FMEP Legislative Round-Up January 3, 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 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

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings
4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Elex/Politics
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New:

  • On 11/7/24 the Arab American Institute hosted a webinar examining the results of the 2024 US Presidential election, featuring AAI President Dr. Jim Zogby & AAI Executive Director Maya Berry in conversation with Lara Friedman (FMEP), Gerald Seib (Former Wall Street Journal Exec. Washington Editor), & John Zogby (Founder, John Zogby Strategies).  The panel provided analysis on the election outcome and its impact on domestic and foreign policy, the state of American democracy, and next steps on continued support for Palestinian human rights.

1. Bills & Resolutions

(BAD ERDOGAN FOR NOT SUPPORTING ISRAEL AS IT EXTERMINATES PALESTINIANS & LEBANESE, ETC) H. Res. 1562: Introduced 11/1/24 by Titus (D-NV), Schneider (D-IL) and Bilirakis (R-FL), “Condemning President Erdogan and his regime for issuing destabilizing statements following the attacks on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, endangering the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s mission, threatening the territorial integrity of neighboring countries, supporting terrorism, and fostering antisemitic behavior around the globe.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

(TARGETING IRAN & OTHERS MALIGN ACTS INSIDE THE US) S. XXXX: On 11/4/24 Sen. Ernst (R-IA) issued a press release, Ernst, Hassan Crack Down on Iran Funding Crime in U.S. (Hassan, D-NH, press release), aka, the Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors (DETERRENCE) Act.  A one-pager describing the bill states: “Foreign adversaries are increasingly paying criminals to commit violent crimes against their critics, including those who reside in the United States. In a notable recent example, the Department of Justice indicted a General in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as members of an Eastern European criminal organization, for their role in an effort to kill a U.S. citizen who was critical of the Iranian regime. Senators’ Hassan and Ernst’s bipartisan legislation would help strengthen criminal penalties for those who commit or attempt to commit violent crimes in the United States on behalf of foreign adversaries. These increased penalties would help reduce the willingness of criminals to commit violence against critics of foreign adversaries who are living in the United States.”

On Next Week’s Suspension Calendar

(TARGETING NGOs THAT SUPPORT PALESTINIAN RIGHTS) 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.” Passed by the House Ways & Means Committee 9/11/24. Below is from coverage of this bill in the 9/13/24 edition of the Round-Up. Also see my 11/6/24 X-thread on the bill.

2. Letters

(BAN ENTRY TO UK MP FOR “HAMAS TIES”) 11/4/24: Jewish Insider – Rep. Mast urges visa ban for British MP over alleged Hamas ties [“Mast accused Nassem Shah of ties to known terrorist groups and said she should not be allowed to attend an upcoming conference in Washington, D.C.”] [letter text]

(BIDEN: MORE SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL, NOW!) 11/4/24: McCaul Urges President Biden to Take Urgent Action to Support Israel Amid Increasing Threats from Iran [letter text].

(MASSIVE SANCTIONS ON PALESTINIANS IF THEY TARGET ISRAEL AT UN) 11/4/23: Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Send Letter [to US Ambassador to the UN] Opposing Palestinian Effort to Suspend Israel from U.N. General Assembly [letter text, dated 10/29/24]. The letter threatens far-reaching consequences for the Palestinians if they move to get Israel suspended from the General Assembly [bold added by me — “Regarding the U.S.-Palestinian relationship, it is grounded in and structured by agreements going back to the Oslo Accords. Those agreements committed the Palestinians not to internationalize their conflict with Israel outside the contours of bilateral negotiations, which the United States has traditionally mediated. The proposal by President Abbas to suspend Israel from the UN General Assembly would straightforwardly violate and fundamentally abrogate those commitments, in turn requiring a comprehensive reevaluation of the U.S.-Palestinian relationship. We would pursue such a reevaluation, which will minimally include downgrading cooperation with the PA, ending assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, terminating all Palestinian-related offices across the U.S. government including the Palestinian-facing consulate and the Office of Palestinian Affairs, and broadly curtailing diplomatic, economic, and security engagements between American and Palestinian officials.” And “the PLO and PA are both already subject to American antiterrorism sanctions, though those sanctions are vitiated by licenses and waivers, and are primarily limited to Americans’ ability to assist those groups. Should the PLO move to suspend Israel from the UN General Assembly, we will seek to ensure that those licenses and waivers are ended, and to expand American antiterrorism sanctions to include third parties. More specifically, in 1987 Congress determined ‘that the PLO and its affiliates are a terrorist organization and a threat to the interests of the United States, its allies, and to international law’ (P.L. 100-204, 101 Stat. 1406), and Americans are in general prohibited from conducting transactions on their behalf or issuing diplomatic visas to PLO officials. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has determined ‘pursuant to OFAC’s terrorism sanctions programs, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Palestinian Authority unless authorized’ as a result of elections held in 2006, in which Hamas was empowered to form the majority party within the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and hold high-level offices within PA. OFAC has issued a series of general licenses authorizing a wide range of such transactions, and special licenses are routinely granted for provisioning visas to PLO officials. Beyond the termination of those licenses, we would seek to impose binding restrictions on the movement of Palestinian officials operating under diplomatic visas related to UN activities, to freeze transactions related to funds controlled by the PA and PLO when they come within U.S. jurisdiction including those related to the Palestine Investment Fund, to designate the PA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist [note: Congress does not have the authority to make either of these designations], and to implement and enforce primary and secondary antiterrorism sanctions against individual PLO and PA officials.”

(REDESIGNATE HOUTHIS AS FTO) 11/1/24: Rosen, Rubio Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Administration to Redesignate The Houthis As A Foreign Terrorist Organization [letter text]

(THE ICC PROSECUTOR IS A BAD, BAD MAN FOR GOING AFTER ISRAEL & NOW WE CAN GET HIM BECAUSE OF TOTALLY UNRELATED ALLEGATIONS) 11/1/24: U.S. Senators [Graham (R-SC), Cardin (D-MD), Thune (R-SD), Blumenthal (D-CT), Ernst (R-IA) and Fetterman (D-PA)] Call for Review of ICC Prosecutor’s Decision to Apply for Arrest Warrants for Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Timing of Misconduct Allegations [letter text]. Also see: Pro-Israel senators call for probe of ICC prosecutor  (Jewish Insider 11/4/24) 

(TARGETING TWITCH STREAMER, INCL FOR PRO-PALESTINE) 10/29/24: Congressman Ritchie Torres Writes to Executives at Twitch and Amazon: Hasan Piker is Dangerous [letter text]. Also see: Twitch faces criticism over Israel-Gaza war content on platform (NBC News 11/24/24)

3. Hearings & Markups

None [Congress not in session]

4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Politics/Elex

5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

Media

Members

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings
4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Elex/Politics
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New :

  •  11/1/24: WEBINAR co-convened by FMEP & MEI, Israel’s UNRWA Ban: What it means for Gaza, the UN and the World, ft. Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank; Mona Jebril, Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge;Alexander Smith, JD/MPH/MA, former USAID official (resigned May 2024); moderated by: Khaled Elgindy (MEI) and Lara Friedman (FMEP)

1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING NON-PROFIT SECTOR) HR 10067: Introduced 10/29/24 by Gaetz (R-FL) and 3 Republican cosponsors, “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from tax-exempt status entities which provide goods or services to individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the United States,” aka the “Helping Americans by Restricting Resources to Immigrant Services Act of 2024″ aka the “HARRIS Act of 2024”. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Also see Gaetz press release – Congressman Gaetz Introduces Legislation to End Tax-Exempt Status for Non-Profits Abetting the U.S. Border Invasion. NOTE: While this bill is about grandstanding on immigration issues, in practice, if passed, it would end the non-profit status of the entire ecosystem of organizations engaged in international work, including every humanitarian aid group (including faith organizations) and including every organization that raises funds for…Israel.

(LEGISLATING THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM) On 10/29/24, Axios published: Schumer pledges to pass antisemitism bill in Senate’s lame-duck session. According to this report, Schumer (D-NY) intends to attach the Antisemitism Awareness Act to the NDAA (must-pass legislation). Notably:

2. Letters

(NO WARS WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION!) 11/1/24: Tlaib, Bush Lead War Powers Letter to President Biden [letter text]. Also see: Progressives Demand Biden Explain US Military Involvement in Israel’s ‘Expanding Wars,’ Warn Congress Can Remove Troops (Zeteo 11/1/24)

(REINSTATE HOUTHIS’ FTO STATUS) 11/1/24: Jewish Insider – Bipartisan Senate group urges administration to reinstate Houthis’ Foreign Terrorist Organization designation [letter text]

(WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT LEBANON) 10/31/24:  Kaine, Shaheen, and Van Hollen Express Concern About Violence in Lebanon and Push for De-Escalation [letter text]

(INVESTIGATE PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTERS AS AGENTS OF HOSTILE FOREIGN ACTORS) 10/31/24: Westerman Continues Investigation into Union Station Protests and Hostile Foreign Influences [letter text]

(DEAR FRANCE: DON’T STOP ARMING ISRAEL, NO MATTER WHAT IT DOES) 10/29/24: Gottheimer, Wilson Lead Bipartisan Letter to Macron Expressing Deep Concern Over Call to Halt Arms Deliveries to Israel – Urge Macron to reconsider position and enhance democracy and security. Highlight importance to safety of American and French citizens. [letter text]. Also see: Lawmakers urge France’s Macron to ‘reconsider’ potential arms embargo on Israel (Jewish Insider 10/29/24)

(WITCH HUNT TARGETING IRANIAN-AMERICAN AT THE PENTAGON) 10/29/24: Mast Demands Answers on Pentagon’s Promotion of Iranian Influence Agent [Ariane Tabatabai] [letter text]

(STATES MUST CONDUCT WITCH HUNTS AGAINST NGOS THAT SUPPORT PALESTINIANS) 10/29/24: Chairman Smith (R-MO) Calls for States to Investigate Nonprofits Engaged in Antisemitic and Illegal Activity, including Supporting Terrorism [letter text]

(DON’T EVEN DARE THINK ABOUT CONSEQUENCES FOR ISRAEL AT THE UN FOR GENOCIDE, ABROGATING UN MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES, KILLING UN STAFF, ETC… OR ELSE) 10/25/24: Representatives Lawler, Moskowitz Lead Bipartisan Letter Signed by More Than 100 Colleagues to UN Secretary-General Slamming Efforts to Downgrade Israel’s Status [letter text]. Also see: Over 100 Congress members tell Guterres US will slash funding to UN if Israel’s status downgrades (Jerusalem Post 10/25/24); 12 Dems join GOP lawmakers to threaten UN funding over ‘ongoing hostility’ to Israel (Fox 10/25/24)

(THE ICC PROSECUTOR IS A BAD, BAD MAN FOR GOING AFTER ISRAEL & NOW WE CAN GET HIM BECAUSE OF TOTALLY UNRELATED ALLEGATIONS) 10/23/24: Graham: ICC Prosecutor Misconduct Allegations, Timeline Cast Moral Cloud Over Israeli Arrest Warrant Applications [letter text]. Also see: Sen. Graham demands ICC release records of prosecutor’s misconduct allegations (Jewish News Syndicate 10/27/24); US senator demands ICC release records of sexual misconduct allegations against prosecutor (Jewish Chronicle UK 10/27/24); ICC prosecutor facing scrutiny from Capitol Hill amid sexual misconduct allegations (Jewish Insider 10/29/24)

3. Hearings & Markups

None [Congress not in session]

4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Politics/Elex

General

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Indiana

Michigan

New Mexico

New York

Pennsylvania

5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

Progressive Failure of Courage, in Action

Israel Passes Laws Banning UNRWA

  • Garcia (D-IL) 10/30/24: X-post – “The Israeli government’s UNRWA ban is illegal under international law, and will deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I strongly support U.S. and international pressure calling for the ban to be repealed.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 10/30/24: X-post – “The Israeli Knesset’s decision to ban the UN Palestinian refugee agency from operating in Israel will harm the millions of Palestinians already on the brink of starvation and those forced from their land by violent settlers. No other organization can replace UNRWA in the region.“
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 10/30/24: X-thread – “Israel’s legislature just banned UNRWA from operating — an unacceptable move that goes against US interests and will restrict humanitarian aid delivery to millions. UNRWA is irreplaceable. Their efforts must not be blocked. The Biden-Harris admin urged Israel not to pass this law and said that a ban could have implications under US law. But the Knesset passed the law anyway. As the largest funder of offensive military aid to Israel, we must use our leverage to hold them accountable. UNRWA’s work to address the humanitarian crisis in the region is essential to saving lives and achieving long-term security. That’s why I introduced a bill to restore US funding to UNRWA w/ @RepAndreCarson & @janschakowsky, & I’ll keep fighting to ensure their work can continue.“
  • Bush (D-MO) 10/30/24: X-post – “The Israeli government has bombed Gaza for over a year, massacring and starving Palestinians. Now, they have banned UNRWA, the United Nations agency that aids Palestinian refugees. Every dollar the U.S. gives to the Israeli government funds these war crimes. #ArmsEmbargoNow“
  • McCollum (D-MN) 10/30/24: X-thread – “Israel’s new laws banning @UNRWA only punish civilians, especially the most vulnerable in Gaza. By deepening the misery and suffering for children and the elderly, Israel’s government is making an already dire humanitarian situation even a more desperate.“
  • DeLauro (D-CT) 10/29/24: DeLauro Statement on Israel Banning UNRWA
  • Pressley (D-MA) 10/29/24: X-post – “The Israeli government is starving Palestinians in Gaza, blocking aid, and now banning an essential humanitarian agency like UNRWA. Unconscionable. This is a blatant violation of international law and we must do everything we can to stop it.“
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/29/24: X-post – “Intentionally blocking aid, targeting humanitarian workers, and now banning UNRWA. All of Gaza is on the brink of famine. The Israeli government is using starvation as a weapon of war. How much more evidence does the Biden-Harris administration need to stop these war crimes?“

We Hate UNRWA

Accountability for American Killed by Israel

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 10/29/24: X-thread – “It has been 53 days since Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was killed in the West Bank, and we have seen no movement toward an independent investigation by the U.S. government. The U.S. is the largest backer of military assistance to Israel.  If the Israeli government is unwilling or unable to follow our own domestic laws as well as international humanitarian laws, we must demand accountability. To ensure the trust of our own U.S. citizens, we must initiate our own investigation into Eygi’s killing, use our leverage to demand changes to the IDF’s rules of engagement, and apply our domestic laws to this situation for full accountability. Recently, 102 members of Congress wrote a letter calling for an independent investigation into Eygi’s killing. My colleagues and I will not rest until we have answers. Today I met with Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s family and we spent some time talking about the person she was, the light she brought into a room, and her dedication to justice. I will continue to call for an independent investigation into her killing to get accountability.”
  • Smith (D-WA) 10/29/24: X-post – “Today I met with Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s family. She was a Seattle resident, graduate of the University of Washington, and a constituent of Washington’s Ninth Congressional District. In September, I led a letter calling for an independent investigation of her shooting. I believe the U.S. needs to conduct a full, independent investigation. We must get to the truth of what happened when she was killed. We must demand accountability and transparency from Israel. I’m grateful that Aysenur’s family took the time to speak with me today. My heart is with them throughout this extraordinarily difficult time.”

We Love Israel & Approve of/Defend Literally Anything It Does

Iran

Targeting Academia

Members’ Travel to Mideast

Other stuff

  • Sherman (D-CA) 10/30/24: X-post doubling down on the US ambassador to the UN’s latest attack on UN special envoy Francesca Albanese, “Last year I led my colleagues in sending @antonioguterres a letter urging Albanese’s firing after her latest antisemitic tirade. The UN’s continued employment of Albanese, who promotes age-old antisemitism and “Jewish lobby” conspiracies, shows the UN’s embrace of #antisemitism.”
  • Bowman (D-NY) 10/28/24: X-thread – “Some reflections on this clip that @nhannahjones shared: I was so overcome with emotion after initially watching this video a few weeks ago that I did not know what to say. Overcome not only because of the way in which Mr. Coates is attacked in this video, but I felt triggered because I have been attacked in very similar ways throughout my four years in Congress…”
  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/27/24: X-post in response to UN-OCHA statement about Israel’s military assault on northern Gaza & the horrific toll on Palestinian civilians – “.@SecBlinken I wanted you to see what your lies to Congress led to. Ignore it or hide it like you have been, but history won’t forget what you did. You could have stopped the starvation by telling us the truth. You decided to lie about it.”

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings
4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Elex/Politics
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

  • New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 10/21/24 – Holding Israeli Media Accountable: Incitement to Genocide is a Crime, ft. FMEP’s Sarah Anne Minkin speaking with Israeli human rights attorney Alon Sapir about the legal complaint he recently filed, together with other Israeli attorneys, accusing Israeli media Channel 14 of incitement to genocide against Palestinians and other grave crimes.

1. Bills & Resolutions

(STAND WITH ISRAEL AGAINST EVIL UNITED NATIONS) S. XXXX [pdf of bill]: 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. The 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 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.” Also see: Also see: Senate Republicans threaten UN funding if global body sidelines Israel (Jewish News Syndicate 10/23/24)

(41 YEARS LATER, DESIGNATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1983 BEIRUT MARINE BARRACKS BOMBING A “NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE”) H. Res. 1551: Introduced 10/22/24 by Pence (R-IN) and Stefanik (R-NY), “Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2024, as a national day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

2. Letters

[PASS ANTI-ICC LAW] 10/24/24: Jewish Insider reports – Johnson pressures Schumer to bring up legislation sanctioning the ICC –  In a letter, the House Speaker expressed frustration about the bill being stalled in the upper chamber

[KUSHNER-KSA FARA VIOLATIONS?] 10/24/24: Wyden, Raskin Call for Department of Justice to Appoint a Special Counsel to Investigate Jared Kushner for Acting as an Unregistered Foreign Agent [letter text]. Also see: Exclusive: Democratic lawmakers request probe into Kushner after Reuters Saudi report (Reuters 10/24/24)

[DESTROY UNRWA!] 10/23/24: Cotton to Biden: Continued Support for the UNRWA Funds Terrorist Activities and Prolongs War [letter embedded in press release; link to pdf may be broken]. NOTE: One of the hooks for this letter is “Israel reportedly found a passport belonging to a UNRWA teacher on Yahya Sinwar’s body”. As I covered in a 10/24/24 X-thread, “…First: this is NOT AN UNRWA-ISSUED DOC. It is clearly a PA-issued passport that (among other things) lists the holder’s occupation as ‘UNRWA teacher’. Some UNRWA antagonists argue the passport proves one of Sinwar’s bodyguards, killed with him, worked for UNRWA. In fact, the passport belongs to a man who is alive & in Cairo, where he fled w/ his family in April (confirmed, incl by Israeli media). Some UNRWA antagonists suggest the ID proves Sinwar used UNRWA as cover to travel. In fact: – the document is INVALID: exp in 2017 & has holes punched across the bottom (done by authorities upon issuance of a new/replacement doc). So no way it could be used for travel. And – the person pictured in the document bears no resemblance to Sinwar & the date of birth on the document is for a man 22 yrs younger than Sinwar. So no way he could have been using it as an ID. These facts, plus the condition of the document (implausibly pristine, given that it was allegedly found at a scene of extreme destruction) have led to speculation that it was at some point obtained by Israel (after being left behind when its owner fled to Egypt)…and then placed at the scene of Sinwar’s killing for the purpose of igniting/fueling yet another round of attacks on UNRWA. Regardless of how you feel about such speculation, it is undeniable that this ID document – despite not being issued by UNRWA, offering zero value to Sinwar, & belonging to a real person displaced by Israel to Egypt – has indeed ignited/fueled a new round of attacks on UNRWA…“

[US MUST CONDEMN ERDOGAN FOR BEING MEAN TO ISRAEL]  Lawmakers call on State Department to publicly condemn Turkey’s Erdoğan (Jewish Insider 10/23/24) [letter text]

[END ARMS TRANSFERS TO ISRAEL] 10/22/24: Urging Congress to Pass Joint Resolutions of Disapproval and End Arms Transfers to Israel [signed by 110+ civil society organizations]

[STOP WITHHOLDING WEAPONS FROM ISRAEL] 10/22/24: Rep. Banks Calls on Biden Admin to Stop Withholding Weapons from Israel [letter text]

[INVESTIGATE ISRAELI ATTACK ON US JOURNO] 10/22/24: Sanders Leads Call on Biden, Blinken, Garland to Investigate Israeli Attack on American Journalist [letter text]. Also see: Sanders leads call for DOJ to investigate Israeli attack on journalists (The Hill 10/22/24), Sanders calls for review of IDF airstrike in Gaza that injured journalists (Jewish News Syndicate 10/23/24)

[BRIEF CONGRESS ON INVESTIGATION OF LEAK OF ISRAELI IRAN ATTACK PLANS] 10/22/24: Cotton to Biden: Brief Congress on Leak Investigation [letter text]. Also see: ‘Outrageous Betrayal of Trust’: Cotton Presses Biden-Harris Admin To Hold Biweekly Briefings on Explosive Leak of Classified US Intel on Israel (Free Beacon 10/22/24)

[TARGETING CRITICISM OF ISRAEL/ZIONISM] 10/22/24: Ranking Member Cassidy Urges EEOC to Investigate Antisemitism in the Workplace Following October 7, Requests Further Information [letter text]

[GIVE MEDIA ACCESS TO GAZA] 10/21/24: McGovern, 64 House Democrats Write to Biden Administration Urging Unimpeded Media Access to Gaza [letter text]. Also see: Democrats urge Biden to push Israel for press freedom in Gaza (The Hill 10/21/24)

[DESIGNATE HOUTHIS AS AN FTO] 10/21/24: Gottheimer Urges Senate Leadership to Redesignate Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization [letter text]

3. Hearings & Markups

None [Congress not in session]

4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Politics/Elex

General

New York

Michigan

Maryland

  • MOCO 360 10/24/24: Hogan talks Israel, dines on matzo ball soup at Potomac deli
  • Jewish Insider 10/23/24: Alsobrooks: Trump responsible for ‘a lot of’ the current antisemitism across the U.S. [“Alsobrooks also referenced concerns about the safety of Jewish students on college campuses amid continued anti-Israel protests in Maryland and across the country… Asked about her positions on supporting Israel and deterring Iran, Alsobrooks referenced discussions with Cardin, a pro-Israel stalwart, on the issue…’The United States and Israel not only share common values, but also share common interests, and that relationship between the United States and Israel is a longstanding one,’ Alsobrooks said. ‘I might also add that the relationship has been supported on a bipartisan basis for many, many decades now. I think it’s important that it remains so, that this not become an issue that is a political issue. I think the relationship between the United States and Israel is solid. It’s an over 80 year relationship.‘”]

New Jersey

  • Jewish Insider 10/23/24: Appointed Sen. George Helmy boasts good relations with New Jersey Jewish community [“‘Through the years, Senator Helmy has been involved in many meetings with community, faith, education, and business leaders to discuss the prosperity and protection of the Jewish and Israeli American population in the state,’ the spokesperson said. ‘And with the concerning rise in antisemitism over the past few years, Senator Helmy has supported the Governor, Attorney General, and other law enforcement agencies in their efforts to protect those within the Jewish and Israeli American population in their homes, schools, places of worship, and beyond.’”
  • Jewish Insider 10/22/24: Citing North Korea threat, Andy Kim says he has ‘empathy’ for Israelis and Jewish Americans [“The New Jersey Democratic congressman and Senate candidate, whose family lives in South Korea, connected his parents’ immigrant experience to his support for the Jewish state”]

California

  • Politico 10/23/24: AIPAC goes in for Jimmy Gomez [“The pro-Israel group is boosting Gomez against another California Democrat in the November election.“]

Maine

Alabama

5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

Normalization Is Coming!

Three Cheers for Israeli Military Action in Gaza & Lebanon!

Iran & Biden Admin on Iran

NOT ON-BOARD with Israel’s Actions in Lebanon &/or Gaza &/or West Bank

  • Tlaib (D-MI) 10/23/24: X-post – “The rogue Israeli apartheid regime is now burning UN peacekeepers with white phosphorus and our government is doing nothing to stop them. This is a war crime.” Linked to 10/24/24 Financial Times article, Israel launched a dozen attacks on UN troops in Lebanon, says leaked report – Confidential document says 15 peacekeepers injured by white phosphorus
  • Massie (R-KY) 10/23/24: X-post – “If Israel insists on destroying civilian targets in Lebanon, let them buy and build their own weapons. American taxpayers should not be funding this.” [commenting on video of Israel blowing up an apartment building in Lebanon – worth reading the replies, including Massie’s responses to at least one of the replies]
  • Van Hollen (D-MD), Shaheen (D-NH), Murphy (D-CT), & Kaine (D-VA) 10/21/24: Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon
  • Pocan (D-WI) 10/19/24: X-post – “This week in Susya, a village in the West Bank, an illegal settler attacked community members harvesting olives & the @IDF of Israel did nothing to stop the attack. This is unacceptable, @Israel. I & several other members of Congress have visited Susya – and are watching.”

It’s Always a Good Day To Target UNRWA

  • The Hill/Asaf Romirowsky, SPME 10/23/24: Sinwar’s UNRWA ties show Congress was right to cut off funding — NOTE:  As I covered in a 10/24/24 X-thread, “…First: this is NOT AN UNRWA-ISSUED DOC. It is clearly a PA-issued passport that (among other things) lists the holder’s occupation as ‘UNRWA teacher’. Some UNRWA antagonists argue the passport proves one of Sinwar’s bodyguards, killed with him, worked for UNRWA. In fact, the passport belongs to a man who is alive & in Cairo, where he fled w/ his family in April (confirmed, incl by Israeli media). Some UNRWA antagonists suggest the ID proves Sinwar used UNRWA as cover to travel. In fact: – the document is INVALID: exp in 2017 & has holes punched across the bottom (done by authorities upon issuance of a new/replacement doc). So no way it could be used for travel. And – the person pictured in the document bears no resemblance to Sinwar & the date of birth on the document is for a man 22 yrs younger than Sinwar. So no way he could have been using it as an ID. These facts, plus the condition of the document (implausibly pristine, given that it was allegedly found at a scene of extreme destruction) have led to speculation that it was at some point obtained by Israel (after being left behind when its owner fled to Egypt)…and then placed at the scene of Sinwar’s killing for the purpose of igniting/fueling yet another round of attacks on UNRWA. Regardless of how you feel about such speculation, it is undeniable that this ID document – despite not being issued by UNRWA, offering zero value to Sinwar, & belonging to a real person displaced by Israel to Egypt – has indeed ignited/fueled a new round of attacks on UNRWA…” Learn more: What we know about the ‘UNRWA ID’ allegedly found among Sinwar’s belongings (FRANCE 24 English); UNRWA Staff Member: The Truth Behind the Passport Allegedly Found by the Occupation After Sinwar’s Death (Misbar); UNRWA Secretary General Philippe Lazzarini 10/17/24 X-post — “Once again, unchecked information is used to discredit @UNRWA & its staff. Earlier today, reports circulated on social & Israeli media that an UNRWA staff member was killed together with the Hamas head in Gaza. I confirm that the staff member in question is alive. He currently lives in Egypt where he traveled with his family in April through the Rafah border. Time to put an end to disinformation campaigns.”

Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest

Other Stuff

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings
4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Elex/Politics
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New from FMEP:

  • New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 10/14/24: Israel’s Plans for a “New Order” in the Middle East, ft. FMEP’s Lara Friedman in conversation with Jadaliyya’s Mouin Rabbani about Israel’s war on Gaza, its offensive in Lebanon, and how these and other developments fit into Israel’s broader objectives in the region, most notably with respect to Iran.
  • New episode of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast 10/16/24 (recorded 10/10/24): “The clash between the stories we tell and the reality of life on the ground” – ft. FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart speaking with journalist and author Ta-Nehisi Coates about Coates’ new book, The Message. 

1. Bills & Resolutions

Sanders (I-VT) X-post 10/15/24: “When Congress returns, I will move Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block offensive arms sales to Israel. But President Biden should act now: Israel is clearly violating U.S. & international law, using starvation as a tool of its all-out war against the Palestinian people.”

2. Letters

3. Hearings & Markups

None [Congress not in session]

4. Israel/Palestine in 2024 Politics/Elex

General

Maryland

New York

New Jersey

Wisconsin

Washington

Pennsylvania

Texas

Rhode Island

Oregon

California

Colorado

Maine

5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

US Support for Israel

Israel’s War on Lebanon

Attacking Rashida, Yet Again

  • Blackburn (R-TN) 10/16/24: X-post – “Rashida Tlaib called Israeli PM Netanyahu a ‘genocidal maniac.’ Does she need to be reminded that she has repeatedly called for the genocide of the Jewish people and has reported ties to Hamas terrorists?“
  • Haaretz 10/14/24: Democratic Lawmaker Rashida Tlaib Calls Netanyahu ‘Genocidal’ in Social Media Post [“In response to Tlaib’s message, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said on X, ‘The only ones who burned children alive were your buddies over at Hamas.“]

Concern about  Gaza

  • McCollum (D-MN) 10/16/24: Rep McCollum Expresses Support For U.S. Pressure on Israel to Improve Humanitarian Situation in Gaza (X-thread)
  • Houlihan (D-PA) 10/16/24: X-post – “I support @SecBlinken and @SecDef Austin for urging Israeli leadership to improve the humanitarian conditions for those in Gaza. As the situation continues to worsen, this cannot wait.”
  • The Intercept 10/16/24: A Year Since Their Ceasefire Resolution, Progressives Say Only an Arms Embargo Can Stop Israel [“Her call for a ceasefire was prescient. Now Rep. Cori Bush says the Biden administration must stop enabling Israel’s violence.“]
  • Bush (D-MO) 10/16/24: X-post – “Over the past year, we’ve witnessed the Israeli government commit war crimes in Gaza. We don’t need 30 days. We don’t need more empty words. We need action. We need an arms embargo.” In response to Biden Admin letter putting Israel on 30-day notice re arms exports.
  • Shaheen (D-NH) 10/16/24: X-post – “It is vital that the U.S. and our allies take all steps to get humanitarian aid to those who need it in Gaza. I strongly urge Israel to abide by its humanitarian commitments as we work towards a ceasefire that gets more aid into Gaza and brings home the hostages held by Hamas.“
  • Murphy (D-CT) 10/15/24: Murphy Statement On Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation In Gaza
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 10/15/24: Van Hollen Statement on Biden Administration Demanding Netanyahu Government Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
  • Jewish News Syndicate 10/15/24: Pelosi: Bipartisan support for Israel ‘does not give license to so many dying’ [“The former House Speaker called for Washington to use its ‘leverage’ over Israel; when pressed, she didn’t explain what that would entail.”]
  • Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) v. Fetterman (D-PA):
    • Ocasio-Cortez 10/14/24: X-post – “The horrors unfolding in northern Gaza are the result of a completely unrestrained Netanyahu gov, fully armed by the Biden admin while food aid is blocked and patients are bombed in hospitals. This is a genocide of Palestinians. The US must stop enabling it. Arms embargo now.“
    • Fetterman 10/15/24: X-post – “The tragedy in Gaza is 100% on Hamas. Stop using civilians and hospitals as shields, surrender, and release all remaining hostages—and this ends.” [responding to Ocasio-Cortez]
    • Ocasio-Cortez 10/15/24: X-post — “I dunno man. I care about little kids dying. I care about human rights. I care that billions of US tax dollars’ worth of weapons are carrying out unspeakable atrocities. I care enough for us to do better. Hope this bleak dunk attempt gets you whatever it is you’re going for.”
    • Jewish Insider 10/16/24: AOC calls for U.S. arms embargo on Israel, but ends up on defensive against far-left
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 10/15/24: X-thread in response to State Dept letter to Israel re: additional military assistance – “This is an important letter from Secretary Blinken & Austen to the Israeli govt. It publicly says that if the Israeli govt does not stop impeding humanitarian assistance into Gaza, the US will apply our domestic laws to any ‘additional Foreign Military assistance to Israel.’ There is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 96% of the population faces food insecurity and famine is a persistent risk. As I have said before, the U.S. already should have applied these laws to stop offensive military assistance to Israel. Still, this is an important step in the right direction to use our leverage to ensure at least 350 trucks a day are entering Gaza.It is the first public written statement that clearly outlines how the Israeli govt has actively impeded the delivery of humanitarian assistance and calls out the Knesset’s efforts to stop  @UNRWA from operating in Gaza which would be disastrous. It also is the first public statement that addresses accountability for the killing of US citizens, including Aysenur Eygi. The letter makes clear the US has not achieved accountability for Aysenur. I renew my call for an US independent investigation into Aysenur’s killing. The brutal & catastrophic death and injury toll in Gaza as a result of the Israeli govt’s failure to uphold intl humanitarian laws & our own domestic law simply cannot continue. We must keep up the pressure to use all our leverage to save the lives of innocent civilians in Gaza...”
  • Anadolu Agency 10/15/24: Some US lawmakers call on Biden administration to stop military aid to Israel
  • Ramirez (D-IL) 10/14/24: X-post – “Our Administration’s ‘ironclad’ support can either be for Netanyahu’s surrender-or-starve plan for Gaza or our own laws. We can’t have it both ways.” In response feeble Biden Admin response to Israel burning Palestinian alive in Gaza
  • Jacobs (D-CA) 10/14/24: X-post – “Prime Minister Netanyahu clearly doesn’t care about our concerns. The only time he’s ever changed behavior is when we’ve exerted our leverage. It’s time to do that now.“
  • Bush (D-MO) 10/14/24: X-post – “There are no words powerful enough to capture the agony of human beings being massacred & burned alive. The U.S. is funding & arming the Israeli military’s extermination of the Palestinian people. It’s unconscionable. End this genocide. There must be an #ArmsEmbargoNow” – In response to Israel burning Palestinian alive in Gaza
  • Escobar (D-CA) 10/14/24: X-post – “Netanyahu’s devastating execution of the war in Gaza has disregarded every moral and strategic red line, indiscriminately killing civilians. American soldiers shouldn’t deploy to Israel. I continue my call on @POTUS to stop sending offensive weapons.” In response to Israel burning Palestinian alive in Gaza
  • Sanders (I-VT) 10/14/24: X-post – “Tens of thousands of people are again under siege in north Gaza. Hundreds have been killed in the last week. Food is scarce, and UN aid convoys are denied access by the Israeli military. We must end our complicity in Netanyahu’s all out war against the Palestinian people.”

Palestinian Effort to kick Israel out of the UN

  • Stefanik (R-NY) 10/16/24: Stefanik Condemns Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ Failure to Combat Antisemitism in the United Nations
  • Graham (R-SC) 10/16/24: X-post – “I realize that this effort by the Palestinians to expel Israel from the UN is political theater. However, given the fact that the Jewish State’s very survival is at risk on multiple fronts, it is incumbent upon me and others to push back strongly. Simply put: if Israel is expelled, it will be the end of the United States’ support for the UN. If Israel goes, so goes America.” [responding to news of the Palestinian effort to have Israel expelled from the UN]
  • Lawler (R-NY) 10/16/24: X-post – “This is precisely why I introduced legislation with @RepMoskowitz revoking UN funding should such a move succeed. It is clear that anti-Israel bias runs deep at the UN, and it must be thwarted.“

Palestinians-Americans, Lebanese-Americans

  • Quigley (D-IL) 10/15/24: X-thread – “This week marks one year since the horrifying murder of Wadee Alfayoumi. Wadee was killed by his family’s landlord in an attack fueled by hatred and bigotry. My thoughts are with his family and friends, especially his mother Hanan Shaheen who was wounded in the attack. Wadee’s senseless murder serves as a stark reminder of the evil presence of Islamophobia and the violence it creates when hate goes unchecked. Together, we must condemn and root out Islamophobia, antisemitism, and hate in all forms. Wadee’s memory must serve as a reminder of the value of life. We must protect the lives of all children, regardless of where they rest their heads at night. Whether in Illinois, Gaza, or Israel, we must commit to protecting innocent lives at all costs.“

Israeli-US War on Iran?

  • Rosendale (R-MT) 10/16/24: Rep. Rosendale Infuriated Over Biden-Harris Deployment of U.S. Troops to Israel; also see X-post – “Why was Congress not consulted before the escalation of a foreign war by sending a ‘THAAD battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel’ to Israel?“
  • Lee (D-CA) 10/13/24: Progressive Members Call on POTUS to Utilize Diplomacy, Reject Calls for War with Iran
  • Hoyer (D-MD) 10/11/24: X-post – “I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for confronting Iran’s latest attack against our ally Israel, which was thankfully thwarted. Israel has a right to defend itself, and the U.S. will continue to confront Iran’s efforts to arm terrorists, fuel hate, and threaten Israel.”
  • Pallone (D-NY) 10/15/24: X-post – “These sanctions will hinder Iran’s weapons program & constrain Iran’s attempts at evasion. Iran must recognize that there are consequences for its ongoing support of terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East & its attack against our ally Israel.” Linked to article on new US sanctions.

Targeting Academia & Civil Society Sector