’ Iran than to bomb it, in partisan confirmation hearing [“The former Arkansas governor downplayed his support for Israeli annexation of the West Bank, saying he would follow the lead of President Trump“] (Jewish Insider 3/26/25); Ignoring protesters, Huckabee pushes back gently on Dem challenges at Senate hearing (Jewish News Syndicate 3/25/25); ‘We are People of the Book’: At Senate hearing, Mike Huckabee defends Christian Zionist beliefs and support for Israel [“Trump’s pick for U.S. Ambassador to Israel faced questions from Democrats about his support for Israeli annexation (The Forward“] 3/25/25); Mike Huckabee downplays pro-settler views at confirmation hearing to be envoy to Israel [“Trump’s pick for ambassador asks senators to adjudicate nomination based on his ability to represent president, not his past views; says it won’t be his prerogative to turn annexation into US policy“] (Times of Israel 3/25/25); Mike Huckabee, Trump’s pick for Israel ambassador, tries to distance from past Palestinian rhetoric (Associated Press 3/25/25); Democrats: Tell Mike Huckabee to Go to Hell (The Nation 3/25/25); Anti-Israel protesters interrupt Huckabee hearing, attack Trump nominee’s faith [“Activists shouted ‘Jews say no’ and ‘Free Palestine,’ and claimed Huckabee ‘misuses Christianity to justify ethnic cleansing'”] (Fox News 3/25/25); Huckabee confirmation hearing disrupted by protesters (Mondoweiss 3/27/25)
• Nadler (D-NY) 3/24/25: “Governor Mike Huckabee is woefully unfit to serve as the United States’ ambassador to Israel. A vote by any Senator for Huckabee is a vote for enacting policies that are counter to American interests, Israel’s vital character as both a Jewish and democratic state, and Israel and the region’s long-term security. A vote for Huckabee is a vote to empower a Christian nationalist vision for American foreign policy. Huckabee, like President Trump, has a disturbing history of spreading dangerous, unfounded fantasies that not only jeopardize U.S. interests but also destabilize global relations, as evidenced by his brazen denial of the existence of the Palestinian people. During his 2008 presidential campaign, he said that there is ‘no such thing as a Palestinian.’ Huckabee has said the two-state solution is ‘unworkable’ and that any Palestinian state needs to be ‘outside’ of the Land of Israel. Also similar to Trump, Huckabee has spoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in terms of ‘real estate’ and suggested that there is ‘plenty of land’ for a Palestinian state in neighboring countries like Egypt, Syria, or Jordan. He has also peddled offensive Holocaust comparisons when, in 2015, he said the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would ‘take the Israelis and march them to the door of the oven.’  In this moment of tumult in the region, we cannot afford a United States ambassador with such dangerous views. Huckabee’s positions are not the words of a thoughtful diplomat—they are the words of a provocateur whose views are far outside international consensus and contrary to the core bipartisan principles of American diplomacy. In one of the most volatile and violent areas in the world today, there is no need for more extremism, and certainly not from the historic ambassador’s post and behind the powerful seal of the United States. All those committed to Israel’s future and a vision of a prosperous Middle East must band together to oppose Mike Huckabee’s nomination. I urge my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee not to advance his nomination, and should his nomination come to the floor, I implore every Senator to vote a resounding no.”
• 65+ Progressive Groups Urge Senate to Reject Mike Huckabee as Israel Envoy [“‘Huckabee uses his Christianity to justify ethnic cleansing,’ said one protestor at Huckabee’s confirmation hearing.”] (Common Dreams 3/25/25)

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

• Jewish Insider 3/28/25: Randy Fine’s opponent Josh Weil called for withdrawing U.S. support for Israel
• Jewish Press 3/26/25: Fierce Defender of the Jewish Community, ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Randy Fine Runs for Congress
• The Forward 3/27/25: A Jewish Republican and Muslim Democrat are suddenly in a tight race for a special seat in Congress
• Jewish Insider 3/26/25: Why is Randy Fine’s Florida congressional campaign underperforming? [“Republicans say the Jewish Florida state senator has been slipping in his congressional race, but still predict that he’ll carry the day”]
• Jewish Insider 3/24/25: Rep. Mike Lawler, Dem challenger spar over antisemitism accusations [“The New York congressman accused Democrat Beth Davidson of turning a blind eye to antisemitism; she responded by accusing him of stoking antisemitism against her“]
• Jewish Insider 3/24/25: Lawler challenger Jessica Reinmann says she feels a deep personal connection to Israel [“The anti-poverty advocate pushed for Holocaust education in her daughter’s school and said universities that fail to protect Jewish students should lose federal funding”]

Other Stuff

• Jewish Insider 3/27/25: White House withdraws Stefanik’s nomination for U.N. ambassador [“Trump cited House Republicans’ slim majority and concerns about potentially losing Stefanik’s House seat in a statement“]
• Jewish Insider 3/27/25: Vance’s reluctance to support Houthi strikes concerns some leading GOP senators [“Several GOP senators told JI they are concerned Vance’s isolationist worldview may reshape the direction of the party”]
• Middle East Eye 3/26/25: Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib slams arrest of Rumeysa Ozturk
• Jewish Insider 3/25/25: Republican lawmakers increasingly uneasy about Witkoff’s performance in envoy role [“Pro-Israel Republicans told JI they have concerns about Witkoff’s comments on Iran, Russia and Qatar, among other issues“]
• Jewish Insider 3/24/25: Rep. Laura Friedman criticizes Trump’s crackdown on Columbia, while expressing concern over antisemitism [“The freshman California congresswoman, who is Jewish, said expressing sympathy or support for Palestinians in Gaza is not sufficient ground to merit deportation“]
• Jewish Insider 3/24/25: In Israel, Fetterman slams party’s ‘pandering’ to far left in face of ‘reality’ on the ground [“The Pennsylvania Democrat made his second trip to Israel last week“]

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:

• 3/19/25: Israeli Detention and Torture of Palestinian Medical Workers: Testimonies, Patterns, and Analysis, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Naji Abbas, Director of the Prisoners and Detainees Department for Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI).
• 3/19/25: Palestinian Politics Under Israeli Occupation, ft.  FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Tahani Mustafa, Senior Palestine Analyst for the International Crisis Group, about Palestinian politics and the challenging predicament of cooperation or confrontation with Israel.
• 3/14/25: Staying Home or Having “Gaza on their mind in the ballot box”: Revisiting the 2024 Elections, featuring FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with political strategist and former FMEP Fellow Rania Batrice, Executive Director of the Arab American Institute Maya Berry, and Executive Director of the IMEU Policy Project Margaret Zaknoen DeReus.

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:

• press release announcing the hearing
• Jewish Insider 3/21/25: HELP Committee holding hearing on campus antisemitism next week

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

• Lawler (R-NY) 3/20/25: X-post – “In the last 24 hours, the Houthis have launched multiple ballistic missiles at Israel. Iran and its network of terrorist proxies must be held accountable. Am Yisrael Chai — wishing safety and strength to all in Israel tonight.“
• Risch (R-ID) 3/18/25: X-post – “Risch Statement on Yemen Air Strikes”
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 3/17/25: “The days of Iranian proxies attacking American ships are over. There won’t be a Houthi left in a year.“
• House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 3/15/25: X-post – “President Trump just put the Houthis on notice.“
• Crawford (R-AR) 3/15/25: Chairman Crawford Statement on Airstrikes President Trump Ordered in Yemen
• Thune (R-SD) 3/15/25: Thune Statement on Air Strikes in Yemen

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

• The Forward 3/21/25: ‘Don’t tell my mother’: Schumer responds to Trump saying he’s ‘not Jewish anymore’
• FCNL 3/19/25: Israel Broke the Ceasefire in Gaza. Congress Must Press for Renewed Diplomacy.
• Jewish News Syndicate 3/18/25: Chuck Schumer’s moral cowardice has enabled antisemitism
• The Forward 3/18/25: What does Chuck Schumer’s new book actually say about antisemitism on the left?  [“The New York Democrat learned long ago that he ‘was never going to be on the side of the radicals’ — but doesn’t say anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic”]
• The Forward 3/18/25: How a comedian’s rant and a senator’s riff about Israel reveal the Democratic party divide
• New York Times 3/18/25: The Interview — Chuck Schumer on Democrats, Antisemitism and His Shutdown Retreat [re Gaza: “…it is vicious of the opponents to call this genocide. Criticize it? For sure. Say Israel went too far? For sure. And you know what it does? It increases antisemitism, because they’re making Israel and the Jewish people look like monsters, which they are not.”]
• Jewish Insider 3/17/25: Schumer book tour on antisemitism postponed [“All of the Senate minority leader’s events this week, to promote his new book ‘Antisemitism in America,’ were postponed because of security concerns”]
• The Forward 3/16/25: Schumer: Antisemitism on the left ‘much harder to grapple with’ than antisemitism on the right

Fetterman in Israel

• Israel Hayom 3/21/25: Senator Fetterman: We need to eliminate what remains of Iran’s nuclear facilities
• Post-Gazette 3/19/25: Fetterman continues support of Israel, demanding release of hostages during 2nd visit to Jewish state
• New York Post 3/19/25: Benjamin Netanyahu gifts John Fetterman a silver pager during Israel visit: ‘What can I give to a man who has everything?’ Also see: Netanyahu gives Fetterman ‘silver-plated beeper’ (The Hill); Netanyahu gifts Fetterman beeper after praise for Israeli operation in Lebanon (Jerusalem Post); Netanyahu gifts Fetterman a silver-plated beeper after he praised Israel’s Lebanon pager operation (Fox News)

Other stuff

• Jmore (Jewish Baltimore) 3/20/25: Jmore Talks to Sen. Chris Van Hollen about Israel, Trump and More
• The Algemeiner 3/20/25: US Rep. Jim Himes Spars With Mehdi Hasan Over Role of Gaza War in Democrats’ Presidential Election Defeat
• The Hill 3/20/25: Democratic lawmaker confronted at town hall over Israel-Hamas war
• The Algemeiner 3/19/25: Far-Left US Lawmakers Blast Israel for Resuming Military Campaign in Gaza, Accuse Jewish State of ‘Genocide’
• Middle East Monitor 3/18/25: US Senator Sanders calls for end to military aid to Israel after renewed Gaza attacks
• Jewish Insider 3/18/25: Jim Jordan: Israel stands ‘in a category all by themselves’ among U.S. allies
• Washington Reporter 3/18/25: EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Darrell Issa wants answers from the FBI on “troubling reports of a juxtaposition” with ActBlue’s “terror financing”
• Jewish Insider 3/18/25: Republicans target Moskowitz’s district as potential pickup opportunity
• The Algemeiner 3/17/25: Jewish, Pro-Israel Organizations Mourn Long-Time US Congresswoman Nita Lowey
• Hamadeh (R-AZ) 3/15/25: U.S. Rep. Hamadeh Welcomes President Trump’s Decisive Action Against Houthi Terrorists
• Middle East Forum 3/14/25: How American Aid Has Subsidized Terror – And How It Can Be Stopped
• Daily Caller 3/14/25: ‘Propaganda’: US ‘Peace’ Activists Host Event With Terror-Linked Anti-Israel Speakers