FMEP Legislative Round-Up February 7, 2025

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

1. Bills & Resolutions

TARGETING FREE SPEECH/RIGHT TO PROTEST ISRAEL/ZIONISM

(LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM) HR 1007:  Introduced 2/5/25 by Lawler (R-NY) and 58 cosponsors (44 Republicans and 14 Democrats),  “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.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Press releases: Gottheimer Helps Lead Reintroduction of Bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act; Sherman and Colleagues Reintroduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act

Also see:

(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. Key things to know about HR 867:

  • While the bill doesn’t mention Israel, HR 867 is the latest iteration of legislation known previously as the “Israel Anti-Boycott Act”, which was promoted repeatedly in the past, in various forms, by AIPAC. For background see: S. 720/HR 1697 (2017), HR 5595 (2020), HR 6940 (2022), HR 3016 (2023).
  • Per Lawler’s press release, HR 867 is being actively endorsed/supported by CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker, AIPAC, Foundation for Defense of Democracy (FDD) Action, and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
  • HR 867, 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 as a condition for doing business abroad under the Arab League Boycott of Israel (which included coercive secondary sanctions). HR 3016, like previous versions of the IABA, seeks to extend this law to also cover US citizens who boycott Israel &/or settlements NOT because they are being compelled/coerced, but because it reflects their own values/political views, including support for intl law — with the hook being the EU’s policy urging companies to differentiate between Israel and settlements, and the UN’s database of companies working in settlements. As a reminder, the EU policy nor the UN database are entirely informational/advisory; neither one includes any enforcement or accountability mechanism of any kind.  Under HR 867, anyone who violates or “abets” what would thus be a ban on VOLUNTARY, VALUES-BASED decisions to boycott Israel or settlements, grounded in Americans’ personal and political views &/or informed by respect for international law— could face massive CRIMINAL/CIVIL PENALTIES. What do I mean by “massive CRIMINAL/CIVIL PENALTIES”? I mean up to $1 MILLION in fines or up to 20 YEARS IN PRISON. Think I’m exaggerating? Read the legislation that it would amend.
  • NOTE: On 2/12/24, the ACLU sent a letter to House members urging them to vote against this bill in the previous congress (HR 3016), noting, among other things, “it unconstitutionally targets political boycotts for criminal penalties. Although the ACLU does not take a position on particular boycotts of foreign countries, we stand firmly against any infringement of fundamental First Amendment rights, including the right to boycott. If the bill were to pass and take effect, we would consider challenging it in court.“
  • For further background/analysis on this legislation see this collection of resources.

(FEDERAL ANTISEMITISM MONITORS FOR US COLLEGES) HR 1033: Introduced 2/5/25 by Torres (D-NY) and Lawler (R-NY), “To require the Secretary of Education to establish a program to provide for antisemitism monitors at institutions of higher education,” aka the “College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act”  Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

  • NOTE: Torres and Lawler began talking about this bill since April 2024 (see coverage from the 4/26/24 edition of the Round-Up) and introduced it in the 118th Congress on 9/25/24 in the form of HR 9530.
  • As reported by Jewish Insider on 4/26/24: Torres, Lawler push for federal antisemitism monitors on college campuses. Per that report, “As encampments of anti-Israel protesters spring up on a growing number of campuses across the country bringing with them instances of antisemitism, Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) are threatening to condition federal funding for universities as part of a push for more stringent federal oversight and monitoring of campus antisemitism, Jewish Insider has learned. The lawmakers plan to introduce the College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act, which would allow the Department of Education to impose a third-party monitor for antisemitic activity on any campus receiving federal funding. Schools that do not adequately cooperate with monitoring could potentially lose their federal funding. Compliance with such monitoring would, under the proposed legislation, be a condition of receiving continued federal funds; the monitor would release quarterly public reports on the progress that schools have made in addressing antisemitism and providing recommendations to federal, state and local lawmakers and officials.” Also: “The proposed monitors would be appointed by the secretary of education, while expenses for the monitors would be paid by the schools being monitored.”

Also see:

  • Lawler press release 4/26/24 – Reps. Lawler, Torres Introduce Legislation Empowering Federal Department of Education to Impose a Third-Party Antisemitism Monitor On Colleges and Universities Receiving Federal Funding;
  • My X-thread 4/26/24 on this legislative initiative: “...As the House gets set to pass legislation that would codify/endorse the IHRA definition of antisemitism on US campuses, 2 members of Congress who back that bill have helpfully given us a hint at the future they they envision 1/  Reminder: the SOLE PURPOSE of codifying the IHRA definition is to legally enforce the conflation of criticism/protest of Israel/Zionism with antisemitism, so as to delegitimize/punish/quash/chill ideas/criticism/protest that doesn’t align with unconditional support for Israel. 2/ What might that look like? We don’t need to speculate because 2 House reps are getting set to introduce complementary legislation to add extremely sharp teeth to the IHRA definition on campus. 3/ Say hello to the “College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act” which per @J_Insider would allow the Dept of Education ‘to impose a 3rd-party monitor for antisemitic activity on any campus receiving federal funding.’…Maybe you love this idea; maybe you hate it. Either way, don’t say you didn’t know. Final reminder: [embedded evergreen X-post] – The battle over the IHRA definition of antisemitism, in a nutshell: ‘you have to define it to fight it’ = ‘you have to define all meaningful criticism of Israel/its policies/ Zionism as ‘antisemitism’ in order to suppress it, because we can’t win the arguments otherwise.’“
  • National Review 5/15/24: Representatives Lawler, Torres Pitch Antisemitism Monitors on College Campuses

CONGRESS *HEARTS* GREATER ISRAEL

(THE WEST BANK MUST BE CALLED JUDEA & SAMARIA) HR 902//S. 384: Introduced 1/31/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and four cosponsors (all Republicans), and 2/3/25 in the Senate by Cotton (R-AR), “To prohibit the use of materials that use the term ‘West Bank’, and for other purposes,“ aka the “Retiring the Egregious Confusion Over the Genuine Name of Israel’s Zone of Influence by Necessitating Government-use of Judea and Samaria (RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria) Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see:

  • Congresswoman Tenney Reintroduces ‘RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act’ and Launches Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus to Support Israel’s Sovereignty [including: “‘The Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus expresses the deep friendship between the American people and the biblical heartland, Judea and Samaria. The founding fathers of the United States were influenced by the Bible, which is the reason for biblical names in many cities in the United States. Judea and Samaria is not only a matter of historical justice, but also the protective belt of the State of Israel – and therefore also of the United States, which shares our values and the fight against the same threats. I congratulate Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for initiating the caucus, which will ensure, among other things, the use of the name Judea and Samaria, which strengthens the Jewish roots in the region and the historical and security alliance between Israel and the United States. Together we will work to strengthen Judea and Samaria, to strengthen the State of Israel which will in turn strengthen the United States,’ said Yossi Dagan, Governor of Samaria.”]
  • Cotton press release 2/4/25: Cotton Reintroduces Legislation to Eliminate Federal Use of the Term “West Bank” [“‘The Jewish people’s legal and historic rights to Judea and Samaria goes back thousands of years. The U.S. should stop using the politically charged term West Bank to refer to the biblical heartland of Israel,’ said Senator Cotton.”]
  • Media:  Cotton reintroduces bill to ban federal gov from using term ‘West Bank’ (Jewish News Syndicate 2/5/25)

Other Stuff

(TARGETING IRAN H. Res. 105 [text]: Introduced in the House 2/4/25 by Moskowitz (D-FL) and Lawler (R-NY), “Affirming the threats to world stability from a nuclear weapons-capable Islamic Republic of Iran.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This is the House companion to S. Res. 43, introduced in 1/29/25 by Graham (R-SC), Fetterman (D-PA) and Britt (R-AL) [covered in last week’s Round-Up]. Also see:

(ANTI-ESG LAW – THAT WOULD SEEM TO CONTRADICT ANTI-BDS LAWS…) S. 379 [text]: Introduced 2/4/25 by Kennedy (R-LA) and Cramer (R-ND),  “A bill to prohibit the General Services Administration from awarding contracts to certain insured depository institutions that avoid doing business with certain companies that are engaged in lawful commerce based solely on social policy considerations.”  Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. NOTE: This bill would appear to prohibit contracts with institutions that abide by laws in US states requiring them to avoid doing business with companies based solely on the fact that they boycott Israel and/or settlements — underscoring the contradiction/tension between “anti-woke” efforts to outlaw businesses/banks from considering ANY factor other than profit in making business decisions, and legislation in states across the US that requires the government to boycott contracts with business that refuse to promise not to boycott Israel and/or settlements (legislation that, according to today’s political zeitgeist, represents a sort of pro-Israel stealth DEI…) Also see: press release – Kennedy champions bill to stop government from awarding contracts to biased banks

2. Letters

3. Hearings

February 13, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing entitled, After Assad: Navigating Syria Policy. Witness (so far) will be: Michael Singh, Washington Institute for Near East Policy; and Dana Stroul, Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

4. Selected Members on the Record

On Trump’s Plan to Ethnically Cleanse Gaza & Have the US Take It Over (and other Gaza-related stuff)

  • Reed (D-RI) 2/6/25: Reed Denounces Trump’s Proposal for U.S. to “Take Over” Gaza [“I am appalled by President Trump’s declaration that the United States should occupy and rebuild Gaza, potentially with American military forces. His callous proposal is outrageous and contrary to the long-term interests of the U.S., Gaza, Israel, and our partners in the region. Trump’s bluster undermines decades of bipartisan support for a two-state solution, gives ammunition to our adversaries, and sows distrust among our allies. Involving the U.S. in the forced resettlement of Palestinians would be immoral and illegal. Further, if he were to put U.S. troops on the ground in Gaza it would be a disastrous national security mistake. I urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders to move beyond the current ceasefire toward a long-term plan for governance and a framework for a two-state solution. President Trump should control his impulse to inject chaos into this delicate situation.”]
  • Greene (R-TN) 2/6/25: X-post – “If anyone can bring stability to the Middle East, it’s President Trump. Under his leadership, I am confident we will see a stronger relationship with Saudi Arabia, a weakened Iran, and a more secure Israel.”
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 2/6/25: X-post – “I applaud @realDonaldTrump for thinking outside of the box. @POTUS is sending a clear message to our adversaries that the U.S. stands strongly with Israel and that we are working towards peace in the Middle East. [linked to interview on Newsmax“
  • Scott (R-FL) 2/5/25: X-post – “I want to thank President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, @SteveWitkoff, for coming to yesterday’s Senate Republican Steering Lunch to update us. Steve is working hard to protect Israel, destroy Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and bring peace to the Middle East.”
  • Schneider (D-IL) 2/5/25: Schneider Responds to President Trump Comments on Gaza Strip
  • Markey (D-MA) 2/5/25: X-post – “Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and turn it into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’ is illegal, immoral, and indefensible. It would forcibly displace Gazans, violate international law, inflame tensions in the region, endanger the current Israel-Hamas ceasefire, and embroil the US in yet another overseas conflict, all while enriching his real estate developer friends and family. This is what happens when no Republican will tell the emperor he has no clothes.“
  • Landsman (D-OH) 2/5/25: X-thread – “Trump may or may not be serious about Gaza, but he’s an unserious person and it’s an unserious plan. Three huge problems with his “proposal” First, he’s added a third list of places he would send American troops without any real consideration: 1. Greenland 2. Panama 3. Gaza | Second, the path to peace is through Saudi Arabia and other Arab Nations. They will not work with us or Israel if this is the plan. The effort to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel, bring a coalition of Arab nations together to help rebuild Gaza and establish a legitimate governing authority in Gaza, is essential. Trump’s rhetoric undermines this path to peace. | Third, we’re in the middle of a ceasefire and need that to hold so every single hostage – including Americans – are brought home.“
  • Jeffries (D-NY) 2/5/25: Leader Jeffries Statement on the Middle East [“President Biden’s comprehensive ceasefire agreement has returned American and Israeli hostages to their families and surged humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. We cannot rest until the remaining hostages held captive in Gaza return home, and the agreement is fully implemented for the good of Israel and the Palestinian people. Our commitment to Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and Democratic state and eternal homeland for the Jewish people is ironclad. At the same time, America must support those Palestinians who legitimately desire a life filled with self-determination and peace in Gaza and the West Bank. A just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian people is the objective, and that should inevitably lead to a two-state solution.“]
  • Carson (D-IN) 2/5/25: X-post – “President Trump’s proposal to remove Palestinians from Palestine so he can ‘take over’ Gaza for redevelopment is a blatant endorsement of ethnic cleansing. I stand against these egregious actions. We must change course immediately.”
  • Paul (R-KY) 2/5/25: X-post – “The pursuit for peace should be that of the Israelis and the Palestinians.   I thought we voted for America First.  We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers blood.“
  • Coons (D-DE) 2/5/25: X-post – “If President Trump was serious about improving Gaza, he wouldn’t have started his administration by freezing the USAID projects needed to feed and shelter Palestinians and help the strip recover.”
  • Issa (R-CA) 2/4/25: X-post – “President Trump has the right vision for the future of the Middle East. He is again showing the way as a peacemaker for our time.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/4/24: Van Hollen Statement on Trump Gaza Announcement [“Trump’s proposal to push 2 million Palestinians out of Gaza and take ‘ownership’ by force if necessary is simply ethnic cleansing by another name. This declaration will give ammunition to Iran and other adversaries while undermining our Arab partners in the region. It defies decades of bipartisan American support for a two-state solution – the only viable means to guaranteeing peace, stability, and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Congress must stand up to this dangerous and reckless scheme.“]
  • Coons (D-DE) 2/4/25: X-post – “For the first time in more than 2 decades, U.S. troops aren’t at war. Now Trump wants to send US servicemembers halfway around the world to occupy land in the Middle East.“
  • Heinrich (D-NM) 2/4/25: Senator Martin Heinrich on CNN: “My Constituents Did Not Vote for This Chaos” [“…I don’t think it’s our role to take people from land that they’ve inhabited and tell them what their future should be. I think our role should be trying to encourage a future for the Israelis that creates security for them, for the Palestinians that create some sovereignty and reconstruction and a life that’s not under a terrorist organization. You know, this is a President who says outrageous things because he thinks it always will result in the deal. I’m not sure that works as well in the Middle East.”]
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 2/4/25: X-post – “President Trump stands with Israel and is committed to ensuring historic and lasting peace. He will eliminate Hamas terrorists and create economic prosperity.“
  • Coons (D-DE) 2/4/25: X-post – “Gaza is among the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Millions of people without enough food or clean water, living with disorder, chaos, and disease. To suggest we take over Gaza while gutting USAID, freezing life-saving programs, & firing American aid workers is insane.“
  • McClain (R-MI) 2/4/25: X-post – “<Today, @POTUS will meet with Israeli PM @netanyahu. The U.S.-Israel bond is unbreakable and we will always have the back of our strongest Democratic ally in the Middle East. @HouseGOP is ready to work with President Trump to make the world safer again.”
  • Casten (D-IL) 2/5/25: Casten Statement on Trump’s Proposal to Move Palestinians Out of Gaza [“President Trump’s support of forcibly relocating 2 million Gazans is sickening, dangerous, and would violate international law. Instead of working to ensure the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is successfully implemented and the remaining hostages in Gaza are brought home, the President’s proposal of ethnic cleansing will further inflame tensions and serve as a recruiting tool for terrorist organizations. A two-state solution is the only viable means to guarantee peace, stability, and security for the Israeli and Palestinian people. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in opposing this dangerous and reckless scheme.“]
  • Feenstra (R-IA) 2/5/25: Feenstra Issues Statement on President Trump’s Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [“President Trump knows that Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, and he is committed to strengthening our important alliance. To make our world safer, we must defeat the Hamas terrorists who viciously murdered more than 1,200 innocent Israelis on October 7th, 2023 and ensure that every remaining hostage is released and reunited with their families. I completely support President Trump’s mission to protect both Americans and Israelis from terrorism and secure peace through strength.”]
  • Mace (R-SC) 2/4/25: X-post – “Let’s turn Gaza into Mar-A-Lago“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/4/25: X-post – “Palestinians aren’t going anywhere. This president can only spew this fanatical bullshit because of bipartisan support in Congress for funding genocide and ethnic cleansing. It’s time for my two-state solution colleagues to speak up.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/4/25: X-post – “This president is openly calling for ethnic cleansing while sitting next to a genocidal war criminal. He’s perfectly fine cutting off working Americans from federal funds while the funding to the Israeli government continues flowing.”
  • Luna (R-FL) 2/4/25: X-post – “When President Trump is in charge, America leads, peace prevails, and chaos ends. He is the only leader with the strength to end the bloodshed and bring real peace to the Middle East. While weak politicians have fumbled and fueled both sides of the war, he has taken bold action to restore stability, protect our allies, and put an end to endless wars. President Trump is making America—and the whole world—safe again.“
  • House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) 2/4/25: X-post – “The United States stands firmly with Israel and the people of the Middle East, which haven’t experienced peace in many, many years. Violence and hatred do not have to define the region’s future. Today, President Trump took bold action in hopes of achieving lasting peace in Gaza. We are hopeful this brings much needed stability and security to the region.“
  • Steube (R-FL) 2/4/25: X-post – “President Trump delivered peace and security in the Middle East during his first term with the Abraham Accords. I trust and applaud his bold new plan to stabilize the region and ensure Israel’s security—bringing historic and lasting peace.”
  • Quigley (D-IL) 2/4/25: X-post – “I am appalled by Trump’s call to ‘take over’ and ‘own’ Gaza at his joint press conference today. Make no mistake: This is a call for ethnic cleansing. Neither Trump nor Netanyahu have the best interests of Israelis and Palestinians in mind, which is an end to the war in Gaza.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 2/4/25: X-post by Aaron Ruper – “Van Hollen: ‘He just said that it will be US policy to forcibly displace 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. That is ethnic cleansing by another name. He said the US would then own the Gaza Strip and we would develop it and other countries would take these Palestinians.'” VIDEO
  • Thune (R-SD) 2/4/25: Thune: Senate Republicans Are Committed to Confirming President Trump’s Cabinet as Quickly as Possible [“…this week, we also have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting the Capitol, and as all of you know, he was here not that long ago. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East. The last time that he was here, a number of Democrats, including Vice President Harris, boycotted his remarks in the House of Representatives. This time around, his visit follows a time when the Democrats here in the Senate, basically, through their vote, gave legitimacy to an illegitimate court because they didn’t want to defend Israel’s right to defend itself or American citizens from the actions of the International Criminal Court, which is an illegitimate court. So the Republicans are here and ready when the Democrats decide it’s time to actually work in the interest of and defending America’s greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. Republicans have been consistent in doing that for the last year through the war with Hamas. Democrats have not. But we are ready to go to work and ensure that our allies’ interests all around the world are protected, and we hope at some point to have the Democrats join us in that effort.”]
  • Schatz (D-HI) 2/4/25: Schatz Statement On Trump’s Comments On Gaza [“A two-state solution, which Democratic and Republican administrations have supported for decades, must continue to be U.S. policy. Palestinians, including those in Gaza, deserve a chance at a better future, one where they can live with dignity and security. Israelis and Palestinians each deserve distinct, inalienable, and mutually-recognized states that coexist side-by-side in peace.”]

On Bibi’s Visit to the Hill

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted repeatedly on X celebrating his meetings in Congress on 2/6/25 (with pix and videos):

In addition, many members of Congress posted comments and photos celebrating their meetings with Netanyahu:

  • Shaheen (D-NH) 2/6/25: Ranking Member Shaheen Statement After Meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu [“I was pleased to have a frank and productive conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, alongside Leader Schumer and other senior Senate Democrats and Republicans. We all reiterated the United States’ ironclad support for the security of Israel and its citizens and reaffirmed the long-standing bond between our people. We discussed the importance of the full implementation of all phases of the ceasefire in Gaza and the need for Hamas to hold up its end of the deal by continuing to release all hostages, including the Americans who remain, both alive and deceased. I also stressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu the importance to Israel’s long-term security of maintaining stability in the West Bank and the need to work with our partners in the region toward a negotiated two-state outcome with a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in equal measures of peace, security and mutual recognition. Finally, I pressed that it is in both the U.S. and Israel’s strategic interest to seize this once in a generation opportunity in Lebanon and Syria to permanently marginalize Iran, deny openings to Russia and China and build a more stable and prosperous region free from terrorism. Such a future for Lebanon and the region requires our continued constructive engagement and support.“]
  • Thune (R-SD) 2/6/25; Thune Welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Capitol
  • Mast (R-FL) 2/6/25: Chairman Mast Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [“Great to meet with America’s strong friend and ally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. America and Israel share an unbreakable bond that is forged by battle for common values and against common enemies.”]
  • Blumenthal (D-CT) 2/6/25: X-post – “After our meeting today with Netanyahu I’m more hopeful that the ongoing cease-fire can be extended so more hostages can be released & more humanitarian aid provided. Both Hamas & Israel should accept it—as the only path to peace & stability, & rebuilding Gaza.“
  • Thune (R-SD) 2/6/25: X-post – “I want to thank Prime Minister @netanyahu for meeting with a bipartisan group of senators this morning where we assured him of the United States’ strong and continued support for Israel. I look forward to continuing to work to defend our allies and protect our nation.”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Republicans) 2/6/25: X-post – “Great to meet with America’s strong friend and ally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. America and Israel share an unbreakable bond that is forged by battle for common values and against common enemies.”
  • Kustoff (R-TN) 2/6/25: X-post – “It was an honor to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today in Washington. I look forward to working with @realDonaldTrump and @netanyahu to strengthen the bond between our two nations. The United States is committed to ensuring that Israel can live in peace with her neighbors.“
  • Wicker (R-MS) 2/6/26: X-post – “I enjoyed meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu during today’s bipartisan meeting with Senate leaders. The United States continues to stand firmly with Israel.”

On UNRWA and other Gaza-related matters

  • Turner (R-OH) 2/6/25: X-post – “The US is rightly focused on ensuring Gaza moves toward peace while addressing the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Hamas’ horrific October 7 attack ignited this conflict, and Iran-backed terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah continue to threaten Israel’s existence.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 2/5/25: McCaul Statement on Trump EOs Combating Iranian-Backed Terrorism, Supporting Israel [“President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign nearly bled Iran dry in 2020 — leaving them with extremely few resources to fuel their nuclear program and destabilizing activities. This EO made clear he’s prepared to do it again. I’m also pleased he once again halted U.S. funding to UNRWA, which has demonstrated a long-standing anti-Israel bias and deeply concerning terrorism ties. UNRWA employees participated in Hamas’ barbaric October 7 attack on Israel, and reports have indicated UNRWA structures and employees have since concealed Hamas hostages, harbored weapons, and fostered terrorism activity in the region. The U.S. will once again put American interests first, stand up to the Iranian regime, and ensure no one messes with our ally, Israel.“]
  • McCaul (R-TX) 2/5/25: X-thread – “’President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign nearly bled Iran dry in 2020 — leaving them with few resources to fuel their nuclear program & destabilizing activities. He’s clearly prepared to do it again. The U.S. will put American interests first, stand up to the Iranian regime, & ensure no one messes with our ally, Israel. I’m also pleased he once again halted U.S. funding to UNRWA, which has demonstrated a long-standing anti-Israel bias & deeply concerning terrorism ties. As chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee last Congress, I called out the concerning allegations against UNRWA…“
  • McClain (R-MI) 2/4/25: X-post – “President Trump just signed Executive Orders withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council, UNRWA, and UNESCO because of deep anti-American bias. This is the definition of putting America FIRST.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 2/3/25: X-post – “You cannot continue bombing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and call it a ceasefire.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 2/3/25: X-post – “UNWRA is a cesspool of pro-Hamas terrorists and should never receive another dime of American taxpayer funding.”

On Trump’s EO Sanctioning the ICC & People Associated With It

  • Risch (R-ID) 2/6/25: Risch on Executive Order to Sanction ICC [“This is tremendous news. The ICC’s arrest warrants were obviously politically motivated and a clear violation of Israeli sovereignty. This flagrant antisemitism and lack of respect for the rule of law in Israel cannot go unchecked. With this Executive Order, President Trump has made clear to the ICC that any violation of America’s sovereignty or that of our allies will have consequences. I look forward to working with the President and his administration to continue stamping out corruption and antisemitism across international organizations.”]
  • Mast (R-FL) 2/6/25: Chairman Mast Issues Statement in Response to President Trump’s Executive Order Sanctioning the ICC [“Thank you, President Trump, for standing with Israel despite Senate Democrats’ decision to side with terrorists and the globalist bureaucrats in the ICC. The ICC is fighting Israel who is fighting to bring American hostages home.”]
  • McClain (R-MI) 2/6/25: X-post – “The ICC is a rogue court that threatens the safety and sovereignty of America and our ally Israel. I applaud President Trump’s action today to sanction those affiliated with the ICC who are pushing corrupt and baseless investigations.“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 2/6/25: X-post – “Once again @POTUS takes action to protect U.S. sovereignty and stand w/ our ally Israel. The Democrats folded to the pro-Hamas radical left & refused to pass legislation to hold the ICC accountable, but American strength & leadership has returned under @realDonaldTrump.”
  • Emmer (R-MN) 2/6/25: X-post – “When you try to equate Hamas’ barbaric attacks on October 7 with Israel rightfully defending itself, this is the result. The ICC is an illegitimate, pro-terrorist kangaroo court, and I applaud @POTUS for imposing sanctions.”
  • Roy (R-TX) 2/6/25: X-post – “This is a necessary and important move by President Trump to hold the rogue ICC accountable for its illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our ally, Israel. Congress should immediately codify this important act by President Trump by passing HR 23. This bill, which I was proud to introduce alongside Chairman @RepBrianMast and @SenTomCotton would make today’s sanctions permanent and ensure that the ICC is never able to target the U.S. or our allies without severe consequences.“
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 2/6/25: X-post – “The International Criminal Court shamefully equated Israel’s right to defend itself with the acts of radical terror groups like Hamas. In Congress, I co-led legislation to sanction the ICC for their attacks against American soldiers, officials, and our allies. President Trump’s Executive Order will hold these corrupt international bureaucrats of the ICC accountable for the baseless campaign of this illegitimate court.“
  • Jackson (R-TX) 2/6/25: X-post – “The heavily corrupt ICC just got EXACTLY what it deserved—sanctioned by President Trump! America does NOT answer to illegitimate foreign bodies that attack us and our allies. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, I will ALWAYS stand with Israel while working to expose DANGEROUS terrorist-sympathizing organizations like the ICC! THANK YOU President Trump for your leadership!”
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee (Republicans) 2/6/25: X-post – “Thank you, President Trump, for standing with Israel despite Senate Democrats’ decision to side with terrorists and the globalist bureaucrats in the ICC. The ICC is fighting Israel who is fighting to bring American hostages home.“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 2/6/25: X-post – “President Trump’s executive order today imposing sanctions on the ICC is welcome news. We will always stand with Israel“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/6/25: X-post – “I appreciate President @realDonaldTrump’s bold executive action to sanction the International Criminal Court. The ICC is a rogue organization with a corrupt prosecutor who has violated the spirit of the law regarding prosecutions against Israel’s Prime Minister and former Defense Minister. Israel is not a member of the court. The ICC has gone off the rails by exercising jurisdiction over a country that is not party to the Rome Statue. I fear they will not stop at Israel. Under the legal theory being used against Israel, it is very conceivable the ICC will one day come after an American President and Defense Secretary for allegations of war crimes made by adversaries. President Trump’s sanctions against the court are a necessary deterrent to protect American military personnel and others. These sanctions will be a strong signal to the world regarding the legitimacy of the court’s actions against Israel.“

Mike Huckabee as next US Amb to Israel

  • Scott (R-FL) 2/5/25: X-post – “Had a great discussion with @GovMikeHuckabee, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Like President Trump, Mike knows the importance of standing with our great ally Israel and our Jewish community.“
  • Graham (R-SC) 2/5/25: X-post – “Great meeting with @GovMikeHuckabee and his wife Janet, who have been dear friends for a long time.   There is no better person on the planet to be ambassador to Israel at this crucial time than Governor Mike Huckabee. He is one of the most knowledgeable people about the Middle East and the threats that Israel faces, and he is an incredibly close confidant to President Trump. The sooner he is confirmed, the better for the world.”
  • Barrasso (R-WY) 2/5/25: X-post – “I just had a great meeting with @GovMikeHuckabee. Senate Republicans stand with Israel. They are our greatest ally in the Middle East. President Trump made the right choice choosing Governor Huckabee to serve as Ambassador to Israel.”
  • Thune (R-SD) 2/5/25: X-post – “Visited with @GovMikeHuckabee about his nomination to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Israel. I am confident that he will help strengthen our relationship with Israel, the United States’ closest ally in the Middle East.“

Iran

  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 2/5/25: X-post – “Bipartisan support for Israel in Congress should be matched by congressional commitment to maximum pressure on Iran.”
  • McClain (R-MI) 2/4/25: X-post – “Iran will NEVER have access to nuclear weapons while @realDonaldTrump is in the @WhiteHouse. The days of appeasement are OVER. I applaud President Trump for imposing maximum economic pressure.”
  • Fallon (R-TX) 2/5/25: X-post – “<Trump’s EO to reinstate maximum pressure against Iran is great for anyone who values peace and stability. It’s VERY bad for supporters of terrorism, chaos and destruction.”
  • Wilson (R-SC) 2/5/25: X-post – “Under Biden, the Iranian regime made over $140 billion in illicit oil profits to fund its terrorism all over the world. This ends under President Trump. Maximum pressure on the Iranian regime. Maximum support to the Iranian people.“

On Other Stuff

5. Selected Media

On Trump’s Plan to Ethnically Cleanse Gaza & Have the US Take It Over

Netanyahu Comes to DC – Other News (Including Sanctioning the ICC)

On Other Stuff

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 1/23/25: The Escalation of Israel’s Gaza-fication of the West Bank, ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman in conversation with preeminent journalist Dalia Hatuqa about the current realities of Israel violence carried out both by the Israeli military and Israeli civilians (settlers) against Palestinians in the West Bank — including the situation in the months leading up to 10/7/23; the dangerous deterioration of conditions following 10/7/23, through the onset of the current Hamas-Israel ceasefire in Gaza;  and the ongoing — rapid, dramatic — escalation of Israeli violence and destruction in the West Bank in the wake of that ceasefire.
  • 1/23/25: Genocide and self-involvement: on being Israeli as Israel commits a historic crime, ft. FMEP non-resident fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Israeli analyst/commentator/academic Ori Goldberg
  • 1/22/25: A toxic environment for those who dare to question, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Professor Katherine Franke

Also see:

1. Bills & Resolutions

Update

  • (TARGETING THE ICC) HR 23: On 1/23/25, a cloture motion was presented in the Senate on the motion to proceed with consideration of HR 23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. Also see: Thune tees up Senate vote on International Criminal Court sanctions [“The bill, which received bipartisan support in the House, will need votes from at least seven Democratic senators to pass“] (Jewish Insider 1/23/25); X-thread 1/24/25 from Senate Republicans – “In 2020, the International Criminal Court started investigating American troops. Last year, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. If the corrupt ICC succeeds in targeting Israel, Americans will be next. Our ICC sanctions bill will protect American troops. That’s why every House Republican, 45 House Democrats, and 55% of Americans support sanctions. But some Democrat Senators still have concerns—all of those concerns are misguided. Critics have called the ICC sanctions bill “draconian.” Far from draconian, the same standard property and visa restrictions were used 49 times by the Obama and Biden administrations. Some believe the ICC bill targets “citizens of our allies” and that it could undermine our alliances. But the bill only targets officials directly involved in action against the United States and our allies–and no ally of ours values the ICC more than the United States. Finally, other critics think that sanctioning the ICC will harm its prosecution of war crimes. But the ICC has already failed to prosecute the worst war crimes of Putin, Bashir, or Khamenei. Clearly, there are better ways to stop war criminals. The ICC sanctions bill is a targeted, justified response to the ICC’s outrageous attack on Israel and America. Sanctioning the ICC today will protect American troops and make America safer.” AIPAC Action Alert.

New Legislation — Targeting Palestinians & Support for Palestinian Lives/Rights

New Legislation — Other Stuff

  • (MORE US-ISRAEL COOPERATION & FUNDING) HR 661: Introduced 1/23/25 by Buchanan (R-FL) and 2 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Council for Technology and Innovation of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to carry out a program to facilitate and coordinate efforts between the United States and Israel to expand and enhance collaboration on the development and delivery of health care products and services,” aka the “Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Also see: press release –Buchanan Introduces Bill to Bolster U.S.-Israel Healthcare Partnership [“...This legislation is supported by AIPAC, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.–Israel Healthcare Collaboration Center, the Combat Antisemitism Movement and the Israeli-American Civic Action Network.“] Also see Buchanan X-post – “The U.S. must strengthen ties with Israel—our greatest ally in the Middle East and a healthcare tech leader—to support healthcare advancement. Pleased to introduce this bipartisan bill with @RepMMM and @RepDarrenSoto to promote innovation in healthcare.“
  • (NO US MILITARY IN SYRIA)S. J. Res.6: Introduced 1/23/25 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria that have not been authorized by Congress.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • (PROTECTING FREE SPEECH) S. 188 (bill text): Introduced 1/22/25 by Paul (R-KY) and 3 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to prohibit Federal employees and contractors from directing online platforms to censor any speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes,” aka the “Free Speech Protection Act.”  Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Also see: press release – Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Free Speech Protection Act to Safeguard Americans’ First Amendment Rights Against Government Censorship [Note: like President Trump’s recent executive order on free speech, this bill appears to contradict current policies, supported by both Congress and the Executive, targeting free speech critical of Israel…)
  • (PROTECTING THE US FROM IRAN) S. 197: Introduced 1/22/25 by Cruz (R-TX) and 6 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to require the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review any purchase or lease of real estate near a military installation or military airspace in the United States by a foreign person connected to or subsidized by the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Also see: press release – Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Military Installations from Adversary Land Purchases

2. Letters

(MAXIMUM PRESSURE ON IRAN) 1/14/25: Senior House Republican urges leaders to prioritize maximum-pressure sanctions on Iran –Rep. Joe Wilson’s letter encourages quick passage of legislation that would also block a new Iran deal (Jewish Insider 1/23/25) [letter text]

3. Hearings

Confirmation-hearings-palooza!

January 30, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a business meeting to consider the nomination of Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the UN.

January 21, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the UN.

UPDATE — January 20, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a business meeting at which they voted to advance the nomination of Marco Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State to the full Senate. Also on 1/20/25, the Senate voted to confirm Rubio as the new Secretary of State by a vote of 99-0.

January 17, 2025: The Senate Homeland Security Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Lots of posts/statements in support of the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza (no similar interest in the release of Palestinians, including women and children, being held by Israel without charges/due process). Also lots of statements (mainly from Republicans) cheering the return of Trump and celebrating his and their support for Israel. Check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what specific members said.

Praising Trump for Restoring FTO status of Houthis’

West Bank Escalation

  • McCollum (D-MN) 1/23/25: X-thread – “While the attention of the world has rightfully been focused on Gaza, concerning developments are taking place in the West Bank. A wave of violence is sweeping across the territory as extremist Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and vandalize property. Donald Trump promised peace. Instead, one of his first moves was to rescind sanctions against extremist Israeli settler groups and individuals who are accused of violence against Palestinians. This threatens to unravel the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.“
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 1/23/25: X-post – “Peace is delicate, and in this moment of transition, we all need international journalists to keep us informed about what’s happening in Palestine and Israel. We must continue to demand press access and ensure the safety of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) et al 1/23/25: Van Hollen, DeLauro, Durbin, Casten Release Statement on Trump’s Rescission of Biden’s West Bank Sanctions
  • McCollum (D-MN) 1/23/25: Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Settler Violence in the West Bank
  • Welch (D-VT) 1/22/25: X-post – “On his first day in office, President Trump revoked President Biden’s sanctions against West Bank extremists. Now, Israeli settlers have attacked two Palestinian villages, setting homes and vehicles on fire. This violent intimidation must stop.”

Targeting Free Speech/Protest for Palestinian Lives/Rights

  • Owens (R-UT) 1/22/25: X-post – “They are protesting the same thing they always protest: the existence of the State of Israel. You can tell because nobody is carrying a ‘two-state solution’ sign… instead they shout ‘intifada’ while wearing terrorist head scarfs.“
  • House Committee on Education and the Workforce 1/21/25: X-post – “Outrageous that masked students disrupted class at @Columbia, which receives billions in taxpayer dollars, to pass out flyers calling for the murder of Jews. Does Columbia understand that failing to combat antisemitism will no longer be tolerated in the Trump administration?”

Standing with Israel!

  • Jackson (R-TX) 1/23/25: X-post – “Thank you, @IsraelAllies Foundation for having me at your event — it’s always GREAT to see and meet the many incredible people involved with this organization. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be named Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus and look forward to continuing the work necessary to help defend and protect our ally, Israel!“
  • Smith (R-MS) 1/22/25: X-post – “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East. Now that President Trump is in the White House, our President will finally support Israel and won’t appease Hamas terrorists.“
  • Jackson (R-TX) 1/21/25: Rep. Jackson Named as Co-Chair of Congressional Israel Allies Caucus
  • Green (R-TN) 1/20/25: X-post – “Strong leadership is returning to the White House. President Trump will stand up to Iran and will stand with our indispensable ally, Israel.”

Double Down Against Iran!

  • Fetterman (D-PA) 1/19/25: X-post, responding to headline, “Graham calls for “decimation” of Iranian nuclear program after ceasefire“, Fetterman posted, “One Hundred Percent. 100%“

Other Stuff

  • Senate Republicans 1/22/25: X-thread attacking Sen. Murphy (D-CT) — “Chris Murphy’s blocking John Ratcliffe’s confirmation as CIA Director puts Americans at risk. But it’s not the first time that @ChrisMurphyCT has put politics before safety. In fact, he has a long history of sympathizing with America’s enemies. According to Senator Murphy, the Houthi rebels that attacked American ships and shut down international trade in the Red Sea shouldn’t be designated as a terrorist organization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a terrorist organization by any definition. But that’s of little concern to Chris Murphy, who wanted a deal with Iran so badly he supported removing them from the list of foreign terror organizations. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops and was planning to attack more Americans. Chris Murphy opposed President Trump’s decision to eliminate him, calling the drone strike an ‘execution.’ Not only does Chris Murphy defend Iran, but he voted to cut off weapon sales to Israel. Even when Israel was facing an existential fight from Iran’s terrorist proxies. Chris Murphy has long supported open borders, even when Americans are harmed. He supported every one of Biden’s open border policies, and he opposed expanded background checks, and he opposed the Laken Riley Act. Instead of throwing a tantrum because his party lost the election, Chris Murphy should start showing some concern for the safety of Americans.”
  • Lawler (R-NY) 1/22/25: X-post – “Last night, I spoke at the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus event hosted by the Israel Allies Foundation. It was an honor to join colleagues and world leaders dedicated to strengthening the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 1/22/25: X-post – “Enjoyed meeting with President Santiago Peña [Paraguay] to thank him for standing up for freedom, Israel and Taiwan and to discuss our countries’ partnership that will continue to grow with President Trump in office.“
  • Wilson (R-SC) 1/22/25: X-post – “I am grateful that Israel has offered to transfer Russian weapons seized from Hezbollah terrorists to Ukraine. War Criminal Putin arms the world’s terrorists. Free peoples must work together to defeat the dictatorship Axis of Aggressors.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 1/18/25: X-post – “Great to welcome brave Israeli firefighters to L.A. who have joined the effort to contain the #LosAngelesFires #Israel is not just sending firefighters but absorbing all costs to do so. </ @IsraelinLA”

5. Selected Media

Jewish Legacy Orgs’ Priorities for new Congress

  • Jewish Insider 1/24/25: AJC CEO Ted Deutch urges Trump to appoint White House antisemitism coordinator, develop new national strategy [“Deutch sat down with JI on Capitol Hill on Monday between meetings with House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Greg Meeks (D-NY) and first-term Sens. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Andy Kim (D-NJ). Deutch said he had an ‘excellent meeting’ with Walberg, who took over this month as chairman of the committee that last year held high-profile hearings with college presidents and issued a sweeping report on campus antisemitism. ‘Antisemitism is a severe problem on college campuses — and it’s only getting worse. I had a productive meeting with Ted to discuss how the Committee can work with partners like the AJC and the Trump administration to combat surging antisemitism on campus and keep Jewish students safe,’ Walberg said in a statement to JI. ‘As a former colleague, I know Ted will be an invaluable partner in that mission.’ Deutch said Walberg is ‘committed’ to continuing to tackle campus antisemitism both through ‘a range of potential legislative issues’ and in using the committee’s ‘convening authority’ to call forward university leaders and elevate the voices of Jewish students…Deutch added that he sees an opportunity for Walberg and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, to work together to ‘produce meaningful legislation.’…Deutch also said that his meetings with Meeks as well as House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) and other Hill leaders have made clear that there are ‘opportunities now to really envision a new Middle East, with Israel having normalized relations with more and more countries, to keep Israelis safe, to strengthen Israeli security and Israel’s economy, for the benefit of the region and the world. We’re really hoping that, in a bipartisan way, everyone will seize the opportunity,’ he said.”]
  • Jerusalem Post/Nathan Diamant (ED of the Orthodox Union) 1/20/25: A new administration and new Congress brings new opportunities [lays out a wish list for new Congress and Trump Admin, including: “Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would define antisemitism to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act; the Deterrent Act, which forces universities to disclose foreign gifts; and a bill by Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) to revoke the tax-exempt status of US nonprofits that support designated terrorist groups…Republican lawmakers and Democratic allies should put these bills together into an “omnibus” legislative package combating antisemitism.”
  • Israel Policy Forum: Policy Recommendations for the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress

Not Every Seemingly Antisemitic Act is Actually Antisemitic, Amirite?

Anti-Palestinian Racism on Display, Yet Again

The 119th Congress & Its Priorities re: Supporting Israel & More

  • House Foreign Affairs Committee, 199th Congress “Authorization and Oversight Plan” (not dated) [“‘Priority Oversight Matters” include: “ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS, Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and other terrorist and insurgent groups; expanding and strengthening the Abraham Accords and regional security cooperation; reaffirming relationships with U.S. partners and allies; monitoring the development of a Syrian government and holding the Assad regime, and its Russian and Iranian backers, accountable for their war crimes; bolstering stability in Yemen and countering the Houthi threat; curbing Iranian malign influence in the region; competing with our near-peer adversaries; addressing human rights, democratic backsliding and challenges to the rule of law including corruption and lack of financial transparency; and United States policies, programs, authorities and funding to address these challenges.” Also include monitoring “U.S. policy toward Israel, including advancing policies to ensure sufficient security assistance to Israel, including to support efforts to hold Iran and its proxies accountable for promoting and sponsoring ongoing  violence against Israel, and countering antisemitism in international and intergovernmental organizations. The Committee will continue to assess various diplomatic solutions to historical regional difficulties, as well as efforts to strengthen the U.S. relationship and advance normalization of relations between Israel and other nations in the Middle East and North Africa.” Also include closely reviewing “U.S. policy to counter and defend against Iran’s malign activities, including Iran’s provocative nuclear program, ballistic missile arsenal, UAV capabilities, global terrorism, hostage-taking, assassination plots, and human rights abuses. The Committee will also examine Iran’s relationships with Russia, the PRC, and North Korea, and how these four entities mutually enable each other’s dangerous activities. The Committee will support efforts to hold Iran accountable for its promotion of violence around the globe through espionage and proxy activity, including its sponsorship of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.” Also lots of other stuff including targeting UNRWA.
  • Jewish Insider 1/23/25: McConnell speaks out against Trump administration’s isolationist Pentagon hires [“‘It’s alarming that people can clear vetting after claiming U.S. interests in the Middle East are ‘minimal to nonexistent,’ McConnell told JI”]
  • New York Post 1/22/25: Pro-Israel Sen. Dave McCormick to chair key subcommittee on the Middle East
  • Jewish News Syndicate 1/22/25: Israeli officials in DC for inauguration push for stronger US support for Judea, Samaria
  • Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 1/22/25: Dave McCormick tapped to chair key Middle East subcommittee [“I see this as a great opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance, expand the Abraham Accords, grow U.S.-India cooperation, and delve deeply into regional energy, economic, and security issues.“]
  • Jewish Insider 1/22/25: Sen. McCormick to chair influential Middle East subcommittee [“The newly elected Republican has emerged as one of the GOP’s most outspoken leaders in support of Israel and against antisemitism”]
  • High Plains Observer 1/22/25: Rep.Jackson Named as Co-Chair of Congressional Israel Allies Caucus [“As one of Israel’s strongest allies in Congress, I am extremely proud to be named Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus. I will continue the work necessary to ensure that the United States stands with Israel and offers support not only as they fight for their right to exist against threats from Iranian-backed terrorist proxies, but also as they fight tenaciously to defend their place on the world stage from globalist organizations and anti-semitic countries who seek to weaken Israel’s standing. It’s an honor to receive this chairmanship, and I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues on the caucus to defend America’s closest ally, Israel.”]
  • Jewish Insider 1/21/25: Pro-Israel Republicans alarmed over Trump’s Defense Department appointee
  • Jewish Insider 1/20/25: Senate Republicans signal reservations about prospect of a new Iran deal
  • Israel Hayom 1/19/25: ‘Israel’s biggest threat is its marginalization by international bodies’ [“In an interview with Israel Hayom, Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest allies, clarifies Saudi Arabia and the UAE ‘want Hamas gone at least as much as you do’.”]
  • The Hill 1/19/25: Graham calls for the ‘decimation’ of Iranian nuclear program after ceasefire
  • Politico 1/19/25: Lindsey Graham wants military action against Iran’s nuclear program [“There’s a one in trillion chance you’ll degrade the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy.”]
  • Jewish Insider 1/18/25: DeWine selects LG Husted, a GOP pragmatist, to succeed Vance in the Senate [“Husted has been a stalwart supporter of Israel throughout his career. He signed onto an open letter organized by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland shortly after Oct. 7 condemning the atrocities and vowing to stand with Israel and the Jewish people and led the charge behind the scenes to get Ohio State University to forcibly disband the anti-Israel encampments that had disrupted campus life for Jewish and non-Jewish students alike.“]

Other stuff

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

New:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(IHRA//TARGETING CAMPUS FREE SPEECH/PROTEST FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS) HR 406 (text): Introduced 1/15/25 by Yakym (R-IN) and Scholten (D-MI), “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education, as a condition of participation in programs under title IV of such Act, to include a prohibition of antisemitic conduct in all documents relating to student or employee conduct.”  Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Also see press release – Reps. Yakym, Scholten Reintroduce Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses [NOTE: This bill would enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism on US campuses, without mentioning that it is the IHRA definition and without mentioning the Israel-focused examples of “contemporary antisemitism” that accompany the IHRA definition; the text differs from the 2024 version, which explicitly cited the IHRA definition by name.]

(TARGETING FOREIGN STUDENTS WHO PROTEST FOR PALESTINIAN LIVES/RIGHTS)  HR 414:  Introduced 1/15/25 by Bilirakis (R-FL), “To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to strengthen student visa background checks and improve the monitoring of foreign students in the United States, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

(TARGETING THE HOUTHIS) S. 70 (text): Introduced 1/13/25 by Cruz (R-TX) and 7 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to require the imposition of sanctions with respect to Ansarallah and its officials, agents, or affiliates for acts of international terrorism.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Sen. Cruz Reintroduces Bill to Reimpose Terrorism Sanctions and Designate Iran-Controlled Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

(TARGETING THE HOUTHIS) S. 145: Introduced 1/16/25 by Risch (R-ID) and 14 cosponsors (all Republicans), “A bill to require the redesignation of Ansarallah as a foreign terrorist organization.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Risch, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Designate Houthis as an FTO, Dismantle Iran’s Proxy

(NO US $$ FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL) HR 400 (text): Introduced 1/14/25 by Roy (R-TX) and 6 cosponsors (all Republicans), “To prohibit contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see Roy press release – Rep. Roy reintroduces bill to prevent taxpayer dollars from going to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council

(TARGETING IRAN) HR 348 (text): Introduced 1/13/24 by Kustoff (R-TN) and Gottheimer (D-NJ), “To require a report on oligarchs and parastatal entities of Iran, and for other purposes. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Financial Services. Also see press release – Reps. Kustoff, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expose Corruption of Iranian Regime

(ACCOUNTABILITY FOR GENOCIDE/TERRORISM, WHEN IT SUITS US) HR 462: Introduced 1/15/25 by Steube (R-FL), “To prevent allocations of Special Drawing Rights at the International Monetary Fund for countries that are perpetrators of genocide or state sponsors of terrorism, and to prevent United States tax dollars from directly going to the Taliban or other terrorists or terrorist-harboring nations.“Referred to the Committees on Financial Services, and Foreign Affairs.

(NO FOREIGN FLAGS ON HOUSE FLOOR) H. Res. 49 (text): Introduced 1/16/25 by Cammack (R-FL) and having 12 cosponsors (all Republicans), “Prohibiting Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying a flag of a foreign nation on the floor of the House, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Note that Cammack’s press makes clear that the impetus for this bill was the display by some members of Ukrainian flags on the House floor. Speaking of Cammack and foreign flags… Cammack: Israeli flag outside her office shows her commitment to maintaining a strong relationship between the two nations (WCJB 2/18/21); Republican vows to fly Israel flag outside Congress office next to Rashida Tlaib (Times of Israel 1/7/21). Also see: GOP lawmaker wears Israeli military uniform to Capitol Hill (The Hill 10/13/23); X-post 1/9/25 from Josh Reubner, “Rep. Randy Weber wears an Israeli flag tie on the floor of the House as he argues for Israel to be allowed to continue its genocidal violence against Palestinians in Gaza without facing any accountability for its heinous acts.“; Fetterman waves Israeli flag at protesters demanding cease-fire (ABC 27 11/11/23)

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) HR 542: Introduced 1/16/25 by Torres (D-NY) and Garbarino (R-NY), “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from receiving gifts from certain countries, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

(MIDDLE EAST NORMALIZATION) HR XXX: Jewish Insider reports that Rep. Bacon (R-NE) “introduced a bill requiring an assessment of potential cooperative opportunities with Middle East partners to protect space and satellite assets from Iran…” As of this writing that bill does not appear in the Congressional Record  (the link provided by Jewish Insider is to a HR 10353, introduced in the 118th Congress)

2. Letters

3. Hearings

Confirmation-hearings-palooza!

January 21, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing to consider the nomination of Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the UN. Also see: Just Security 1/15/25: Stefanik’s Senate Confirmation Hearings Bring Mix of Worry and Opportunity at UN

January 20, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a business meeting to consider the nomination of Marco Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State.

January 15, 2025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will held an extremely friendly, largely convivial hearing to consider the nomination of Marco Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State. Full video of the hearing (with auto-transcript) is here. A huge focus of the hearing was on Israel and Israel-related issues, and included (among other things), Rubio in effect agreeing with referring to the West Bank and “Judea and Samaria”; promising to remove sanctions on terrorist settlers in the West Bank; and promising to revoke visas of people of any foreigner in the US who is a “supporter of Hamas” (a term that initiatives like the Heritage Foundation’s Project Esther use to describe literally anyone advocating for Palestinian lives/rights, or criticizing Israel’s actions toward Palestinians).

January 14, 2025: The Senate Armed Services Committee held a sh**-show of a hearing (video here) to consider the nomination of Mr. Peter B. Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense. Also see: Hegseth: Israel should kill ‘every last member of Hamas’ (Jewish Insider 1/14/25); Pete Hegseth in confirmation hearing: ‘I’m a Christian and I robustly support the state of Israel’ (The Forward 1/14/25); Emmer (R-MN) X-post 1/14/25 – “On January 20th, Americans will FINALLY have leaders in the White House who unapologetically support our ally, Israel, and stand up to barbaric terrorists. @PeteHegseth: ‘I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas.’” [with video clip]

News from other confirmation hearings

4. Selected Members on the Record

Gaza Ceasefire

  • Many, many Democrats issued press releases and/or posted on social media in support of the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire agreement and giving credit to Biden and in some cases, also Biden and Trump. Many, many Republicans issued press releases praising the ceasefire as a Trump accomplishment, with many taking the opportunity to criticize the Biden Admin. Check websites/social media accounts to find specific statements. On both sides, this includes many members who for more than a year have argued that supporting/calling for a ceasefire is antisemitic, anti-Israel, and pro-Hamas. Also see:
  • Cotton (R-AR) 1/15/25: X-post – “Why is lame duck Joe Biden trying to cram down a bad deal on Israel on his way out the door? The only “deal” should be unconditional surrender by Hamas—which is already nearly destroyed—and return of ALL hostages. Instead, we hear reports that Biden is demanding that Israel withdraw from key terrain in Gaza, release dozens of hardened terrorists for every one hostage, and get back only SOME hostages? Here’s the ‘deal’ to offer Hamas and its patron, Iran: you have five days to release ALL the hostages or we ‘unleash hell’.“

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Protest via Weaponization of Fight Against Antisemitism

  • Wahlberg (R-MI) 1/15/25: Education and Workforce Committee Adopts Rules, Oversight Plans for 119th Congress. Note that in the 119th Congress Oversight Plan of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, literally the first “priority” identified by the Committee is: “Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Americanism in the Education System: The Committee will continue to conduct oversight on the explosion of virulent antisemitism and anti-Americanism at our educational institutions across the United States and widespread failures by these institutions to meaningfully address and correct these problems. The Committee will examine institutions’ failures to uphold their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other federal laws, institutions’ failures to enforce their own rules and to maintain safe and uninterrupted learning environments, and how colleges, universities, and K-12 schools receiving substantial federal support have become incubators of antisemitism and anti-Americanism.“
  • Smith (R-MO) 1/14/25: Chairman Smith Opening Statement – Ways and Means 119th Congress Organizational Meeting [text of 119th Oversight Plan; excerpt: “Tax-Exempt Organizations. Oversight of Federal tax laws, regulations, and filing requirements that affect tax-exempt organizations, particularly charities, foundations, and political groups operating as social welfare organizations. Evaluate overall IRS efforts to monitor tax-exempt organizations, identify areas of non-compliance, prevent abuse, and ensure timely disclosure to the public about tax-exempt organization activities and finances. Review IRS tax-exempt application process and agency oversight of new exempt organizations. This review comes in the context of the involvement of tax-exempt groups in the troubling explosion of antisemitism in the United States following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.“]

Other stuff

  • Quigley (D-IL) 1/14/25: Quigley Delivers Floor Speech Reiterating Call for Arab-led Peacekeeping Force in Gaza
  • Cotton (R-AR) 1/13/25: X-post – “60 Minutes (which recently hid Kamala’s transcript and doctored her interview to help her) runs a disgraceful hit job against Israel. 60 Minutes forgot that Hamas started the war, Hamas still holds American hostages, and any damage in Gaza is the sole fault of Hamas.“
  • Torres (D-NY) 1/10/25: X-post – “Katherine Frank, a former professor from Columbia University, was found to have engaged in discrimination against Israeli students. She did not leave voluntarily. She was all but fired. Good riddance!“

5. Selected Media

House Launches Pro-Settlement/Greater Israel Caucus

  • YNet 1/17/25: Initiative launches West Bank support caucus in US Congress [“Congressional Friends of Judea and Samaria aims to lift sanctions from Jewish settlers in the West Bank and address the area with its Israeli naming convention”
  • Jewish Press 1/17/25: Tenney Launches Congressional Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus
  • The Washington Stand 1/16/25: Congresswoman Launches Historic ‘Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus’
  • Jewish News Syndicate 1/16/25: Tenney launches congressional Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus [“‘We gotta start telling the truth,’ the New York congresswoman told JNS. ‘We need to be the catalyst.'” and “More than a dozen members of Congress, all Republicans, attended the event or were listed by Tenney as members of the new caucus. Tenney said that she hoped that the caucus would gain bipartisan support and said that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had expressed interest in joining. Other attendees included Knesset member Ohad Tal and Tony Perkins, a pastor and head of the Family Research Council.“].
  • Lawler (R-NY) X-post 1/16/25: “I was honored to speak at this week’s kickoff event for the Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus. I am excited join the caucus and look forward to working with them to advance pro-Israel policies in the 119th Congress.” [Reminder: Lawler is the new Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa – X-post accompanied by photos with backdrop and crossed flags on the dais displaying the name of the new caucus alongside the logo of the Shomron Regional Council (the Israeli settlement body of the northern West Bank), and with members of the new caucus posing with plaques showing a map of Greater Israel]
  • COL Live 1/12/25: Shomron Delegation Visits Ohel Ahead of Trump Inauguration [“Dagan, alongside Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (Republican – NY-24), will launch the Congressional Caucus for Judea and Samaria in Washington, D.C., later this week. The caucus, dedicated to strengthening settlement efforts and garnering international support for Judea and Samaria, is set to provide a vital platform for bolstering ties between Israel, its supporters in Congress, and the American public. The delegation’s visit includes meetings with members of Congress and the Senate, Jewish leaders across the U.S., and senior figures in the new administration, aiming to deepen connections and rally support for settlement initiatives. Dagan is scheduled to deliver speeches at various conferences and meet with senators, congressmen, prominent pastors, evangelical leaders, senior Republican officials, and representatives of the new administration. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to strengthen settlement ties within the U.S. political and diplomatic landscape.”]

Other Priorities of the 119th Congress

  • Newsweek 1/16/25: Our New Government Must Stand Definitively Against Antisemitism [“From the legislative side, despite the unprecedented rise in antisemitic incidents across the country—including everything from harassment to hate crimes—Congress has utterly failed to pass any meaningful legislation to help protect the Jewish community. In May, the Republican led House did pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act, with broad bipartisan support. When it got to the <href=”https://www.newsweek.com/topic/senate”>Senate however, former Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sat on it for six months before halfheartedly attempting to drop it into a larger legislative package, an effort which flamed out in a flurry of predictable politics. Reports indicate that the bill would have passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support, but was not called out of fear that a vote might have exposed some antisemitism on the progressive left. And so instead of protecting Jewish people, legislators protected themselves. Moving forward, Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) should make lemonade from lemons, and build off the bipartisan momentum created by the AAA to pass an even broader version of the bill. The AAA simply codified Trump’s executive order requiring authorities to consider the IHRA definition when assessing unlawful discriminatory behavior under Title VI, and while it would have gone a long way towards solving an equal protection problem that has long plagued the Jewish community, it would not have gone far enough. Since the time that the AAA was filed it has unfortunately only become clearer that the Jewish community needs their protections clarified in other contexts as well. An excellent model for the new Congress to follow is the Define to Defeat Act, which was introduced in the House by outgoing Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY). That bill simply extends the AAA to include other federal anti-discrimination laws under the exact same framework, and it should benefit from the exact same wide bipartisan support: It is hard to imagine, for example, lawmakers supportive of Jewish people being properly protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (which deals with higher education), but not, for example, under the employment provisions in Title VII of that very same law.”]
  • Jewish Insider 1/16/25: House Republicans urge Trump to immediately nominate an Abraham Accords ambassador
  • Jewish Insider 1/16/25: Gov. Ron DeSantis taps Florida AG Moody to succeed Rubio in the Senate [“As attorney general, Moody expressed unwavering support for Israel in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and has prioritized cracking down on rising statewide antisemitism in her job — with a focus on scrutinizing Florida’s college campuses.“]
  • Atlantic Council 1/15/25: Representatives Brian Mast and Gregory Meeks on the role of Congress in US foreign policy as Trump takes office
  • The Hill 1/14/25: Johnson appoints Virginia Foxx as Rules Committee chair
  • Jewish Insider 1/14/25: Top progressive Jayapal to join House Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Foreign Policy in Focus 1/13/25: Washington Doubles Down on Arming Israel
  • Washington Examiner 1/12/25: Trump calls Fetterman impressive after Mar-a-Lago meeting [“Trump said his impression of Fetterman early on was that he was very liberal, but that impression started to change as he has watched the Pennsylvania senator navigate his support for Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, and, of course, after sitting down to meet him face to face and have a conversation.”]
  • Washington Free Beacon 1/10/25: ‘Disgraceful’: House Ed Chair Slams Biden’s Lame Duck Anti-Semitism Settlements With Rutgers, California, Hopkins [“The Trump administration should closely examine these agreements and explore options to impose real consequences on schools,’ says Rep. Tim Walberg“]

Gaza – Ceasefire & More

Getting Set for NEXT elections

The ICC

Other

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

Of note:

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting the ICC

(PUNISHING/DESTROYING THE ICC FOR DARING TO TRY TO HOLD ISRAEL ACCOUNTABLE TO INT’L LAW) HR 23: Introduced 1/3/25 by Roy (R-TX) and having 29 cosponsors (all Republicans), the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.” While technically this bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary Committee, and Appropriations, on 1/3/25 the House passed H. Res. 5, the Republican leadership resolution “Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, and for other purposes“. That resolution included a list of bills to be immediately brought directly to the floor for votes, with time for consideration limited to 1 hour and no amendments permitted. HR 23 was #8 on that list. Subsequently, on 1/9/24, House leaders brought HR 23 to the floor, where there was an hour for debate — which consisted of Republican grandstanding in support of Israel and against the ICC and critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza (including Republicans bashing Democrats) on one side; and on the other side Rep. McGovern (D-MA) valiantly defending the ICC and international law/accountability; objecting to Israel’s actions in Gaza, and objecting to the partisan intent/process behind HR 23, along with a statement late in the debate from Green (R-TX). The bill was subsequently passed by a roll call vote of 243-140, with 1 voting “present” and 50 not voting.

Also see:

  • Excerpt from McGovern (D-MA) on the House floor: “I want to be very clear here, Mr. Speaker. Prime Minister Netanyahu has an absolute right to defend his people, but there is no international right to vengeance, and what we are seeing in Gaza is vengeance. I mean, where is our humanity? Have we just given up on the idea of human rights? At least 45,000 people have been killed in the war in Gaza, and I fear that number is much higher. Mr. Speaker, 85 percent of the people there have been forcibly displaced, often repeatedly. Last September, a group of physicians estimated 62,000 had died of starvation. Hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, and libraries have all been destroyed.  Food is not getting in. Water is not getting in. Medicine is not getting in. People are dying. Children are dying. Babies are dying, some of them from the bombs, some from starvation, some from the cold. The war has not shrunk. It expanded to Lebanon, where I hope the recent truce continues to hold.  Mr. Speaker, I have sharply critiqued my own government for our conduct when we have been at war because right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter what side you are on.  What is going on in Gaza right now is wrong, and I especially call it out because if we stand for freedom and human rights, then we need to stand for freedom and human rights all the time, not just when it is convenient. That is why the nations of the world set up the International Criminal Court in the first place. This is an institution designed to make sure the horrors that we saw all too often in the 20th century do not repeat themselves in the 21st century. We have international humanitarian law to prevent this kind and this scale of destruction. Just because someone doesn’t like the law doesn’t mean they get to break the law. As a court of last resort, the ICC can only become involved when and where a country has demonstrated unwillingness or inability to hold its people to account for crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction…“
  • Massie (R-KY) on the Record on X: “The U.S. House did only one thing today. We passed a bill to protect Israeli PM Netanyahu from the International Criminal Court. I voted present. The ICC has no authority over the United States, but we should not get involved in disputes between other countries. Focus on [US flag gif]!”
  • Other Members on the Record: In addition to floor statements, many, many, many members issued press release, posted statements on social media, or claimed time on the House floor to grandstand in support of HR 23 and against the evils of the ICC (including members who voted “no,” like Hoyer, D-MD). Check members’ websites/social media for yourself. Special mention– Tlaib (D-MI) 1/9/25 X-post: “What’s their top priority the first week of the new Congress? Lowering costs? Addressing the housing crisis? No, it’s sanctioning the International Criminal Court to protect genocidal maniac Netanyahu so he can continue the genocide in Gaza.”
  • Next up – the Senate: Thune (R-SD) 1/8/25: Thune Previews Senate Agenda, Key Priorities [“Mr. President, we’re also going to be taking a vote to support our ally Israel – something my friends across the aisle seem to struggle with from time to time.  After the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister and former defense minister in November, I called on the Democrat leader to bring up an ICC sanctions bill that had already passed the House – again with bipartisan support.  The ICC’s rogue actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map – and they cannot be allowed to stand unchecked. In November, I promised that if Leader Schumer wouldn’t bring the ICC sanctions bill to the floor, Republicans would.  And we’ll soon fulfill that promise and have a vote to support our ally Israel.“; Graham (R-SC) 1/10/25 X-post: “I am very pleased that the House, in a bipartisan fashion, has approved sanctions against the International Criminal Court for its outrageous conduct against the State of Israel. The court is biased and corrupt when it comes to Israel. Neither the United States nor Israel are members of the court. By standing up to the ICC now on behalf of Israel, we are protecting America’s servicemembers and diplomats in the future. I urge my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to vote for this important piece of legislation to not only protect our ally Israel but to protect our own nation. Well done to all those who have pushed this cause.”; Punchbowl News 1/7/25: Senate Republicans eye votes on immigration, Israel; Jewish Insider 1/9/25: Can ICC sanctions get to 60 votes in the Senate? [“There are early signals that some Democrats will back the bill, but none are telegraphing their views yet”]; Jewish Insider 1/8/25: Thune preparing to bring up ICC sanctions bill [“The Senate majority leader says the Senate, which is taking up Laken Riley Act this and next week, will proceed on the ICC legislation soon“];
  • AIPAC et al support: press release 1/6/25: Rep. Roy, Chairman Mast reintroduce bill to protect Israel from illegitimate international lawfare [“The bill is also supported by Christians United for Israel (CUFI), American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action.”] AIPAC has been active on X promoting HR 23 – some examples — here (attacking J St), here (action alert), here (example of message applauding a member for supporting HR 23). Also see AIPAC press release applauding passage of the bill.
  • Amnesty International Response: “It is deeply disappointing that H.R. 23 passed the House of Representatives, which would permit U.S. sanctions on staff of the ICC, an independent judicial institution dedicated to combating impunity for the gravest crimes known to humanity. The ICC is part of a global system of international justice of which the U.S. was a chief architect at Nuremberg and beyond. If the Senate follows suit, it will do grave harm to the interests of all victims globally and to the U.S. government’s ability to champion human rights and the cause of justice.”
  • Media: There are tons of articles this week on this bill (including speculative reports/analysis from both it passed and reports on its passage) — too many to bother trying to gather for the Round-Up.

(WE TRULY HATE THE ICC & DEFEND LITERALLY ANYTHING ISRAEL DOES) H. Res. 9: Introduced 1/3/25 by Biggs (R-AZ), “Reaffirming that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.“ Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Resolved clauses of this resolution read: “the House of Representatives (1) reaffirms that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court;(2) condemns the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant; and (3) reiterates its unwavering support for the State of Israel and its right to defend itself and its leaders from unwarranted international legal actions.”

Other Stuff

  • (TARGETING HAMAS & ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH HAMAS) HR 176: Introduced 1/3/25 by McClintock (R-CA) and having 12 cosponsor (all Republicans), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks against Israel”, aka the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Text of the bill is not yet online, but per McClintock’s press release, “The bill prohibits any non-U.S. national who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks from seeking any immigration-related relief or protections, including protection from being deported to a country where the individual’s life or freedom would be threatened, or asylum in the United States.“
  • (TARGETING TURKEY) H. Res. 17: Introduced 1/7/25 by Malliotakis (R-NY) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “Condemning Turkey for its illegal occupation of Cyprus and encouraging President Trump to make the resolution of the Cyprus problem a top foreign policy priority.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • (TARGETING TURKEY) HR 298: Introduced 1/9/25 by Malliotakis (R-NY) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “To eliminate certain limitations and exclusions regarding defense articles and requirements regarding security assistance and sales with respect to the Republic of Cyprus.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • (DON’T MAKE AMCITS EVACUATED FROM ISRAEL PAY BACK THE US TAXPAYERS) HR 270: Introduced 1/9/25 by Dunn (R-FL), “To authorize the waiver of costs of activities relating to evacuation of United States citizens when their lives are endangered by war or acts of terrorism.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. NOTE: This bill was originally introduced 10/30/23 by Dunn and 2 cosponsors (bipartisan) as HR 6115. See 2023 press release – Representatives Dunn, Mills, and Moskowitz Fight to Waive Evacuation Costs for Americans Escaping Terrorism in Israel
  • (PROTECTING RIGHTS OF PROTESTERS) HR 277: Introduced 1/9/25 by Green (R-GA) and Massie (R-KY), “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide protections for nonviolent political protesters, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select). NOTE: This bill was previously introduced in the 117th Congress (12/15/22) by Gohmert (R-TX) and Green (R-GA) as HR 9583, and in the 118th Congress (3/5/24) by Greene and no cosponsors, as HR 7540. The short title of the bill is the Matthew Lawrence Perna Act, named for an individual charged and found guilty in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots (witness tampering, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and two counts of disorderly conduct) who committed suicide while awaiting sentencing. Notably, while the clear intent behind the legislation is to support a specific set of protesters, the protections in the bill would apply to ALL protesters. Also see: Gohmert’s 2022 press release; Greene’s 2023 press release.

Update – Lobby Priorities for Pro-Israel Orgs in 2025

Jewish Insider 1/6/25: Antisemitism Awareness Act faces bumpy path in Republican-controlled Washington — Senate Republican leaders pledge to bring the bill up in the new Congress, but there are growing pockets of right-wing opposition [Reminder: there has been significant opposition to the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA)  — from the across the right-wing political spectrum — since the bill passed the House last year. That opposition was left out of the narrative crafted by those promoting passage of the bill in the Senate in the latter half of 2024, seeking to frame failure to pass the bill in terms of Democrats being “soft” on antisemitism. Most media coverage of the story in the last half of 2024 chose to simply parrot that false, pro-AAA framing, notwithstanding the fact that the right-wing opposition to the bill was out in the open (and, indeed, had been pulled together for super easy reference, with links).

Jerusalem Post 1/5/25: Jewish groups engage new Congress on Israel, antisemitism, and security. Excerpts:

  • American Jewish Committee – “…She outlined legislative priorities relating to antisemitism, such as the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which stalled in the Senate for months under the last Congress. It needs to be reevaluated and refreshed in the coming Congress, she said. Rayman said there were many questions about how the incoming Trump administration will utilize education policy for combating antisemitism, and it is unclear what the Department of Education will look like and how it will enforce Title VI policy…Regarding Israel policy, Rayman said the AJC’s political team is thinking about how Congress can support what they assume will be a continued effort by the second Trump administration to ‘promote regional integration and Israel’s place in the neighborhood’ with strengthening and expanding the Abraham Accords.“
  • Jewish Federations of North America – “Jewish Federations of North America is focused on combating antisemitism, including a significant push to call attention to antisemitism in the medical and healthcare space, Paikin Barall said.”
  • JINSA – “Kenney cited Congress’s priority legislation to rein in the International Criminal Court with a bill that would impose visa and property blocking sanctions against ICC officials. While the legislation easily passed the House last summer, it failed to clear the then-Democratic controlled Senate... Kenney said he also expects to see much focus on the 2,000-pound bombs President Joe Biden embargoed for Israel, as well as the apparent slowing of deliveries of 10,000-lb. and 5,000-lb. bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munition kits…Kenney said he would soon begin outreach on JINSA’s paper “A Day 1 Priority: Strategy for the Next Administration to Prevent a Nuclear Iran,” which it released just before Congress’s holiday recess last month. “

Members’ plans/priorities for 119th Congress

2. Letters

  • (ICC MUST EXEMPT ISRAEL FROM ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER INTL LAW) 1/9/25: Letter led by Vindman (D-VA) and Schneider (D-IL), arguing that the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant, “severely undermines the principles of justice and threatens to politicize the Court’s critical mission to prosecute the world’s most egregious crimes.” It goes on to argue that the the ICC should not act with respect to Israel because “Israel is a democracy governed by the rule of law, with an independent judiciary capable of addressing allegations of misconduct.” It also asserts that the decision to issue these warrants “diverts attention and resources from prosecuting genuine war criminals. It also sends a chilling message to democracies combating terrorism, potentially endangering broader international cooperation.” The signers “strongly” urge the ICC “to reconsider these arrest warrants, refocus its efforts on clear cases of atrocity crimes, and uphold the integrity of its mandate.” The letter is signed by a total of 42 House Democrats, some of whom voted “yes” on HR 23, some of whom voted “no” and some of wome did not vote. See: letter text; Brown (D-OH) press release.
  • (PREVENT EXTRADITION OF POET TO UAE) 1/7/25: Letter to Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) signed by a long list of civil society groups  Joint Letter Calls for Urgent Congressional Action to Prevent Extradition of Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi
  • (QUESTIONS ABOUT SECDEF NOMINEE) 1/6/25: Warren (D-MA) Letter to Pete Hegseth, Secretary-Designate, U.S. Department of Defense [includes: “How we engage our allies matters and is critical to our national security, and your degrading views toward Muslims threaten to undermine our relationships with allies and partners and our efforts to stabilize the Middle East, protect Israel, and fight terrorism.”]
  • (IRAN & RUSSIA INTERFERENCE IN US ELEX) 1/3/25 Keating (D-MA): X-post – “In December, @POTUS announced sanctions on Russia & Iran for attempted interference in our elections. Today, I wrote to the President urging him to declassify info about these sanctions to enable the American people to better counter the effects of this threat to our democracy.” [letter text]
  • (NGO’S WARN CONGRESS AGAINST TARGETING THE ICC) 1/3/25: NGO Letter to Congress and the Incoming Presidential Administration Regarding US Sanctions on the ICC

3. Hearings

Confirmation-hearings-palooza!

4. Selected Members on the Record

Concern for Palestinians

  • Doggett (D-TX) 1/9/25: X-post – “Ten days after Trump takes office, Israeli legislation banning @UNRWA may greatly accelerate the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. While insisting that there will be “hell to pay” if hostages are not released, Trump seems to have no plan for the hell that will follow if millions of Palestinians are abandoned to starve.“
  • Quigley (D-IL) 1/9/25: Quigley Statement on Establishing an Arab-led Peacekeeping Force in Gaza to Ensure Food and Medical Aid [“I am calling for the immediate establishment of a peacekeeping force, composed of Arab states, to help restore order in the Gaza Strip. It is imperative that this brutal war comes to an end so the remaining hostages are released. But we cannot wait until this war ends for humanitarian aid to be widely distributed in Gaza. A peacekeeping force is the only way for this aid to enter and reach the people who desperately need it. The global community must work with Israeli and Arab governments to stem the violence in the region and work towards a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis.”]
  • McCollum (D-MN) 1/8/25: X-post – “As Israel prepares to ban UNRWA from operating within its borders, the United States must exert its leadership in the UN to ensure that vulnerable Palestinians are provided for.“

Standing With Israel; Hating On Palestinians & Anyone Who Supports Them

  • Blackburn (R-TN) 1/9/25: X-post – “It is indisputable that there is a direct link between UNRWA and Palestinian terror organizations, including Hamas. We must shut down UNRWA.” Also see AIPAC X-post responding to Blackburn, “UNRWA is beyond repair. Thank you @MarshaBlackburn for your leadership.“
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 1/8/25: X-post – “Zero dopes have shown up at my home or office, or blocked a road to chant and protest over an actual genocide in Sudan. South Africa engaged the ICJ over Gaza, but not for an actual genocide on their own continent? Why is that?” [Note: the majority of responses to Fetterman’s post boil down to: “because the US is not funding/supporting/defending/enabling genocide in Gaza”]
  • Self (R-TX) 1/8/25: X-post– ““An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.” – Winston Churchill   Surrender will not bring peace. Yet that’s the Biden Administration’s mandate for Israel (see their response to my letter condemning the UN’s anti-Israel disposition). The Trump Administration cannot come soon enough.” With pic of letter to Self from the US ambassador to the UN, with the following section highlighted – “There is no other path that guarantees Israel’s security and future as a democratic Jewish state and that Palestinians can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own…“]
  • McCaul (R-TX) 1/8/25: X-post – “Today I had the honor of meeting with Noa Argamani and Leat Ruben Unger. Noa was taken captive by Hamas terrorists during the Re’im music festival massacre on October 7, 2023. She was rescued after 245 days, but Hamas continues to hold her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, in captivity. And Leat’s cousin Omer was murdered on October 7 by Hamas terrorists, who continue to hold his remains hostage in Gaza. These souls have suffered more at the hands of Hamas than anyone should ever have to suffer. My thoughts and prayers are with them every day. We also learned today that two more Israeli hostages were killed in captivity. My heart goes out to their loved ones who have no doubt been praying for their safe return. President Trump has made clear there will be hell to pay if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages now — and I stand with him unequivocally. Every hostage must be returned home immediately and unconditionally.“
  • Rosen (D-NV) 1/8/25: Rosen Meets with Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Elise Stefanik [“‘Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to discuss her nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and how she plans to support our allies and stand up to our adversaries in this international body,’ said Senator Rosen. ‘We also discussed the United Nations’ anti-Israel bias, and how she plans to push back on politically-motivated actions against our democratic ally. I look forward to working with her in this role to support American diplomacy around the world and strengthen our national security.’”]
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee (GOP) 1/7/25: Risch Assumes Chairmanship of Senate Foreign Relations Committee [“…Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, fights a multi-front war against Iran and our common adversaries following a brutal and unprovoked attack. The Biden Administration failed to properly support Israel in its self defense and efforts to eradicate Hamas, which has only prolonged the terrible situation in Israel and Gaza.”]
  • House Appropriators (GOP) 1/6/25: Cole, Rutherford, Alford: U.S. Must Remain in Lockstep with Israel and Regional Allies Against Evil [op-ed published in Times of Israel, where it has the headline, Israel is fighting for its existence – US support must remain ironclad]
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 1/4/25: X-post – “Without conditions. Whatever Israel needs to defend against and dismantle its enemies.” Linked to Wall Street Journal headline, “U.S. Plans $8 Billion Sale of Arms, Including Bombs, to Israel”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 1/4/25: X-post – “The end of UNRWA cannot come soon enough.”
  • Ciscomani (R-AZ) 1/3/25: US aid to Israel must be Congress’s top priority

The Face of the New House Foreign Affairs Committee GOP Majority

  • 1/8/25: Chairman Mast Announces House Foreign Affairs Committee Vice Chairman and Subcommittee Chairmen [“Subcommittee on the Middle East & North Africa: Rep. Michael Lawler (NY-17)”]; Lawler on X 1/9/25: “It is an honor to have been named Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. I look forward to strengthening our relationship with Israel, standing up to Iran and its proxies, and reducing Chinese and Russian influence in the region.“
  • X-post 1/8/25: “President Trump takes office in 13 days. Time is running out for Hamas and anyone else holding Americans hostage to release them before the adults are back in charge of American foreign policy.“
  • X-post 1/7/25: “America may not recognize the ICC, but they sure as hell will recognize what happens when you target America or its allies.“
  • X-post 1/5/25: “What does Blinken think Hamas did when Joe Biden criticized Israel and decided to withhold weapons?” [linked to pic of JPost headline, “Blinken: When Hamas saw pressure on Israel, it backtracked from hostage deal]
  • X-post 1/5/25: “Antony Blinken just admitted that ANTISEMITIC college protesters, UN dopes, and the International Criminal Court, have given Hamas a morale boost and prevented it from surrendering.” [linked to clip of interview]

Raging at European Official for Daring to Defend the ICC & Criticize Israel

  • Wicker (R-MS) 1/4/25: X-thread – “It is breathtaking that the Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, who is supposed to stand for the protection of the free world, would criticize a liberal democracy that dares to protect itself. (1/2) The choice to lambast Israel for its conduct rather than Iran and its proxies is in direct contradiction of the spirit of the Conference. Now more than ever, we should stand with the Jewish state. I expect the MSC to halt this shameful rhetoric“
  • Graham (R-SC) 1/3/25: X-post – “The statement by the chairman of the Munich Security Conference is beyond disturbing at so many levels. The ICC’s actions against Israel have been led by a corrupt prosecutor, and the court violated the Rome statute by failing to consult with Israel and has shown an extreme anti-Israel bias. In the case of Israel, the ICC truly has become a kangaroo court. This statement very much puts the future of the Munich Security Conference in jeopardy in the eyes of many members of Congress. What has been one of the premier national security events of the year has been diminished and is now very much in doubt. I hope corrections will follow.“

Targeting Academia & Right to Protest

Remembering Happy Days of the 1st Trump Admin & Cheering Trump’s Return!

  • McCaul (R-TX) 1/7/25: X-post – “The Iranian regime is right to fear President-elect Trump. His maximum pressure policies bled them nearly dry in 2020 — and he’s prepared to do it again. The U.S. will once again stand up to the regime, protect American interests, and ensure no one messes with our ally, Israel.“
  • HFAC X-post 1/4/25: “Five years ago, President Trump showed how a true commander-in-chief responds to terrorists by blowing up Qasem Soleimani into five separate pieces.“
  • Guest (R-MS) 1/4/25: X-post – “5 years ago, we learned of the successful military operation that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. President Trump’s bold action to take out a known terrorist made the Middle East safer. Thank you, Trump, for making the safety of our citizens and troops your top priority.”
  • Senate GOP 1/3/25: X-post – “Five years ago, President Trump made us safer by taking out Iran’s terrorist mastermind Qassem Soleimani. @SenateDems —including @SenSchumer—put politics ahead of national security, and attacked President Trump. Democrats were wrong. President Trump was right.“
  • Collins (R-GA) 1/3/25: X-post – “On #ThisDayInHistory in 2020, U.S. forces killed Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian general, in a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, which is considered a terrorist organization. The attack also killed several others, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a key Iraqi militia leader. The strike came amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and rising attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq.”

Three Cheers for the New President of Lebanon!

An array of members spoke out in support of the new President of Lebanon expressing various hopes for peace, stability, cracking down on Hezbollah and playing nice with Israel, etc… including (in no particular order): Stanton (R-AZ), Dingell (D-MI), Meeks (D-NY), Murphy (D-CT – supporting the Biden Admin giving to Lebanon funds withheld from Egypt), LaHood (R-IL), Blumenthal (D-CT),

Other stuff

  • Beyer (D-VA) 1/7/25: X-post – “Lebanese authorities must immediately release unjustly detained poet Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi. His politically motivated apprehension is another case of Egyptian repression, and if extradited to Egypt he is at risk of torture. Lebanon should end his imprisonment at once.“
  • Greene (R-GA) 1/3/25: X-post – “Biden’s reckless foreign policy is putting America at risk. Instead of making empty threats, he should be working with Congress to hold Iran accountable and stop their nuclear ambitions. Instead, he’s fanning the flames of war days before leaving office. This is the same man who sent American tax dollars to Iran just two days into his administration. The American people are sick of it!“

5. Selected Media

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

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING THE ICC) Today (1/3/25) at noon ET, the 119th Congress opens for business. In terms of legislation, one of the first items of business in the House (following the swearing in of members and election of the Speaker – the latter task looking, as of this writing, as if it may involve some drama and some time), the House will vote on a resolution, H. Res. XXX, “Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, and for other purposes.” sponsored by House Majority Leader Scalise (R-LA). Notably, H. Res. XXX includes a list of resolutions and bills [all of which were previously introduced in the 118th Congress that will be immediately brought to the House floor for a vote, with no amendments permitted and allowing only one hour for debate (note: H. Res. XXX leaves the bill numbers unspecified, since they cannot be re-introduced until the 119th Congress is formally opened). That list includes, “The bill (H.R. ___) to impose sanctions with respect to the International Criminal Court engaged in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies.” Also see:

  • Massie (R-KY) 1/1/25: X-post – “The United States is a sovereign country, so I don’t assign any credibility to decisions of the International Criminal Court. But how did a bill to protect Netanyahu make it into the House rules package to be voted on immediately after the Speaker vote? Where are our priorities?!“
  • Common Dreams 1/1/25: House GOP Tries to Protect Netanyahu From ICC With Rules Package
  • Haaretz 1/2/25: What Do Netanyahu and the ICC Have to Do With the Vote on U.S. House Speaker? [“The latest GOP clashes portend just how divisive foreign policy will be among the Republican Party, as isolationists and neoconservatives battle to define the incoming Trump administration’s goals“]
  • Jewish Insider 1/3/25: Excerpt from Daily Kickoff – “Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who has led the Senate effort to sanction the court, would be supportive of either congressional or executive action on the issue, a source familiar with the matter told JI. Still, he plans to move ahead with reintroducing the legislation again.”

2. Letters

None.

3. Hearings

Expect confirmation hearings starting soon….

4. Selected Members on the Record

Support for Israel and the 119th Congress

  • Senate Democrats 1/2/25: Leader Schumer Announces New Senate Democratic Committee Assignments [X-post from Marc Rod/Jewish Insider 1/2/25: “Sen. Jacky Rosen is joining the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a notable addition given that she’s one of the Democrats’ strongest pro-Israel voices.”]
  • Rosen (D-NV) 1/2/25: X-post – “At a time when America’s adversaries are looking to destabilize our global leadership, I’m joining @SFRCdems to be a strong voice to strengthen our national security. I’ll also make sure our commitment to supporting our democratic ally Israel remains unwavering & unconditional.“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 12/22/24: X-post – “@RepBrianMast is a staunch supporter of our ally Israel, a tireless advocate for Donald Trump’s peace-through-strength agenda, and a proven leader in standing up to our adversaries. Under his leadership, @HouseForeignGOP will champion a foreign policy rooted in an America First agenda!”

Targeting Academia

Continued Total Support for Anything/Everything Israel Does in Gaza, Demand Same From Everyone

  • Auchincloss (D-MA) 12/29/24: X-post – “Once again, Israel & Hamas are negotiating in earnest. And once again, the left is calling for more pressure to be put on Israel. These negotiations are advancing precisely because the United States has supported Israel, rather than undermined it. The pressure belongs on Hamas.” [with video clip]
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 12/26/24: X-post – “After the atrocity of 10/7, Israel rightly adapted to rescue hostages, destroy Hamas’ capabilities and kill its leadership. This difficult choice created an opportunity for regional peace for generations—an opportunity I welcome and fully support.” [with pic of NYT headline reading, “Israel Loosened Its Rules to Bomb Hamas Fighters, Killing Many More Civilians” – not including the sub-headline, “Surprised by Oct. 7 and fearful of another attack, Israel weakened safeguards meant to protect noncombatants, allowing officers to endanger up to 20 people in each airstrike. One of the deadliest bombardments of the 21st century followed.“]
  • Pallone (D-NJ) 12/23/24: X-post – “Turkey has consistently failed to be a reliable American ally. Erdogan has repeatedly turned his back on us while destabilizing the Middle East and the Caucasus. Now, he is attacking our Kurdish partners in Northern Syria and threatening our ally, Israel.“
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 12/20/24: X-post – “The Houthis are an Iranian-backed proxy who continue to attack the U.S. and our allies. Israel has the right to defend herself from terrorists that seek her destruction.“

Time for War with Iran!

  • Moskowitz (D-FL) 12/23/24: X-post – “If Iran doesn’t immediately end their program President Trump should take out the facilities in order to protect the people of the Middle East and the world” [with pic including headline “Iran could build a nuclear weapon Trump told by White House”]

Maybe not total support for everything Israel does…

  • Welch (D-VT) 12/23/24: X-post – “The Leahy Law must be applied to all countries, including Israel. Units of foreign security forces that violate human rights with impunity aren’t eligible for U.S. aid. That’s the law.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 12/22/24: X-post – “Kamal Adwan Hospital -one of the last standing medical centers serving northern Gaza- has been under attack for months. Under international law, hospitals must never be targets. The rules are simple. Israel should not be exempt from following them. Stop the attack!“

5. Selected Media

Support for Israel

Time for War with Iran!

  • Jewish Insider 1/3/25: Risch dismisses need for striking Iranian nuclear facilities amid GOP deterrence push [“The incoming Foreign Relations Committee chairman suggested taking out the nuclear program would be unnecessary, but later clarified he’d back the U.S. or Israel striking nuclear facilities”]
  • The Free Press 1/1/25: What Will Trump Do About Iran? [“On one side are people like Republican Senator James Risch of Idaho. ‘I don’t think we need to finish [Iran] off. They’re finishing themselves off,’ the incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee told The Free Press in an exclusive interview. ‘They talk about it, but where’s the nuclear weapon? They could have had one a long time ago. . . . I think they are deterred,’ Senator Risch added.“]

Diminishing Support for Israel in Congress?

Accusing Dems of Being Soft on Antisemitism, Bad on Israel

Free Speech/Right to Protest (Defending and targeting)

Other stuff

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. House GOP Goes All-In on Targeting Israel Protest/Speech on Campus
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

  • 12/17/24: Eyewitness to Israel’s Intentionally Created Health Apocalypse in Gaza, ft. MEP President Lara Friedman speaking with Dr. Tammy Abughnaim, an American physician who has been to Gaza twice since 10/7/23, serving as a humanitarian physician and has worked at Al-Aqsa Hospital and Nasser Medical Complex; and Dr. Yara Asi, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics, and visiting scholar at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University.
  • 12/17/24: Can Syria Rebuild? ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart and Maha Yahya, Director of the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, discuss the new developments in Syria.
  • 12/16/24: Connecting the Bullets: Guns on the Kitchen Table to Organized Crime to Crimes Against Humanity, ft. FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaking with attorney and activist Meisa Irshaid, activist and author Rela Mazali, and Professor Jonathan Metzl about the proliferation of guns in civilian spaces in Israel/Palestine.

1. Bills & Resolutions

New legislation

  • (ENHANCE US-ISRAEL COOPERATION ON TUNNELS) S. 5562: Introduced 12/17/24 by Peters (D-MI) and Budd (R-NC), “A bill to modify United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  • (LEBANON DEMOCRACY) S.5574: Introduced 12/17/24 by Cardin (D-MD), Shaheen (D-ND), and Reed (D-RI), “A bill to support Lebanon’s rule of law and democratic institutions through sanctions, grants, and scholarships, and for other purposes.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  • (WE *HEART* THE ISRAELI AMBASSADOR) S. Res. 931: Introduced 12/17/24 by Graham (R-SC) and Blumenthal (D-CT), “A resolution recognizing the exceptional service of Ambassador Michael Herzog during his tenure as Ambassador of Israel to the United States.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Updates on Pending Bills

  • (TARGETING IRAN ACTIONS IN THE US) S. 5398 [one-pager on the bill]: Introduced 11/21/24 in the Senate by Hassan (D-NH) “To authorize sentencing enhancements for certain criminal offenses directed by or coordinated with foreign governments,” aka the “Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act (DETERRENCE Act).” PASSED by the Senate 12/17/24 without amendment by Voice Vote.

Continuing Resolution

(FY25 CONTINUING RESOLUTION) HR 10455: On 12/17/24, Rep. Cole (R-OK) introduced the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025.” This is a bill to keep the government open in the absence of passage of regular appropriations bills this year. Notably, HR 10455 included lots of provisions that had nothing to do with keeping the government open (as often happens with must-pass bills), including three provisions related to Israel and the Middle East (below). NOTE: Following opposition from Elon Musk and president-elect Trump, the CR was dead-on-arrival in the House (as was a follow-up “clean” 3-month CR introduced 12/19/24 which met all of Trump’s demands, but was opposed both by Democrats and 38 Republicans). As of this writing it appears highly likely that the House will be unable to pass any CR, meaning the government will shut down at 12:01AM tomorrow morning.

  • Section 304:”Reports on Foreign Boycotts of Israel.”  Requires a report to Congress “on foreign boycotts described in section 1773(a) of the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4842(a)) targeted at the State of Israel” including “the steps taken by the Secretary of Commerce to enforce the provisions of the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4841 et seq.) with respect to such boycotts…“ NOTE: This section of law is NOT about targeting BDS or boycotts of settlements. This longstanding law is focused on the Arab League Boycott of Israel, with the law applying to “any boycott fostered or imposed by any foreign country“. This is the section of law that some in Congress have sought (unsuccessfully) to expand to include boycotts of Israel and/or settlements — in effect seeking to cynically conflate a COERCIVE boycott (as in, a foreign state compelling a person/company tp boycott Israel as condition for doing business) with the personal, values-based decision of an individual, not compelled or coerced by any outside party or force.
  • Section 306: “Ten-year statute of limitations for export control and anti- boycott violations.” [amending Section 1760 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4819) to add a 10-year statute of limitation on any “action, suit, or proceeding for the enforcement of any civil fine, penalty, or forfeiture, pecuniary or otherwise, under this section“, such that “No person may be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense” under this Act “unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within the 10-year period beginning on the latest date of the violation upon which the indictment or information is based…” [note: this is just an excerpt of the full section]
  • Section 811: “Establishment of Abraham Accords Office within Food and Drug Administration.” NOTE: This section has its own subtitle in the bill — “Subtitle B–United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security“,  requiring the Secretary of FDA to “establish within the Food and Drug Administration an office, to be known as the Abraham Accords Office, to be headed by a director.” This subtitle also requires that “Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall– (1) in consultation with the governments of Abraham  Accords countries, as well as appropriate United States Government diplomatic and security personnel- -(A) select the location of the Abraham Accords Office in an Abraham Accords country; and (B) establish such office; and (2) assign to such office such personnel of the Food and Drug Administration as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the functions of such office.” The duties of that office are also laid out in detail, including to “provide technical assistance to regulatory partners in Abraham Accords countries on strengthening regulatory oversight and converging regulatory requirements for the oversight of regulated products, including good manufacturing practices and other issues relevant to manufacturing medical products that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration“; to “facilitate interactions between the Food and Drug Administration and interested parties in Abraham Accords countries, including by sharing relevant information regarding United States regulatory pathways with such parties, and facilitate feedback on the research, development, and manufacturing of products regulated in accordance with this Act“; and to “carry out other functions and activities as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section.” It also requires a report to Congress on the Abraham Accords Office.

The FY25 NDAA

On 12/18/24, the Senate passed HR 5009 — the FY25 NDAA+ — by a vote of 85-14 (one not voting), paving the way for it to be sent to the President to be signed into law. For full details of many, many provisions in the bill related to Israel and the Middle East, see last week’s edition of the Round-Up.  Also see:

  • Ernst (R-IA) 12/19/24: Ernst Builds Upon Trump’s Successful Abraham Accords in Defense Bill [“ Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, secured three provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to strengthen the partnership among the Accords nations”]
  • AIPAC X-post 12/18/24: “AIPAC commends Congress for including critical pro-Israel provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The importance of these provisions is underscored by Israel’s current fight against aggression from Iran and its terrorist proxies. Importantly, the bipartisan defense measure authorizes $500 million in FY 2025 for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation. This includes funds for Israeli procurement of Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, and for bilateral research, development, testing and evaluation. Other key provisions include: Increases and expands authorization of the U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperative program to $80 million per year (a $30 million increase over FY24). Authorizes $47.5 million for new U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging defense technologies including directed energy, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum. Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) and CENTCOM to assess and improve cooperation on space and satellite security capabilities with Israel and other Middle East security partners – the STARS Act. Requires DoD to consider the feasibility and advisability of including Israel in the National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB). Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency to provide the Government of Israel defense intelligence, advice, and support to the extent practicable, and consistent with United States objectives, to support Israel’s pursuit of the lasting defeat of Hamas, and to assist Israel in either capturing or killing senior Hamas officials. Establishes a new education and training program known as the “United States and Israel Trauma and Amputee Rehabilitation Education and Training Program.” 

2. Letters

3. House GOP Goes All-In on Targeting Israel Protest/Speech on Campus

On 12/19/24, following months of show hearings ostensibly focused on concerns about antisemitism, especially on campus — hearings that in fact were clearly targeted against free speech/protest for Palestinian lives/rights, and more broadly against all things House Republicans associate with “woke” and “liberal” academia —  House Republican leaders issued a report: Speaker Johnson, Committee Chairs Release Investigative Report Following House-Wide Effort to Combat Antisemitism. Full report text is here (truly worth reading in full).

As one could have predicted, the report finds (among other things) that universities are guilty of failing to prevent, stop, or punish antisemitism. The report recommends (among other things): “Universities Must Recognize That Discrimination Against ‘Zionists’ is an Unacceptable Antisemitic Civil Rights Violation: Universities should make clear that discrimination against Zionists is an unacceptable violation of their conduct policies and must prevent hostile environments created by discrimination against ‘Zionists.’ Campus Jewish communities are often targeted through antisemitic discrimination and harassment on the purported basis of being ‘Zionists.’ While criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic, hatred against ‘Zionists’ is. Anti-Zionism has been recognized as a form of antisemitism by major Jewish organizations and a bipartisan vote of the U.S. House of Representatives.”

In terms of legal follow-up (and underscoring the degree to which “fighting antisemitism” is being used as pretext for a much broader assault on academia in general, the report demands (among other things) that universities “Increase Academic Rigor and Viewpoint Diversity,” claiming that “Universities that take billions in taxpayer dollars have been captured by radical faculties.” And foreshadowing what’s to come in the next Congress, the report calls on Congress to (a) “Pass Legislation Removing Title IV Eligibility from Any University That Boycotts or Divests From Israel“; (b) “Pass the DETERRENT Act” [targeting foreign funding in US academia]; and (c) “Pass the College Cost Reduction Act” [targeting endowments] – stating ” By ending the stream of subsidies for radicalism and holding schools accountable for their graduates’ success, colleges will need to focus less on ‘woke’ initiatives and more on ensuring students have access to an affordable education and a well-paying job after they graduate“. Also see: Harvard Crimson 12/19/24: House Republicans Threaten Funding Cuts, Endowment Tax After Yearlong Antisemitism Probe

Media reports (mainly stenography of House press release & report, accompanied in some cases by celebratory quotes from legacy Jewish organizational leaders):

Giddy US legacy Jewish organizational leadership response:

4. Selected Members on the Record

American Killed by Israel (not the IDF soldier – the peace activist, aka, the one the Biden Admin doesn’t care about)

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 12/20/24: Jayapal, Smith, Murray Call for U.S. Led Investigation Into the Death of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/17/24: X-post – “.@POTUS has shown us that there are no red lines when it comes to the Israeli government. Multiple Americans have been targeted and shot by Israeli forces under his Administration. Ayşenur and her family deserve justice. We demand an independent investigation into her murder.
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/17/24: X-post: “@POTUS said, “If you harm an American, we will respond.” But he has made it clear that when it comes to the Israeli government murdering Americans, nothing will be done. I joined Ayşenur’s family at the White House to honor her life and demand an independent investigation.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/17/24: X-post – “.@POTUS has shown us that there are no red lines when it comes to the Israeli government. Multiple Americans have been targeted and shot by Israeli forces under his Administration. Ayşenur and her family deserve justice. We demand an independent investigation into her murder.“

Genocide in Gaza (for and against)

  • Ramirez (D-IL) 12/17/24: X-post – “Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi – a Turkish American peace observer – was killed by the Israeli military. We are still waiting for information and accountability. I stood with Eygi’s family, colleagues, & advocates to urge our government to seek justice for her and for all the Americans and Palestinians killed in Israel’s campaign of collective punishment.“
  • Crenshaw (R-XX) 12/17/24: X-post – “Hamas doesn’t fight fair. They hide behind civilians, building tunnels under hospitals, schools, and homes, knowing full well Israel’s rules of engagement will hold them back. John Spencer (@SpencerGuard), Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, breaks it down: when armies can’t use precision strikes, wars become longer, bloodier, and deadlier. Just look at Stalingrad, where a single building became a months-long fight. Gaza is no different—this is what happens when terrorists exploit humanity’s moral restraint. John joined me to cut through the myths about urban combat and explain the realities unfolding in Ukraine, Syria, and Gaza. We also look ahead: what would a Chinese invasion of Taiwan look like? How do we combat cartels on our southern border? These are the hard questions we have to confront if we want to win wars and protect civilians…“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/16/24: X-post – “Silence. This is what we will continue to get from our country as the gruesome genocide in Gaza continues. Members of Congress own stock in war manufacturing, so the more bombs they authorize to be sent, they gain financially. It’s all so sick.”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/16/24: X-post – “The images of Palestinians being burned alive, children carrying dead children, and the human suffering in Gaza are unbearable. Our country is funding and supporting this genocide. It’s disgusting. The inaction of @POTUS and his administration will be remembered in the world.”
  • Higgins (R-LA) 12/16/24: X-post – “The Israeli military says Hamas uses hospitals for its military operations. Hamas denies using hospitals as cover. CNN cannot independently verify either claim.” CNN may as well also report that they cannot verify the claim that cigarette smoking causes cancer. The entire world knows that Hamas uses human shields, hospital shields and subterranean bases. CNN is fake news.”
  • Sherman (D-CA) 12/16/24: X-post – “Hamas is responsible for much needless Palestinian civilian death resulting from its operations out of densely populated civilian areas, incl. schools and hospitals. Were it not for Hamas, Gaza could have prospered for the last two decades following #Israel’s 2005 disengagement.”

Israeli hostages in Gaza

  • Gimenez (R-FL) 12/18/24: X-post – “President Trump means what he says. All hostages must be immediately released — OR ELSE! As a lifelong ally of the Jewish people & the Jewish State of #Israel, I’m proud to stand with the families of victims & survivors of the ruthless Oct.7 massacre. Am Yisrael Chai!“
  • Barragán (D-CA) 12/17/24: X-post – “For over a year, the Israel-Hamas War has led to the loss of many innocent lives and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.    We must secure a ceasefire that leads to the release of all hostages, a surge of humanitarian assistance, and an end to this violence.“
  • Mace (R-SC) 12/17/24: Rep. Nancy Mace Stands With Israel, Calls on Hamas to Free Hostages
  • Scott (R-SC) 12/16/24: X-post – “Every waking moment, the people of Israel are haunted by the fact that men, women and children have been held hostage by Iran-backed Hamas for 437 days. These people are innocent. This must end! Bring them home!!”

Attacking the Irish

  • Cramer (R-ND) 12/18/24: X-post – “The United States and all friends of Israel will remember this ‘regrettable’ false equivalence by Ireland. Pro-peace you say? The 1,200 senselessly murdered and countless others who were raped and kidnapped would say otherwise? Pro-human rights? Hundreds of Jewish hostages would see it differently. Pro-international law? International law didn’t bring Hamas terrorists to justice, Israel did. It takes a lot of nerve for a country neutral during WWII to now lecture the world on human rights.” [in response to X-post from the Irish Prime Minister]

Other stuff

  • Ritchie (D-NY) 12/19/24: X-post – “The Assad regime in Syria, sponsored by the Islamic Republic, ran a ‘machinery of death’ that systematically tortured and murdered more than a 100k people. Yet the international community has shown nothing approaching the moral outrage that it reserves for Israel. The international outrage machine runs on an Anti-Zionist algorithm: ‘No Jews, No News.’“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/19/24: X-post – “The Syrian people deserve peace and self-determination. Turkey and Israel must stop using this moment of political upheaval to carry out violent land grabs and illegal occupation of Syrian territory. The US must stand firmly against this illegal expansionism.“
  • Latta (R-OH) 12/18/24: X-post – “I was honored to attend the second ever menorah lighting in the U.S. Capitol this evening. This particular menorah is made of shrapnel from rockets shot down by the Israel Defense Forces and smelted together by an Israeli artisan. ‘They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.’ — Isaiah 2:4“
  • Hagerty (R-TN) 12/18/24: X-post – “The Biden Admin taking credit for Iran’s current weakness after 4 years of appeasement is delusional & absurd. Iran has been weakened because Israel consistently refused to cave to Biden Admin pressure to spare Iran’s proxies & to ‘take wins’ rather than actually weakening Iran.”
  • Dunn (R-FL) 12/18/24: X-post – “Big thanks to representatives from @AJCGlobal for joining me in DC today! Under President Trump, the US will continue to be a strong ally to Israel and the global Jewish community in their struggle for lasting peace and security. I stand with Israel now and always!“
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 12/18/24: X-post – “Netanyahu promises Israel isn’t bombing area where Austin Tice may be located” linked to article
  • Thendar (D-MI) 12/17/24: Rep. Thanedar Urges Firm U.S. Response to Iran’s Escalating Aggression
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 12/16/24: X-post – “How Israel Turned the Mideast Around: Barton Swaim interviews @AmbDermer” [linked to Wall Street Journal article that is so outrageous and offensive that I am not even going to include an excerpt]

5. Selected Media

Hanukkah – a Celebration of Netanyahu & Israel!

  • Jewish News Syndicate 12/17/24: House, Senate leaders host second annual Capitol menorah-lighting [excerpt speech by Johnson, R-LA – “As Prime Minister Netanyahu reminds us often, the battle for Israel’s existence is truly a battle between light and darkness. It’s a battle between civilization versus barbarism, good versus evil...”

Lawsuit Against Members of Congress Over Gaza War Suppport

Congress & Alleged Antisemitism in Medical Care

Other Stuff

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

New:

  • New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast, How and Why South Africans Care About Palestinians, ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with writer and editor William Shoki about the history of South Africa and Israel, how South Africa’s government sees its global role, and how South Africans think about Israel/Palestine in comparison to post-apartheid South Africa.
  • Vox 12/10/24: The Supreme Court wades into the Israel-Palestine conflict [“…any issue involving Israel and Palestine inflames passions among US policymakers. So the same sympathy for the Fuld plaintiffs that inspired Congress to enact the 2019 law could also shape the justices’ decision. But a decision in favor of the Fuld plaintiffs could have sweeping implications that stretch far beyond the fraught politics of Israel and Palestine — and that potentially leave all Americans vulnerable to lawsuits before hostile judges.“]
  • Congressional Research Service report to Congress 12/9/24: Syria: Regime Change, Transition, and U.S.Policy

1. Bills & Resolutions

New legislation

  • (TARGETING WEST BANK SETTLER TERRORISTS) HR 10343/S. 5467 [bill text]: Introduced 12/10/24 in the House by Lee (D-PA) and 9 Democratic cosponsors, and in the Senate by Welch (D-VT) and 5 cosponsors (4 Democrats and 1 Independent). “A bill to codify Executive Order 14115 imposing certain sanctions on persons undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank,” aka, the “Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS).” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary, and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Welch Introduces Bicameral Bill to Codify Biden-Era Executive Order on West Bank Sanctions; Rep. Summer Lee and Senator Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Codify U.S. Sanctions Against Persons Enacting Violence in West Bank
  • (SPACE/SATELLITE SECURITY FOR ISRAEL & FRIENDS) HR 10353: Introduced 12/11/24 by Bacon (R-NE), “To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct an assessment of space and satellite security relating to ally and partner countries in the Middle East.” Referred to the  Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services.
  • (NAKED TRANSACTIONALISM AS BIPARTISAN US MIDEAST POLICY) S. 5517: Introduced 12/12/24 by Budd (R-NC) and Hassan (D-NH, “to provide for the establishment, within the Food and Drug Administration, of an Abraham Accords Office to promote and facilitate cooperation between the Food and Drug Administration and entities in Abraham Accords countries wishing to work with the agency in order to develop and sell products in the United States, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Updates on Pending Bills

  • Antisemitism Awareness Act, aka HR 6090 / S. 4127 (covered in detail in past Round-Ups)

    • No luck attaching it to the NDAA: Jewish Insider 12/9/24: Schumer’s bid to add Antisemitism Awareness Act to NDAA defense bill fails [“The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act was released Saturday evening, without the antisemitism bill, following opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson“]; The College Fix 10/10/24: Bill to combat campus antisemitism stalled in Senate
    • ADL laments not attaching the AAA to the NDAA: Anti-Defamation League 12/9/24 X-post – “We’re disappointed to see the Antisemitism Awareness Act fail to move forward. As ADL’s Lauren Wolman said, “Combatting antisemitism is not and cannot be allowed to become a partisan issue.” We urge Congressional leaders to pass this important legislation quickly.“
    • New idea: add it to the Continuing Resolution! Jewish Insider reports that, having failed at adding the AAA to the NDAA, Schumer is not looking to attach it to the upcoming Continuing Resolution. The CR is another piece of must-pass legislation; given the inability of Congress to pass appropriations bills (which provide funding for government operations), a CR is required to prevent a government shut-down. It is not clear why Schumer thinks this tactic would succeed, given Johnson’s clear insistence on a Senate vote on the AAA in isolation — a demand that in effect allows Johnson and friends to dunk on Democrats for failing to pass the bill, while also enabling them to avoid dealing with the fact that a large part of the US right – across the spectrum from mainstream- to far-right – have deep reservations about (or strongly oppose) the AAA.  For example see: Jewish Insider 12/10/24: Trump DOJ civil rights pick blasted campus protests, opposed Antisemitism Awareness Act [“‘I have been a First Amendment and religious liberties lawyer for minority and majority faith communities for decades and this bill is knee-jerk anti-constitutional dreck,’ Dhillon said. ‘Do better, think harder, and be smarter, Congress. ‘Hate speech’ laws are a liberal concept.’”]
    • ADL Still Pushing Stealth passage of AAA by Attaching it to the CR: Demonstrating that they are not letting up on their campaign to have Congress pass the AAA, on 12/11/24, the Anti-Defamation League posted on action alert to followers on X: “Time is running out. If Congress doesn’t act before Dec 20th, the Countering Antisemitism & Antisemitism Awareness Acts must be reintroduced in the next Congress.   Urge @SpeakerJohnson & @SenSchumer to attach these bills to the Continuing Resolution that funds the US Government.” Center for National Policy’s Dylan Williams commented on the ADL’s post, noting (accurately – as if facts actually matter): “Nope. Much of the US Jewish community opposes the ‘Antisemitism Awareness Act’ because it targets Constitutionally-protected criticism of Israel instead of actual antisemitism. Trying to sneak it through in the bill to keep the government funded shows just how problematic it is.“
    • Conference of Presidents CEO William Daroff in Times of Israel 12/12/24: Pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act ‘”American Jews –and decent Americans of all faiths — demand Congress do the right thing: pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act before the current congressional term ends.” [In fact, lots of Americans, including Jewish Americans, have strong reservations about.objections to the AAA – but when did facts matter?]
  • Targeting the ICC  (HR 8282) (covered in detail in past Round-Ups)
    • Jewish Insider reports: “‘Talks are in motion about possible dealmaking, according to a source familiar with the situation, who mentioned International Criminal Court sanctions legislation — which has passed the House but is opposed by Senate Democrats and the White House — as a potential concession to the House speaker. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) told JI in a brief interview on Tuesday that he’s trying to jump-start talks on the ICC legislation, which have also been at an impasse, though he didn’t mention any linkage to the AAA…”
    • Lawfare 12/11/24: Dear Congress: If You Value National Security, Do Not Sanction the ICC

The FY25 NDAA

Over the weekend House and Senate conferees finalized a deal over the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, releasing text of a massive bill that includes he FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, Military Construction Authorizations, the Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, and the Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, along with a Joint Explanatory Statement that, among other things, lays out additional requirements lawmakers are imposing on the Executive.

This week, that compromise NDAA+ text was brought to a vote in the form of  HR 5009, the “Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.” [NOTE: HR 5009 started life as something completely different – a bill to reauthorize wildlife habitat and conservation programs, and for other purposes. As often happens in cases like this year’s NDAA+, the House re-purposed HR 5009 – in effecting amending it to delete the original contents and replace them with the text of the conference text].

  •  The House passed HR 5009 on 12/11/24 by a vote of 281 – 140. Many, many members talked about the bill’s Israel and Iran provisions — check members’ websites and social media for what a particular member may have said.
  • The Senate is expected to vote on (and pass) HR 5009 early next week.

As always. the NDAA includes numerous, and highly consequential. provisions related to Israel and the Middle East. These provisions are detailed below (and I also covered them in long threads on X — thread on bill text; thread on report language).

NOTE: As discussed above, notably absent from the bill is the extremely controversial and divisive Antisemitism Awareness Act; as tracked in the Round-Up in recent weeks, following the November elections and a months-long campaign of pressure, Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) belatedly sought to attach to the NDAA, but House leader Johnson (R-LA) blocked him (not because Johnson opposes the measure, but because he wants to force Democrats to have a roll call vote on it).

Israeli & the Middle East in the FY25 NDAA+ Bill

Israel-related funding & military supplies

  • (US Support for Israel) Section 1211. Statement of policy ensuring Israel’s defense. [“It is the policy of the United States to work with Israel to ensure adequate stocks of interceptors and weapons system components to defend Israel against air and missile threats from Iran and Iranian military proxies, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, if the transfer of such interceptors and weapons system components are in the national security interests of the United States.“]
  • ($$$$ for IRON DOME, DAVID’s SLING, ARROW) Sec. 1644. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli cooperative missile defense program co-development and co-production. [This is a long section that authorizes: (a) not more than $110 million for the Government of Israel “to procure components for the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system through co-production of such components in the United States by industry of the United States“; (b) not more than $40 million for the Government of Israel “to procure the David’s Sling Weapon System“; and (c) not more than $50 million for “the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program.”]
  • From the Funding Tables in the bill (totals approved by the House-Senate conference)
    • COMBATING TERRORISM TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT:  $154,139,000, of which $30 million is for “United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation” and $47,500,000 is for “United States-Israel defense collaboration on emerging technologies.”
    • ISRAELI COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS: $300,000,000

New Joint Israel-US military programs

  • (Joint US-Israel military exercises) Section 1213. Requirement to conduct subterranean warfare military exercises. [“Beginning on January 1 of the year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall require the United States Central Command or other relevant commands, units, or organizations of the United States military services, as the Secretary determines appropriate, to conduct military exercises that—(1) occur not fewer than once in a calendar year; (2) shall include invitations for the armed forces of Israel, provided that the Government of Israel consents to the participation of its forces in such exercises; (3) may include invitations for the armed forces of other allies and partners of the United States to take part in the exercises; (4) seek to enhance the interoperability and effectiveness of the United States military services, the armed forces of Israel, and the armed forces of other allies and partners of the United States in coalition operations; and (5) shall include, if available resources permit, the following activities—(A) practicing or simulating locating subterranean tunnel entrances and exits; (B) practicing infiltrating and mapping subterranean tunnels; (C) practicing maneuvering within subterranean tunnels of varying sizes; and (D) practicing neutralizing or demolishing subterranean tunnels.“]
  • (US-Israel partnership in “defense industrial priorities”) Section 1214. Strategic partnership on defense industrial priorities between the United States and Israel. [“The Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish a partnership between the Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of Defense and appropriate counterparts of Israel in order to— (1) enhance market opportunities for United States-based and Israeli-based defense technology companies; (2) increase interoperability through dual-use and emerging technologies; (3) counter Iran and Iran-aligned adversarial proxy group development of dual-use defense technologies; and (4) in coordination with appropriate counterpart offices of the Israeli ministry of defense–(A) enable coordination on defense industrial priorities; (B) streamline emerging defense technology research and development; (C) create more pathways to market for defense technology startups; (D) collaborate on the development of dual-use defense capabilities through coordination; and (E) leverage other private capital, equity or venture funding opportunities to augment government funds for technology deployment or scaling.”]
  • (Joint Military Trauma Education & Training) Section. 1215. Establishment of program between the United States and Israel for military trauma education and training. [“(a) IN GENERAL .—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish a joint education and training program with appropriate personnel of the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. (b) EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES .—The joint program authorized by subsection (a) may include the following activities between personnel of the United States military health system and the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces: (1) Dialogue on best practices for general trauma care, with a focus on amputation and amputee care, including the following elements of amputee care: (A) Use of prosthetics. (B) Wound care. (C) Rehabilitative therapy. (D) Family counseling. (E) Mental health therapy. (2) Training and support on trauma care, including amputation and amputee care. (3) Conducting relevant joint conferences and exchanges of military medical professionals. (4) Opportunities for personnel to attend classes offered on best practices for trauma and amputee rehabilitation. (5) Any other relevant amputee care educational activity that the Secretary of Defense and appropriate officials from the Israel Defense Forces determine appropriate.”]

Provisions explicitly related to the war on Gaza

  • (Hiding Palestinian Casualty Figures) Section  1053. Assessments of casualties and fatalities during hostilities. [“In making assessments of casualties and fatalities during hostilities, the Department of Defense may not cite as authoritative in public communications, fatality figures that are derived by United States-designated terrorist organizations, governmental entities controlled by United States-designated terrorist organizations, or any sources that rely on figures provided by United States-designated terrorist organizations.“] Also see: Congress Keeps Trying to Hide the True Gaza Death Toll [The Intercept 12/12/24]
  • (Directly Supporting – with intelligence, advice, & support –  Israel’s War on Gaza) Section 1615. Intelligence advice and Department of Defense support for Government of Israel in the defeat of Hamas. [“(a) IN GENERAL .—The Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency are authorized to continue, as directed by the President of the United States, to jointly cooperate with the Government of Israel on defense intelligence, advice, and support, to the extent practicable and consistent with United States objectives, to support Israel’s pursuit of the lasting defeat of Hamas. (b) BRIEFING .—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate a briefing on the intelligence, advice, and support provided to assist the Government of Israel in achieving the objectives described in subsection (a).”]
  • (No $$ for *defunct* Gaza pier) Section 1708. Prohibition on use of funds for temporary pier in Gaza. [“None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be made available for the acquisition, construction, installation, maintenance, or restoration of a temporary pier located in Gaza or off the western coast of Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea, or for the deployment of any equipment to Gaza relating to such a pier.”]
  • (Lessons learned from Israel’s war on Gaza) Section 6433. Assessment of the lessons learned by the intelligence community with respect to the Israel-Hamas war. [“...not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with such other heads of elements of the intelligence community as the Director considers appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a written assessment of the lessons learned from the Israel-Hamas war. (2) ELEMENTS .—The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Lessons learned from advances in warfare, including the use by adversaries of a complex tunnel network. (B) Lessons learned from attacks by adversaries against maritime shipping routes in the Red Sea. (C) Lessons learned from the use by adversaries of rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial systems, including attacks by Iran. (D) Analysis of the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on the global security environment, including the war in Ukraine…(c) ASSESSMENT SUBMITTED TO THE CONGRESSIONAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEES .— (1) REQUIREMENT .—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with such other heads of elements of the intelligence community as the Director considers appropriate, shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a written assessment of the intelligence lessons learned from the Israel-Hamas war. (2) ELEMENTS .—The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Lessons learned from the timing and scope of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas against Israel, including lessons related to United States intelligence cooperation with Israel and other regional partners, both bilaterally and in facilitating regional intelligence sharing. (B) An assessment of the state, strength, and limitations of intelligence relationships between Israel and regional partners, especially with respect to Hamas and Gaza. (C) A review of any failures in national and regional intelligence analysis, collection, and sharing that occurred before the October 7, 2023 attack, and any lessons learned for future intelligence activities.”]

Normalization-related provisions

  • (Normalization via military exchanges) Section 1221. Key partners for Middle East Regional Integration Military Subject Matter Expert Exchange Program. [“(a) IN GENERAL .—The Secretary of Defense, using existing authorities, including section 311 of title 10, United States Code, as applicable, and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the head of any other Federal agency the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate, shall design and implement a foreign military officer subject matter expert exchange program to be known as the ‘‘Middle East Regional Integration Military Subject Matter Expert Exchange Program’’ (referred to in this section as the ‘‘exchange program’’). (b) PURPOSE .—The purpose of the exchange program shall be to facilitate interaction, cultural exchange, and mutual learning of members of participating militaries in support of Middle East regional integration in order to deepen and expand such integration…” (long long section)]
  • (Normalization via defense integration) Section 1547. Joint partner-sharing network capabilities for Middle East defense integration. [“(a) INITIATIVE REQUIRED .—(1) IN GENERAL .—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on how to improve co-operation between the Department of Defense and allies and partners of the United States located in the Middle East to improve the use of partner-sharing network capabilities to facilitate joint defense efforts among the United States and such allies and partners to protect the people, infrastructure, and territory of the United States and such allies and partners from state and non-state actors determined by the Secretary to undermine the national security interests of the United States…”]
  • (Normalization via space/satellites partnerships) Section 1609. Middle East integrated space and satellite security assessment. [“…The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall conduct an assessment of space and satellite security for the purpose of identifying mechanisms, such as improved multilateral data-sharing agreements, that may be implemented to better protect ally and partner countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command from hostile activities conducted by adversaries against space systems of the United States or such countries.” The assessment shall include: “A description of progress made in—(i) advancing the integration of countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command, including Israel, into existing multilateral space and satellite security partnerships; and (ii) establishing such partnerships with such countries.“]

Other Israel-related provisions

  • (Targeting boycotts of Israel and/or settlements) Section 855. Limitation on availability of funds for covered contractors engaged in an anti-Israel boycott [“None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to knowingly enter into a contract for goods or services for the Defense Commissary Agency on or after the date of the enactment of this Act with a covered contractor that has engaged in, or engages in, a boycott of the State of Israel.“] NOTE: like most state-level anti-BDS laws, this section goes on to define “the state of Israel” so broadly as to include boycotts targeting Israel settlements in the Occupied Territories – which is of course the real focus of the provision].
  • (Anti-Tunnel Cooperation) Section 1212. Modification of United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation. [“Subsection (a)(1) of section 1279 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C.23 8606 note) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking ‘detect, map, and neutralize underground tunnels’ and inserting ‘detect, map, maneuver in, and neutralize underground tunnels’“]

Iran-related

  • (IRAN REPORT) Section 1222. Extension and modification of annual report on military power of Iran. [among other things adding a requirement for “An assessment of the manner and extent to which the advances or improvements in the capabilities of Iran’s conventional and unconventional forces described in this section have affected Israel’s qualitative military edge during the preceding year.“]
  • (IRAN REPORT) Section 1223. Modification of report on the military capabilities of Iran and related activities.
  • (NO FUNDING IRANIAN ENTITIES) Section 1224. Prohibition on providing funding to Iranian entities. [“(a) IN GENERAL .—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available, directly or indirectly, to—(1) the Government of Iran; (2) any person owned or controlled by the Government of Iran; (3) any person that is on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury and the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; or (4) any person owned or controlled by a person described in paragraph (3). (b) EXCEPTION FOR INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES .—The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (5022 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States.”]
  • (IRAN ARMS TRAFFICKING) Section 1225. Notification relating to arms trafficking by Iran. [“(a) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION .—(1) IN GENERAL .—Not later than 30 days after any identified transfer of weapons, ammunition, or component parts by the Islamic Republic of Iran to a terrorist proxy group or state actor outside the territory of Iran, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the congressional defense committees with the notification described in paragraph (2). (2) NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED .—The notification described in this paragraph is a notification that includes the following: (A) An identification of—(i) the type and quantity of weapons, ammunition, or component parts transferred by the Islamic Republic of Iran to a terrorist proxy group or state actor outside the territory of Iran; (ii) the intended destination and recipient of such transfer; and (iii) the mode of transportation of such transfer. (B) The status of such transfer at the time of the notification.  (C) A description of actions taken or planned to be taken by the United States Armed Forces or the military forces of partner countries to expose, deter, disrupt, or interdict such transfer, and the authorities under which such actions may be taken. (b) WEAPONS , AMMUNITION , OR COMPONENT PARTS DEFINED .—The term ‘‘weapons, ammunition, or component parts’’ means—(1) conventional arms, such as firearms, artillery, and armored vehicles; (2) missiles, rockets, unmanned aerial systems, and other explosive ordnance; (3) military aircraft; (4) naval vessels and equipment related to such vessels; (5) chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and the delivery systems of such weapons; and (6) the component parts of any item described in any of paragraphs (1) through (5). (c) TERMINATION .—This section shall cease to have effect on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.“]
  • (IRAN REPORT) Section 1707. Report on Iranian oil sales proceeds.
  • (REPORT ON IRAN) Section 6436. Continued congressional oversight of Iranian expenditures supporting foreign military and terrorist activities.

Other Middle East-related

  • (IRAQ) Section 1230. Extension of authority to support operations and activities of the office of security cooperation in Iraq.
  • (IRAQ & SYRIA) Section 1231. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
  • (SYRIA) Section 1232. Extension of authority to provide assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals.
  • (SYRIA/ASSAD REGIME) Section 1233. Statement of policy on recognition of the Assad regime.
  • (SUPPORT – JORDAN) Section 1643. Advice and assistance regarding enhancement of Jordanian air and missile defense.

Middle East in the Joint Explanatory Statement

  • On potential inclusion of Israel in the national technology and industrial base: “We direct the Secretary of Defense to brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than September 30, 2025, on the feasibility and advisability of including Israel in the national technology and industrial base (NTIB). The briefing shall include but not be limited to: (1) A detailed assessment of the potential benefits or consequences of including Israel in the NTIB; (2) Any relevant security information that would create obstacles to expand NTIB; (3) Any identified gaps in NTIB that could be resolved by expanding NTIB; (4) Any other matter that the Secretary considers to be relevant. The briefing may include a classified annex.”
  • On prohibition on entering into contracts with a person engaged in a boycott of the State of Israel: “The House bill contained a provision (sec. 877) that would prohibit the Secretary of Defense from entering into a contract
    with a person if such person is engaged in an activity that is politically motivated and is intended to penalize or otherwise limit significant commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories. The Senate committee-reported bill contained no similar provision. The agreement does not include the House provision.”
  • Re: Sec. 1211 – Statement of policy ensuring Israel’s defense: “We direct the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Government of Israel where feasible, to submit a report to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate not later than June 1, 2025, on the extent to which Israel was subject to aerial attacks, from rockets or missiles between October 7, 2023 and December 31, 2024, that Israel countered by deploying or utilizing not less than 50 Iron Dome interceptors, David’s Sling or Arrow defense systems. The report shall include: (1) A listing of the number of deployments of Iron Dome interceptors, David Sling or Arrow defense systems during the reporting period; (2) A listing of the estimated cost of deploying Iron Dome interceptors during the reporting period; (3) An identification of components or munitions required for the replenishment of Iron Dome interceptors, David’s Sling or Arrow defense systems that were deployed or utilized to counter attacks during the reporting period; (4) An estimate of the costs for any such replenishment; (5) A listing of any requests made by the Government of Israel to the Government of the United States for any such replenishment, and the response to any such requests; and (6) An estimate of the timeframe under which the United States resupplied Israel with such defense systems.“
  • Help Israel Recover the Hostages:  “…We direct the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to provide a briefing, along with the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the congressional intelligence committees, not later than March 1, 2025, that contains an overview of United States diplomatic, military, and intelligence support for Israel as it works to release the hostages. The briefing shall cover the following, relating to supporting the release of the hostages: (1) An overview of United States military assistance to Israel; (2) How the United States military is assisting the Israeli military on hostage rescue planning and recovery efforts; (3) An overview of United States personnel embedded or regularly liaising with Israel’s military and diplomatic officials in support of hostage release; (4) A description of how the United States is leveraging partner nations to assist with hostage release efforts; and (5) Any other forms of assistance provided the Secretary determines relevant to Israel’s efforts to release the hostages.“
  • Statement of Congress relating to Israel and the hostages held by Hamas: “We strongly condemn the October 7th, 2023, attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel, during which approximately 1,200 people were murdered, including 46 U.S. citizens, and over 250 people were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. We urge the release of the remaining hostages, as well as a durable solution to the security challenges facing Israel, including from Iran and Iranian linked groups. We note that since 1948, Israel has been one of the strongest friends and allies of the United States. We further note that Israel is a stable, democratic country in a tumultuous region. We affirm that it is essential to the strategic interest of the United States to continue to offer security assistance and related support to Israel, which is vital as Israel confronts a number of threats, including those stemming from Iran and Iranian linked groups. We direct the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, to provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees, not later than February 1, 2025, outlining an overview of United States diplomatic, military, and intelligence support for Israel in support of Israeli efforts to secure the release of the hostages captured by Hamas in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attacks. The briefing shall include: (1) An overview of United States military assistance to Israel in support of hostage recovery efforts; (2) A description of assistance provided by the United States military to the Israeli military related to hostage rescue planning and recovery efforts. (3) A description of intelligence sharing efforts in support of hostage release efforts; (4) A description of the number of United States personnel embedded or regularly liaising with Israel’s military, intelligence, and diplomatic officials and the types of activities in which such personnel are engaged; (5) A description of how the United States is leveraging partner nations to assist with hostage release efforts; and (6) A description of any other forms of assistance provided by the United States to Israel that are determined relevant to Israel’s efforts to release the hostages.“
  • Study and report on international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt: “…We direct the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, not later than March 1, 2025, outlining steps that Israel, Egypt, and the United States can take to enhance international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure Hamas and other actors do not use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods. The report shall include a detailed description and map indicating existing tunnels on the border between Gaza and Egypt.“
  • Briefing on Iranian support for non-state actors in North Africa: “The agreement does not include the House provision. We direct the Secretary of Defense, not later than May 1, 2025, to provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Iran’s support for non-state   support may pose to U.S. allies, partners, and interests in the region“
  • Sense of Congress on the importance of the Iron Dome system: “We strongly support the efforts of the Department of Defense to assist Israel in defending its population from rocket and missile attacks with the Iron Dome system.”
  • Sense of Congress on international defense exhibitions: “We note that the Court of Commerce of Paris ruled in June 2024 that the provisions that were imposed on Israeli companies for their participation in the Eurosatory Exhibition were illegal. Unfortunately, the Court acted too late for Israeli companies to participate.”
  • Military cooperation with Morocco: “We recognize the twentieth anniversary of the African Lion exercise hosted by Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana. African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s largest joint, all-domain, multi-component, multinational exercise. African Lion builds and maintains interoperability with African and North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners and improves international efforts to meet security challenges together. We note the importance of the continuation of the African Lion exercise in future years, including efforts to build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and address security challenges around the world. We also note the importance of the United States-Morocco security relationship and believe that close cooperation between the United States and Morocco is critical to regional security.“
  • Report on cooperative efforts to stop unmanned aerial systems: “We direct the Secretary of Defense to submit a briefing, not later than March 1, 2025, to the congressional defense committees as to the status of cooperation between the United States and Israel on efforts to counter threats from the Government of Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and any Iran-backed group operating in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, or Yemen specifically associated with the employment of unmanned aerial systems, including loitering munitions  otherwise known as ‘‘suicide’’ or “kamikaze’’ drones.”
  • United States-Israel cooperation on space matters: “We support cooperation between the United States and Israel on space matters including: between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Israel Space Agency; and between the United States Air Force and the Israeli Air Force’s newly created Space Force in the areas of research, development, test, and evaluation.“
  • United States-Israel emerging technology capabilities cooperation: “We note that we have included a $47.5 million increase elsewhere in this bill for research and development, test and evaluation, in the areas of emerging technologies capable of bolstering the capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation.“

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

December 11, 2024: The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, An Assessment of the State Department’s Withdrawal from Afghanistan by America’s Top Diplomat. The sole witness (more correctly, the defendant) was Secretary of State Blinken (statement). Unsurprisingly, members used this appearance of Blinken on the Hill to weigh in on the aspects of the Biden Administration’s foreign policy unrelated to Afghanistan, including Israel and Israel’s war on Gaza. Also unsurprisingly, protesters took advantage of this rare appearance of Blinken in Congress to protest the Biden Administration’s Gaza policies. You can watch the whole spectacle here (to see what members said on Israel/Gaza/Palestinians, word searches of the accompanying auto-transcript work well). Also see:

December 10, 2024: The House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a 2-panel “hearing” entitled, “Desecrating Old Glory: Investigating How the Pro-Hamas Protests Turned National Park Service Land into a Violent Disgrace.” Panel 1 witnesses were: Mark Lee Greenblatt, Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior (testimony); and Charles Cuevelier, Associate Director, Visitor and Resource Protection, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (testimony). Panel 2 witnesses were: Kenneth H. Spencer, III, Chairman, United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police (testimony); Alex Goldenberg, Director of Intelligence, Network Contagion Research Institute (testimony) [learn more about NCRI and its Israel-focused work]; and Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center (testimony) [you can see their work on Israel-related issues here]. Hearing video is here; post-hearing Committee press release – Committee Investigates Foreign Funded Riots, Flag Burning and Anti-American Activities

  • For a sense of what this hearing was about, see the helpful hearing memo published by the Committee 9/16/24 (for when the hearing was originally scheduled). That memo, among other things, laments that at the protest in question involved “burning American flags, assaulting police officers, and raising foreign flags on American soil.” As a reminder: (a) yes, assaulting police officers is of course illegal; (b) whether some members of Congress like it or not, the Supreme Court has ruled that burning the American flag is protected free speech; (c) it is entirely legal to fly foreign flags on US soil — and it is so commonly done that except in cases like this hearing memo, it is so totally unremarkable — just consider the annual parades in which Americans celebrating various hyphenated national heritages raise/carry/wear the flags of other countries (including Israel), or the Israeli flags flown across the US by supporters of Israel, etc… [there are rules regarding the flying of the US flag alongside a foreign flag].. The memo also asserts — as a matter of fact, rather than as unsubstantiated allegations (which they are) — that the groups involved in these protests “have ties to foreign organizations like Hamas and the Chinese Communist Party” [an updated version of that memo, dated 12/10/24, amends that allegation to read: “have ties to adversarial foreign organizations like Hamas and the Chinese Communist Party” – in case the intent wasn’t clear enough without the word “adversarial“].
  • press release – Yakym [R-IN] Presses Biden Administration on Inadequate Response to Violent Union Station Protests and Unlawful American Flag Burnings
  • House hears testimony about flag-burning at ‘arrest Netanyahu’ protest (Jewish News Syndicate 10/10/24); Federal officials say government has little ability to block anti-Israel protest groups with history of violence (Jewish Insider 12/10/24)
  • Anti-Defamation League 12/11/24: X-post – “Thank you, @NatResources, for convening this hearing on the anti-American & anti-Israel chaos that occurred outside Union Station this summer. ADL has been tracking antisemitism at protests & urges Congress to provide law enforcement the ability to stem any ensuing violence.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

Incoming HFAC-Bibi lovefest

  • On 12/10/24, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted on X his congratulations to Rep. Mast (R-FL) for being named the new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — “Congratulations to Congressman Brian Mast on his important House Foreign Affairs committee appointment. @RepBrianMast is a great American patriot and a true friend of Israel“. As a reminder, Mast served as a volunteer in the IDF and a week after the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks on Israel, he showed up in Congress wearing his IDF uniform.
  • That same day, Mast reposted Netanyahu’s X-post, with the comment: “Friendships, trust, and relationships matter. The bond between America and Israel is cherished by myself and our incoming administration!“

Defending Palestinian Lives/Rights

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/11/24: X-post – “A horrific genocide is happening right now and it should be documented in the Congressional Record. The silence and indifference in Congress is disturbing. I submitted @Amnesty’s 296-page report concluding that the Israeli government is committing genocide against Palestinians.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/6/24: X-post: “People attacking the Amnesty report only want to see Palestinians one way: dead.”

Congress Cares About Hostages in Gaza (but doesn’t seem to mind that the govt of Israel DOES NOT)

  • Note: Stefanik (R-NY) publishes an X-post in support of the hostages pretty much every day
  • Johnson (R-LA) 12/12/24: X-post “It’s been 433 days since Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel and yet more than 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas. I will continue pressing on behalf of the family members of these hostages. Our hearts break for them as we hear the stories of their loved ones and the horrors they are enduring at the hands of these terrorists. The pain for these families is unimaginable, but it does not deter them. They continue to work tirelessly day and night to bring their loved ones home. We will not give up. We must bring an end to this madness.“
  • Wilson (D-FL) 12/11/24: X-post – “Today, I met with a released Israeli hostage and families of the hostages. Their stories are heart wrenching. Enough is enough! It’s time we #BringBackTheHostages and every Wednesday is #WearBlueWednesday until we bring all of them home.“
  • Rutherford (R-NE) 12/11/24: X-post – “Today, I met with the families of 3 Israeli & American hostages taken by Hamas. They’ve been waiting 432 days to bring their loved ones home. I agree with President Trump, if hostages are not released by January 20th, there will be hell to pay.“
  • Bilirakis (R-FL) 12/11/24: X-post – “Honored to meet w victims of the Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel and their families. Aviva Siegel, who, together with her husband, Keith, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on 10-7-23. They’ve been brutally kidnapped, tortured, starved and held in suffocating tunnels in Gaza.“
  • LaLota (R-NY) 12/10/24: X-post – “America must remain firm in our commitment to bring every hostage held by Hamas terrorists home safely. We stand resolutely with Israel and fully support their right to their self-defense.  #BringThemHomeNow“

Targeting Amnesty International for having the temerity to write a long, detailed, heavily documented report that concludes that Israel is committing genocide

Three Cheers for Israel, Bibi & Trump Re-making the Middle East!

  • Scott (R-FL) 12/11/24: X-post – “Great to see Paraguay making the right move here and standing with our friend and ally, Israel!” [commenting on post Israeli government X-post – “Welcome and Bienvenido to Israel, President @SantiPenap!  During his visit, President Peña will participate in the inauguration of the Paraguayan Embassy in Jerusalem, meet with Israeli officials to strengthen cooperation between our nations and meet with the families of hostages.”
  • Steube (R-FL) 12/11/24: X-post – “Why do democrats love our enemies and hate America? This money will only be used to fund terrorism. Iran backs proxy groups like Hamas, who slaughtered Americans and innocent Israeli citizens on Oct 7. Other Iranian backed proxies are responsible for attacks on our US troops. Again and again, the Biden Administration puts our troops and allies last.“
  • Lamborn (R-CO) 12/11/24: X-post – “I was honored to receive the first annual Rabbi Benny Elon Award for political courage yesterday evening. Thank you to the Israel Allies Foundation and all those in attendance“; also see: Bacon (R-NE) 12/12/24: X-post – “I along with the pro-Israel community congratulated @RepDLamborn on a great career in the U.S. House. He has always been one of the strongest supporters of US – Israel relationship.“
  • Burchett (R-TN) 12/10/24: X-post – “Distinguished Flying Cross Presentation for members of Tennessee’s 134th Air Refueling Wing. These men offloaded thousands of pounds of fuel to ensure fighters remained airborne for the defense and protection of Israel during Iran’s attack. Thank you for keeping our jets in the sky.“
  • Davidson (R-OH) 12/8/24: X-post – “@netanyahu for ignoring the Obama-Biden pressure to weaken Israel while strengthening Iran. While there is significant concern about the Al-Qaeda aligned rebels that toppled Syria’s government, Assad’s laudable defense of Christian communities was offset by a destabilizing alliance with Iran. After years of conflict, may God bless these people with peace and freedom. Nevertheless, one of the most encouraging developments was @realDonaldTrump expressly declining an invitation to another war.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 12/8/24: X-post – “Israel crushed Hamas & devastated Hezbollah. With a greatly diminished Hezbollah, Assad’s murderous, Pro-Iran & Pro-Russia regime collapses. Iran’s terrorist tentacles are amputated. Netanyahu deserves our gratitude for destroying OUR enemies despite Biden’s continuous efforts to restrain Israel.”
  • Mills (R-FL) 12/6/24: X-post – “President-elect Donald J. Trump is already making strides to broker peace in the Middle East. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed. The priority: the release of over 100 hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas. For far too long, the Biden administration has demonstrated weakness, allowing terrorism and fear to destabilize the region. The incoming Trump Administration promises a different approach, one that will restore America’s place on the world stage by delivering ‘peace through strength.’ We’ll remind our adversaries what America stands for freedom and liberty.”

Targeting the UNRWA & the UN

  • Stefanik (R-NY) 12/11/24: X-post – “Thank you to @SenFettermanPA for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism. Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas on implementing President @realDonaldTrump’s America First peace through strength national security agenda.” [with pic of the two of them smiling and giving the camera thumbs up]
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 12/11/24 X-post (responding to Stefanik’s post, ab0ve): “Always was a hard YES for @EliseStefanik but it was a pleasure to have a conversation. I support defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and fully look forward to her holding the @UN accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views.“
  • Marshall (R-KS) 12/11/24: X-post – “I had a great conversation with @EliseStefanik, the next Ambassador to the UN! We discussed standing with Israel and, most importantly, peace through strength. There is no better person to bring the America First agenda to the United Nations than Elise – I look forward to seeing the great work she accomplishes.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 12/9/24: X-post – “430 days ago, hundreds of @UNRWA employees joined forces with evil, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists to attack our friend Israel. We need accountability here from the @UN. Our tax dollars helped pay their salaries, and now they’re responsible for Americans and Israelis being in captivity. It’s a disgrace! Time to clean house and bring every hostage home!” Linked to New York Times article reporting that according to Israel, documents it seized in Gaza document that “at least 24 people employed by UNRWA — in 24 different schools — who were members of Hamas or Islamic Jihad, another militant group” [yes, at least 24, not hundreds, and Israel is not alleging there is any evidence that UNRWA had any knowledge this tiny % of the more than 30k UNRWA staff members were affiliated with Hamas, or that Israel – which vets all UNRWA staff members – had warned UNRWA they were affiliated with Hamas. But hey, when do facts actually matter?]

Targeting Canada

  • Scott (R-FL) 12/7/24: X-post – “First, we saw Canada vote in favor of a ceasefire at the @UN. Now, their parliamentarians are demanding they acknowledge “Palestinian statehood.” I’ve been to Israel, where I saw the evil attacks Hamas terrorists committed. It’s time for our northern neighbors to stop virtue signaling based on lies and siding with terrorist organizations who hate our friend Israel. They should go to Israel and see for themselves the loved ones who are devastated because Hamas has held their family and friends hostage for 428 days. No ceasefire until Hamas is destroyed and every hostage is returned home!”

Antisemitism in Australia

  • Meng (D-NY) 12/6/24: X-post – “I’m outraged by the firebombing of Adass Israel synagogue in Australia & demand accountability. We can’t close our eyes to rising antisemitism at home & abroad. That’s why I’m pushing for more funding for @StateSEAS which has helped bring countries together to fight this hate.”

Lecturing the Pope (yes, the Pope)

  • Torres (D-NY) 12/8/24: X-post – “A year ago, during Christmas, there were Anti-Israel activists who vandalized my office with a baby doll drenched in red paint, claiming that Jesus was a ‘Palestinian refugee in the West Bank’ and that Zionists like myself are the moral equivalent of ‘Christ killers.’ A modern manifestation of an ancient blood libel. Sad to see the pope fall victim to a propaganda photo op that perpetuates the same lie.”

Targeting Academia

  • Torres (D-NY) 12/7/24: X-post – “Columbia University is so embedded in Anti-Israel propaganda that it has a publication entitled ‘The Columbia Intifada.’ What is needed in our society is a revolution of the responsible against the Intifada idiocy of the far left.“

Syria

  • Many, many members of Congress made many, many statements about the fall of the Assad regime. Check websites and social media to see what a particular member might have said.

5. Selected Media

Lobbying

  • Sludge 12/10/24: How Lobbyists Wine and Dine Members of Congress Despite Gift Ban [“Another major congressional trip sponsor is the American Israel Education Foundation, the charitable arm of pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The group paid for 173 trips during this session of Congress for House members and staff to fly to visit Israel and Rwanda. The trips, which frequently include congressional spouses as well, often cost the group more than $20,000 per attendee, according to the disclosures. Meetings are held with officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Knesset, and travelers are often hosted at the 5-star King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The American Israel Education Foundation’s parent group AIPAC was one of the largest and most influential campaign funders during the 2024 elections, giving money to hundreds of members of Congress, and spending millions through its super PAC to successfully oust critics of Israel’s assault on Gaza. The group is also a major lobbyist, spending millions each year to push Congress on approving military aid for Israel, opposing the Israeli boycott movement, sanctioning its rivals in the Middle East, and amending U.S. law to endorse a definition of antisemitism that includes ‘drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.’”]

The Next Congress & Admin (and attacking the old one)

The Next Israeli Ambassador to the US

Syria

Iran

Congress & Support for Israel

Targeting Academia

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

New:

  • 11/27/24: New episode of the Occupied Thoughts podcast, A Cartography of Genocide, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Eyal Weizman about his work at Forensic Architecture and the recently released “Cartography of Genocide” – an interactive platform that maps Israel’s genocidal bombardment of Gaza and use of mass evacuation orders to destroy civilian life. Along with the platform, Forensic Architecture released a 827-page report documenting Israeli war crimes and has presented its evidence and findings to the International Court of Justice.
  • Congressional Research Service – New Report 12/2/24 — Fact Sheet: Congressional Votes Relating to the Israel-Hamas Conflict
  • Open Secrets – Pro-Israel Recipients, 2024 – money to Congress [lots of detailed data available at the link, including the top 20 members of Congress: Rosen (D-NV) – $1,126,184; Menendez (I-NJ) – $1,105,652; Torres (D-NY) – $1,093,227; House Democratic leader Jeffries (D-NY) – $1,037,023; Gottheimer (D-NJ) – $1,001,273; Cruz (R-TX) – $868,545; House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) – $833,487; Bacon (R-NE) – $748,840; Calvert (R-CA) – $729,095; House Republican Conference Chair Stefanik (R-NY) – $708,944; Tester (D-MT) – $673,700; Casey (D-PA) – $655,218; House Majority Leader Scalise (R-LA) – $631,234; Democratic Caucus Chair Aguilar (D-CA) – $622,236; Schiff (D-CA) – $588,614; Lawler (R-NY) – $585,843; Cole (R-OK) – $572,156; House Majority Whip Emmer (R-MN) – $550,230; Gillibrand (D-NY) – $533,422; Ciscomani (R-AZ) – $528,806.]
  • Council on Foreign Relations 11/13/24: U.S. Aid to Israel in Four Charts

1. Bills & Resolutions

Introduced

  • (PUNISH UNIVERSITIES THAT BOYCOTT ISRAEL) HR 10257: Introduced 11/26/24 by Foxx (R-NC) and Gottheimer (D-NJ), “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution that participates in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of Israel from being eligible for certain funds under that Act.“ Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Also see: press release 11/26/24: Foxx, Gottheimer: No Federal Student Aid for Colleges Who Boycott, Divest from Israel [bill text]; ‘Enough is Enough’: Foxx Introduces Bipartisan Bill Prohibiting Aid to Universities That Boycott Israel (Free Beacon 11/26/24); Lawmakers want to yank federal financial aid from colleges that divest from Israel (USA Today 11/26/24); US Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strip Funding From Universities That Boycott Israel (Algemeiner 11/26/24)
  • (ANTI-SLAPP LEGISLATION) HR 10310 /S. 5438: Introduced 12/5/24 by Raskin (D-MD) and Kiley (R-CA) in the House, and Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate, “To amend title 28, United States Code, to establish a procedure to dismiss and deter strategic lawsuits against public participation, and for other purposes,” aka, the “Free Speech Protection Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Raskin, Wyden, Kiley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Promoting Free Speech, Cracking Down on Frivolous “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation” [bill text]. Endorsed by: American Booksellers for Free Expression; American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); American Society for Collective Rights Licensing (ASCRL); Association of American Publishers; Authors Guild; California Anti-SLAPP Project; Center for Democracy & Technology; Committee to Protect Journalists; Earthjustice Action; EarthRights International; Electronic Frontier Foundation; First Amendment Foundation; Freedom of the Press Foundation; Greenpeace USA; Institute for Free Speech; International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR); Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University; Know Your IX, a project of Advocates for Youth; National Press Club; National Press Club Journalism Institute; National Press Club Press Freedom Committee; National Press Photographers Association (NPPA); National Women’s Law Center; News/Media Alliance; No Business With Genocide; PEN America; Public Participation Project; Reporters Without Borders; Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL); Society of Professional Journalists; Songwriters Guild of America (SGA); Student Press Law Center.
  • (US MUST USE BIBLICAL NAMES FOR LAND THE BIBLE SAYS BELONGS TO ISRAEL) S. 5431 [bill text]: Introduced 12/5/24 by Cotton (R-AR), “A bill to prohibit the use of materials that use the term ‘West Bank’, and for other purposes,” aka, “Retiring the Egregious Confusion Over the Genuine Name of Israel’s Zone of Influence by Necessitating Government-use of Judea and Samaria Act” aka the “RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act”. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.  Also see: Cotton Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Federal Use of the Term “West Bank”; Cotton X-post – “Referring to Judea and Samaria as the ‘West Bank’ is a slap in the face to historical truth. It’s time to call this region by its rightful name and stop playing into anti-Israel propaganda.” NOTE: This bill was previously introduced in the House on 3/5/24 by Tenney (R-NY) and 2 Republican cosponsors (HR 7552). It has gone nowhere in the House and not attracted a single additional cosponsor since it was introduced. As noted in the Round-Up at that time, the bill raises the question: in this era of rising evangelical Christian political power, will there be legislation requiring that US laws/documents/statements refer to other areas of the Middle East by their biblical names? And also worth noting – Cotton’s bill and HR 7552, in substance, are both Greater Israel bills, in effect making it US policy to define Israel as spanning from the river to the sea. Notably, while both the Cotton bill and HR 7552 explicitly seek to compel the use of the terms “Judea and Samaria” to refer to the entire West Bank, the bills’ text specifies that it is referring to land “annexed by Israel from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day War.” Which suggests either (a) very sloppy drafting on the part of whomever wrote the bill, (b) that Cotton and Tenney intend the word “annex” in a sense other than the legal one (since as of this writing Israel has not moved to formally annex any of the West Bank other than East Jerusalem and its West Bank environs; or (c) that the drafters of this bill are intentionally seeking to have the US formally recognize West Bank annexation by Israel in advance of – and in fact, irrespective of – a formal declaration of annexation by Israel. Also see: Cotton introduces bill to ban federal use of the term ‘West Bank’ (Jewish News Syndicate 12/5/24)
  • (TARGETING IRAN ACTIONS IN THE US) S. 5398 / HR 10256 [one-pager on the bill]: Introduced 11/21/24 in the Senate by Hassan (D-NH) and Ernst (R-IA), and 11/22/24 in the House by Wagner (R-MO) and 4 bipartisan cosponsors, “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 Judiciary Committees. Also see: Hassan press release – Senators Hassan, Ernst Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Criminal Penalties for Violent Crimes Directed by Foreign Adversaries; Wagner press release –Wagner, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral DETERRENCE Act; Jewish Insider 11/25/24: Bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to crack down on Iranian criminal activity in the U.S.

Updates on Pending Bills

Reported out of Committee

  • HR 5945, the “Freezing-HAMAS Act” (see amendment in the nature of a substitute), which “would negate any waiver of sanctions issued pursuant to a U.S. agreement with Iran, including the waiver transmitted to Congress on September 11, 2023, that permitted Iranian access to certain funds held abroad.” 11/14/24 – Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37-13. 12/05/24: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 118-806, Part I.
  • HR 6000, the “Revoke Iranian Funding Act of 2023,” (see amendment in the nature of a substitute – text not available), which “would rescind the waiver transmitted to Congress on September 11, 2023, that released funds to Iran for humanitarian purposes. The legislation would also require a report on assets held by the government of Iran and certain sanctioned persons.” 11/14/24 – Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37-13. 12/05/2024: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 118-803, Part I.

2. Letters

[CONCERN ABOUT 10/7  ROLEPLAY GAME] 12/5/24: Jewish Insider – Torres raises concerns about Oct. 7 roleplay game on Steam video game store [letter text] [more about the game here]

[APPLY LEAHY LAW TO ISRAEL] 11/27/24: Welch Leads Colleagues in Calling on State Dept. To Apply the Leahy Law to Israel [letter text]

[DUTCH GOVT MUST PUNISH PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CLASHES WITH ISRAEL SOCCER FANS WHO SPENT DAYS BEFORE CLASHING PROVOKING & ATTACKING THEM] 11/25/24: Jewish Insider – Lawmakers urge ‘swift action’ from Dutch government in response to anti-Jewish attacks [letter text]

[TARGET TURKEY OVER SUPPORT FOR HAMAS] 11/22/24: Gottheimer, Goldman, Bilirakis, & Malliotakis Lead Bipartisan Letter with 39 Members of Congress To Blinken and Haines Regarding Turkey Harboring of Hamas leaders [letter text]. Also see Gottheimer X-post 11/22/24 – “Turkey’s action to harbor senior Hamas members undermines NATO and Israel’s security.   I sent a bipartisan letter with several colleagues, including @RepDanGoldman, @RepGusBilirakis, @RepMalliotakis, to @SecBlinken & @AvrilHaines requesting a briefing on Turkey’s ties to Hamas.”

3. Hearings & Markups

December 4, 2024: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing entitled, “Back to Basics: America’s Founding, Civics, and Self-Government in K-12 Curricula.” Witnesses were: Ian Rowe, American Enterprise Institute (statement); Jed Atkins, University of North Carolina (statement); Brian V. Kennedy, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (statement); and Michael Weiser,  Jack Miller Center (statement). Also see: Chairman Bean (R-FL) opening statement [including: “...CRT’s framework is distorted and applied to sow division and foster animosity against the Jewish people. We have numerous examples that fails to give the full context of Jewish history or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict…“; hearing video. Also see: House hearing discusses radical indoctrination of young students (Jewish News Syndicate 12/4/24)

December 10, 2024: The House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a 2-panel “hearing” entitled, “Desecrating Old Glory: Investigating How the Pro-Hamas Protests Turned National Park Service Land into a Violent Disgrace.” For a sense of what this hearing is going to be like, see the helpful hearing memo published by the Committee, which among other things laments that at the protest in question involved “burning American flags, assaulting police officers, and raising foreign flags on American soil.” As a reminder: (a) assaulting police officers is illegal; (b) whether some members of Congress like it or not, the Supreme Court has ruled that burning the American flag is protected free speech; (c) it is entirely legal to fly foreign flags on US soil — and it is so commonly done that it is totally unremarkable when people do so, as demonstrated in parades every year where various Americans celebrate their heritages, and as demonstrated every year during various international sporting events, and as demonstrated EVERY SINGLE DAY as supporters of Israel – in Congress, in synagogues, in churches, and anywhere else they can think of, raise/fly/wear the Israeli flag [there are rules regarding the flying of the US flag alongside a foreign flag]. The memo also asserts — as a matter of fact, rather than as an unsubstantiated allegation (which is what it is) — that the groups involved in these protests “have ties to foreign organizations like Hamas and the Chinese Communist Party”].  Panel 1 witnesses will be: Mark Lee Greenblatt, Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior; and Charles Cuevelier, Associate Director, Visitor and Resource Protection, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Panel 2 witnesses will be: Kenneth H. Spencer, III, Chairman, United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police; Alex Goldenberg, Director of Intelligence, Network Contagion Research Institute [learn more about NCRI and its Israel-focused work]; Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center [you can see their work on Israel-related issues here]; and Harry Dunn, Former United States Capitol Police Officer.

4. Selected Members on the Record

Responding to Amnesty Intl’s Report that Israel is, Indeed, Engaged in Genocide

  • Text of joint House statement [reportedly organized by Gottheimer (D-NJ) attacking Amnesty International for its report concluding that Israel is engaged in genocide in Gaza (joint statement is reportedly still circulating for signatures as of this writing). Also see: Lawmakers say Amnesty’s genocide report amplifies Hamas propaganda (Jewish Insider 12/6/24)
  • Fitzpatrick (R-PA) 12/6/24: X-post – “Amnesty International’s accusation of genocide against Israel is not only false but also dangerously irresponsible—amounting to a modern blood libel against the world’s only Jewish state. This unfounded claim overlooks Hamas’s brutal massacre of thousands of innocent civilians on October 7, its ongoing war crimes, and its reprehensible use of Gazan civilians as human shields, all in service of a genocidal agenda openly supported by Iran. Such inflammatory rhetoric undermines human rights advocacy, emboldens those who seek to destroy Israel, and fuels antisemitism. Today and always, the United States stands firmly with our friend and ally Israel, supporting its fight against terrorism and hatred to ensure its survival, security, and peace.“
  • LaLota (R-NY) 12/5/24: X-post – “Amnesty’s false accusations against Israel ignore the fact that Israel is defending itself from genocidal attacks by Iranian-backed proxies. Israel has taken steps to protect Gaza’s civilians, while Hamas exploits them and rejects ceasefires. Amnesty’s biased stance should be rejected by those who stand with Israel, the region’s only democracy“
  • Garbarino (R-NY) 12/5/24: X-post – “I condemn Amnesty International’s false accusation of genocide against Israel. Targeting the world’s only Jewish state while ignoring Hamas’s massacre on Oct. 7 and ongoing war crimes is blatant antisemitism. The U.S. stands firmly with our ally Israel against hate.“
  • LaMalfa (R-CA) 12/5/24: X-post – “Amnesty International has released yet another deeply flawed and frankly libelous report, this time accusing Israel of “genocide.” This baseless claim distorts reality and undermines our ally. Amnesty has a track record of biased, politically motivated attacks on Israel, from misusing terms like “apartheid” to redefining “genocide” to fit its narrative. Even its own branch in Israel has rejected the report as unfounded and misleading. While Amnesty focuses on these false accusations, it ignores the real atrocities committed by Hamas, including the October 7 massacre and their ongoing war crimes. We must stand firmly with Israel and call out these harmful and dishonest attacks.“
  • Torres (D-NY) 12/5/24: X-post – “It was once fashionable for the far left to label Israel as an ‘apartheid’ state. The false narrative of  ‘genocide’ has since become the fashionable lie to tell about Israel. Amnesty International is the latest to embrace this 21st-century blood libel. Calling Israel a genocidal state is as fictional as calling Amnesty International a human rights organization.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/5/24: X-post – “My colleagues can no longer deny that this is genocide. We must follow our own U.S. laws. We need an Arms Embargo now.”
  • Bush (D-MO) 12/5/24: X-post – “No matter how much money AIPAC & its affiliates spend to obscure & deny the facts on the ground, the truth will prevail. @amnesty now joins the @UN @IntlCrimCourt @CIJ_ICJ  & others in concluding that Israeli authorities are indeed committing genocide.”

Gaza

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 12/5/24: X-post – “My colleagues can no longer deny that this is genocide. We must follow our own U.S. laws. We need an Arms Embargo now.” [in response to Amnesty International’s new report concluding that Israel is engaging in genocide in Gaza]
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 12/4/24: X-post – “By continuing to hold hostages captive, Hamas owns these deaths and the entire humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. Send the hostages home NOW and surrender—end this regional misery and chaos.” [posted in response to headline noting that additional Israeli hostages had been killed by the IDF]
  • Welch (D-VT) 12/3/24: READOUT: Welch Convenes Meeting with Colleagues and Egyptian Amb. Zahran, Pushes for Medical Evacuations for Children in Gaza 
  • Durbin (D-IL) 12/2/24: X-post – “Three World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid workers were tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike this weekend. This must stop. Netanyahu continues to show that he cannot or will not protect innocent people in Gaza. We need a ceasefire and release of all remaining hostages“
  • Sanders (I-VT) 12/2/24: X-post – “Former Israeli Defense Minister Yaalon is right. Netanyahu’s government is committing war crimes & ethnic cleansing in Gaza. You don’t fight terrorism by starving people & killing tens of thousands of civilians. I hope more Israeli military leaders will join him in speaking up.“
  • Boozman (R-AR) 11/27/24: Standing with Israel
  • Budd (R-NC) 11/22/24: Budd, Wicker, Ernst Call on Turkey to Extradite Hamas Leadership to U.S.

Re: Death of US Citizen soldier in Gaza

Re: Israel-Hezbollah-Lebanon “Ceasefire” & US diplomacy

  • Many, many member weighed in on the Lebanon-Israel “ceasefire” agreement. To see what a specific member said, check out his/her website and social media accounts (there are just too many to include here).

Syria

Other stuff

  • Cohen (D-TN) 12/5/24: Congressmen Cohen and McClintock Condemn Iranian Death Sentences for Political Prisoners
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 12/4/24: X-post – “Great to catch up with @LindseyGrahamSC about our shared commitment to standing with our most precious ally Israel, combating antisemitism, and restoring President @realDonaldTrump’s America First peace through strength foreign policy!“
  • Graham (R-SC) 12/2/24: X-post – “Great visiting last night with President @realDonaldTrump and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s wife Sara and son Yair. I look forward to working with President Trump to achieve long-lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. May God Bless Israel and may God Bless the United States.“
  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 12/2/24: X-post – “>Senator @VoteRandyFine has been a fearless champion for Florida, a relentless voice against antisemitism, and a steadfast supporter of our ally, Israel. His leadership in Congress will strengthen Florida’s delegation and help advance @realDonaldTrump’s America First agenda.”
  • LaLota (R-IL) 12/1/24: X-post – “Had a great FaceTime with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana! Honored by his congratulations on my re-election. We discussed strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and how a Trump Administration with GOP majorities brings renewed hope for a stable and secure Middle East“
  • Blackburn (R-NT) 11/29/24: X-post – “The United States must do everything in its power to support Israel as they fight for the right to exist in the Middle East.”
  • Graham (R-SC) 11/27/24: X-post – “I had a very productive meeting in Israel with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his team about my efforts with my colleagues to make it clear that any country, entity, or person that tries to enforce the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israel will pay a heavy price in America. During his first Administration, President Trump placed sanctions on the ICC for this very reason. Unfortunately President Biden removed President Trump’s ICC sanctions. I told the Prime Minister it is time for Congress to act, making it clear to countries what they face from America if they act against Israel. I believe there are strong bipartisan majorities for such legislation. I also stressed that it is Israel today and it will be America next if we don’t act. I intend to act to protect Israel and America.“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 11/25/24: X-post – “The ICC is a shill organization that has been taken over by Hamas sympathizers, focused solely on undermining the legitimacy of Israel. The Senate must pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act & sanction the ICC officials who are working to erase Israel from existence.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 11/25/24: X-post – “The international community knows Iran can’t fight for shit. Israel has, and continues, to confirm that. Ask Hamas or Hezbollah, if anyone was left.”
  • Moore (R-AL) 11/25/24: X-post – “Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. On October 7, 2023, Israeli women and girls experienced horrific and deliberate violence during a terrorist attack in Israel. Unfortunately, these crimes have largely been ignored by the international community and women’s organizations. Many of the victims of these brutal acts are no longer alive, having been murdered at the hands of these terrorists. We have a responsibility to ensure their voices are heard. We must stand together and never forget for the 13 Israeli women among the 101 remaining hostages who continue to endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of their captors. We demand an end to violence against all women, including Israeli women, and I hope you’ll join me in praying for them.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 11/25/24: X-post – “Glad that the Anti-BDS Labeling Act, which ensures that goods produced in Israel are accurately labeled while blocking federal funds from supporting the BDS movement, was introduced in the Senate.  This bicameral bill delivers a powerful message of our support for Israel.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 11/24/24: X-post – “CHM @RepMcCaul: ‘I strongly condemn the murder of Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE, and I extend my condolences to his family and the State of Israel. I am deeply disturbed by reports that this brutal crime may have been committed by Iran-backed terrorists. The international community must do more to counter Iran’s global terrorist threat network.’”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 11/23/24: X-post – “It is disturbing to hear Australia has barred former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked from entering the country. She was set to attend a conference organized by the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council. I am calling on the Australian government to reverse this prejudiced decision.”

5. Selected Media

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

New:

1. Bills & Resolutions

>>>CHALLENGING MILITARY SALES/SUPPLIES TO ISRAEL (SANDERS’ RESOLUTIONS)<<<

On 9/25/24, Sen. Sanders (I-VT) introduced 6 privileged resolutions targeting military weapons/supplies sales to Israel  (S. J. Res. 111 – 116). Because these resolutions are “privileged” at least some of them were REQUIRED to be brought to a vote; the timing of their introduction meant they would be voted on during the lame duck session. On 11/20/24, votes took place on 3 of those resolutions (details below). NOTE: the Biden Administration actively lobbied Senate Democrats to oppose these resolutions, using talking points that boiled down to the argument that support for these resolutions helps Hamas (a classic Israeli government argument) – see: Huffington Post 11/20/24: Exclusive: White House Says Democrats Who Oppose Weapons To Israel Are Aiding Hamas (framing dutifully amplified beyond the Senate by people like Rep. Hoyer, D-MD).

  • S. J. Res. 111: Introduced 9/25/24 by Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT), Merkley (D-OR), and Schatz (D-HI),  “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services” [to block the sale of 120-millimeter tank rounds]. REJECTED by a vote of 18-79. Voting IN FAVOR of the resolution were: Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), King (I-ME), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Ossoff (D-GA), Sanders (I-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warnock (D-GA), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT); Baldwin (D-WA) voted “present.” Floor consideration is here, and includes Sanders listing 188 civil society groups that support the resolution [this was in effect the floor debate on all 3 resolutions that were voted on] — see DropSite’s X-thread with video clips).
  • S. J. Res. 113: Introduced 9/25/24 by Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT) and Merkley (D-OR), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services” [to block the sale of 120-millimeter high-explosive mortar rounds]. REJECTED by a vote of 19-78. Voting IN FAVOR of the resolution were: Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Helmy (D-NJ), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), King (I-ME), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Ossoff (D-GA), Sanders (I-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warnock (D-GA), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT); Baldwin (D-WA) voted “present.” Floor consideration is here.
  • S. J. Res. 115: Introduced 9/25/24 by Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT) and Merkley (D-OR), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed license amendment for the export of certain defense articles, defense services, and technical data to Israel” [to block the sale of JDMs, the guidance kits attached to many of the bombs dropped in Gaza]. REJECTED by a vote of 17-80. Voting IN FAVOR of the resolution were: Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), King (I-ME), Lujan (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Sanders (I-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warnock (D-GA), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT); Baldwin (D-WA) voted “present.” Floor consideration is here.
  • S. J. Res. 112: Introduced 9/25/24 by Sanders (I-VT) and Welch (D-VT), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.” NOT VOTED ON
  • S. J. Res. 114: Introduced 9/25/24 by Sanders (I-VT),  “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services.” NOT VOTED ON
  • S. J. Res. 116: Introduced 9/25/24 by Sanders (I-VT), Welch (D-VT) and Merkley (D-OR), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed enhancement or upgrade of sensitivity of technology or capability of certain major defense equipment for the Government of Israel.“ NOT VOTED ON

Selected Statements

Selected Media

>>>ENABLING TRUMP ADMIN TO STRIP ANY NGO OF NON-PROFIT STATUS, USING SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS AS THE HOOK FOR PASSAGE — HR 9495<<<

As a reminder, HR 9495, introduced 9/9/24 by Tenney (R-NY) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors – Kustoff (R-TN), Schneider (D-IL) & Titus (D-NV), takes the text of the extremely controversial HR 6408 / S. 1436 (“To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations“) and melds it to a totally mom-and-apple-pie legislation HR 7791 / S. 4057 (“To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse paid late fees for United States nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, and for other purposes.“).

Why is this legislation so controversial? Because as laid out in detail in the 4/19/24 and the 11/17/23 editions of the Round-Up, this bill would legislate broad Executive authority to suspend normal due process  (carried out by the Justice Department, according to clear rules), so as to permit the Secretary of the Treasure to strip US groups of their non-profit status in a peremptory manner, with virtually no limitations, accountability, or meaningful recourse. As such, this legislation, if enacted into law, would  represent a powerful weapon to impose mass harm on the U.S. non-profit sector.

Tik-tok of HR 9495’s path in the House in 2024:

  • April 15: The House voted to suspend the rules and PASSED HR 6408 (the original vehicle for the anti-NGO legislation that would later become HR 9459) by a vote of 383 – 11 (with just 10 Democrats and 1 Republican voting “no”). For details see the 4/19/24, 12/1/23, and 11/17/23 editions of the Round-Up (and prior). Also see my 4/24/24 viral X-thread on the bill and its passage.
  • September 9: Tenney (R-NY), Kustoff (R-TN), Schneider (D-IL) and Titus (D-NV) introduced the new version of HR 6408, in the form of  HR 9495. For details see the 9/13/24 edition of the Round-Up.
  • September 11: HR 9495 was marked up in the House Ways and Means Committee and passed unanimously by the Committee (by a vote of 38-0). For details see the 9/13/24 edition of the Round-Up.
  • November 12: House leaders brought HR 9495 to the floor under suspension of the rules, where it failed to get the 2/3 majority of votes required to pass (the vote was 256-145, with 52 Democrats voting in favor). For details see last week’s Round-Up. Also see my 11/6/24 X-thread on the bill.
  • November 13: One day after it failed to pass under suspension of the rules, House leaders announced that HR 9495 would be marked up in the Rules Committee on 11/18/24, paving the way for it to be brought to the floor under normal order (where it needs only a simple majority to pass)
  • November 18: The Rules Committee took up HR 9495 (video of the hearing is here). At the end of the hearing the Rules Committee PASSED H. Res. 1576 (the Rule governing how HR 9495 would be dealt with on the floor) by a 9-3 party-line vote (all Democrats voting against). That Rule provided for just one hour of debate on the bill (divided equally for/against) and no amendments, before the bill is brought to a vote. Democrats on the committee offered two amendments — one to strip the anti-NGO legislation from the bill, the other to add a humanitarian exception — neither of which was considered, let alone voted on, by the Rules Committee. Indeed, during the hearing there was NO debate/discussion of HR 9495, other than in the opening and closing statements of the Ranking Member and his designee, excerpted below (in contrast to the other bill on the agenda, which was subjected to actual discussion and a witness):
    • Scanlon (D-PA), acting as the Ranking Member’s designee: “…Republicans are trying to generate controversy where there is none by tacking on another piece of another bill which would grant the president of the United States the authority to strip a nonprofit of its tax-exempt status if the government finds that the nonprofit is a quote “terror supporting organization.” Treasury can do this without presenting any evidence, without any hearing, and without any meaningful right of appeal. Now we all oppose terrorism, and organizations that actually materially support terrorism should not enjoy tax exempt status — but that’s not what this bill is about. This bill gives the president –any president– a broad authority to target and silence civil society groups that a president doesn’t agree with, and then those groups have no meaningful way to challenge that determination. It’s really rich to see Republicans line up behind this bill when not that long ago they were all up in arms over allegations, which were later proven to be false, that the Obama administration’s IRS had allegedly targeted conservative nonprofits. So this is just taking it to another level. Regardless of one’s party affiliation we should all be wary of giving any president an authority like the one that is proposed in this bill. It’s an authority ripe for abuse. The definitions are too vague and its due process is lacking...”
    • Rules Committee Ranking Member McGovern (D-MA) [speaking against the closed rule – meaning NO AMENDMENTS on the floor – and HR 9495]: “…many of us are deeply concerned that this will be misused by the incoming president who has labeled mainstream organizations in this country as terrorist organizations, and he will be able to use this if it ever became law to deny these organizations their tax exempt status to try to punish them to try to silence them without any due process, without any hearing, without any nothing. And I just I want the record to reflect that…this is a dangerous pathway that this committee is paving the way for us to go down…”
  • November 19: On 11/19/24, the House debated/PASSED H. Res. 1576 (the rule to bring HR 9495 to the floor) by a party-line vote of 212-203 (following a procedural vote to end debate – which consisted of Rep. McGovern repeatedly making the case against the NGO-related section of HR 9495, and Fischback (R-MN) making the case for the bill – and bring the resolution to a vote, which passed by a party-line vote of 210-199). NO DEMOCRATS VOTED IN FAVOR OF H. RES. 1576 in either vote [which didn’t prevent AIPAC applauding passage of the resolution on X & presenting it as bipartisan validation: “Thank you @RepTenney @RepDavidKustoff @RepSchneider and @repdinatitus for leading the bipartisan Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.   This bipartisan bill provides important tools to combat terrorism and the organizations that help fund it.”
  • November 21: On 11/21/24, House Republican leaders brought HR 9495 to a vote on the House floor, where after the 1 hour of time allotted for debate and grandstanding (and as noted above, no amendments were permitted) it PASSED by a vote of 219-184.  Only 15 Democrats voted for it. Of particular note is that among the members who changed their vote from “yes” to “no” is Schiff (D-CA); his change of heart could prove critical if this bill is brought back in the next Congress, when Schiff’s vote in the Senate could be critical to whether or not Republicans can pass the bill over Democrats’ objections.
    • Why did so many Democrats change their mind over the course of a week? The answer is likely found in the fact that the effort last week to pass HR 9495 under suspension of the rules catalyzed a massive wave of activism, reflecting the (much belated) realization by non-profits from across a large swathe of the political spectrum (mainly but not exclusively from the Left/liberal side) that this bill represents a potentially existential threat to them, their operations, their missions, etc. That wave of activism (which saw some premature self-congratulating when HR 9495 failed to get the 2/3 majority required to pass on 11/12/24), coupled with outrage/incredulity that a not-insignificant-number of House Democrats voted in favor of the bill last week, laid the groundwork for an even bigger wave of anti-HR 9495 activism, including from a wide range of Jewish organizations, that started as soon as people realized that the bill was not only NOT dead after 11/12/24, but would be coming back almost immediately [to get a sense of the depth and breadth of the popular outrage/activism, search “HR 9495” on any social media platform; also see – ACLU: H.R. 9495 was narrowly blocked last week after Congress received more than 100,000 messages urging them to oppose]. The results of that wave of activism are evident in the votes that followed, both with respect to H. Res. 1576 and HR 9495.
    • Summing it up well is this thread from Joel Braunold on X: “What happened today with HR9495 is mind blowing. Passes with only 11 nos seven months ago. Gets packaged with v important bill – reported out of committee 49-0 – fails under suspension with 145 nos and then passes but with 184 nos with the 53 yes from five days before going to 15 | It’s indicative of a few things. 1) who ever was reading these bills on committee for Dems needs some accountability 2) advocacy works – to have that many flippers from seven months ago till today is unheard of 3) jewish community split on state authority to push agenda | With such an overwhelming no the bill won’t have a chance to get in NDAA so it’s dead this Congress. With Slotkin, Schiff, Kim all no’s and the huge shift in Dems gonna be uphill climb next Congress in Senate let alone libertarian objections“
    • Summing up well what is at stake, see this post from Center for International Policy President & CEO Nancy Okail: “I’ve personally experienced the impact of laws like HR 9495. When Egypt’s autocratic government used similar tactics to silence us for our pro-democracy work, the US—Dems & Republicans—was there to fight it. The idea that it’d now adopt the same framework fought is devastating.” [details of Okail’s ordeal at the hands of the Egyptian Government, which targeted her for her work in support of democracy, see here, here, and here.

Some orgs/groups that came out opposing HR 9495

  • The Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism 11/20/24: The Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism Rallies More Than 55 Jewish Organizations in Opposition to H.R. 9495 [“As a Jewish community, we have experienced the harms caused by those who foment hate and terror. That is why we appreciate that there already exists a sound process to address such instances as laid out in Article 18 Section 2339 of the U.S. Code. In contrast to the proposed bill, the current process is less susceptible to political interference or the chilling effect on speech and activity than H.R. 9495 is likely to have. No individual, including a Treasury Secretary, should be given nearly unfettered power to remove an organization’s tax-exempt status. We urge you to seek solutions that make the nation safer, instead of advancing those that threaten constitutional rights. Please oppose H.R. 9495 and vote against it when it comes to the floor.”] Signers include organizations from the left to the center-right of the Jewish American political spectrum: A More Perfect Union, Ameinu, American Conference of Cantors, American Jewish World Service (AJWS), Americans for Peace Now, Avodah, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Bronx Jews for Climate Action, Carolina Jews for Justice, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Congregation Rodeph Shalom (Philadelphia, PA), Conservative Synagogue of the Hamptons, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, Gesher Bridge Shul, Habonim Dror Camp Galil, Habonim Dror North America, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, HIAS, Ikar, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, J Street, Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, Jewish Climate Action Network NYC, Jewish Community Action, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, Jewish Labor Committee, Jewish Liberation Fund, Jewish Women International, Jews for a Secular Democracy, Keshet, Kirva, Lab/Shul, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Men of Reform Judaism, Mitsui Collective, National Council of Jewish Women, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, New York Jewish Agenda (NYJA), Nexus Leadership Project, Path With Heart Community, Rabbinical Assembly, Reconstructing Judaism, Sixth & I, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Ta’amod, Temple Shaaray Tefila, New York, NY, The Mordecai Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood, The Workers Circle, Tivnu: Building Justice, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Union for Reform Judaism, USCJ, Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), Women of Reform Judaism, YAFFED
  • Legal Defense Fund 11/20/24: Leading Civil Rights Organizations Urge Congress to Reject Bill Giving Government Broad Powers to Revoke Nonprofits’ Tax-Exempt Status – includes Legal Defense Fund (LDF), the NAACP, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Action Network, National Urban League, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
  • The Forward 11/20/24: Congress is voting on a bill targeting pro-Palestinian groups. Israel’s example proves it’s a terrible idea – by Daniel Sokatch, President of the New Israel Fund [“H.R. 9495 would open the door for more antidemocratic developments — as laws in Israel have done for 15 years”]
  • Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich 11/19/24: X-post – “House Republicans have revived HR 9495, which would give Trump power to shut down nonprofits he doesn’t like under the guise of fighting ‘terrorism.’ 52 House Dems shamefully joined the GOP in voting for it last week. Every Dem should vote against this authoritarian power-grab.“
  • 11/19/24 X-thread by Ben & Jerry’s: “Congress is working to pass a bill that would have a devastating, chilling effect on free speech and give the Trump administration power to strip tax-exempt status from nonprofits without due process or even a clear explanation (1/3). nder such vague expansive authority, US nonprofits that champion critical causes like reproductive freedom in Texas, environmental protections globally, or human rights in Gaza, could be subject to politically motivated scrutiny and financial ruin (2/3)...” Smart comment from media critic Sana Saeed on X: “The state of our news media is such that Ben & Jerry’s is educating the public about the authoritarian implications of HR 9495, while mainstream news outlets have remained largely silent about it.“
  • Religious Action Committee (RAC) of Reform Judaism 11/18/24: Reform Jewish Leader Urges Congress to Protect Nonprofits
  • ACLU-led Civil Society Letter to House Opposing H.R. 9495 (more than 100 civil society organizations signing, so far)

Media (this week)

Media & statements of note (last week)

Media/reports/statements (prior to last week TO LAST WEEK)

>>>ENDORSING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM — H. Res. 1449<<<

On 11/20/24, House leaders brought H. Res. 1449 — introduced 9/16/24 by Manning (D-NC) and Smith (R-NJ), “Condemning the global rise of antisemitism and calling upon countries and international bodies to counter antisemitism”, and marked up 9/25/24 by the House Ways & Means Committee on 9/25/24 (passed by a vote of 50-0) — to the floor under suspension of the rules, where it was PASSED by a vote of 388 – 21 (floor consideration is here). 

As noted in the 9/20/24 edition of the Round-Up, the purpose of this resolution is the endorsement/embrace of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, via the endorsement/embrace/promotion of the “The Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism.”  Those guidelines include: “In order to combat antisemitism, governments need tools to understand its various manifestations. The legally non-binding ‘International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism’ is an important internationally recognized instrument used by over 40 U.N. member states since its adoption in 2016. In addition, hundreds of sub-national public authorities, universities, sports bodies, NGOs, and corporations rely on it.” The resolution “calls upon states and international bodies to take action to counter antisemitism, including by endorsing and embracing the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism…”

Floor consideration is here. Voting “no” were 18 Republicans and 3 Democrats:

  • Republican “no” votes came from  Biggs (R-AZ), Boebert (R-CO), Brecheen (R-OK), Burlison (R-MO), Cloud (R-TX), Clyde (R-GA), Crane (R-AZ), Good (R-VA), Gosar (R-AZ), Hageman (R-WY), Harshbarger (R-TN), Higgins (R-LA), Hunt (R-TX), Jackson (R-TX), Luna (R-FL), Massie (R-KY), Roy (R-TX), and Zinke (R-WY).
  • Democratic “no” votes came from Bush (D-MO), Omar (D-MN), and Tlaib (D-MI)].
  • Also see, Jewish Insider 11/20/24: Right-wing, Squad members vote against State Department global antisemitism guidelines

Also see:

  • Roy (R-TX) 11/21/24: statement – “Yesterday, I voted against H. Res. 1449. Indeed, the scourge of anti-Semitism is on the rise at home and abroad – evidenced by the International Criminal Court’s absurd issuance of an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the resolution in question is a meaningless piece of paper that references language from an international organization that poses First Amendment concerns…”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 11/20/24: X-post – “I strongly oppose antisemitism, and have spent my career working against all forms of hate. I opposed this resolution because it embraces the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which dangerously conflates criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism. I share the concerns of groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, Bend the Arc, B’Tselem, Amnesty International, and the ACLU that the IHRA definition of antisemitism will be used to stifle dissent and chill free speech, especially Palestinian human rights advocacy. The resolution also does not recognize that the fight against antisemitism is connected to our fight against Islamophobia, racism, white nationalism, and all other forms of hate.“
  • Bush (D-MO) 11/20/24: X-post – “I condemn antisemitism and all forms of hatred & bigotry. Period. H.Res. 1449 relies on the flawed IHRA definition, conflating valid criticism of the Israeli gov with antisemitism. Standing against hate must never come at the cost of silencing valid & necessary critiques.“
  • Lee (D-PA) 11/20/24: statement – “I voted for this resolution on the House floor because I strongly condemn antisemitism. Though the resolution falls short of endorsing the IHRA definition, its mention invites a reminder that this definition conflates criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism. This is both unacceptable in a country that values the right to free speech and deeply harmful to communities fighting for Palestinian human rights. The right to criticize the actions of any foreign state should be protected. My hope is that we can unite to condemn all forms of hate—anti-Blackness, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and more—without politicizing our communities’ pain or demonizing those fighting for peace, dignity, and self-determination.”
  • Omar (D-MN) 11/20/24: statement – “I voted NO on HRes 1449 because the bill endorses the harmful definition of IHRA that dangerously conflates legitimate criticism of Israel to antisemitism and further harms our ability to address antisemitism. I condemn antisemitism unequivocally, however this resolution does nothing to combat antisemitism. I will continue to stand against any attempt to silence genuine concerns of the Israeli government as antisemitism.”
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 11/20/24: X-thread – “Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate and bigotry are interconnected. We must be able to name, identify, and stand against all forms of hateful, racist, and xenophobic sentiments. And so, I voted Yes for H.Res 1449. And, yet, we must oppose any legislation that codifies a definition of antisemitism that erodes our democratic rights to criticize the state or express dissent. (1/3) We must advocate for legislation that upholds our shared humanity and calls for a commitment from elected officials and the media to reject using their influence to further spew bigotry and hate. (2/3) We can start by bringing the Wadee Resolution for a vote in the House. It Passed the Senate; it’s time we do the same. (3/3)”
  • NOTE: the Chief of Staff of Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) defended her vote in favor of the resolution, posting on X: “this resolution does not even come close to adopting the ihra definition, which is something she has consistently opposed. it simply states that it exists and that it is recognized by particular international bodies. she will continue to oppose ihra codification.” This rationalization for AOC’s yes vote, notably, depends on an interpretation of the resolution that is wholly out-of-sync with what the resolution actually says, seeks to achieve, and will mean in terms of implementation. Don’t believe me? Here’s Jewish Insider on passage of the resolution: “…The guidelines, released by the State Department and dozens of international partners, make nonbinding recommendations for how governments around the world can counter antisemitism, including adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. The resolution, led by Reps. Kathy Manning (D-NC) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), the co-chairs of the House antisemitism task force, condemns global antisemitism, praises the global guidelines and urges states and international organizations to combat antisemitism and embrace the guidelines…”

>>ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT — UPDATE<<<

Last week it was announced that Schumer (D-NY) had decided to attached the hugely controversial Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA) – which would codify and enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its examples, into US law – to the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a reminder, the NDAA is a piece of must-pass legislation, meaning that attaching the AAA to it would guarantee the AAA’s passage into law (just in time for it to be weaponized by the Trump Administration).

Almost immediately thereafter, it was reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had rejected Schumer attaching the AAA to the NDAA, based on his view that Schumer doing so was a tactic to enable Democrats to avoid going on the record as for or against the bill (something Johnson wants to force Democrats to do).

This week the fate of the AAA remained unclear, with Schumer reportedly still determined to add the AAA to the NDAA, and Johnson still insisting he will block this from happening. In the meantime, reporting on the bill – including reporting on the forces behind the months-long campaign pressuring Schumer to move the legislation – continued.

Media this week

Media/Reports/Letters last week

>>>OTHER STUFF<<<

  • US MUST TREAT SETTLEMENTS AS PART OF ISRAEL – & NOT DOING SO IS ANTI-ISRAEL, ANTISEMITIC BDS) S. 5371 (text): Introduced 11/21/24 by Cotton (R-AR) and 5 Republican cosponsors. “A bill to require the maintenance of the country of origin markings for imported goods produced in the West Bank or Gaza, and for other purposes,” aka the “Anti-BDS Labeling Act.” Referred to the Committee on Finance.  NOTE: this is a re-introduction of HR 5179, which was introduced 8/8/23 by Tenney (R-NY) and passed by the House on 9/18/2024 by a vote of 231-189, with all Republicans plus 16 Democrats voting in favor [for full details see the 9/20/24,  9/13/24, and 4/19/24 editions of the Round-Up]. It was then referred to the Senate, where it has not moved. Also see: Cotton press release – Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ban Anti-Semitic Country-of-Origin Labels; New bill to ensure Israeli products are labeled as such (Arutz Sheva 11/21/24).  Reminder: As has always been the case in this battle over how to label the place-of-origin of settlement products, the arguments behind this legislation boil down to:
    • if people know that a product was produced in a settlement, some will likely choose NOT to buy the product, in a decision that reflects their personal opposition to Israeli occupation/settlements;
    • such an action by an individual consumer, as an expression of their own deeply-held values, is a form of BDS and as such is antisemitic, anti-Israel;
    • the U.S. government, as part of its support for its ally Israel, must implement policies that in effect establish special place-of-origin rules for Israel [i.e., hold Israel to a different standard than the rest of the world]
    • These Israel-specific rules-of-origin must ensure that U.S. consumers who might want to make an informed decision with respect to purchasing or not purchasing settlement products are prevented from doing so — in this case, by depriving consumers of accurate place-of-origin data; and
    • Failure to implement/enact policies that in effect prevent US consumers making informed decisions with respect to whether or not they wish to purchase settlements products is antisemitic, anti-Israel, and a form of BDS.
  • (RESTORE FUNDING TO UNRWA!) S. 5388 (text): Introduced 11/21/24 by Welch (D-VT), Sanders (I-VT), Van Hollen (D-MD), Klobuchar (D-MN) and Hirono (D-HI), “A bill to restore funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),” aka, the “UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.  NOTE: This is the Senate version of HR 9649, the “UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act,” introduced in the House on 9/18/24 by Carson (D-IN) and 62 cosponsors (all Democrats) [covered in the 9/20/24 edition of the Round-Up]. Also see: Welch press release — Welch Leads Bill to Restore Funding for UNRWA.
  • (DISAPPROVING OF WEAPONS SALES TO UAE) H. J. Res. 226/S. J. Res. 118: Introduced 11/21/24 in the House by Jacobs (D-CA) and no cosponsors, and in the Senate by Van H0llen (D-MD) and no cosponsors, “Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Van Hollen press release — Van Hollen Introduces Joint Resolution of Disapproval & Legislation to Pause Weapons Sales to UAE Until Administration Certifies UAE is Not Supporting RSF in Sudan; Reuters report– US lawmakers seek to halt weapons sales to UAE, citing Sudan
  • (BARRING WEAPONS SALES TO UAE) S. 5376: Introduced 11/21/24 by Van Hollen (D-MD) and no cosponsors, “A bill to prohibit sales and the issuance of licenses for the export of certain defense articles to the United Arab Emirates, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Van Hollen press release — Van Hollen Introduces Joint Resolution of Disapproval & Legislation to Pause Weapons Sales to UAE Until Administration Certifies UAE is Not Supporting RSF in Sudan; Reuters report– US lawmakers seek to halt weapons sales to UAE, citing Sudan
  •  (HONORING THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE) H. Res. 1578: Introduced 11/18/24 by Green (D-TX) and 4 cosponsors (bipartisan),  “Original Resolution honoring and commending the American Jewish Committee on its 118th anniversary.” Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Excerpt: The House, “honors and commends the American Jewish Committee for its efforts regarding human rights worldwide, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of Israel’s security and place in the world.”
  • (WE LOVE INTL DIGITAL FREEDOM – but does that include for Palestinians?) HR 10169 & S. 5344 (text): Introduced 11/19/24 in the House by Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) and Kim (R-CA), and in the Senate by Coons (D-DE) and Tillis (R-NC), “ To provide for international protection of digital freedom, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press releases – Reps. Kim, Kamlager-Dove Lead Bill to Protect International Digital Freedom; Senators Coons, Tillis introduce legislation to promote protection of international digital freedom
  • (DO MORE FOR US CITIZENS HELD HOSTAGE) HR 10168: Introduced 11/19/24 by Hill (R-AR) and Stevens (D-MI), “To amend the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act to require the Secretary of State to provide additional information to Congress regarding United States nationals detained abroad, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see: Hill press release – REP. HILL INTRODUCES BILL TO PUSH STATE DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY ABOUT AMERICAN HOSTAGES AND WRONGFUL DETAINEES
  • (ONE TO WATCH – NOT CLEAR YET WHAT IT INVOLVES) S. 5340:  Introduced 11/18/24 by Coons (D-DE) and Risch (R-ID), “A bill to provide the United States Government with additional tools to deter state and non-state actors from wrongfully detaining United States nationals for political leverage, and for other purposes.”  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. There has been no press release as of this writing as no bill text is available as yet.

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

11/19/14: House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Hosts Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt. Also see:

  • Manning (R-NY) 11/19/24 X-post – “Today, the @HouseBTFCA welcomed @StateSEAS to the U.S. Capitol to discuss the alarming rise of antisemitism both at home and around the world. I’m grateful for Ambassador Lipstadt and her tireless efforts to combat antisemitism wherever it emerges.“
  • Keating (D-MA) 11/19/24 X-post – “Timely meeting today w/@StateSEAS Amb. Lipstadt to discuss her travels to Paris & Amsterdam and the horrific antisemitic attack on Israeli soccer fans. We must work together to combat antisemitism & the US-endorsed Global Guidelines provide an important framework for this work.”

4. Selected Members on the Record

On the Announcement that the ICC has issued Arrest Warrants for Bibi & Gallant: Many, many members of Congress made many, many statements and posts expressing outrage, indignation, and disgust at the ICC’s issuing of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant. These included many, many calls/demands for sanctions and retribution, including calls for immediate passage of  the anti-ICC legislation already passed by the House and now pending in the Senate (HR 8282). Check members’ websites and social media accounts to see for yourself.

Republicans: WE STAND WITH ISRAEL (and Democrats don’t) (pre-ICC announcement)

  • Sullivan (R-AK) 11/21/24: X-post – “When @SenateGOP assumes the majority, we will make clear to our friends and foes around the world that the United States once again stands proudly with Israel—our greatest ally in the Middle East—and against the Iranian terrorist regime and its terrorist proxies.“
  • Scott (R-FL) 11/20/24: X-post – “It’s disgusting to see a U.S. Senator spewing antisemitic hatred & attacking our great ally, Israel, with LIES. It’s Hamas that wants to destroy Israel & every Jew & has held Americans & Israelis hostage for 411 days. Israel must defend itself & destroy Hamas to achieve peace.” [attacking Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) for describing what Israel is doing in Gaza – accurately – as “ethnic cleansing”]
  • D’Esposito (R-NY) 11/20/24: X-post – “This is just the latest iteration of the antisemitism peddled at the UN by governments who seek the destruction of our ally, Israel. The Biden Admin MUST take a strong stance in opposition to this treachery — the admin’s current silence is dangerous.“
  • Thune (R-SD) 11/19/24: press release – Thune: The Senate Republican Majority Will Have Israel’s Back [includes link to video]
  • Issa (R-CA) 11/19/24: X-post – “Protecting Israel means confronting not just Hamas and Hezbollah but also their enablers.” [Syria, Russia, Iran, China]
  • Scott (R-FL) 11/18/24: X-post – “The @IDF again has made the world a safer place with a swift and strategic strike to eliminate an evil terrorist. Let this be a reminder: if you chant ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel,’ you will pay & no one will miss you.” Commenting on article about Israel bombing central Beirut to kill a Hizballah spokesman.
  • Lankford (R-OK) 11/18/24: X-post – “Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and we must stand firmly with them. The ICC prosecutor’s attempt to seek arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is a dangerous overreach that threatens Israel’s sovereignty. These actions cannot go unanswered. Further, at a time when antisemitism is rising in the United States and throughout the world, the Senate should pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act & the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would affirm to our Jewish friends and neighbors that we will stand with them & the hate of antisemitism will not be tolerated in the US.”
  • Van Duyne (R-TX) 11/18/24: X-post – “The Biden-Harris legacy in the Middle East:  Sent $2B to pad Hamas pockets since 10/7/23  \ Waived terrorism sanctions on Palestinian gov’t  \ Imposed new sanctions on Israeli Jews \  Can’t wait to return to leadership that recognizes the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.”
  • Capito (R-WV) 11/19/24: In Case You Missed It: Capito, Colleagues Introduce Stand with Israel Act
  • Ernst (R-IA) 11/19/24: Ernst Combats Israel’s Persecution at the United Nations
  • Scott (R-SC) 11/19/24: X-post – “Any move to restrict Israel’s membership would be another shameful act of antisemitism and terrorist pandering. The Stand with Israel Act ensures not a single dime of American taxpayer money funds the UN’s cowardice.“
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 11/19/24: X-post – “If the International Criminal Court proceeds in attempting to issue warrants for Israeli officials, the U.S. Senate should immediately pass legislation enacting strict sanctions on the farce court.“
  • Risch (R-ID) 11/18/24: X-post – “Reports that another anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution will soon be considered are concerning. If true, the Biden Admin must announce its plan to VETO this clearly anti-Semitic effort. This is another example of how the @UN system is broken and in need of an overhaul.“
  • McCaul (R-TX) 11/18/24: X-post – “CHM @RepMcCaul: “I agree with @SenateForeign. Any UN Security Council resolution dealing with Gaza is going to be biased against Israel. If a resolution is brought forward, the Biden admin must veto, maintaining the US’ longstanding practice of opposing one-sided efforts that weaponize the UN system against Israel.”
  • Ernst (R-IA) 11/18/24: X-post – “Allowing Israel to be threatened while it is in the fight for its life exposes more of the blatant antisemitism @UN. There will be consequences if the UN allows Israel’s status to be downgraded, and they should no longer receive U.S. taxpayer dollars.“
  • Emmer (R-MN) 11/18/24: X-post – “The @HouseGOP passed H.R. 8282 months ago, sanctioning the pro-terrorist ICC for unlawfully targeting Israel. Shame on Schumer for letting it gather dust on his desk, only enabling terrorism. I commend @SenJohnThune’s commitment to ensuring BOTH chambers stand with Israel.“
  • Young (R-IN) 11/18/24: X-post – “The United States must reject all attempts by the ICC, or anyone else, to undermine Israel’s sovereignty and right to defend itself. I agree with @SenJohnThune – we must pass this bipartisan legislation and reaffirm our support for our ally Israel.“
  • Incoming Senate Leader Thune (R-SD) 11/17/24: X-post: “If the ICC and its prosecutor do not reverse their outrageous and unlawful actions to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli officials, the Senate should immediately pass sanctions legislation, as the House has already done on a bipartisan basis. If Majority Leader Schumer does not act, the Senate Republican majority will stand with our key ally Israel and make this – and other supportive legislation – a top priority in the next Congress.“

Sanctions on Israeli Settlers, For & Against

  • Smith (D-WA) 11/19/24: X-post – “Yesterday, the Biden-Harris Administration announced sanctions against Amana, an Israeli settler organization that has promoted the rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank. In October, I wrote a letter urging the admin to sanction Amana to discourage Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence. This was an important step to take to deter entities and individuals who are destabilizing the West Bank. I also support sanctioning Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir for their roles in destabilizing the region.“
  • Hinson (R-IA) 11/19/24: X-post – “The Biden Administration’s true anti-Israel colors are showing in its final days. These sanctions – along with continued attempts to undermine Israeli security – are unacceptable. We can’t get President Trump back in office soon enough.“
  • Daines (R-MT) 11/18/24: X-post – “This unprecedented lawfare against private Israeli companies by the Biden admin is reprehensible. Congress should pass bipartisan leg to prohibit future U.S. sanctions while opposing any attempt by the UN Security Council to pass a similar resolution.“
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 11/18/24: DeLauro Statement on White House Sanctions on Amana; also see X-thread – “I am encouraged that @POTUS has taken action in response to a letter I led to sanction Amana, a key funder of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. This is a good first step and will make a real impact on the ground. However, we must go further and sanction other entities and Israeli government officials named directly in our letter for their instigation of violence and instability in the West Bank and the broader region…”

American-Israeli Hostages Held by Hamas

  • Scott (R-FL) 11/19/24: X-post – “This is heartbreaking to listen to, but it’s crucial we hear every word. Hamas terrorists aren’t interested in peace. They seek to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. They’ve held hostages for 410 days and targeted our great ally. THIS is what sympathizers are defending and what those who remain in captivity face every single day. ENOUGH! Bring them all home.” Comment on post by Israeli official with video talking to a former hostage.
  • Espaillat (D-NY) 11/18/24: Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Meet with Former Hostage and Families of Current Hostages Held by Hamas
  • Cruz (R-TX) 11/18/24: X-post – “Today I met with the families of American hostages held by Hamas. I told them I am committed to doing everything possible to bring their loved ones home. At the UN there are calls for forcing a ceasefire on Israel that leaves American hostages in Hamas’s hands, and I told these families I am committed to countering those efforts and making the release of hostages a prerequisite for a ceasefire. Heidi and I will continue to pray for these hostages until they are returned home.“

AIPAC brings pro-Israel students to the Hill

X-posts about meeting with delegations of pro-Israel students brought to the Hill be AIPAC this week: Balderson (R-OH), Ciscomani (R-AZ), Schneider (D-CA), Lawler (R-NY), Cammack (R-FL)

Stefanik’s Nomination as UN Ambassador

  • Blackburn (R-TN) 11/21/24: X-post – “Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has been a staunch leader for Israel, taking on woke college presidents who failed to protect Jewish students and putting pressure on universities that abetted terrorist sympathizers on their campuses. She will make a wonderful and fierce UN Ambassador.“
  • McConnell (R-KY) 11/21/24: McConnell Meets With Representative Elise Stefanik [“I was glad to meet today with President-elect Trump’s nominee to serve as Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Representative Elise Stefanik. The world’s largest international organization is in dire need of a wake-up call, and Representative Stefanik is uniquely well-suited to deliver it. In a forum corrupted by authoritarians where cowardly majorities hector the embattled Jewish state of Israel, the next U.S. Ambassador must speak with uncompromising moral clarity. I am particularly encouraged that the President-elect’s nominee shares my commitment to holding UNRWA accountable for its role in the horrors of October 7th and keeping U.S. taxpayer dollars clear of such vile complicity. I look forward to the Senate’s timely consideration of Representative Stefanik’s nomination. I hope and expect she will be a proud proponent of an American foreign policy based on peace through strength.”]
  • Daines (R-MT) 11/21/24: X-post – “Great to meet with my friend @EliseStefanik today. She is a champion for Israel and will work tirelessly to advance @realDonaldTrump’s America First agenda.”
  • Hinson (R-IA) 11/19/24: X-post – “The UN continues to spew pro-Gaza propaganda pushed by terrorists. Hamas is to blame for every single civilian death in Gaza. Can’t wait for @EliseStefanik to set them straight.” [linked to CNN report — UN report: Israel is intentionally causing death, starvation in Gaza]

Other stuff

  • Walberg (R-MI) 11/21/24: X-post – “Antisemitic mobs continue to plague universities across the country. @EdWorkforceCmte will not stop exposing failed leadership and holding bad actors accountable. We cannot allow this behavior to continue.“
  • Alford (R-MO) 11/19/24: ICYMI: Alford Joins Bipartisan Congressional National Security Trip to the Middle East
  • Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) 11/19/24: X-thread – “On Saturday in Downers Grove, our community witnessed another apparently hate-motivated attack, this time on a Palestinian man and his pregnant wife. This follows other recent hate-motivated incidents, including anti-Semitic attacks in Chicago. 1/3 As we confront acts of hate, including violence, it’s not enough just to reject them, we must be ready to help those being targeted, whether a couple grabbing lunch, students demonstrating on their college campus, or a congregation at a synagogue. 2/3 So, if you see violence or vandalism, call the police. If you see someone in need of medical attention, call 911. And if you see a community in need of more good neighbors, please be one. We can’t just reject hate – we need to embrace taking care of our communities.”
  • Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) 11/18/24: X-thread – “Truly a privilege to join my friend @senatornanrich and Deputy Consul General of Israel @BlackAyellet in recognizing Yom Haplitim, Jewish Refugee Day, for the first time in Broward County. Thanks @Sephardi_Voices, @jewishbroward and @AJCGlobal for hosting this meaningful program. Many have no knowledge of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that constitute the Jewish diaspora. Events like this commemoration are the key to ensuring our children – and their children – are agents for peace and partnership.” For some context on the Jewish refugee issue, see my 2012 piece for the Daily Beast: Exploiting Jews from Arab Countries
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 11/18/24: X-post – “The truth in Gaza. Hamas steals aid then sells it to their own people, yet Israel faces blood libel with committing ‘genocide’ or ‘starving’ Gaza. I stand with the truth.” NOTE: The truth, as covered in detail this week by the Washington Post, is actually this: “Officials said criminal looting has become the greatest impediment to distributing aid in the southern half of Gaza, home to the vast majority of displaced Palestinians. Armed bands of men have killed, beaten and kidnapped aid truck drivers in the area around Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point into Gaza’s south, aid workers and transport companies said. The thieves, who have run cigarette-smuggling operations throughout this year but are now also stealing food and other supplies, are tied to local crime families, residents say. The gangs are described by observers as rivals of Hamas and, in some cases, they have been targeted by remnants of Hamas’s security forces in other parts of the enclave. An internal United Nations memo obtained by The Washington Post concluded last month that the gangs ‘may be benefiting from a passive if not active benevolence’ or ‘protection’ from the Israel Defense Forces. One gang leader, the memo said, established a ‘military like compound’ in an area ‘restricted, controlled and patrolled by the IDF.’” Also, at this point the list of genocide experts who have stated clearly that Israel is, indeed, committing genocide is too long to include here.]

5. Selected Media

Targeting the ICC

Senate GOP Stands with Israel

Targeting AOC for…saying what AIPAC is saying about itself…

On 11/17/24, Ocasio-Cortaz (D-NY) posted on X, commenting on a thread about the recent election: “If people want to talk about members of Congress being overly influenced by a special interest group pushing a wildly unpopular agenda that pushes voters away from Democrats then they should be discussing AIPAC“. ADL head Jonathan Greenblatt promptly responded that with this statement AOC was guilty of “scapegoating the Jews” — a statement that manifestly conflates AIPAC (which AOC mentioned) with Jewish people (the issue of Jews or Jewish identity is never mentioned by AOC) – which of course is ANTISEMITIC, but never mind… AOC’s X-post launched a flurry of rage from the usual suspects. For more see:

Other stuff

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

New:

1. Bills & Resolutions

(ENABLING TRUMP ADMIN TO STRIP ANY NGO OF NON-PROFIT STATUS, USING SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS AS THE HOOK FOR PASSAGE) HR 9495 (text): Introduced 9/9/24 by Tenney (R-NY) and 3 bipartisan cosponsors – Kustoff (R-TN), Schneider (D-IL) & Titus (D-NV) –”To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse paid late fees for United States nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations, and for other purposes.” NOTE: This bill takes the text of the extremely controversial HR 6408 / S. 1436 (“To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations“) and melds it at a totally mom-and-apple-pie legislation HR 7791 / S. 4057 (“To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse paid late fees for United States nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, and for other purposes.“)

  • 11/12/24 – Brought to the House floor under suspension of the rules (requiring a 2/3 vote to pass) & DEFEATED by a vote of 256-145 (with 52 Democrats voting “yes” and 1 Republican voting “no”). Floor debate on the bill is here. Also see social media & members’ websites for statements for/against the bill. For extra fun see: Gottheimer (D-NJ) 11/13/24: X-post – “America cannot allow support for any terrorist organization, especially one that threatens our nation or our key ally, Israel. In case there is any confusion, last night’s bipartisan vote was about one thing: ensuring that no terrorist organization — including antisemitic, anti-American Iranian-backed groups like Hamas, PIJ, and Hezbollah — can threaten our democracy, national security, and American lives. Ensuring the safety of all Americans, especially the US hostage families, is not a partisan issue. It’s one we must all work together to urgently address.”
  • 11/13/24 – House Rules Committee announced that the bill will be marked up in the Rules Committee on 11/18/24, paving the way for it to be brought to the floor under normal order (where it needs only a simple majority to pass)

Coverage of the bill over past week:

Deeper dive: Below is an excerpt from coverage of this bill in the 9/13/24 edition of the Round-Up, when it was originally introduced as HR 6408 and passed by the House under suspension of the Rules by a vote of 383–11. Also see my 11/6/24 X-thread on the bill. As a reminder, passage of the bill back in September sparked a (belated) public debate over the implications of the bill for all non-profit organizations, including expressions of deep concern/opposition from across the political spectrum. The bill subsequently stalled in the Senate.

(ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT — UPDATE) The Forward 11/15/24: Senate moves to pass contentious antisemitism bill targeting anti-Israel activity on campuses [yet another piece mis-reporting the story to suggest that the only opposition to the bill comes from the Left); Jewish Insider 11/15/24: Schumer moves to add Antisemitism Awareness Act to 2025 defense bill — Sen. Chuck Schumer put forth the bill as an amendment in negotiations with congressional leaders; if successful, the legislation is on the fast-track to passage. Also see:

(STAND WITH ISRAEL AGAINST EVIL UNITED NATIONS) S. 5303 [pdf of bill]: Introduced 11/13/24 by Risch (R-ID) and 33 all-Republican co-sponsors, “A bill 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.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Notably, on 11/14/24, Risch (R-ID) issued a press release, Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jim Risch, 32 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN, sparking media coverage and X-posts/press releases from backers – Scott (R-FL), Kennedy (R-LA), Britt (R-ID), Crapo (R-ID). If this BIG NEWS sounds familiar, that’s because on 10/23/24, Sen. Risch (R-ID) issued a press release — Risch to Lead 27 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN [pdf of bill] – covered in the 10/25/25 edition of the Round-Up (yes, he announced the bill twice). Like the companion House version – HR 9374 (introduced 8/16/24 by Lawler (R-NY) and now having 39 cosponsors, including 4 Democrats – Gottheimer, D-NY, Moskowitz, D-FL, Landsman, D-OH, and Davis, D-NC, and covered in the 8/23/24 edition of the Round-Up), this bill  would cut off US funding to the UN itself, or any UN agency, etc., “that expels, downgrades or suspends membership, or otherwise restricts the participation of Israel such that it may not participate fully and equivalently with other Member States of the United Nations or the respective fund, program, specialized agency, or other related entity.” Risch notes in his original press release (which includes equally enraged, juicy quotes from his GOP cosponsors): “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic… That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all we can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.”

(BARRING HAMAS/TERRORISTS FROM IMMIGRATION TO THE US) S. 5304 (bill text): Introduced 11/13/24 by Blackburn (R-TN) and Rosen (D-NV), the “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act,” aka “A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny immigration benefits to aliens who carried out, participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the recent attacks against Israel.”  NOTE: Aliens who are affiliated with US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations or who have engaged in or supported acts of terror are ALREADY BARRED from obtaining both immigrant and non-immigrant visas to the United States. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The key phrase in this legislation seems to be “otherwise facilitated,” which based on the press release seems to be widening the ban to include all those deeded to be “Hamas sympathizers.”  Also see press release – Blackburn, Rosen Introduce “No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act”; Senators introduce bill, which passed House 422-2, blocking Oct. 7 terrorists from entering US (Jewish News Syndicate 11/15/24)

(REGIONAL CAPABILITY TO DEAL WITH IRAN SPACE THREAT) HR 10108: Introduced 11/8/24 by Panetta (D-CA) and 3 cosponsors,  “To require the Secretary of Defense to develop, in cooperation with allies and partners in the Middle East, an integrated space and satellite security capability, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services. Also see press release – Rep. Panetta Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Increase Satellite Security and Counter Space Threats Posed by Iran. The press release notes, “This legislation has been included in the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 and is co-introduced with Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and David Trone (MD-06). Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) are leading the Senate’s version.”

2. Letters

(PROMISING JEWISH STUDENTS THAT THE SENATE WILL NOT STAND BY AND ALLOW CRITICISM OF ISRAEL/ZIONISM ON CAMPUS!) 11/15/24: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Pens Letter Supporting Jewish College Students, Condemning Rise in Antisemitism Across American Campuses [letter text]. Also see: ‘I And My Colleagues Won’t Stand for This’: Republican Sen. Katie Britt Warns Universities Anti-Semitism Crackdown is Coming with New Majority (Washington Free Beacon 11/15/24)

(TARGETING DEPT OF ED FUNDING FOR “EXTREMIST, ANTI-ISRAEL PROFESSORS) 11/15/24: Blackburn, Lummis Slam Biden’s Education Department for Funneling Taxpayer Dollars to Terrorist-Sympathizing Professors [letter text]. Also see: Senate Republicans question Department of Education Middle East studies grants (Jewish Insider 11/15/24)

(CRACK DOWN ON ISRAELI MKS PROMOTING SETTLER VIOLENCE) 11/14/24: Casten, DeLauro, Van Hollen, Durbin Lead More than 80 Lawmakers in Bicameral Push Urging Biden Administration to Sanction Members of the Netanyahu Government, Others for Actions to Incite Violence, Expand Settlements in the West Bank [letter text, dated 10/29/24]. Also see:

(GET TOUGH ON QATAR) 11/8/24: Senators Wicker, Risch, and Colleagues Press Biden-Harris Administration to Reverse Policy Toward State of Qatar [letter text]

3. Hearings & Markups

None.

4. Selected Members on the Record

NOTE: Lots of members made comments about Trump’s cabinet picks – check out social media & members’ websites for what specific members said.

Biden Decision Re: Israel Blocking Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 11/14/24: X-post – “US law is clear: No nation blocking US humanitarian aid can receive US weapons. Palestinian children are forced to eat pet food and bug infested flour, but @SecBlinken says there’s no need to change our policy. The Biden administration is refusing to comply with US law.”
  • Lee (D-PA) 11/12/24: X-post – “Israel is blocking aid into Gaza and starving Palestinians while continuing to receive US-made weapons paid for by our tax dollars. The White House is failing to do what US law requires, and what the majority of Americans want: Stop sending weapons to Israel.”
  • Welch (D-VT) 11/12/24: Welch Reacts to Biden Administration’s Failure to Withhold Offensive Military Aid to Israel 
  • Pocan (D-WI) 11/12/24: X-post – “Israel failed to meet requirements to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. People are needlessly starving. It’s past time we withhold deadly arms sales to Israel and urge peace now.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 11/11/24: Welch Urges Biden Administration to Withhold Offensive Military Aid to Israel

Members Meet with Hostages’ Families

  • Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 11/14/24: Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Meet with Former Hostage and Families of Current Hostages Held by Hamas
  • Schumer (D-NY) 11/13/24: X-post – “Tonight, I met with the families of Americans still—still—horrifically being held hostage by Hamas more than one year after October 7th. We must and we will keep working to bring the hostages home and reunite them with their families.“
  • Moran (R-TX) 11/13/24: X-post – “Earlier today, I met with family members of the hostages held in captivity by Hamas terrorists. During our conversation, I reaffirmed my commitment to Israel and the immediate release of their loved ones. It’s past time for the Biden Administration to step up and do what needs to be done to #BringThemHomeNow.“

Other stuff

5. Selected Media